Château de Versailles

The Palace of Versailles was the greatest symbol of the French absolutism, but it also served as a backdrop for the fall of the monarchy in the country.  In 1661, Louis XIV announced his intention to turn the site that used to be his father’s hunting house  into Royal House, Local Government and French nobility residence. In 1682, the Court of Versailles became the center of power of the Old Regime in France. In 1789, the royal family was forced to return to the capital when the French Revolution exploded. Then, the palace was threatened by destruction and transformed into a museum in 1830. The place has hundreds of statues, sculptures and fountains in its stunning gardens. Inside the Château, the biggest highlights are the Grands Appartements (State Apartments) where there is the famous Hall of Mirrors. Besides the place is stunning, the visit to the palace is a real lesson about the history of France. Eventually, the Château also offers exhibitions and artistic performances at its facilities. It closes on Mondays, on 1st January, on 1st May and on 25th December. On other days, the palace is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (to 6:30  p.m. from April to late October). The Castles of Trianon and Marie Antoinette’s Domain open from 12 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.. The castle gardens open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.. The park is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (until 8:30 p.m. in summer).

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