The illustrious Versailles King's Royal Apartments is a testament to the grandeur of French monarchy! You get to explore meticulously preserved chambers with intricate tapestries and ornate furnishings, each exuding the splendor befitting kings and queens. There are captivating stories behind each room like Hercules, Room of Abundance, Venus, Diana, Apollo, Mercury, and Mars, symbolizing strength, prosperity, love, and more. The French Baroque architecture showcases grandiosity and symmetry, transporting you to an era of absolute power. Whether a history enthusiast or an art lover, Versailles King's Royal Apartments offers an unforgettable journey into the regal past, where the legacy of kings lives on in every magnificent room. Immerse yourself in the richness of royal history like never before!
Know MoreStep into the Hercules Room, where grandeur meets mythology. Marvel at the ceiling frescoes portraying The Apotheosis of Hercules, which depicts no less than 142 persons, while magnificent marble sculptures celebrate strength and heroism. This opulent chamber pays homage to the virtues cherished by French kings, leaving you in awe of its artistic brilliance.
Immerse yourself in the Diana Room, based on Apollo's sister, the goddess of hunting, also related to the moon. Looking up at the ceiling, you will find a hand-painted portrayal of Diana overlooking the hunting navigations and scenes. The room had served as a billiards room under the reign of Louis XIV and was also a vestibule to the state apartments.
Embark on an artistic journey within the Apollo Room, the sovereign's ceremonial room, also used as the throne room. The entire ceiling is an ode to the Sun King, with depictions of Apollo on his mighty chariot in the warm surrounding of other allegorical figures. You will indeed feel the king's benevolence through all these detailed paintings.
Prepare to be enchanted by the Room of Abundance, a celebration of prosperity and luxury. This room was utilized as a refreshment room where liqueurs, wines, and coffee were served. It was also the antechamber of the great Louis XIV's room of rare objects or the games room, where you might find the king's gems, silver vases, and medallions – all things that scream of royalty, power, and opulence.
Welcome to the Venus Room, named after the planet – it follows the theme of sun mythology, much like most other rooms. This mythology has been the inspiration for all the decorations in Versailles back in the 1670s. The room is a realm of love and beauty, with the ceiling adorned with delicate frescoes and graceful artworks that align with the theme of the goddess of love. You will notice that the room has the most Baroque architecture of all the other state apartment rooms.
Step into the vibrant ambiance of the Mercury Room, which was essentially the king’s bed chamber. This lively space is adorned with dynamic decor, which reflects the swift-footed messenger god's attributes. The intricate details and rich symbolism transport you to a world of commercial prosperity, trade, and arts, which is what Mercury symbolizes. Here the French monarchy's far-reaching influence is showcased.
Unleash your inner warrior in the Mars Room, dedicated to the god of war. Staying true to its name and significance, the room was used as a guard room and thus had a beautiful painting on the ceiling of Mars's chariot being pulled by the wolves. There's also gold camaieu used for the decoration of arches. That spoke of the celebration of war victories. This striking chamber serves as a reminder of the military might and prowess of the French monarchy, leaving a lasting impression on all who venture within.
Timings: 9:30 AM to 6 PM, from Tuesday to Sunday
Last entry: 6 PM
Closed on: Monday
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Versailles Grand State's Apartments is during the spring and fall months (April to June and September to October) when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are relatively smaller, allowing for a more enjoyable and immersive experience.
Address: Palace of Versailles, Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles, France
Versailles Grand State's Apartment is located within the iconic Palace of Versailles in France, an opulent masterpiece of French Baroque architecture.
Closest landmarks: Garden of Versailles (900 m)
The Versailles King's State Apartments are a series of lavishly decorated chambers within the Palace of Versailles, once used by French kings for official and ceremonial functions.
The King's State Apartments comprise seven rooms named after a mythological figure or concept.
The apartments boast an Italian-style decoration characterized by intricate details, opulent furnishings, and lavish ornamentation.
Yes, visitors can explore all seven rooms, each offering unique themes and fascinating stories from French history.
Yes, guided tours led by knowledgeable experts are available, providing in-depth insights into the history and significance of the apartments.
Typically, visiting the King's State Apartments takes around 1-2 hours, depending on the pace of exploration.
Yes, photography is permitted without the use of flash, allowing visitors to capture the beauty of the rooms.
While some parts may have limited accessibility, efforts have been made to accommodate visitors with mobility challenges to ensure a meaningful experience.
The apartments are included in the standard admission ticket to the Palace of Versailles; no extra fee is required to access them.
To avoid crowds, it's best to visit early in the morning or during weekdays, especially outside peak tourist seasons in spring and summer.