19 March 2023 | Tourism, Architecture
Palace of Versailles, a historical monument
The Château de Versailles dates back to the 17th century and was a place of power. It is a historical monument and was the residence of the Kings of France. The château is the most important monument of his reign and one of the masterpieces of French architecture. He exerted a great influence on the decorative arts and architecture in Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Gardens of the Palace of Versailles is...
815 hectares of land, compared to 8,000 hectares before the French Revolution
Of which, 93 hectares of gardens
386 works, including 221 statues
200,000 trees
210,000 flowers planted each year
55 fountains
620 water jets
The creator and main architect of this garden is André Le Nôtre.
Grandiose...!
Location of the Palace of Versailles
Located Northwest of the territory of the municipality of Versailles. 16 kilometres from Paris in France.
The elements of the Castle
It includes the castle to visit, the gardens, the Petit and Grand Trianon (residence of Napoleon I, Louis XVIII, Charles X, Louis-Philippe I and Napoleon III), the Queen's hamlet, the Grand and Petit Canal, an orangery and the Swiss pond.
Not to be missed during your visit
The Palace of Versailles is full of exceptional places, in particular the interior of the Palace, with all the frescoes, paintings, sculptures, and mythical rooms (the King's and Queen's large apartments, offices, the hall of mirrors, etc.), the gardens, the coach museum...
The Hall of Mirrors
It was used exceptionally in the context of ceremonies, entertainment such as balls or games, princely weddings or diplomatic receptions. For these occasions, the throne was installed at the end of the gallery on a platform.
End of the First World War: It was here that the Treaty of Versailles was signed, which ended the First World War on June 28, 1919.
The Queen's Grand Apartment
Bedroom Symmetrical to the King's apartment, the Queen's bedroom is the main room of the apartment. It was here that she spent the most time, she slept there, it was here that the births in public also took place: 19 children in total! The antechamber of the large covered
It was in this room that the public dinners took place, the sumptuous ritual of which attracted many people. Only members of the royal family could sit at the table. And in front of them sat the duchesses, princesses... the people who had the right to return.
The guard room
At the end of the Queen's staircase, the Salle des Gardes housed, day and night, twelve bodyguards who carried out their service to the Queen.
The King's Grand Apartment
The Hall of Abundance
The Salon de l'Abondance was the place for refreshments, with wines, coffees and liqueurs. The Salon d'Hercule, The Salon de Vénus, The Salon de Mars, The Salon d'Apollon, The Salon de Mercure... Discover each salon, each more stunning than the next.
The Carriage Gallery
The Coach Gallery is located in the Great Stable, opposite the Palace of Versailles. This one houses all the carriages retracing the history of France. Sedan chairs, baby carriages. Although the majority of the vehicles of the former Court of France disappeared during the Revolution; you will still be able to contemplate the sedans ordered for the wedding of Napoleon I in 1810, and the carriage of the coronation Charles X.
At the end of the visit, the funeral chariot of Louis XVIII.
Free access from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. every weekend.
Petit Trianon, Grand Trianon, Queen's Hamlet
Beyond the garden of Versailles, discover this bucolic place full of charm where the peaceful atmosphere will take you on a beautiful enchanting stroll. This place was initially created to escape the constraints of the Court. Duration: plan an afternoon for the visit of the castles of Trianon and the Estate of Marie-Antoinette. Open in the afternoon from 12 noon. 30 minutes walk from the castle or 15 minutes by small train or electric cart.
The Queen's Hamlet
A true haven of peace, very pleasant to visit.
From the English garden, you will reach the Queen's hamlet. Around the Grand Lac including the Queen's House and the dairy. Each house has its own small garden, planted with various vegetables, flowers and fruit trees, the vegetable gardens supplied the kitchens of the château. Next door you will have access to the farm where you will find sheep, goats and pigs.
Purchase of tickets
We advise you to buy your tickets directly on the website in order to avoid the long queues in high season in front of the castle for the purchase of your tickets.
Access to the Palace of Versailles online ticket office.
Website: https://www.chateauversailles.fr/
Instagram: @chateauversailles
Address: Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles
Open every day except Monday: 9 a.m. to 5:30 pm
Royal Opera of Versailles
Restored from 1952 to 1957 by the architect André Japy, the Royal Opera regained its beauty and quality. A place that hosts a rich program with dance ballets and other classical works. In 2020, the Opera celebrated its 250th anniversary! Today it hosts more than 100 performances per musical season, operas staged or in concert version, recitals of plays and ballets. The Royal Opera is an exceptional place!
Photo gallery
