The Palace of Versailles in Paris.
The Palace of Versailles is undoubtedly one of the best known and most beautiful palaces in the world. Although located outside Paris, its proximity allows us to visit during a brief break in the French capital. Heritage, Palace of Versailles noted for its exquisite architecture, fantastic gardens and its place in the history of France.
It was Louis XIII in 1623 who ordered the construction of a hunting lodge within the preserve covering land to enjoy the hunting and subsequent celebrations with food and other personalities. Shortly after and delighted with his work, decided to expand resulting in what is now known as the former palace of Versailles. After being crowned Louis XIV and tired of living in the Royal Palace and the Louvre decided to build a palace sublime and to chose the cottage of his father. Spent half the income he received France in a year to reform the Palace of Versailles, moving his residence to the complex in 1682, installing there too the Court and the government.
The construction of the Versailles gardens began in 1661, but since the land was covered by forests and swamps, the work was arduous and were required forty and thousands of workers to achieve the actual result. During the French Revolution of 1789 Palacio of Versailles, symbol of power, was looted and fell into disuse. Today, in addition to being a major tourist attraction, is often used in official receptions to visiting Heads of State France.
Visit the Palace of Versailles
Many of the rooms and apartments of the Palace of Versailles are open to the public and can be visited. We highlight the apartments of the King or Queen’s Chapel in the church listening Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI. We admire the Opera, where monarchs enjoyed the majestic private concerts and Halls of War and Peace. Is conserved as she enjoyed her Marie Antoinette Queen’s Chamber.
But the most famous hall of the Palace of Versailles is undoubtedly the Hall of Mirrors. It has about 75 meters in length and a total of 375 mirrors, with 17 arched mirrors that align with other 17 windows from which to enjoy views of the gardens. For the manufacture of some of these mirrors are required more than 5,000 hours. It is said that if one replace a servant had trouble breaking seven years of work and pay, from which derive the saying that breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck. In the Hall of Mirrors is Versallesen signed the Treaty of 1919, which put an end to the First World War.
Visit the Gardens of Versailles
The Gardens of Versailles covering about 800 acres, which also enjoy the variety of plants and trees, we can marvel at the marble sculptures, ponds and fountains that we will find our way. Of note is the Grand Trianon, a small pinkish marble palace, in which Louis XIV and his family fled the protocol and trying to lead a family life. Another point of interest is the Grand Canal of Versailles, an artificial lake of enormous proportions, in which the royalty and nobility used to sail on board all types of ships and even gondolas. Today we can rent a rowing boat and enjoy the canal at the same give some bread to the ducks will surround our boat. The dimensions of the gardens desaconsejas cross them on foot, it is advisable to rent a bike or electric buggy.
Price tickets to the Palace of Versailles
The general price for adults is 15 €. All children under 18 and EU citizens between 18 and 25 years enjoy free admission. From November 1 to March 31, the first Sunday of the month admission is free for all visitors. Includes audio guide.
The entrance to the Grand Trianon and Marie Antoinette’s domain must be purchased separately, with its price € 10. We can acquire a full pass for 18 € which allows access to the Palace, Grand Trianon and Marie Antoinette’s domain.
Admission is free if we carry a card or Paris Museum Pass Paris Pass.