Palace of Versailles stormed by troops after security incident

Expand

Following a “security incident,” armed forces stormed the Palace of Versailles in France and immediately evacuated tourists.

France’s elite police unit GIGN stormed the biggest tourist attraction near Paris and visitors were urged to avoid the area this afternoon.

Shortly before 1 p.m., an official statement said that “an intervention was underway at the Palace of Versailles.”

It said: “Security forces are on site. Avoid the area and follow the instructions of the authorities. Do not pass on false information.”

A further statement from the palace confirmed that the attraction had to be closed and added: “Security forces are conducting a reconnaissance on site for verification.”

According to French media outlet Le Figaro, a person was seen fleeing the scene with a knife following a “quarrel” between two street vendors, but these reports have not yet been confirmed by police.

Footage from the area shows security forces leading people away while armed GIGN troops patrol behind them.

Eyewitnesses reported that they were queuing to get in when security forces entered the building.

Fedde Benedictus said on X: “What’s going on here? We were waiting to be let into the Palace of Versailles and now it’s being evacuated… and the military just invaded.”

According to local media reports, hundreds of tourists were stuck outside waiting to see what happened.

France-based journalist Hugo Palacin said: “The Palace of Versailles is blocked. The GIGN has just arrived while hundreds of tourists are waiting outside. No information on the reason for this intervention.”

Police reportedly said the incident was not believed to be related to terrorism.

Factal News said on X: “French police do not declare incident at the Palace of Versailles as terrorist after a clash between street vendors required a large police presence.”

The Palace of Versailles is a historic former royal residence about 19 kilometers outside the capital.

It was once the home of King Louis XVI before he was beheaded during the French Revolution in 1793.

Last month, a huge fire broke out in the palace, sparking wild conspiracy theories.

This comes just days before the second round of the French parliamentary elections on Sunday 7 July and three weeks before the Olympic Games in Paris.

The palace confirmed that security measures were “completed” at around 2:15 p.m. and that it would “gradually reopen its doors.”

MORE: The moment the teacher asks, “Are you serious?” before she goes to jail for having sex with boys

MORE: Tinder ‘rapist’ arrested on Spanish beach while hanging upside down from gymnastic hoop

MORE: Search for father after British baby found ‘abandoned in hot car’ in Tenerife

This website is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.