Palace of Versailles, Royal palace in Versailles, Yvelines, France
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 palace houses the Museum of the History of France, created in 1837 by King Louis-Philippe in the south wing, with around 1,000 rooms devoted to paintings, sculptures and furniture. The name Versailles comes from the old village on the site. Visitors can see the royal bedchamber, where the king's rising and going to bed were public ceremonies.
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.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 92,114 contributors worldwide.
