Palace and Park of Versailles in France

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
Chateau de Versailles (Site officiel de Versailles)
View photos from OUR PLACE the World Heritage collection

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1979
Size of heritage: 1,070 ha
- Buffer zone: 9,467 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 2,119°
Latitude: 48,805°

Summary

The Palace of Versailles was the principal residence of the French kings from the time of Louis XIV to Louis XVI. Embellished by several generations of architects, sculptors, decorators and landscape architects, it provided Europe with a model of the ideal royal residence for over a century.

Location on Map

Show bigger map on Openstreetmap

Palace and Park of Versailles

The Palace and Park of Versailles, located in the Department of Yvelines in the Ile-de-France region of France, is a UNESCO World Heritage site of immense historical and cultural significance. This opulent palace complex, once the residence of French kings and queens, is a testament to the grandeur and extravagance of the French monarchy.

History

The history of the Palace of Versailles dates back to the 17th century when Louis XIII, the King of France, commissioned a hunting lodge on the site. However, it was his son, Louis XIV, who transformed the lodge into a magnificent palace. Under the guidance of renowned architects and landscape designers, the palace was expanded and embellished, becoming the symbol of absolute monarchy.

The palace reached its zenith during the reign of Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King. He spared no expense in creating a palace that would reflect his power and prestige. The Hall of Mirrors, with its breathtaking mirrors and ornate decorations, is a prime example of the opulence of the era. The palace also housed the royal court and government offices, making it the center of political power in France.

Over the years, subsequent kings and queens made their own additions and modifications to the palace, further enhancing its splendor. However, the French Revolution in the late 18th century marked a turning point for Versailles. The monarchy was abolished, and the palace was left abandoned and neglected.

Current State

Today, the Palace and Park of Versailles have been meticulously restored and preserved, allowing visitors to experience the grandeur of the French monarchy. The palace complex covers an area of over 800 hectares and includes the main palace, the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon, and the Queen's Hamlet.

The main palace, with its stunning architecture and lavish interiors, is the highlight of the site. Visitors can explore the State Apartments, which were once used for official ceremonies and receptions. The Hall of Mirrors, with its 17 mirrored arches reflecting the surrounding gardens, is a must-see attraction.

The palace gardens, designed by André Le Nôtre, are a masterpiece of landscape architecture. The meticulously manicured lawns, ornamental flower beds, and grand fountains create a serene and picturesque setting. Visitors can stroll through the gardens, marvel at the fountains, and even enjoy a boat ride on the Grand Canal.

In addition to the main palace and gardens, the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon are also open to the public. These smaller palaces were used as private retreats by the French monarchs and offer a glimpse into their personal lives.

Address
Distance: 0,8 mi
28 Rue Saint Louis
78000 Versailles
France

Time Information

Checkout: 13:00 - Checkin: 10:30
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

Videos from the area

Restauration des marbres du bassin de Latone

Published: July 05, 2014
Length: 59:41 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: Château de Versailles

Suivez en direct la restauration du bassin de Latone, pièce maîtresse des jardins de Versailles, sur http://latone.chateauversailles.fr. Retrouvez en image la restauration des marbres du...

Versailles: Palace of the Sun King

Published: December 26, 2014
Length: 13:24 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: David Raetsen

A short visit to the Palace and Gardens at Versailles, France; featuring the opulent bedroom of Marie Antoinette and the famous Hall of Mirrors where the 1919 Treaty of Versailles was signed.

Grandes Eaux Nocturnes Château de Versailles -Bassin du miroir - Août 2014

Published: September 11, 2014
Length: 18:53 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Versailles TouteUneHistoire

Château de Versailles - Paris

Published: November 20, 2014
Length: 08:43 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: K. Klaintahe

Paris - Städtereise Ostern 2012 - Tag 2 - Film 15 Château de Versailles Das Schloss Versailles (französisch Château de Versailles) in der gleichnamigen Nachbarstadt von Paris ist eine...

Palace of Versailles Wikipedia travel guide video. Created by http://stupeflix.com

Published: March 24, 2010
Length: 30:17 min
Rating: 3 of 5
Author: wikistupeflixtravel

Create your own video on http://studio.stupeflix.com/?w=1 ! Versailles: Louis Le Vau opened up the interior court to create the expansive entrance cour d'honneur, later copied all over Europe....

Anne Goscinny - Prix de la Charte de Paris contre le cancer 2014

Published: April 17, 2014
Length: 08:36 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Fondation Avec

Chaque année, les Prix de la Charte de Paris contre le cancer récompensent des personnalités ou des institutions engagées dans la lutte contre cette maladie. Remis dans la Chapelle Royale...

Videos provided by Youtube are under the copyright of their owners.

Near airports

Toussus-le-Noble Airport
Medium airport - 4 mi (6 km)

Paris-Orly Airport
Large airport - 12 mi (20 km)

Paris-Le Bourget Airport
Medium airport - 19 mi (30 km)

Pontoise - Cormeilles-en-Vexin Airport
Medium airport - 20 mi (33 km)

Charles de Gaulle International Airport
Large airport - 24 mi (40 km)

Tours-Val-de-Loire Airport
Large airport - 115 mi (185 km)

Brussels Airport
Large airport - 179 mi (289 km)

London Gatwick Airport
Large airport - 192 mi (309 km)

Nearby places

Popular in vicinity