I will forever cherish with a warm smile the days when my beloved husband, working abroad during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic, brought us closer through our shared viewing of the magnificent series Versailles. He would stream it on his laptop, holding his phone aloft for hours over a video call, so we could experience it together, despite the miles between us. It was during those moments that my deep fascination with Versailles and Louis XIV truly blossomed.
To my delight and surprise, soon after, he arranged a private guided tour of the Palace, turning our shared romance into an unforgettable reality.
The Palace of Versailles, an extraordinary embodiment of French opulence and power, was born from the vision of Louis XIV, who reigned from 1643 to 1715.
Originally a modest hunting lodge built by his father, Louis XIII in 1623, it was under Louis XIV’s rule that Versailles was transformed into the grandest palace Europe had ever seen. By 1682, the Sun King had relocated the entire French court to Versailles, making it the political and cultural heart of France. Spanning over 67,000 square meters with more than 2,300 rooms, Chapels, theaters, stables, and more, the palace was designed to dazzle and intimidate, a physical manifestation of the king’s absolute power and his unyielding desire for luxury and control.
Life at Versailles was marked by a relentless pursuit of grandeur and spectacle. Louis XIV hosted lavish parties and balls that became legendary, where the finest musicians played and courtiers dressed in the latest fashions, reflecting the king’s obsession with presentation and elegance.
The Hall of Mirrors – Galerie des Glaces – is one of the most iconic, magnificent and breathtaking spaces in the world, symbolizing the grandeur and opulence of Louis XIV’s reign. Completed in 1684, the gallery was designed by the architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart and decorated by the painter Charles Le Brun. It stretches an impressive 73 meters (240 feet) in length, 10.5 meters (34 feet) in width, and 12.3 meters (40 feet) in height. The hall was originally conceived to glorify the political, economic, and artistic success of France under Louis XIV, showcasing the kingdom’s wealth and power to visiting dignitaries and foreign ambassadors.
The Hall of Mirrors derives its name from the 357 mirrors that adorn the 17 arcaded windows along one side of the hall. These mirrors were an extraordinary luxury at the time, as mirror-making was a highly specialized and expensive craft. The mirrors reflect the light from the windows that overlook the palace gardens, creating a dazzling effect that enhances the hall’s grandeur. The ceiling of the hall is adorned with 30 painted compositions by Charles Le Brun, depicting the early years of Louis XIV’s reign and his achievements, including military victories and political alliances. These paintings, rich in symbolism, glorify the king’s role as a warrior and statesman, reinforcing the idea of his divine right to rule.
The Hall of Mirrors is not only a place of great beauty but also a stage for significant historical events. Here, Louis XIV would walk daily in a ritual of self-presentation, reinforcing his image as the Sun King. The hall hosted many grand receptions, balls, and ceremonies that were the lifeblood of court life at Versailles. Most famously, the Hall of Mirrors was the site of the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, which officially ended World War I. This event, held in the same space where Louis XIV once celebrated his reign, marked a poignant moment in the history of the hall and the palace, linking the glory of the past with the complexities of the modern world. The Hall of Mirrors remains a symbol of the magnificence and historical significance of Versailles, a place where art, power, and history converge in a single, luminous space.
The king’s love for luxury extended to every aspect of his life, including his meals. The royal kitchens, overseen by some of the most skilled chefs in Europe, produced elaborate feasts with dishes like pheasant, truffles, and quails, all presented with artistry that matched the grandeur of the palace itself, marking refined culinary until today.
Louis XIV’s fascination with art, fashion, perfumes, and luxury permeated every corner of Versailles. The king was an avid patron of the arts, commissioning works from renowned artists, who adorned the palace with paintings that glorified his reign. Fashion was another obsession; the court at Versailles set the trends for all of Europe, with the king himself often dictating the styles. Perfume was integral to life at court, with Louis XIV reputedly changing his scent several times a day and mandating that the air in Versailles be filled with fragrances to mask less pleasant odors. The king’s insistence on perfection extended to service; the etiquette at Versailles was famously rigid, with every gesture and ceremony meticulously choreographed to reinforce the hierarchy and the king’s position at its pinnacle.
Versailles was not just a majestic palace; it was a world unto itself, a wonderful masterpiece where beauty, art, nature, and human endeavor were united in the service of one man’s vision of absolute luxury and control. It is, I think, to me the most fascinating destination I have ever been to.
Our visit to Versailles was only two days. Sadly, the King Louis XIV chamber was under renovation so we couldn’t access it, so we plan to visit again, but for a longer period of time! Trust me, if you are an Angel Customer of Versailles, two days won’t be enough. Our guide explained that the state is trying hard to claim back the furniture that was confiscated during the revolution. Imagine inheriting one of Versailles Louis XIV’s seized furniture, would you give it back to the State or would you discreetly keep the fortune within your family?!
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Wow, this article transported me straight to the heart of Versailles! The vivid descriptions of the palace, the Hall of Mirrors, and Louis XIV’s luxurious world truly brought history to life. I could almost see the grand parties, see the gardens, and feel the elegance of the Sun King’s court. Versailles has always been fascinating, but this made me appreciate its beauty and significance on a whole new level.
Thank you for the beautiful writing. I’m now more eager than ever to visit and experience Versailles in person!