VERSAILLES

In direct contrast to the bucolic setting of Monet's residence, we next visited Versailles. Versailles was formerly a hunting lodge, built by Louis XIII in 1624.  Louis XIV expanded the hunting lodge into one of the largest palaces in the world. The Palace covers 37,000 acres and at one time had 1400 fountains.  

Gate at Versailles

Courtyard

View of garden from Hall of Mirrors

Hall of Mirrors

View of Garden from Hall of Mirrors

Queens Bedroom

The French court was officially at Versailles in 1682. During its height the Palace is said to have accommodated 20,000 people, including 9,000 soldiers and 5,000 servants.

Interesting tidbit:
The smell at Versailles was said to be "unique out of all the palaces in Europe" (duc Saint-Simon). There were no functioning toilets until 1768. By the time of the French Revolution in 1789 there were only 9, and those belonged to the King and his closest family members. The rest of the palace simply had to live with the constant smell of the privy-chambers clinging to their clothes, apartments and the general atmosphere. Although banned, chamber pots were constantly emptied out of the nearest window. (from Wikipedia)

The 1919 Treaty of Versailles was signed in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles.
This room, with one wall lined with 17 beveled mirrors opposite windows overlooking the gardens, has 10 crystal chandeliers along its length. 


The gardens at Versailles were designed by landscape artist, Andre Le Notre.
The stiffly formal gardens include ornate fountains with "magically still water expressing the power of humanity over nature."

Gardens at Versailles

Gardens at Versailles