French police officers guard the entrance of the Chateau de Versailles after a security alert Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023 in Versailles, west of Paris. The Palace of Versailles, one of France's most visited tourist attractions, is being evacuated for a security scare. It's the second time in four days the palace has had to close, with France on heightened alert against feared attacks after the fatal stabbing of a school teacher. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Republished October 17, 2023 - 7:58 AM
Original Publication Date October 17, 2023 - 4:36 AM
PARIS (AP) — The Palace of Versailles, one of France's most visited tourist attractions, was evacuated Tuesday because of a security scare for the second time in four days, with France on heightened alert against feared attacks after the fatal stabbing of a school teacher.
The former royal palace's account on X, formerly known as Twitter, said: “For security reasons, the Palace of Versailles is evacuating visitors and closing its doors today Tuesday October 17. Thank you for your understanding.”
Following a police inspection, the palace was cleared to reopen in the afternoon, National Police said.
The palace as well as the Louvre Museum in Paris were also evacuated on Saturday after receiving bomb threats.
France stepped up its terror alert level in the wake of the school attack in the northern city of Arras last Friday by a suspected Islamic extremist.
The vast Versailles palace was the home of King Louis XVI before his decapitation during the French Revolution. It will be one of the venues for the Paris Olympics next year, hosting horse riding.
News from © The Associated Press, 2023