King Louis XIV's fervent wish to build a residence as a symbol

of his glory and absolute power gave rise to a somewhat grandiose

and sumptuous Château which would cause the name of

Versailles to echo around the world. Embellished by successive

sovereigns who called on the greatest artists and architects of the

day, the Château de Versailles reflects the apotheosis of a certain

French style. Beyond the vestiges of the French monarchy, it is

also a magnificent museum of art and history.

From the splendour of the State Apartments, emblematic of court

life, to the refinement of the private cabinets, this guide follows the

official visitor circuit to reveal the multiple facets of the most prestigious

of royal residences, through to its gardens à la française ,

the Château de Trianon and the estate of Marie Antoinette.