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Versailles became synonymous with revolutionary excess in the run up to revolution, and was the site from which Thiers led his government in suppressing the Paris Commune in 1871.
Louis XIV
Louis XIV’s reign saw an unparalleled surge in luxury, which the Palace of Versailles epitomised. Its size, number of works commissioned to enhance it and numerous rooms designed by some of Europe’s greatest architects made it the crowning achievement of Louis’ power and was widely seen as symbolic.
He surrounded himself with some of the greatest artists and writers in history, while enjoying music, ballets, theatre performances, symphonies concerts, fencing shows parlour games and horseback riding. Additionally, his gardens were created to symbolize his power and majesty by their formal designs; meant to rival nature in beauty they also became works of art in themselves.
At the same time, he employed harsh measures against Jansenists and persecuted Protestants after revoking the Edict of Nantes in 1685 in an attempt to promote religious unity across France. These actions alienated large segments of French population from him and contributed to sparking off a Revolution that would ultimately bring his reign to an end.
Louis XIV gave his last will and testament at Versailles the night before his death on April 6, 1715, and was then interred there the following morning. A week after Louis’ demise, Philippe II of Orleans took sole control of his regency council leaving Louis’ young successors isolated in their homeland of France.
During the French Revolution, Versailles became a focal point of political controversy and an emblem of monarchy’s decline. Here was where King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette would sign important papers with their Secretaries of State before holding Evening Gatherings (a formal evening entertainment). Revolutionaries stormed Versailles’ palace halls before beheading palace guards before finally hanging one head from a spike outside its front gates as a reminder.
Today Versailles has experienced a revival in its fame. A wealthy suburb of Paris, Versailles hosts high-level government meetings, business congresses and festivals; home to several museums including the Palace of Versailles, Potager du Roi (kitchen garden) and perfume museum; as well as being associated with artists like Phoenix & Air as well as director Michel Gondry.
The Gardens
Versailles, located only an hour by train or car from Paris, is one of France’s premier tourist destinations. With its sprawling gardens, fountains, and statues – not to mention an incredible open-air museum experience – Versailles draws over 6 million visitors a year alone; second only to Eiffel Tower!
Gardens themselves are works of art unto themselves and were intended as a declaration of culture, national pride, and Louis XIV’s absolute power. To create these stunning spaces required a massive effort from thousands of workers – often entire regiments!
At a time when snobbery was commonplace, possessing and showing off an impossibly large estate in such an extravagant manner was seen as a mark of cultured taste and superiority over peers. Furthermore, its open planes and spectacular views from above were meant to send a political statement against Italy, one of France’s main competitors for all things cultural and luxurious.
Le Notre was in charge of Versailles Gardens and was an expert engineer and horticulturist who could see the entire garden at once and plan accordingly, possessing an eye for how its different areas merged seamlessly together to form optical illusions that were unparalleled at that time.
Charles II also entrusted him with the task of designing Greenwich Park in London for him, among many other great works by him such as Chantilly Gardens, Vaux-le-Vicomte Gardens and Fontainebleau Gardens.
The Gardens at Versailles consist of flat parterres that gradually open up as you stroll through them – much like an unfolding stage set. The Embroidery Parterre in particular is known for its stunning perspectives and vibrant use of colors; similarly, Water Theatre Grove was considered an engineering marvel at Versailles with water shows considered miracles of technical wizardry.
Just beyond the entrance to the palace is the entrance to the gardens. If you purchased your tickets online beforehand, avoiding ticket office will allow you to proceed directly into Great Courtyard.
The Palace
The Palace is at the core of Versailles. Under Louis XIV’s leadership, this royal residence served not just as an administrative center; rather it became an epicenter for entertainment and pomp and circumstance with opera performances, concerts, games of chance and grandiose performances taking place here – with extravagant parties hosted here aimed at impressing courtiers as well as guests from outside Versailles.
The massive palace is surrounded by an exquisite park that was once an immense farm, now boasting numerous species of trees and plants as well as fountains, groves, and ponds. Additionally, throughout these gardens are optical illusions and subtle messages related to Louis XIV (known as “the Sun King”).
Versailles boasts several noteworthy museums, such as its Reconstructed Period Room, Historical Carriage Exhibition and Perfume Museum. You can also book tours that include Palace of Versailles for faster access and expert guides who provide an abundance of knowledge about what you are seeing.
As for shopping, there are a number of boutiques and markets selling everything from perfume to jewelry and clothes. Some operate year-round while others only open during spring/summer seasons.
One of the best ways to experience Versailles Palace is on a guided tour that includes transportation from Paris. Your guide will lead you through a tour-only gate to skip any lines before showing you around inside and around the gardens of the palace, providing plenty of information about everything that’s being shown to you. Tours typically last about an hour and a half, making them ideal for visitors looking to get the most out of their visit to Versailles quickly and efficiently. Tours are offered both in French and English so that visitors can choose their preferred language. Spring or summer is ideal when gardens are at their most stunning, while Bastille Day in July also hosts fireworks and music displays!
The Town
Louis XIV – the Sun King and vainest monarch in history – left his mark on Versailles, but this charming city offers much more than its royal residence. From visiting its iconic Hall of Mirrors to exploring its rich history, Versailles has much to offer visitors.
Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies about 14 miles (22 km) east of Paris on an elevated plateau 130 to 140 meters (460 to 462 ft) above sea level. The main streets in its old town run east-west along an east-west axis parallel to the River Seine.
Versailles developed around its 17th-century Palace of Versailles, one of France’s premier attractions today. Initially constructed to demonstrate French monarchy’s power and highlight Louis XIV’s fascination with European royalty through architecture and decor choices, these palaces and gardens remain among the top tourist draws today.
Versailles Palace and its surroundings make an unforgettable sight, making it one of Europe’s most celebrated architectural marvels. Following the French Revolution, however, Versailles lost its status as a royal city but regained its role as an administrative center – serving both as capital of Yvelines department and hub for French army operations.
Versailles offers much to explore, from its grand palace and lavish rooms, to gardens designed to showcase nature. Additionally, museums like Musee Lambinet are great resources that showcase local culture and art.
History buffs may enjoy visiting Louis-Philippe I’s Galerie des Battelles to honor France’s military efforts during the Napoleonic Wars. Additionally, tours can be taken through various venues like Petit Trianon (commissioned by Louis XV for his mistress; now home of Queen’s Hamlet).
Apart from historical attractions, Versailles boasts a variety of restaurants that you can enjoy for lunch or dinner, offering classic French fare as well as Mediterranean specialities.