Palace of Versailles – Versailles : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Located on the outskirts of Paris, France, the lavish and illustrious Palace of Versailles has stood as a symbol of opulence and symbol of French absolutism since its construction in 1682. As one of the largest and most expensive palaces ever built, Versailles has a rich and fascinating history that continues to captivate and amaze visitors from around the world. Whether you’re planning a visit to the Grand Trianon or the Hall of Mirrors, a trip to Versailles is sure to be a memorable one. In this blog post, we will discuss interesting facts about Versailles, the official travel guide, and provide useful information for your visit. Join us now as we explore the royal history and majestic splendor of the Palace of Versailles.

Interesting Facts About Palace of Versailles – Versailles

was built mostly as a symbol of power.

– It was the first truly Baroque royal palace in Europe.

– The Palace of Versailles began as a hunting lodge built for Louis XIII in 1623.

– The famous Hall of Mirrors was inspired by stories of legendary English palaces.

– Louis XIV enlarged it to include a racetrack, a theater, and a Royal Chapel.

– The palace gardens at Versailles are a world-renowned masterpiece of French formal gardens.

– The palace of Versailles is well known for its magnificent fountains, but also for its serenity.

– The palace has been closed to the public during the world wars and Napoleonic era.

– It was rededicated to the public in 1837 and is now open for visitors.

– Versailles’ Grand Trianon was the private resort of the French kings.

– The royal family had to evacuate during the French Revolution and did not return until Louis-Philippe was installed in 1830.

– The Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I, was signed in the Hall of Mirrors in 1919.

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History & Information About Palace of Versailles – Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is a royal château in Versailles, in the Île-de-France region of France.

The palace is one of the most famous and iconic symbols of the French monarchy, and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world.

History

The palace was originally constructed by orders of Louis XIII in 1623, as a hunting lodge for himself and his courtiers. However, the structure was more significantly expanded and rebuilt by his son, Louis XIV, into a lavish palace in the 17th century.

Throughout its long history, the palace at Versailles has been home to French royalty from the 17th century until the French revolution in 1789, when the monarchy was abolished.

Since then, the palace has seen several Dukes, the French Republic, the French Second Empire and finally the French Third Republic, which began in 1871.

Today, the palace is a major touristic attraction and a hallowed symbol of French royalty.

In 1979, UNESCO declared the Palace of Versailles a World Heritage site. In addition, the palace is used for state ceremonies and receptions.

Architecture

The palace is a stunning example of French Baroque-style architecture. It is composed of a network of royal apartments, grand halls, extensive gardens, and other smaller rooms and wings.

The palace is laid out in two main symmetrical wings around a central axis. The Grand Trianon was added as a recreationist space in the 17th century.

The architecture and layout of the Palace of Versailles revolves around the work of designers such as Jules Hardouin-Mansart and the creations of influential painters and landscape architects such as Le Nôtre and Charles Le Brun.

The Grand Apartments, consisting of the King’s Grande and Petite Galeries, feature exquisite Baroque interiors, elaborate furniture sets and luxurious decorations.

The Grand Gardens of the palace are famous for their immaculately landscaped pathways, winding canals, colorful flower beds, fountains, and groves. As the largest Baroque-style garden in France, it is an amazing sight.

The Hall of Mirrors, a three-hundred-year-old structure, is the most famous part of the palace. It was designed to give visitors a sense of awe as they marveled at the glimmering chandeliers and statues, and was often used as the backdrop for grand events such as royal weddings or peace treaties.

The palace also houses many important works of art, including works by Rembrandt and Velázquez.

Today, the palace is one of the most visited tourist attractions in France, with more than ten million visitors annually. These numbers make the Palace of Versailles one of the most admired and beloved architectural landmarks in the world.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Palace of Versailles – Versailles

Barrière d’Orroy

1. Arriving at the Palace: To access the Palace of Versailles, you must travel to the Barrière d’Orroy entrance. This can be done by train, car, or bus. Most visitors opt for the RER C train, as it is the fastest and most efficient. The train takes approximately 45 minutes from the centre of Paris.

2. Before entering: Before you enter make sure you have your ticket, as there are turnstiles and ticket machines at the entrance that will help you get access. You can purchase tickets online or in person at the ticket office, and tickets are required for entry.

3. Touring the palace: The palace is made up of several unique features, including the Hall of Mirrors, the Grand Apartments, and the gardens. Guided tours are available which are designed to help visitors better understand the history of Versailles and see some of the most important features of the palace.

4. Exploring the grounds: Language-specific audio guides are available which will help you explore the palace and grounds. There is also a playground, a greenhouse, and an animal farm on the grounds of the palace.

5. Shopping & eating: Souvenir stands, restaurants, and cafes can all be found in the palace, with shops offering items such as postcards, jewelry, and books. You can also book tours and activities to make the most of your visit.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Palace of Versailles – Versailles

Q: What is the Palace of Versailles?
A: The Palace of Versailles is the former royal palace of the French monarchy located in the Ile-de-France region near Paris. It is renowned for its spectacular gardens, stunning artwork, and its influence on French culture.

Q: When was it built?
A: The first parts of the Palace of Versailles began in 1623 when Louis XIII of France began construction of a hunting lodge and chateau. By 1682, Louis XIV had expanded the chateau into an enormous palace.

Q: How do I get to the Palace of Versailles?
A: The easiest way to visit the Palace of Versailles is to take the RER C to the Versailles Chateau Rive Gauche station from central Paris. From there, it is a short walk to the palace.

Q: Are there guided tours available?
A: Yes, there are various guided tours available for the Palace of Versailles. These include guided tours of the palace, its gardens, and its special exhibitions. Tickets can be booked at the ticket office on arrival at the palace.

Q: How long should I spend at the Palace of Versailles?
A: Visitors usually spend about 2-3 hours exploring the palace and gardens, however more time can be spent depending on the amount of activities you plan to do.

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