The Palace of Versailles, a testament to absolute monarchy and symbol of the supreme authority of the Ancien Régime, is a marvel of French classical architecture, a treasure trove of invaluable works of art, and a landmark of historical significance. Nestled in the affluent suburb of Versailles, just outside Paris, the Palace and its expansive gardens resonate with stories of kings and queens, the Revolution, and a society in transformation.

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Origins and Evolution

The story of Versailles began as a humble hunting lodge built by Louis XIII in 1623. But his son, Louis XIV, known as the Sun King, envisioned Versailles as a splendid palace that could exemplify his absolute power.

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In 1661, Louis XIV entrusted architect Louis Le Vau, landscape architect André Le Nôtre, and painter-decorator Charles Le Brun with the task of transforming and expanding Versailles into a palatial residence. The construction spanned over several decades and evolved into four building campaigns, reflecting the reigning monarch's changing tastes and political aspirations. The result was an architectural masterpiece that stands as an unrivaled symbol of the Grand Siècle.

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Architectural Grandeur

The Versailles Palace is an architectural marvel with its unique blend of French classical architecture. It encompasses a complex of buildings, wings, and annexes from Louis XIII's original hunting lodge. The Palace has over 700 rooms, including 1,200 fireplaces and 67 staircases.

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The most famous of its rooms is the magnificent Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces), a grand Baroque-style gallery that extends over 70 meters. It's flanked by 17 wide arcaded mirrors opposite 17 windows overlooking the beautiful gardens. The Hall, adorned with gilded statues and chandeliers embellished with frescoes depicting the glorious reign of Louis XIV, reflects the Sun King's ambition to portray France as the leading European power.

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The Gardens of Versailles

Complementing the Palace's grandeur, the Gardens of Versailles sprawl over 800 hectares, featuring geometric patterns of flower beds, groves, sculptures, and fountains, all set against a backdrop of perfectly manicured lawns. André Le Nôtre designed the gardens with as much ambition as the palace, showcasing a masterclass of jardin à la française, or French formal garden style.

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The gardens house several significant structures, including the Grand Trianon, a palace in itself where the King sought refuge from the rigid formalities of court life, the Petit Trianon, a small château given by Louis XVI to his wife, Marie Antoinette, and the Queen's Hamlet, a mock Normandy village where Marie Antoinette played at being a shepherdess.

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Living the Royal Life

The Palace of Versailles was more than a royal residence; it was the beating heart of the French monarchy and nobility. The King and his court moved from Paris to Versailles in 1682, turning it into the center of political power. Life in the Palace was dictated by strict etiquette, with courtiers jostling for the King's attention in hopes of gaining favor and power.

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Every day was meticulously planned, with the King's waking, dining, hunting, and going to bed being ceremonial occasions. Notably, the daily routine included the lavish 'couchee' and 'levee' ceremonies, marking the King's going to bed and rising, respectively.

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Significance in History

The Palace of Versailles has silently witnessed many significant historical events. One of the most pivotal moments in French history, the outbreak of the French Revolution, had its roots in Versailles. The financial strain from the Palace's maintenance and France's involvement in the American Revolutionary War led to public discontent. In 1789, the Estates-General was summoned to Versailles to address the financial crisis, marking the Revolution's beginning.

The infamous Women's March on Versailles in October of the same year resulted in the royal family being forced to move back to Paris, signaling the end of the Palace's political reign.

In more recent history, the Treaty of Versailles, marking the end of World War I, was signed in the Palace's Hall of Mirrors in 1919.

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The Palace Today

Today, the Palace of Versailles is a UNESCO World Heritage site, welcoming millions of visitors annually. Though no longer the seat of power, it continues to host essential political functions. The French Parliament meets in the congress in Versailles to revise the constitution or in the event of a national crisis.

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The Palace offers visitors a rich tapestry of experiences. One can wander through the opulent State Apartments, marvel at the intricate details in the Hall of Mirrors, stroll in the exquisite Gardens and the charming Queen's Hamlet, or enjoy a musical fountain show. A visit to the Palace is a journey back in time, offering a glimpse into the lives of the people who walked its corridors, the grandeur of events hosted, and the flow of history that swirled around and within its walls.

