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The Enchanting Château de Versailles

An icon of grandiose, decadence and everything majestic, Château de Versailles is one of the world’s revolutionary monuments, exemplifying the quintessential 18th century French architecture and art. Known as “Louis-Dieudonné” or the “Sun King”, King Louis XIV’s creation was manifested as symbols of power and influence in Europe as well as absolute monarch during his reign (1682 – 1789). Located in the heart of Île-de-France region of France, Louis XIV moved with his Court from Louvre to the palace in 1682,to a small village in Versailles – now an affluent district in Paris. This royal abode was initially designed by renowned artists and architects such as André Le Nôtre, Louis Le Vau, Charles Le Brun and Jules Hardouin-Mansart (whose signature was the French Baroque architecture).

The Palace of Versailles features myriads of room fit for the gods such as the Royal Apartments, the Chapel, the Royal Opera and the Museum of the History of France, the Hamlet of Queen Marie-Antoinette and so on. But what stands out the most is its famous ‘Hall of Mirrors’, measuring at about 240 feet with a total of 357 mirrors – reflecting a picturesque view of its grand garden. Back in the 17th century, the Garden of Versailles was the largest of its kind in Europe; adorning distinctive geometric pattern of bushes, flowerbeds and trees. In addition, the palace also boasts an overall of 2,143 windows, 1,252 fireplaces, and 67 staircases.

Even with successive heirs, Louis XV and Louis XIV, who have also enhanced this magnificent palace, everything came to an end during the French Revolution. Nonetheless, the grand Château de Versailles has indeed set the standard for European monarchs until today; a reminder of the royal glory of a bygone epoch.

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