Versailles.com: Enjoy our Point of Interest Map
Chateau de Versailles: The SEAT OF POWER during the reign of Louis XIV
The Château de Versailles, which has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage List for 30 years, is one of the finest structural and artistic achievements of the seventeenth century. It was once a hunting lodge and used primarily by Louis XIII. It was mired within a swamp a midst predominantly uninhabited land. It was transformed and enlarged by his son Louis XIV, who installed the court and the government of France in 1682. Until the French Revolution, kings have followed one another, each in turn beautifying the castle.
The second building campaign (1669-1672) corresponded with the end of the War of Devolution. It is here when
the castle began to transform into what many have seen of the castle today. During this renovation, Louis XIII's hunting lodge was enclosed and a new structure was created that held rooms dedicated for the king and his family. Two different suite-like areas were created for the king and queen on the main floor. A terrace, bathrooms, and more private rooms for the king's children and extended family were also added.
Daily visiting hours at Versailles
In 1678 the Dutch War ended and it was then that the third building campaign on Versailles began under King Louis XIV. The now famous Hall of Mirrors was created and both ends of the palace were expanded. The landscaping of the gardens was also improved.
After being defeated in war, Louis XIV undertook the last building campaign (1699-1710). This final campaign focused on the royal chapel and included modifications to the royal apartments and the King's Bedchamber. The chapel was completed in 1710 and with that all building on Versailles ceased until 20 years later when France was under the power of Louis XV.
King Louis XIV used approximately 60% of France's total revenue for the build. Some portions of the palace took over 25 years to complete and in today's currency, Versailles' total renovation cost over $2 billion dollars.
The Royal Family Moves Out
Several years later during the French Revolution in 1789, the royal family was forced to move from the palace to the city of Paris. The then King Louis XVI ordered all the furniture to be moved from the palace to their residence in Paris. However, the fate of the palace was sealed in 1792 and most of the furniture was auctioned off from 1793 to 1795.
From 1793 until after World War II, The Palace served as many functions including: a museum, art gallery, imperial palace, place of treaty negotiations, and a war hospital.
The Palace of Versailles Today
Currently, Versailles is still undergoing intensive restoration and has become one of France's most popular tourist attractions. The Palace still serves some political function. The Heads of State meet in the Hall of Mirrors and the senate and national assembly both meet in Versailles to discuss any potential amendments to the French Constitution.
Location of the Château de Versailles
Today, The Palace is open every day except Mondays from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. From April 1st through September 30th, the hours are extended to 6:30 p.m. The adjoining Versailles park is open daily from 8 a.m. until at least 6 p.m. and access is free.
Château de Versailles is situated in the outskirts of Versailles; the small city located around 15km south west of Paris. While this may seem a like a long distance to travel for a single site, it really isn’t.
It is easy to travel from Paris to Versailles in order to access the palace. Several trains connect the two cities and the palace is within walking distance of the arriving station. It is also accessible by car; simply take the A13 motorway and take the exit “Versailles Château”.
For Château de Versailles’s exact location, check out the Point of Interest Map at the top of this page. It is highly interactive, and it is the first version from our developers. Please enjoy.