Palace of Versailles
In 1660, Louis XIV was seeking a site near Paris, but away from the turmoil of the city to organize and control a new French government centered around him. He found a lodge in the city of Versailles and decided to convert the property into a palace. After 22 years of construction and additions, the Sun King took residence there in 1682. The original Palace could house as many as 20,000 people at a time. After Louis XIV's reign, more additions were constructed, including the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon, and the Hamlet of Marie Antoinette. Be sure to tour the Queen's and King's Bedrooms, the famous Hall of Mirrors, and enjoy a walk beside the flowers and fountains of Versailles' magnificent gardens.

Fun Facts

• The stunning Hall of Mirrors has seventeen mirror clad arches, each with 21 mirrors to equal 357 mirrors total in one hallway. Not a good place for a bad hair day.


• From 1678 to the end of Louis XIV's reign, the grand appartement du roi served as the spot for the king's evening receptions known as les soirées de l'appartement. For these parties, which took place three times a week, the rooms assumed specific functions:
Salon de Vénus: buffet tables were arranged to display food and drink for the king's guests . Salon de Diane: a billiard room
. Salon de Mars: a ballroom
. Salon de Mercure: a gaming (cards) room
. Salon d'Apollon: a concert or music room

Link

Palace of Versailles