Paris Excursions
Versailles Palace © Versailles
Versailles
The Château de Versailles stands 15 miles (24km) southwest
of Paris and is one of France's noted attractions. Most of the
palace was built between 1664 and 1715 by Louis XIV (known as the
Sun King), who turned his father's hunting lodge into the grandest
palace ever built. The 'Old Château' still exists but is
enveloped by the vast white stone façade of the New
Château. This lavish statement of monarchical power was to
become a symbol of the excess that would lead to the revolution of
1789. Perhaps the most famous room in the palace is the Hall of
Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces) where the Treaty of Versailles was
signed, signifying the end of the Great War. Within the palace
visitors can also see the former Royal bedchambers, the grand
staircase and other staterooms, and within the vast landscaped park
and gardens are many wonderfully ornate fountains and ponds. There
is a small train that ferries visitors from the palace to the Grand
Trianon and Petit Trianon, former love nests where both the Sun
King and Napoleon enjoyed the company of their mistresses.
E-mail: cirquededemain@cirquededemain.com;
Website: www.chateauversailles.fr;
Telephone: (01) 3083 7800;
Transport: Buses, trains and the métro all go to Versailles from Paris;
Opening time: 9am - 6.30pm (3 April to 31 October); 9am - 5.30pm (1 November to 2 April). Closed Mondays;
Admission: The Palace €13.50, free for under 18s
