The Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles was the French royal residence from 1682 (under Louis XIV) until the French Revolution began in 1789 (under Louis XVI).

Fun Fact: The Palace of Versailles has over 2,300 rooms.

The Palace of Versailles was the French royal residence from 1682 (under Louis XIV) until the French Revolution began in 1789 (under Louis XVI). The location existed before Louis XIV took the throne, but the history of the palace is linked to Louis XIV because he liked Versailles a lot and decided to make it larger.

Versailles was first a hunting lodge, and was then extended into a chateau (a large French castle or country home). Louis XIV liked the location and decided to built an incredible palace there. After 1672, it was the main residence of the King and the French Court and government.

The Palace of Versailles ceased to be a royal residence in 1789, when the French Revolution forced Louis XVI to leave the palace for Paris. The palace then became a museum, and its rooms were used to house paintings and sculptures. The Palace of Versailles has now been a World Heritage Site for 30 years.