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The palace of Versailles |
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King Louis the 14th of France, the builder of the Invalides military hospital in Paris, decided in 1668 to build a new and magnificent palace, the palace of Versailles, 16 kilometers west from Paris. The objective was to settle at a distance from Paris rebellious inhabitants, closer to hunting forests. The palace of Versailles also materialized his new absolute power as king of France. |
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 The park of the palace of Versailles |
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The largest in Europe, the palace of
Versailles housed 20 000 nobles.
It was the center of the French monarchy until the 1789 revolution which overthrew King Louis the
16th.
Its facade on the park, hall of mirrors, the King and Queen apartments and the Le Notre French style park owe the palace of Versailles a universal reputation as the perfect incarnation of French classicism. |
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 The hall of mirrors in the palace of Versailles |
The palace of Versailles was copied many times by monarchs in Europe during the 18th century. Versailles can be reached in half an hour by train from Paris. We recommend you the "Grandes Eaux Musicales", a fountain and music show in the marvellous setting of the park. A good way to discover Versailles is on a bus tour. More information on the palace of Versailles. |
| Paris other great monuments | |
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