Jun. 11, 2024 12:06 PM EST

Palace Of Versailles Is Briefly Evacuated Due To Smoke From Roof Works, With No Damage Or Injuries

FILE - The statue « Nymphe et enfant au trident » by Philippe Magnier is seen in the gardens of the Chateau de Versailles, outside Paris, France, Tuesday, Sept.19, 2023. Once the residents of French royalty. Louis XVI _ the Sun King _ and Marie Antoinette held lavish banquets before the French revolution led to their executions. During the Paris Games, equestrian riders will gallop at the heart of the palace's gardens and odern pentathlon events also take place there. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File) Christophe Ena, ASSOCIATED PRESS
FILE - The statue « Nymphe et enfant au trident » by Philippe Magnier is seen in the gardens of the Chateau de Versailles, outside Paris, France, Tuesday, Sept.19, 2023. Once the residents of French royalty. Louis XVI _ the Sun King _ and Marie Antoinette held lavish banquets before the French revolution led to their executions. During the Paris Games, equestrian riders will gallop at the heart of the palace's gardens and odern pentathlon events also take place there. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

PARIS (AP) — The Palace of Versailles was briefly evacuated on Tuesday afternoon after plumes of smoke were spotted amid renovation work on the roof near the Marble Court, an area of the original château built in 1623 by French King Louis XIII.

The palace press office told The Associated Press there was no fire, but smoke was emanating from a “hot zone” in the wood in the roofing. The office said local firefighters quickly put out the smoke.

The palace office said there were no injuries or damage to the building or the heritage collections. Investigations were underway.

The Palace is a major tourist attraction, with 8 million annual visitors.

The smoke was spotted around 3:15 p.m. and tourists were quickly evacuated in line with protocol. Visitors were allowed back in by 4:30 p.m.

In 2019, Notre Dame cathedral in central Paris was devastated by a fire that swept across the roof and caused the spire to collapse. The restoration of the cathedral is due to be completed at the end of 2024.

Topics

Places in this Story