Flight to Varennes

Flight to Varennes, unsuccessful attempt at escape from revolutionary France by King Louis XVI and his family, on June 20-21, 1791. After a violent mob prevented Louis from travelling to Saint-Cloud at Easter, plans were made for the family to flee to the border town of Montmédy, which was garrisoned by German and Swiss regiments of the French army still loyal to the King. The escape from Paris was accomplished without a hitch, but the royal coach was delayed by an accident, and the party missed the armed escort which was to accompany them on the final stage of their journey. This meant that they were easily captured when they were recognized at Varennes. They were returned to Paris under armed guard, and subsequently held under virtual house arrest. The escape and the written denunciation of the revolutionary regime which Louis had left behind him shattered the King's political credibility, and contributed to the overthrow of the monarchy 15 months later.