Château de Versailles
Versailles is the most opulently dressed Château in the world because of centuries of renovations; it is a stunning, can't-miss combination of opulence. Once Louis XIV visited Vaux-Le-Vicomte, the spectacular home of his finance minister Nicolas Fouquet, the architect Louis Le Vau first embellished the old structure, a hunting lodge constructed during Louis XIII's reign. The swampy marshes were transformed by André Le Nôtre into terraces, parterres, verdant trees, and an amazing array of fountains. Spend a significant portion of the day admiring the stunning state apartments and the Hall of Mirrors, a 73-meter (240-foot) gallery with 357 mirrors that looks out onto the garden. The centerpiece of any visit, it was commissioned in 1678 by Louis XIV and embellished by Le Brun. The renowned Treaty of Versailles was also signed there in 1919.
Le Vau died in 1670, and Jules Hardouin Mansart took over as chief architect, creating the Versailles that we are familiar with today. He also erected the pink marble mansions known as the Grand and Petit Trianons, which are hidden from the court's protocol to the grounds. The Petit Trianon is a beautiful example of neo-classicism, while the Grand Trianon still features Napoleon's décor from when he stayed here with his second Empress, Marie-Louise. It later became part of the Domaine de Marie-Antoinette, an exclusive hideaway located beyond the canal in the wooded parkland. The area also includes the queen's fairy-tale farm and dairy, known as the Hameau de la Reine, which was given to Marie-Antoinette by her husband Louis XVI in 1774 as a wedding present. The Académie du Spectacle Equestre, managed by renowned horse trainer Bartabas, is located in the former stables outside the château gates and is in charge of producing the spectacular spectacles of meticulously coordinated theatrics on horses.
Location: Place d'ArmesVersailles78000
Price: €13-€30
Opening hours:
- Nov-Mar: Tue-Sun 9am-5.30pm;
- Apr-Oct: Tue-Sun 9am-6.30pm
Googe Rating: 4.6/5.0
