The Palace of Versailles, also referred to as Le Château de Versailles, is among the most visited monuments across the globe. It is located 20 km west of Paris and has earned its position in the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s list. Most people associate it with The Sun King (King Louis XIV), a monarch in the 17th century. He transformed this palace into a symbol of power thus attracting millions every year. So, why is the Palace of Versailles a royal escape and why should you include it in your bucket list? Read on to find out.

1. Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site

If you have been looking to visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site while visiting Versailles, the Palace is your go-to destination. The Palace has a collection of more than 60,000 pieces of art, all dedicated to French history.

While it was built in the 17th century, it only became a museum and monument in the 20th century. This was after John D. Rockefeller JR proposed to assist the French State save the palace. To minimise your wait time, consider getting Versailles tickets alongside a guide. It saves you time while making your visit significantly worthwhile.

2. See the Palace that Influenced All Monarchies in Europe

Versailles stands out as an example for all nations. It practised absolute monarchy as the Kingdom of France was the most influential back in the 17th century. After 1690, architects from all over Europe copied the palace’s décor and architectural elements.

Some good examples are the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso as well as the Peterhof Palace in Russia. Even though none of them can compete with the original masterpiece, they all got some inspiration from the Palace of Versailles.

3. A Chance to See the Hall of Mirrors and the Gardens

The Hall of Mirrors, locally known as Galerie des Glaces, is the most famous room in the Versailles’ Palace. This room had its interior décor designed by Charles Le Brun under the genius architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart. It consists of a 73-metre-long hall with 357 mirrors. At the time, it was where King Louis XIV entertained his VIP guests.

Outside the palace, you will find the gardens that were created by Andre le Notre. It has 155 statues decorating 43 kilometres of pathways. During your visit, you get to see fountains, groves, and basins all shaped like tiny theatres. It is a sight to behold.

4. Learn about the Men Behind the Palace of Versailles

The transformations at the Palace of Versailles were all engineered by the First Architect of the King, Louis Le Vau. The king entrusted him with creating a glorious palace to fit the class of the monarchy. The First Architect proceeded to engage some of the best men at the time to help him in the craft.

Some of the names you will come across during your visit to the Palace include Jules Hardouin-Mansart (in charge of the second extensive construction project), Charlie Le Brun (influential designer of the time), and Andre Le Notre (the King’s gardener). All these men played a vital role in creating the fine palace, which became a monument several centuries later.

5. Immerse Yourself in Versailles’ Local Culture

Versailles is a vibrant city with a rich culture. During your visit to the Palace, you have the perfect chance to enjoy the region’s delicacies including artisanal cheeses, street food, and fresh exotic fruits. While there are many ways to explore the city, we highly recommend biking your way through the city and cycling at your own pace as you enjoy the scenic landscapes and architecture.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many reasons to visit the Palace of Versailles. The monument welcomes more than 10 million visitors every year thus a heritage. Besides learning about Versailles’ history in the hands of the past monarchs, you also get a chance to explore Versailles. Don’t forget to take photos to reminisce about your visit to the Palace, the city, and its environs.