June 20–21, 1791Reputable sourceWell documented
The Flight to Varennes
On the timeline · around June 20–21, 1791 ·
What happened
On the night of 20–21 June 1791, Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, and their children slipped out of the Tuileries in disguise, hoping to reach loyal troops near the eastern frontier and rally opposition to the Revolution. Recognized along the way, they were stopped at the town of Varennes-en-Argonne and escorted back to Paris under guard.
Why it matters
The failed escape shattered what remained of trust in the king. Having apparently abandoned the Revolution, Louis was increasingly seen as a traitor, and the movement for a republic gained ground.
Sources
- World History Encyclopedia. Flight to Varennes · Reputable source