The Palace of Versailles

by Don
(UK)

As we approach the gates of Versailles you have the feeling of entering not a palace but an entire city.

The impression is justified given the size of the building and the even larger grounds.
The gardens were designed mostly between 1661 and 1700 covering 250 acres. There are about 300 fountains left today.
Be sure not to miss the large Fountain of Apollo, with the sun god driving a chariot.
Also on the grounds are huge stables.You can enjoy a directed tour of the stables and watch a morning dressage with costumed riders

But, of course, it is the château itself that forms the center of the place. With 700 rooms no single visit could see
more than a small percentage of the total.

Throughout the château are paintings, sculptures, wall hangings and structural elements drawn from all over Europe.

One of the main attractions, justly so, is the 73m (239ft) long La Galerie des Glaces (Hall of Mirrors). The high mirrors
line the walls on one side with seventy windows open to the gardens on the other. Still impressive, the mirrors were the latest technology of the time and awed even jaded visitors. Set off by Corinthian pillars of green marble, the room which once hosted many a formal dance still dazzles.

The grounds and palace are open year round and can be reached via the RER line C: Versailles – Rive Gauche.

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