Palace of Versailles: History & Facts

A Handsome Properties International client recently returned from a trip to Paris. She stayed in one of our Paris vacation rentals for the entire month of October in the 1^st arrondissement. One of her favorite memories from her trip was the Palace of Versailles. In fact, she loved Versailles so much she visited it twice! The breathtaking architecture and perfectly manicured gardens make this estate one of the most visited chateau in the world. The Palace has been on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List for the past 30 years.

How To Get To The Palace of Versailles

The town of Versailles is located roughly 20 minutes from our centrally located luxury apartments in Paris and originated in the 1000’s as a small village. King Louis XIII built a small hunting lodge in Versailles. His son, King Louis XIV decided to move the court and government to Versailles in 1682 and expanded upon the palace. He added a total of four buildings to the palace and construction lasted from 1664-1710.

Palace of Versailles History

The first building of the Palace of Versailles (1664-1668) was major a addition to the original chateau, made by King Louis XIV. He held a week-long party when the completion of the renovations were finished and around 600 guests attended the celebration. The second building (1669–1672) is the King’s Grand Apartment. The apartment was constructed to be the same in design and style for both the King and the Queen, something that had never been done before in French palaces.

The third building (1678–1684) was constructed after the Treaty of Nijmegen was signed that ended the Dutch war. The third building of the Palace of Versailles includes the popular Hall of Mirrors, ‘Salon de la Guerre’, and the ‘Salon de la Paix’. The fourth building (1699–1710) is the royal chapel. Some additions were made to the King’s Grand Apartment. After the completion of the royal chapel, construction would not take place again at Versailles until the next king, King Louis XV would come into power.

The Garden’s of Versailles are remarkable in beauty and design. King Louis XIV commissioned André Le Nôtre to design and implement the layout of the gardens. The King’s other architects and designers helped with the project. There are approximately 200,000 trees in the garden and 210,000 flowers planted annually. The gardens are nearly 1,976 acres and plants and trees were brought in from every region of France. After King Louis XIV, the three kings that succeeded him continued to make improvements to the Palace. When the Revolutionary War broke out in 1789, the royal family was forced to relocate back to the city, thus symbolizing the end of monarchy rule in France.

Palace of Versaille Tickets

Palace of Versailles tickets can be purchased online or at the Palace ticket office. Tickets start around 10 euros for individual ground tours of the apartments or Trianon. For 18 euros you can get a “passport” ticket that gives you access to the Palace and all of the gardens. A two-day “passport” ticket is 25 euros. Free admission is available the first Sunday of every month November – March and for EU residents under the age of 26.

To get to the palace you can take the RER C train, SNCF train, bus, or car. For more information on how to get there, visit: Chateau Versailles.

Handsome Properties International, specialists in Paris real estate for sale also has a variety of short and long-term rentals in Paris. Please contact us today to learn more about France vacation rentals.