Versailles [antikvár]

INTRODUCTIONThis small guide to Versailles and Trianon is not intended as an exhaustive study of the most famous château in the world. A large number of works and erudite articles on the subject already exist and much still remains to be said concerning details not only of the architecture of the château but also of its interior decoration and the gardens. However, this has by no means been our aim in this booklet.Our intention here is to offer an easily accessible work to guide the tourist in his visit to Versailles. It is for this reason that is seemed to us more important to discuss in greater détail the apartments which may be visited freely than those of which guided tours are organized. As the Museum of French History is at present being reorganized, we have simply given some general information on this museum.We did not wish, either, to give a detailed history of the château's construction. A chronological table seemed to us to be far more useful and clear to the visitor to Versailles. This introduction will simply bring out the uniqueness of this palace.Louis XIII, the son of Henri IV, was born at Fontainebleau on 14th September 1601. During his reign, royal authority was strengthened with the help of the chief minister, Richelieu. He died at Saint-Germain-en-Laye on 14th May 1643.Originally a small hunting pavilion erected in 1624 by Louis XIII who had it rebuilt in 1631, Versailles very soon attracted Louis XIV. The Sun King had construction work carried out on an increasingly large scale between 1661 and 1681. On 6th May 1682, he decided to make it the Court residence and seat of Government, which Versailles remained until 6th October 1789 when the royal family was forced by the Revolution to return to Paris and take up residence in the Tuileries. Versailles was, therefore, the capital of France for more than one hundred years; it was a veritable administrative city, with ministries and lodg-ings for the Court officials. In fact, only the central section served as the King's residence. The south and north wings (with the Chapel and Opera attached to the latter) were reserved for the Princes and people holding office at Court. On either side of the Great Courtyard, the Ministers' Wings were the administrative centre; behind the southern Ministers' Wing were the lodgings for the King's personal staff. The King's Stables and coachhouses stood opposite the château, beyond the Royal Parade Ground. Other buildings were erected gradually as the need arose : the Directors' and Chancellor's Offices, the Queen's Stables.Louis XIII's son, Louis XIV,was born at Saint-Germain-en-Layeon 5"' September 1638.After his personal reign which markedthe pinnacle of the French monarchy'sglory, he died at Versailleson 1" September 1715.