Versailles
King Louis the 14th of France, the builder of the Invalides military hospital in Paris, decided in 1668 to build a new palace, the palace of Versailles outside Paris. The objective was to settle at a distance from Paris rebellious inhabitants and closer to the hunting forests, West of Paris. It was also to materialize his new absolute power as king of France.
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Versailles is a prosperous, leafy suburb and home to France's most magnificent chateau. The Chateau de Versailles was started by Louis XIV in 1668 and grew up around Louis XIII's original hunting lodge. It remained the seat of the royal court until 1789 when revolutionary rebels carted off Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette to be decapitated in Paris.
Versailles is a tourist hot spot so be careful to get there early in the morning if you actually want to see the palace. The 70m long Hall of Mirrors is where the 1919 Treaty of Versailles was signed, ending World War I. After the palace tour, head for the gardens complete with marble fountains, formal gardens and the Grand Canal which was built for Louis XIV's boating parties.
Practical Information
How to get there ?
RER C : Versailles Chantiers, Versailles Rive Gauche.
Bus : 171
Opening
November to March: 9am to 5pm.
April to October: 9am to 6pm.
Closed on Monday
Paris Hotels in Versailles
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Guided Tour of Versailles Palace
Book on line your guided Tour of Versailles Palace |
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