London, England, December 14, 2011
Indeed, the signing of the treaty to end the war was signed in the Hall of Mirrors. Take a London to Paris tour and spend an extensive amount of time delving into spectacular Versailles Palace.
Today, the Palace of Versailles is one of France’s most extraordinary national monuments. The landmark itself is so vast that only a minute section of it is open to the public. A fair number of the rooms function as government offices. Visitors may tour the sumptuous north and south wings as well as the stunning central section of the Palace itself.
When the Palace was originally constructed as a château, Versailles was a country village; however, much has changed since then. Versailles is now a suburb of Paris, some 20 kilometres southwest of the magnificent capital. The importance of Versailles to France as a whole cannot be overestimated: after all, the court was the hub of political power in the country for over a century (from 1682 to 1789, after the beginning of the French Revolution.) Versailles is consequently renowned not only as a structure, but as a representation of the system of absolute monarchy of the Ancien Régime.
Indeed, it is the late 1700s that signaled the end of the Palace of Versailles as it was previously regarded. During the French Revolution, this symbol of lavishness and overabundance was an apt target for revolutionaries, who destroyed and stole many of the artistic treasures at the Palace. They caused much damage to the Palace as a whole. However, at the beginning of the 1900s, the French government began restoring the palace and its former effulgence and glory has, more or less, been reinstated.
There are innumerable marvels on display in the Palace: become enchanted by the Hall of Mirrors. The Hall of Mirrors is home to 17 remarkable large chandeliers and 26 smaller chandeliers, each made from the finest solid silver. A similarly incredible sight to behold is the World Clock.
If you are staying in Paris for a longer period of time than just a day, do not cimply contend with a day trip to Paris that includes Versailles. Also ensure you spend some time sightseeing other regions of France. Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site which has been called ‘The Marvel of the Western World’: the Mont Saint Michel abbey at Normandy. Discover just why Mont Saint Michel has been conferred with a magical, enchanted atmosphere. Be overwhelmed by the grandeur of the Landing Beaches of Normandy, which possess a profound sense of historical poignancy.
Explore enchanting Versailles, as well as other fascinating areas of France, on a remarkable London to Paris tour.
