About the Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles, located on the outskirts of Paris, was the accredited residence of the French monarchy from the reign of Louis XIV to Louis XVI. Turned into a symbol of absolutism, its transformation into a grand royal palace in the 17th century marked the rise of centralized power in France. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it represents one of the greatest expressions of European Baroque art and courtly refinement.
What to see during the visit
During the visit to the Palace of Versailles, you will explore iconic spaces such as the Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Apartments, and the private chambers of the monarchs. The complex houses important decorative works by artists such as Charles Le Brun and Jules Hardouin-Mansart, as well as tapestries and sculptures illustrating the grandeur of the court. The gardens, designed by André Le Nôtre, are a masterpiece of classical French landscape design.
«The court of Versailles was a world in itself.» — Stefan Zweig
Curiosities
- The palace originally began as a hunting lodge before its expansion under Louis XIV.
- The Hall of Mirrors contains 357 mirrors, a symbol of France’s economic power in the 17th century.
- Versailles once housed over 3,000 courtiers living permanently within the palace complex.