Erected in the seventeenth century, this architectural jewel of 2,300 rooms today embodies the splendor of the baroque style. Originally a hunting lodge, the castle was later transformed into a royal residence before becoming the museum as we know it today. Indeed, it houses an impressive collection of more than 60,000 works, mainly composed of ►
Erected in the seventeenth century, this architectural jewel of 2,300 rooms today embodies the splendor of the baroque style. Originally a hunting lodge, the castle was later transformed into a royal residence before becoming the museum as we know it today. Indeed, it houses an impressive collection of more than 60,000 works, mainly composed of paintings and sculptures between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries. These make the museum an exhibition space "dedicated to the glories of France." In addition, he also played a significant role in the planning and hosting of official receptions at that time, a tradition that continues to this day.
The very symbol of the palace, the Hall of Mirrors, is, without a doubt, the room that arouses all curiosities. Adorned with more than 350 mirrors, it was the place of choice for organizing balls, games or large-scale weddings. Many pieces also enjoy unparalleled fame, such as the Salon de la Guerre and de la Paix, which depict the past victories of France. They have arches representing the country's former enemies, such as Germany, Spain and Holland.
Remember to stop by the Queen's apartments. Made world famous by Marie-Antoinette, her room retains her predecessors' traces. The ceiling dates back to the time of Marie-Thérèse, wife of Louis XIV, and the grisaille paintings and woodwork of Marie Leszczynska, mother of Louis XVI. The furniture, meanwhile, was meticulously chosen by Marie-Antoinette herself.
In addition to the castle, this massive estate of 800 hectares is home to sumptuous gardens arranged with straight paths and crossed by a large canal. They are also embellished with many pools, each more majestic than the last. Two pleasure pavilions are through this imposing royal park, commonly known as the Petit and Grand Trianon. These buildings, respectively in neo-classical and baroque styles, offered the royal family the opportunity to escape the tumult of the court. ◄
