Palace of Versailles, Versailles

The Palace of Versailles, once the epicenter of French royalty, stands as a monumental museum of unparalleled opulence and historical significance in the city of Versailles, France. Constructed in the 17th century, it served as the political power base and royal court until the French Revolution. The palace's sprawling complex and stunning gardens are a testament to the grandeur of the Ancien Régime.

Spanning an area of 67,000 square meters, the Palace of Versailles boasts more than 700 rooms, each meticulously adorned with luxurious tapestries, gilded furniture, and historical artworks. The most renowned of these is the Hall of Mirrors, a 73-meter-long gallery lined with 357 mirrors, which was once the setting for many of the court's most lavish ceremonies.

The palace's exterior is equally as impressive, with its classical French architecture and expansive gardens designed by André Le Nôtre. These gardens are a masterpiece of formal French garden design, featuring perfectly manicured lawns, ornate fountains, and sculpted bushes, spread across 800 hectares.

As a museum, the Palace of Versailles attracts millions of visitors annually, who come to marvel at its architecture, explore its rich history, and walk through the same halls where Louis XIV, the Sun King, and his successors once reigned. The palace's significance stretches beyond its beauty, as it has been the site of numerous historical events, including the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I.

Open to the public year-round, the Palace of Versailles offers a variety of tours that allow visitors to experience the grandeur of French classical art and architecture. From the King's Grand Apartments to the Queen's Hamlet, the estate provides a deep dive into the lavish lifestyle of the French monarchy.

In the evenings, the palace's gardens become a spectacle of light and music with the famous Fountain Shows, where the historical fountains dance to the tunes of classical music beneath the illuminated night sky.