Can you visit La Lanterne in Versailles?

No, it is an active presidential residence closed to the public.

Since when has La Lanterne been a presidential residence?

It has been reserved for the head of state since 2007, after serving as a prime ministerial residence from 1959.

Where does the name La Lanterne come from?

The name likely comes from the small lantern tower that once topped the nearby former royal menagerie pavilion.

Who built the La Lanterne pavilion?

It was built in 1787 by the prince de Poix, head of the royal hunts and governor of Versailles.

La Lanterne

Versailles

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Where: Versailles

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Open within 20 km

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This week in the agenda

Visit of the castle of Forges-Les-BainsSun, Sep 20 · château de Forges-les-Bains20 km
Conference on the Pink PalaceSun, Sep 20 · Palais Rose11 km
Guided tour of the Château-mairie du Mesnil Saint DenisSun, Sep 20 · château du Mesnil-Saint-Denis12 km

La Lanterne stands in Versailles (Yvelines), in the Île-de-France region of France. Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

La Lanterne is a pavilion built at the end of the eighteenth century on the edge of the Versailles park, now used as a residence of the French presidency. Originally a hunting lodge given by Louis XV, it passed through several regimes before becoming a secondary residence, first for ambassadors, then prime ministers, and since 2007 the head of state. The U-shaped building, its walled gardens and tree-lined driveway remain out of sight from the public road, as the property is not open for visits.

Written from La Lanterne, Versailles

What to know

The property is an active presidential residence and cannot be visited.
It stands right next to the Versailles château park, along the road leading to Saint-Cyr-l'École.
The four-hectare estate is surrounded by high walls that block any view from outside.
There are no public hours, tickets or access of any kind for this site.

Where this château is

Versailles · Yvelines · Île-de-France

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

78000 Versailles

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Heritage status: Protection status unknown

Itineraries

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Frequently asked

Can you visit La Lanterne in Versailles?: No, it is an active presidential residence closed to the public.
Since when has La Lanterne been a presidential residence?: It has been reserved for the head of state since 2007, after serving as a prime ministerial residence from 1959.
Where does the name La Lanterne come from?: The name likely comes from the small lantern tower that once topped the nearby former royal menagerie pavilion.
Who built the La Lanterne pavilion?: It was built in 1787 by the prince de Poix, head of the royal hunts and governor of Versailles.