[World Heritage] Introducing the Palace of Versailles ◎ The garden built by a king’s stubborn will!?

The Palace and Gardens of Versailles are a UNESCO World Heritage site that recalls the golden age of France, located within the Paris area. Built in 1682 by Louis XIV, the palace attracts over four million visitors annually. Towering over a lush green setting, the lavish and magnificent Versailles is a treasure trove of historic heritage in the Île-de-France region. It stands out with unmatched splendor, exuding elegance and beauty, and is one of Paris’s most popular tourist attractions. This time, we’ll introduce the Palace and Gardens of Versailles, the symbol of wealth and prosperity of the Bourbon dynasty.

What are the Palace and Gardens of Versailles?

The Palace and Gardens of Versailles were registered as a World Heritage site in 1979. Out of jealousy toward the magnificent chateau built by his subordinate Fouquet, Louis XIV constructed the palace on what was originally marshland, a project that took nearly 50 years. Built with the utmost extravagance, it is a quintessential example of French Baroque architecture. The harmonious combination of the grand palace’s lavish interior decorations and the surrounding gardens is one of Versailles’s most appealing features, and both are inscribed together as a World Heritage site.

The architect commissioned for Versailles was Le Vau, who also designed Fouquet’s Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, while the gardens were entrusted to André Le Nôtre, known as the “king of gardeners” and the king’s own landscape architect. The reason Versailles earned World Heritage status is that its splendor greatly influenced the design of later palaces and court architecture throughout Europe.

Access

To reach the World Heritage Palace and Gardens of Versailles, take the RER Line C to Versailles-Château–Rive Gauche station. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk, making access very convenient. Nearly all nearby stations are terminal stations, so travel is easy. As the palace and gardens are crowded throughout the day, touring with a guided tour or free-plan tour is recommended. You can choose a tour style that best suits you.

3 recommended highlights of the Palace of Versailles

Opulent rooms

The greatest attraction of the Palace of Versailles is undoubtedly its opulent rooms. The Hall of Mirrors, the King’s and Queen’s State Apartments, and the chapel are all richly decorated, overwhelming visitors with their grandeur. Even a single nail in Versailles was crafted with decorative detail, reflecting the Sun King’s intent to project the power and authority of absolute monarchy at its peak.

After the death of architect Le Vau, Mansart took over, gathering many of France’s most celebrated artists. Painter Le Brun was responsible for the King’s grand apartments, filling the ceilings with paintings that glorified Louis XIV’s achievements. Other notable rooms include the King’s bedchamber—the political center of the palace—the Queen’s bedchamber, used by Marie Antoinette, as well as the chapel and opera house, all lavish enough to justify their World Heritage status.

Hall of Mirrors

One of Versailles’s most famous must-see spots is the Hall of Mirrors. Among the palace’s many wonders, this 73-meter-long gallery is exceptionally lavish, with 357 mirrors lining its walls—an incredible luxury at the time—making it the envy of monarchs across Europe. The sheer number and size of the mirrors testify to France’s power, as they broke Venice’s monopoly on luxury glass production.

The vaulted ceiling, painted by Le Brun, depicts Louis XIV’s achievements over 18 years. The Hall of Mirrors is also famous as the site of the wedding between Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Within the World Heritage palace, comparing the furniture and architectural styles favored by the king is another unique way to enjoy your visit.

Gardens

One of the elements Louis XIV devoted particular attention to when building Versailles was its gardens. He was so involved that he personally created a “Garden Guide.” Including the grounds beyond the main complex, the gardens span 800 hectares. André Le Nôtre, who designed them, added a royal promenade and dug the Grand Canal in 1661, enhancing the panoramic views.

From the palace, the gardens appear as an expansive, meticulously maintained green space. They are arranged along a central axis extending westward, with flower beds, tree-lined avenues, and hedges laid out asymmetrically on either side. Fountains and sculptures are placed throughout, along with rest areas—an impressive design that catered to the comfort of guests.

Notes

The Palace of Versailles opens at 9 a.m., but the Petit Trianon and Grand Trianon open at 12 p.m. The gardens are normally free to enter, but admission is charged during fountain shows. In winter, the gardens can be very cold, making it hard to stay outside for long; spring to summer is the best time to visit.

◎ Summary

We have introduced the World Heritage Palace and Gardens of Versailles. There are still many more attractions, such as the canal and the two Trianons. While half-day tours are available, it is highly recommended to spend a whole day at Versailles to enjoy it fully. Visit the Palace and Gardens of Versailles on a fine day and immerse yourself in their elegance.

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[World Heritage] Introducing the Palace of Versailles ◎ The garden built by a king’s stubborn will!?