Built in the 17th century, this luxurious palace was home to the Royal Family until the French Revolution abolished the monarchy in 1789. Located 14 miles southwest of Paris, the Château de Versailles has been listed as a World Heritage Site for 40 years and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in France today.
History of the Palace of Versailles
Louis XIII first visited the town of Versailles in 1607 on a hunting expedition where he discovered abundant forests filled with game. Following his crowning in 1610, King Louis XIII made a second trip to Versailles and decided to build a small lodge to use for hunting in 1623, which he would later rebuild in 1631, creating the foundation for the Palace of Versailles. During the reign of King Louis XIV, the successor of Louis XIII, Versailles was radically transformed into the palace we know today.
Palace of Versailles Attractions
As one of Europe’s most extravagant palaces, Versailles features many historically significant attractions such as the Hall of Mirrors, the place where the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919, putting an end to WWI. The Palace of Versailles also features the Grand Apartments of the King and of the Queen, the King’s Bedchamber, the Trianon Palaces, a complex of elegant marble buildings, and Marie-Antoinette’s Estate.
Gardens of Versailles
In 1661, André Le Nôtre, one of the most famous architects in French history, was selected by King Louis XIV to create gardens for the Palace of Versailles. Taking over 40 years to complete, Louis XIV highly valued the gardens and considered them to be just as important as the palace. The Gardens of Versailles stretch nearly 2,000 acres and feature approximately 210,000 flowers, 200,000 trees, 50 fountains, and 386 statues making it the largest open-air sculpture museum in the world!
Experience The Palace of Versailles Virtually
Can’t wait to explore this magnificent palace yourself? Take a virtual tour of Versailles now by clicking here!
