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Château de Versailles (Palace of Versailles) Description: Situated 23km (15 miles) southwest of Paris, the Palace of Versailles is one of the most visited sites in France and famous for its immense size. The palace began as a ‘modest’ hunting lodge, built by Louis XIII in 1623, and was transformed by the architect Jules Hardouin Mansart under the guidance of Louis XIII’s son, Louis XIV, into a grand palace complex surrounded by lavish French and English gardens designed by André Le Nôtre. Louis XIV, who was also known as the Sun King, was so taken with the palace that by 1682 it had become the official residence of the court of France and a lavish and potent statement of monarchical power. The palace became a symbol of monarchical folly and excess prior to the start of the French Revolution in 1789. Today, visitors are still able to view much of the palace, including the renowned 75m (250ft) Galerie des Glaces (Hall of Mirrors), where the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919, signifying the end of World War I. Visitors can also see the former Royal bedchambers, the grand staircase and the spectacular gardens, with their extraordinarily ornate fountains and elaborate pools. Contact Addresses: Château de Versailles, RP 834, 78008 Versailles, France Tel: (01) 3083 7800. Fax: (01) 3083 7890. E-mail: communication@chateauversailles.fr Website: www.chateauversailles.fr Transportation: Air: Paris Roissy-Charles de Gaulle Airport or Paris Orly Airport. Rail: Train: Versailles-Chantier Station or Versailles-Rive-Droite Station. RER: Versailles-Rive-Gauche Station on line C. Road: Bus: 71 to Versailles-Place d’Armes. Car: A13 towards Rouen, first exit signposted Versailles-Château. Opening Times: Château: Tues-Sun 0900-1730 (Oct-Apr); Tues-Sun 0900-1830 (May-Sep). Gardens: Daily 0800-sunset (Nov-Mar); daily 0700-sunset (May-Sep). Admission Fees: Château: EUR7.5/FFr49 (adult), free (child under 18) (before 1530); EUR5.3/FFr35 (adult), free (child under 18) (after 1530). Gardens: EUR3/FFr20. 
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