Versailles, royal reflections

Originally

Splendid state chamber offering visitors from around the globe the myriad of reflections of France, the Gallery’s 357 gleaming mirrors discern not only the architectural finesse of Mansart or the historical tapestry of France spanning from the Treaty of Versailles to the G7, but also the high points of the nation's cultural life - from Louis XIV’s opulent balls to Jean-Michel Jarre's concert commemorating the Gallery’s 500 years.

Over the centuries

As the cherished abode of French monarchs, spanning from Louis XIII to Louis XVI, the Palace of Versailles also played witness to the early days of the Revolution during the convening of the Estates General in 1789. Sultan Abdülaziz, Queen Marie-Henriette, Tsar Alexander II, Emperor Wilhelm I, Emperor François-Joseph… sovereigns from the 19th century to the prelude of World War I were lavishly welcomed there, captivated by the grandeur of this iconic symbol of French might.

Nowadays

Originally the royal stables' residence, Versailles seamlessly merged its roles as both an artistic and athletic haven. Since 2003, it houses the National Equestrian Academy’s headquarters and will host the Olympic riders, stationed near the Royal Star, west of the Grand Canal.

Did you know?

• Bartabas’ equestrian choreographies, aimed at evoking emotions and transmitting knowledge related to the creation of equestrian performances within the National Equestrian Academy of Versailles, represent a major innovation in the global performing arts industry since 2003, and takes place in the palace’s Grand Stable.

• Reading Victor Hugo under the lime trees of the garden is one of Alain Baraton’s many recommendations, head gardener of the Trianon Gardens and the Grand Park of Versailles - home to 400 plant species, including pineapple, vanilla and coffee trees across 900 hectares. He considers the peristyle of the Grand Trianon to offer one of the most beautiful perspectives in the estate, adorned with 372 statues, 55 water features, 600 fountains, and over 32 kilometres of water conduits.

• The sports gardens of the palace are a place for year-round sports activities, from daily jogging around the Canal to equestrian events, para-equestrian events, and pentathlon competitions of the Paris Games. It also offers sports for all, including the annual national triathlon that pairs a visually impaired athlete with a sighted runner. The palace has a history of hosting shooting events since 1924.

• The first "ecological and zoological reserve" of modern times was established in 1662 for study purposes, with a menagerie. At the age of 24, Louis XIV decided to place all animals, "both the fierce and the peaceful," in a flowered enclosure. One of the sheep would become the first flying mammal in history, placed in a basket attached to "Martial," the first hot air balloon created by Etienne de Montgolfier in 1783.

• Blue, White, Green... the story of bleublancvert78, a local Instagram account sharing natural tips for sustainable living, embracing a zero-waste approach, in a spirit that is "attractive and most robust," reminiscent of Madame de Polignac’s time - a close confidante of Marie-Antoinette and a faithful resident of the palace.

• A passion for sciences and a collection of remarkable instruments were part of experiments in horology, astronomy, and cartography, driven by the desires of Louis XV and Louis XVI.

• Hot chocolate, the king's favourite beverage, was enjoyed at a time when cocoa drinks were considered a delicacy - a novel drink for the royal family with purported aphrodisiac virtues.

• Contemporary creation has been a part of it for twelve years, featuring artists such as Olafur Eliasson and Anish Kapoor, alongside spectacular concerts and film shoots, ranging from Abel Gance's Napoleon to Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette, and even... Emily in Paris! In 2024, a major collective project on the theme "Bodies and Muses – Arts, Sports, and Olympism" will be presented by students from the Academy of Versailles.