Restoration of the flying dragon sleigh in Versailles

From October 2023, for 9 uninterrupted months, different successive trades began to work on the restoration of a very old and rare ceremonial object, the so-called flying dragon sleigh, probably made for the Grand Dauphin, son of Louis XIV, at the beginning of the 18th century.

Thanks to the support of the Michelin Corporate Foundation, craftsmen who are experts in the restoration of wooden elements, ironwork, textiles and leather, have little by little restored all of its former glory to this magnificent object of art, in a constant search for authenticity and fidelity to the past, with meticulousness and attention to detail.

The Foundation had the chance to meet the art restorers (Sylvain Oudry and Isabelle Devergne), and it was very moving to listen to them tell us with passion about their profession, in particular the historical research work to successfully restore such a rare object three centuries later. The so-called flying dragon sleigh bears witness to a time when sleigh races were fashionable at the French court during harsh winters on a snowy blanket, in the paths of the park and along the Grand Canal of Versailles.

From July 2 to November 3, 2024, the “Horse in Majesty” exhibition at the Château de Versailles will allow you to come and admire this exceptional object which will be presented on this occasion to a large public.

Definitely not to be missed!