French Palace of Versailles Re-Opens After Brief Security Scare
PARIS, Oct 17 (Reuters) – The iconic Palace of Versailles in France was temporarily closed on Tuesday due to security concerns but has since re-opened to visitors, according to a statement from the Chateau de Versailles on social media network X.
Earlier in the day, BFM TV reported, citing police sources, that a bomb squad had been dispatched to the site. However, the local police body for Versailles later confirmed that the police operation had concluded and the earlier security cordon had been lifted.
The closure came just days after a teacher in France was killed in an Islamist attack, prompting heightened security measures across the country. On Oct. 14, false bomb alerts led to the evacuation of the Louvre museum, the Palace of Versailles, and Paris’ Gare de Lyon train station.
The Palace of Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage site, draws millions of tourists each year with its opulent architecture and rich history. The brief closure caused some disruption to visitors, but authorities acted swiftly to ensure the safety of all individuals on the premises.
With the security situation now under control, tourists are once again welcomed to explore the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles.
Reporting by Dominique Vidalon; Editing by Benoit Van Overstraeten and Jonathan Oatis