Rise of Versailles

Ever wondered how a hunting lodge in the middle of a marsh became one of the most famous palaces in the world hey?Let’s talk about Versailles!

hunting lodge

Once upon a time in the 17th century there was a man named Louis XIII. He loved hunting and loved to hunt in the swamps outside Paris. He built a small hunting lodge there and named it Versailles, which means “to the field” in French. It was a modest building, but it was the beginning of something great. {H3:
sun king}

Louis XIII dies and is succeeded by his son Louis XIV. He loved Versailles as much as his father and had a great vision for his lodge hunting. He decided to turn it into his palace, a place where he could show off his power and wealth.

Construction of Versailles

build a palace

Louis XIV spared no expense to make Versailles a palace. He hired the best architects, landscape designers and artists of the time to work on the project. They built great halls, elaborate gardens, and fountains that could shoot water into the air.

hall of mirrors

One of his most famous places in Versailles is the Hall of Mirrors. On one side he is a long corridor with 357 mirrors and windows on the other. Sunlight coming in through the windows reflects off the mirrors, filling the hall with light. It was a symbol of Louis XIV’s power and wealth. {H2:
Life at Versailles}

Court of the Sun King

Life at Versailles was luxurious, but very structured. Louis XIV created a court that resembled a small town, where nobles, servants and soldiers all lived and worked. He controlled every aspect of life at Versailles, from getting up to going to bed.

Dress code

One of the most important aspects of life at Versailles was the dress code. Everyone had to wear the latest fashions designed by Louis XIV himself. He believed clothing was a way to show off one’s wealth and power, and wanted everyone in Versailles to look their best.