Palace of Versailles Tourism

The Palace of Versailles, located in the Île-de-France region of France, just outside Paris, is a symbol of the absolute monarchy of the Ancien Régime. This grand palace served as the royal residence for Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI until the start of the French Revolution. Constructed in the 17th century, the palace is renowned for its opulent architecture, beautiful gardens, and the Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919, ending World War I. The architectural layout includes vast terraces, geometrically designed French gardens, ornate fountains, and groves with classical statuary. The Palace and Park of Versailles cover an area of over 800 hectares and have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. The estate is a testimony to French art of the 17th and 18th centuries and has influenced palace design in Europe and beyond. Currently, it operates as a museum and is one of France's most popular tourist attractions.