Top of the World
Perhaps not strictly in Paris (its 20 km) away, its one of the most impressive buildings the city, and its outskirts have to offer. The world famous abode of the kings of France, Versailles became the centre of French political power since 1682, Louis XIV moved there from the centre of town. The grandeur of the Palace is unsurpassed in Europe (maybe just the Hermitage in Saint Petersburg) and the most revered attraction is the must see The galerie des glaces (Hall of Mirrors). Make sure to take a stroll around its perfectly manicured gardens with its Italian Gardens and Orangerie.The young Dauphin – the future Louis XIII – came to Versailles for his first hunting trip on 24 August 1607. He discovered a forest and meadows with plenty of game, which also pleased his father, Henry IV. According to Héroard, however, the doctor who recorded the visit, the Dauphin did not return until 1617. Crowned king in 1610, he next came in 1621, and his liking for the location only grew stronger. Ideally situated between his principle residence at Saint-Germain-en-Laye and Paris, it was surrounded by woods that were noisy with pheasants, boars and stags. In late 1623 the king decided to build a small hunting lodge where he could stay the night and which he first used in June 1624. It was a small country residence and, according to the Maréchal de Bassompierre, “a mere gentleman would not have been overly proud of the construction.” Louis XIII decided to rebuild it in 1631. Construction continued until 1634 and laid the basis of the Palace we know today. The king also bought part of the fiefdom of Versailles in 1632.
