A great part of the History of France was built at the Palace of Versailles, in Yvelines, the privileged palace of a few kings, especially Louis XIV who made its prestige. And yet, in the 17th century, royalty has been living in the Louvre palace in Paris for many years. So, did the Sun King hate Paris to move out of such a magnificent place?
Well, he did not, he did not particularly dislike the city, but the young age of the king incites him to move out, shocked by the historic episode of the Fronde, during which the people and the nobles rose up against the royal authority, under the regency of his mother, Anne of Austria. To find a solution, the young king decides to take things in hand and control the nobility, by exposing the greatness of the royalty at the court of Versailles.
A visit to the Château de Versailles and its program
The Château de Versailles, its gardens and grounds, are a world heritage site. The official residence of the kings of France, the Château de Versailles holds the record as the largest château in the world, and of course the most visited in France. [Read more]
To do so, he has his Versailles hunting lodge transformed into a lavish royal house, close to the one we know today. Yet, he waited 21 years to leave the Louvre, in 1682, at the end of the works. And the Palace of Versailles gives him all his power and nickname as the Sun King. As a matter of fact, the court’s lifestyle was very luxurious and nobles are so honored to be part of the king’s entourage they do not think of rising up again. Yet, the major expenses weigh on the realm’s finances.
A few centuries later, his descendant Louis XVI goes back in the other direction, from Versailles to Paris, to sign the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. A return signing his death warrant, beheaded like his wife, Marie-Antoinette, during the French Revolution. The capital city has never been much good for Kings of France…
To find out more about the History of France, visit this exhibition about Louis XIV’s descendant:
An exhibition on Louis XV? His life, his family, his friends and enemies, his passions: on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of his coronation, the Château de Versailles is organizing a major exhibition on the Beloved King. From October 18, 2022 to February 19, 2023, come and discover Louis XV, passions of a king. [Read more]
Location
Palace of Versailles
Place d'Armes
78000 Versailles
A visit to the Château de Versailles and its program
Louis XV, passions of a king: the sumptuous exhibition is visited by night at the Château de Versailles
