"Le Palais de Versailles - PAGE UNDER COSTRUCTION" Versailles by desert_princess

Versailles Travel Guide: 657 reviews and 2,428 photos

Le Palais de Versailles

The castle and gardens of Versailles represent the most beautiful and complete chef d'oeuvre("gesamtkunswerk" is the word used for the castle of Schonbrunn in Vienna)of the french art from XVII century.The old hunting pavillion of Louis XIII was rebuilt by his son Louis XIV ,who mover there the french court and the siege of the French Gouvernment. The castle was expanded and enriched with new appartments in XVIII century were decorated under the reign of Louis XV. By the first days of the French Revolution, the court had to leave Versailles on the 6 october 1789. In 1837 , King Louis Philippe grounded in the castle the Museum dedicated to the French Glory.

The gardens of Versailles designed and built between 1661 and 1700 by Le Notre,who dug channels , arranged flower carpets , bushes and labyrinths ; decorated with marble , bronze or tin statues ;refreshed the air with fountains creating the example of a garden "a la francaise". Beyond the gardens of the Small Park ( 94 ha ) spread the gardens of the Grand Park , perfect for walks.

I always use the chance to visit castles whenever in the area ,so when my friend Manu suggested to visit the palace of Versailles,I was thrilled by the idea.

Versailles is off the beaten path ,when it comes to Paris .It takes about 40 minutes / maybe more / to get there by Metro . So you need to plan at least half a day to visit the palace.

Links

Versailles et ses jardins autrefois

National Geographic - Versailles

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:http://www.chateauversailles.fr/en/index.php

Last visit to Versailles: Nov 2006
Intro Updated May 10, 2011
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Reviews (8)

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Farm animals today Things to Do (7)

There are still plenty of goats aswell as these cute mini goats to see in the farm ,and especially this wonder of Mother... more travel advice

The Farm Things to Do (7)

Built by Richard Mique between 1784 and 1788 ,the farm is an absolutely lovely place . It looks like the witch's house... more travel advice

Map of The Hamlet ,The Farm and the gardens - Versailles

Map of The Hamlet ,The Farm and the... Things to Do (7)

The Kingdom of Marie Antoinette occupies only a small part of the area covered by the gardens of Versailles , in the far... more travel advice

Transportation (1)
With a golf cart through the Gardens of...

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Written Dec 17, 2006

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Comments (3)

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balhannah Dec 30, 2009 at 2:16 AM

Would love to visit and see the gardens!
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ATXtraveler Mar 18, 2008 at 11:21 AM

I have always wanted to visit this palace!
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loisl Dec 27, 2006 at 12:02 AM

The golf cart tour sounds cute...wanna do that one day. Cheers, Peter