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From a simple hunting lodge to the symbol of the absolute monarchy of the Ancien Régime, the Palace of Versailles stands as a testament to French history and grandeur. It's a monument to the extravagance of a bygone era, the political changes that shaped a nation, and the enduring allure that continues to draw people from all corners of the world. The Palace of Versailles is more than just a Palace; it's a journey through time, a history book in stone and gold, waiting to be explored and appreciated.

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Versailles Top 10
1. Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces)

This is arguably the most iconic feature of the Palace, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, marking the end of World War I. The Hall is decorated with over 350 mirrors, gilded statues, and chandeliers, and it offers a stunning view of the palace gardens.

2. The Grand Apartments (Grands Appartements)

These apartments consist of seven salons, each dedicated to a classical god. They are magnificently decorated and used to serve as the public rooms of the Palace.

3. The Queen's Bedchamber

This was the bedroom of Marie Antoinette. A room of high drama; it was here that Marie Antoinette was arrested during the French Revolution.

4. The King's Bedchamber

The room where kings Louis XIV, XV, and XVI slept is exquisitely decorated and was the center of the ceremonial life in the royal apartment.

5. The Royal Chapel (Chapelle Royale)

The last building project of Louis XIV, the two-story Royal Chapel, was where the King attended daily mass. Its grand decor and stained glass windows are a sight to behold.

6. The Gardens (Jardins)

Designed by André Le Nôtre, the vast gardens perfectly exemplify the French formal garden style. The geometric patterns of flower beds, parterres, and trees are spectacular.

7. The Grand Trianon

This pink marble palace set within the Park of Versailles was built by Louis XIV as a retreat from court life. It was later used by Napoleon Bonaparte.

8. The Petit Trianon

This more petite chateau within the Versailles gardens was gifted by Louis XVI to his wife, Marie Antoinette, who sought refuge here from court life.

9. The Queen's Hamlet (Hameau de la Reine)

A small rustic village and farm created for Marie Antoinette, it allowed the queen to escape the rigors of courtly life and amuse herself in the company of her close friends.

10. The Estate of Trianon

This quieter part of the estate, including the Grand and Petit Trianons and the Queen's Hamlet, offers a charming retreat with its English-style gardens and idyllic pastoral setting.

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A trip to the Palace of Versailles provides a deep dive into French history, from the luxury of the monarchy to the Revolution that changed the country's trajectory. Each site offers its unique lens into the past, making visiting the Palace an unforgettable experience.

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Tickets for the Palace of Versailles can be purchased in several ways:

1. Online

You can buy e-tickets directly from the Palace of Versailles official website. This is the most convenient method and allows you to bypass potentially long ticket lines at the Palace.

2. On-site

Tickets can also be purchased at the Palace's ticket office. However, this might entail standing in a queue, especially during peak tourist season.

3. Tour companies

Many tour companies in Paris offer packages to Versailles, which include transportation, a guide, and an entrance fee.

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There are different types of tickets available based on what you want to see:

The Passport ticket gives you access to the whole estate: the Palace, the gardens, the Park, the Trianon estate, and the Coach Gallery.

The Palace ticket only gives you access to the Palace (including the Hall of Mirrors, the King's Grand Apartments, and the Museum of the History of France).

The Trianon Estate ticket gives you access to the Trianon Palaces and Marie-Antoinette's Estate.

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As for how long to plan for your visit, it largely depends on your interest level. At the bare minimum, a visit to the Palace of Versailles (Palace + Gardens) can take around four to five hours. However, it can quickly fill an entire day if you intend to explore everything thoroughly (including the Trianon Palaces and Marie-Antoinette's Estate). Remember that the estate is vast, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a lot of walking.

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Lastly, check the official website before visiting for the most current information on opening times and possible closures. It's also worth noting that the Palace of Versailles is typically less crowded early in the morning or later in the afternoon.