On Thursday, October 19, 2023, the Palace of Versailles witnessed yet another evacuation of visitors due to a reported bomb threat. The evacuation was carried out in accordance with established procedures employed when suspicious objects are detected and was coordinated with the Yvelines Prefecture. It is essential to note that this marks the fourth closure in the past week due to similar threats.

According to the BFMTV channel, the official Twitter account of the palace stated: "Visitors have been evacuated as a precaution. The palace will reopen after the necessary checks have been conducted."

The Palace of Versailles' public relations department emphasises that despite recent evacuations, including the cancellation of a musical performance on October 14, there have been no cancellations of reservations for upcoming events. Furthermore, these events have not deterred visitors, and the palace continues to attract crowds.

It is important to highlight that these incidents are occurring against the backdrop of an intensified situation in France following the murder of a teacher in Arras on October 13 by a radical Islamist from Chechnya. As a result, France has raised its terrorist threat level, and the government is warning of consequences for those who disseminate false threats against infrastructure and public order.