Versailles, France

Summary of Château de Versailles

photo by gusto

Château de Versailles

Motorway A13, Place d'Armes
Versailles, France 78000
+33 1 3083 7800

www.chateauversailles.fr

Tired of Paris, the Sun King (Louis XIV enjoyed likening himself to Apollo, God of the arts, peace and the sun!) commissioned architects Louis le Vau and Jules Hardouin to build the château of Versailles in 1668, on the site of his fathers small hunting lodge. It became the largest palace in Europe, accommodating up to 20,000 courtiers at a time. Charles Le Brun, the painter, designed the interior, whose highlights include the Royal Apartments and the Hall of Mirrors. The Grand Trianon (1687) and the Petit Trianon (1762) are also in the park. The former, built in stone and marble, housed Louis XIVs mistress, whilst the latter, a small manor house, was home to Louis XVs mistress. Admission: Château EUR7, Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon EUR5.

Reviews

French castle!

Reviewed by dgdarien on February 01, 2007

dgdarien's rating:

"This castle once inhabited by French kings stands a short train ride away from Paris. The palace is big and impressive with parts of it undergoing renovations when I went in 2006. There plenty of old furniture and paintings from the old monarch. The garden behind the palace is also very impressive to see. Its so huge and it features a downward slope so that you can see all the way to the end."

Read dgdarien's Versailles reviews | Comment

Of course you have to go!

Reviewed by Loricat on January 04, 2007

Loricat's rating:

"How could anyone go to Paris, and not take the day trip to Versailles? It is breathtaking, and fascinating. Buy a book and guide yourself, or take a tour. Taking a tour of Versailles grants you access to areas not available to the general public. Plus, the tour guides are aggressive about keeping others, who haven’t paid the extra, from listening in. General admittance is included in the Paris Museum Pass, but the extras are, well, extra. Getting a ride to le Petit Trianon costs, but if you walk there, it’s included in your pass (I believe). Be warned, it’s a long walk! "

Read Loricat's Versailles reviews | Comment