Château de Versailles

 
A small hunting lodge in Versailles, originally built for Louis XIII by Philibert Le Roy in 1631-34, was transformed by Louis XIV into the present huge and magnificent palace between 1661 and 1710. First Louis Le Vau (d. 1670) extended the original building by adding two wings on the east side, enclosing the Cour de Marbre. Then Jules Hardouin-Mansart, appointed court architect in 1676, added an additional story to Le Vau's wings and built the Galerie des Glaces (Hall of Mirrors) and the long north and south wings on the garden front.

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Finally came the two Neo-Classical pavilions flanking the Cour Royale, by Gabriel (18th c.) and Dufour (1820). The whole gigantic building is said to have cost 500million gold francs in addition to the compulsory labor of the peasants, and up to 36,000 men were employed on its construction. Charles Le Brun was responsible for the interior decoration, André Le Nôtre for the landscaping of the park and gardens.
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Address: Château de Versailles, RP 384, F-78008 Versailles, France
Hours:
April 1 to October 31: 9am-6:30pm; Closed: Mon
November 1 to March 31: 9am-5:30pm; Closed: Mon, Mon
Tips: The chateau grounds are free admission. The garden are open every day, including Mondays. Opera House is closed for about 20 months from April 2007 for major restoration work. The Petit Trianon is closed until June 2008 for major restoration work.
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Guides: Guided tour available as optional extra.
Facilities: Restaurant or food service

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More France Resources
Château de Versailles.Château de Versailles.
Reflection of Chateau Versailles.Reflection of Chateau Versailles.
Interior view of the Chateau Versailles.Interior view of the Chateau Versailles.
A fountain in the middle of a fountain at Chateau Versailles.A fountain in the middle of a fountain at Chateau Versailles.
Painted ceiling in the Chateau Versailles.Painted ceiling in the Chateau Versailles.
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