Versailles: overview
Just 21km (15 miles) to the west of central Paris stands the epitome of opulence, the Château de Versailles. Louis XIV (reigned 1643–1715) transformed the simple village and small château into an unequalled expression of wealth, privilege and absolute monarchy that was the envy of Europe.
At Versailles, the French court could amuse itself well away from the stench and conspiracy of Paris. As a result, the monarchy became even more out of touch: historians debate whether Marie-Antoinette actually said of the starving people during the Revolution, “Let them eat cake,” but angry crowds did drag Louis XVI and his wife to Paris where, in 1793, they were publicly executed. The château was ransacked, but saved from ruin.
Places to visit in Versailles
The château
Inside, the tour takes you through the Grands Appartements, the King’s Bedchamber and the Queen’s Bedroom, where 19 royal children were born. The astonishing 70-metre (233ft) Galerie des Glaces (Hall of Mirrors) was constructed to catch the setting sun, and is lined on one side by a series of arches filled with reflecting glass, and on the other by French windows overlooking the terrace.
The park and fountains of Versailles
The elaborate park was designed by the landscape artist André Le Nôtre. From the palace steps, you can look down the length of the Grand Canal, which divides the park in two. On each side of the central path leading to the Bassin d’Apollon are statues, secret groves, goldfish ponds, fountains and flowerbeds. On Sunday afternoons from April to September, the fountains are switched on to music in Les Grandes Eaux Musicales.
On the northern side, Louis XIV built a smaller residence, the Grand Trianon, where he could escape from the stiff etiquette of the court. Louis XV added the Petit Trianon.
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