Varennes, Flight to

Varennes, Flight to ( 20 June 1791 )
The unsuccessful attempt by Louis XVI to escape from France and join the exiled royalists. He had been prevented from leaving Paris in April 1791 and elaborate plans for an escape were made. On the night of 20 June the royal party, disguised and with forged passports, left Paris. They were recognized by a postmaster, pursued, and stopped at Varennes. The fugitives were returned and became virtual prisoners in the Tuileries.