Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is a former royal residence in the town of Versailles near Paris, spreading across a large complex of main buildings, side palaces and formal gardens. The rooms feature frescoes, gilded carvings, mirrors and marble, while the grounds include avenues, fountains and geometrically arranged flowerbeds.

King Louis XIV moved his court and government from Paris to this location in 1682, transforming a former hunting lodge into the seat of royal power. Later rulers expanded the estate further, until the royal family was forced to return to Paris during the Revolution in 1789.

The royal estate now houses an art museum with paintings, sculptures and furniture spanning several centuries of French history. Thousands of visitors walk through the halls and gardens each day, while concerts and cultural events take place regularly in the historic rooms.

The palace opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon, with gardens often remaining accessible longer than the interior rooms. Arriving early helps avoid longer waits at the entrance, and comfortable shoes are helpful since the grounds are large and require plenty of walking.

In 1919, the peace treaty ending the First World War was signed here in the Hall of Mirrors, formally concluding the conflict and redrawing European borders. The same room had previously served in the 18th century as a reception hall for foreign ambassadors and important guests.

Location: Versailles

Inception: 1661

Founders: Louis XIII of France

Architects: Louis Le Vau, François d'Orbay, Jules Hardouin-Mansart, André Le Nôtre, Charles Le Brun, Robert de Cotte, Ange-Jacques Gabriel

Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture, French Baroque architecture

Width: 600 m

Part of: Palace and Park of Versailles

Address: Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles, France

Opening Hours: april-oktober: Dinsdag-Zondag 09:00-18:30, november-maart: Dinsdag-Zondag 09:00-17:30

Phone: +33130837800

Website: https://chateauversailles.fr

GPS coordinates: 48.80472,2.12028

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:52