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The Unbelievable History of Versailles

The Unbelievable History of Versailles

Sean Finelli

Heading to Versailles and want to know your stuff before you go? We can appreciate that. Here is the comprehensive history of Versailles!

Pro Tip: The best way to see Versailles is with a licensed guide. A guide elevates your experience and makes it more memorable which is the reason we start our company! Check out our guided small group tour of Versailles that starts in Paris!

Overview of Versailles, France

Located only a short distance outside of Paris, the Château de Versailles housed the kings and queens of France until they were chased out in 1789 during the French Revolution. But luckily for us, the Palace of Versailles still stands in all its glory. However, because it’s so popular, make sure you’re prepared.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Palace of Versailles received 7,700,000 visitors in 2017. Behind the Louvre, it’s the second most visited monument in the Île-de-France region which can mean long lines. And while the Palace was stripped of all its furnishings after the French Revolution, many of the palace rooms have been restored to enjoy.

While everyone tends to talk about the palace itself, the Gardens of Versailles are equally as impressive. They took 40 years to complete and to maintain the intricate design, they need to be replanted approximately once every 100 years. Today, it still takes painstaking work to manage them. For example, after a major storm in 1999, over 50,000 trees had to be replanted.

Check Out Our Best Versailles & Paris Louvre Tours

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Skip the Line Palace of Versailles and Gardens Tour from Paris

Versailles isn’t that difficult to get to by train, but why stress? Our guide will meet you in central Paris, purchase your train tickets, and ensure you get off at the right stop. You’ll then have a guided tour of the palace and an overview of the gardens. Skip the line admissions included to the palace and gardens.

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Palace of Versailles History

Louis XIII had been hunting in Versailles as early as 1610 and liked it very much.  He built (had people build for him) a small hunting lodge there which he first used in 1624
The palace used to stink. While it smells fine now, hygiene practices (or the lack thereof) in France during Louis XIII’s reign meant that the palace smelled like urine, fecal matter, and more. Some claim that a lack of toilets in the palace even led some visitors to relieve themselves behind curtains and pillars. Yikes!

1623-24 Louis XIII

Louis XIII had been hunting in Versailles as early as 1610 and liked it very much.  He built (had people build for him) a small hunting lodge there which he first used in 1624
The palace used to stink. While it smells fine now, hygiene practices (or the lack thereof) in France during Louis XIII’s reign meant that the palace smelled like urine, fecal matter, and more. Some claim that a lack of toilets in the palace even led some visitors to relieve themselves behind curtains and pillars. Yikes!

Louis XIII decided to rebuild his hunting lodge into something more suitable for a king.  His construction became the basis/foundation for what we see today.

1631-34 Louis XIII

Photo Wikimedia Commons

Louis XIII decided to rebuild his hunting lodge into something more suitable for a king.  His construction became the basis/foundation for what we see today.

Like his father, Louis XIV very much appreciated Versailles and saw potential in what it could become.  Like many homeowners today that watch too much HGTV, Louis the XIV worked on the palace for his entire life and
He built wings, chapels, courts, and pavilions which can be seen today. 

1661 – 1715 Louis XIV

Photo Wikimedia Commons Joconde Database

Like his father, Louis XIV very much appreciated Versailles and saw potential in what it could become.  Like many homeowners today that watch too much HGTV, Louis the XIV worked on the palace for his entire life and
He built wings, chapels, courts, and pavilions which can be seen today. 

The court abandoned Versailles for Vincennes for a period of at least seven years and the grounds were not kept up with. You wouldn’t know today as the grounds are immaculate.

1715 – 1722 Louis XV

Photo Wikimedia Commons

The court abandoned Versailles for Vincennes for a period of at least seven years and the grounds were not kept up with. You wouldn’t know today as the grounds are immaculate.

Louis XVI, the most infamous of all French Kings, was engulfed by Versailles.  It was his entire world and became his wife’s world as well which was part of the reason the people didn’t appreciate them so much.

1774 – 1792 Louis XVI

Photo Wikimedia Commons

Louis XVI, the most infamous of all French Kings, was engulfed by Versailles.  It was his entire world and became his wife’s world as well which was part of the reason the people didn’t appreciate them so much.

The famous Marie-Antoinette appreciated everything Versailles had to offer.  She even resided in a borgo that resembled a little town – in her mind only.

The French Revolution left Versailles in surprisingly good condition.  The King left Versailles at the start of the revolution in 1789 and surprisingly enough, the building actually underwent significant repairs between 1789 – 1792 when one of the most famous couples in history was sent to the guillotine.  Louis XVI first and Marie Antoinette 9 months later.

1774 – 1792 Louis XVI

Photo Wikimedia Commons Isidore Stanislas Helman

The famous Marie-Antoinette appreciated everything Versailles had to offer.  She even resided in a borgo that resembled a little town – in her mind only.

The French Revolution left Versailles in surprisingly good condition.  The King left Versailles at the start of the revolution in 1789 and surprisingly enough, the building actually underwent significant repairs between 1789 – 1792 when one of the most famous couples in history was sent to the guillotine.  Louis XVI first and Marie Antoinette 9 months later.

Versailles Hours

November 1st – March 31st

  • Palace of Versailles: Tuesday -Sunday | 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  • Gardens of Versailles: Every day | 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • The Estate of Trianon: Tuesday – Sunday | 12 – 6:30 p.m.

April 1st – October 31st:

  • Palace of Versailles: Tuesday -Sunday | 7 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
  • Gardens of Versailles: Every day from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • The estate of Trianon: Tuesday – Sunday | 12 – 6:30 p.m.

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Check Out Our Best Versailles & Paris Louvre Tours

SGT Louvre Blog Tour Card 388 x 200

Top Rated Tour

Royal Louvre Palace Tour with Mona Lisa & Crown Jewels

The Louvre is the largest art museum on Earth and the crowning jewel of Paris. It embodies the French vigor for life. Join a passionate English speaking guide for a tour of the most famous artwork. Skip the line admissions included.

(85)

See Prices

Likely to Sell Out

Skip the Line Palace of Versailles and Gardens Tour from Paris

Versailles isn’t that difficult to get to by train, but why stress? Our guide will meet you in central Paris, purchase your train tickets, and ensure you get off at the right stop. You’ll then have a guided tour of the palace and an overview of the gardens. Skip the line admissions included to the palace and gardens.

(81)

See Prices

See All Paris Tours

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