Château de Versailles, A Palace of Unparalleled Splendor and Luxury

Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is really luxurious and huge
4.5

Introduction

This article introduces the history and highlights of the Palace of Versailles in France. The palace was built by King Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King, using 30,000 workers in order to rival the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, the castle of his jealous finance minister, Fouquet. After the French Revolution, the Palace of Versailles became a French history museum and witnessed many historical events, such as the signing of the Treaty of Paris by England and America, the signing of the Treaty of Versailles by France, England, America, and Germany, and the declaration of the end of World War I. The Hall of Mirrors and the Gallery of Battles are the most famous highlights of the Palace of Versailles, along with many exquisite rooms and gardens. Emperor Kangxi of China and King Louis XIV were contemporaneous monarchs who promoted cultural exchanges between France and China in the 17th century, so there are portraits of Emperor Kangxi and Chinese porcelain in the Palace of Versailles. King Louis XIV personally appointed Zhang Cheng, Bai Jin, and others to China to survey and map the country, and Emperor Kangxi also learned about Western natural science knowledge. Bai Jin was sent back to France by Emperor Kangxi to recruit scientists and brought with him a large number of Chinese porcelain and other gifts given by Louis XIV. Emperor Kangxi, together with Chinese scholars, drew a national map based on provincial divisions, leaving a mark of Chinese history in the Palace of Versailles.
Address
Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles
Opening hours
Monday is a day off. During peak season (April 1 to October 31), opening hours are from 09:00 to 18:30, with the last entry at 18:00
During off-season (November 1 to March 31), opening hours are from 09:30 to 17:30, with the last entry at 17:00. The Trianon Palaces and Marie-Antoinette's Estate: Tuesday to Sunday from 12:00 to 18:30, last entry at 18:00, with ticket sales stopping at 17:50
Gardens from 8:00 to 20:30
The Park is open from 7:00 to 20:30, with the last bus at 19:00 and last pedestrian entry at 20:00.
Transportation
The C5 line of RER goes to Versailles-Château Rive-Gauche station, with a one-way fare of 4.2 euros. Trains depart from Paris Montparnasse station to Versailles Chantiers, or from Paris Saint Lazare station to Versailles Rive droite.