Versailles' Hall of Mirrors

The Hall of Mirrors reflects the height of French prosperity under Louis XIV.

TravelCurious Tip

Moving in a clockwise direction from the central arch on the east side, follow the story of Louis XIV’s reign in the paintings by Le Brun.

More than a passageway

In the grand scheme of the Palace of Versailles, the Hall of Mirrors was often described as a passageway, serving as a meeting or waiting place for the courtiers and public. Fast forward to now and we see it as an attraction in itself, awesomely embellished with gilt, chandeliers, and of course the 357 mirrors that decorate its arches, attesting to the French technical skill of the time.

The entire 73 metre length of the Gallery was designed to mirror the political, economic and artistic success of France under the reign of Louis XIV. His achievements over eighteen years on the throne are documented in thirty compositions by Charles Le Brun, who was the chief artist of 'Louis XIV style.' Military victories and even monarchic reform are portrayed by elaborate allegories. And of course, the mirrors, which were a luxury item at the time, were really a jibe at the monopoly on production held in Venice. Le Brun showed off further artistic prowess: marble pilasters are decorated with ornate gilt representations of national emblems, a fleur de lys topped by a royal sun between two French cockerels.


A place for all kinds of ceremony

The hall was even used for ball games on the occasion of princely weddings. On formal occasions, the throne would be installed on a podium at the end of the gallery and the king would demand that the visiting powers walk its length - the doge of Genoa in 1685 and the ambassadors of Siam, Persia and the Ottoman Empire on different occasions had to do so, intimidated by the pomp and splendour of their surroundings.

It was also here that the Treaty of Versailles was signed on 28th June 1919, which marked the end of the First World War.


Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Paris
Versailles' Royal Chapel
This extraordinary two-level palatine chapel is one of many delights to be found at the Palace of Versailles.
Versailles Gardens
These gardens are a feat to match the palace's interiors, designed by King Louis XIV's royal gardener.
Seine River Cruise
Get delighted with the magnificent views of the city along the Seine River, on board the Bateaux Mouches.
Royal Apartments
Inside Versailles Palace, the Royal apartments were not only a place for rest but also the setting for important Palace ceremonies.
Versailles Palace
Located about 20 kilometres southwest of the centre of Paris, The Palace of Versailles was the principal royal residence of France from 1682, under Louis XIV, until the start of the French Revolution in 1789, under Louis XVI.
Musical Fountains show
Enjoy the extraordinary beauty of the water features synchronised to the tune of period music.

Related Tours

The Palace of Versailles & Gardens: Private Day Trip from Paris
Explore the golden splendour of the Palace of Versailles and its formal gardens on this half-day trip from Paris. The golden palace of the Sun King, Louis XIV, is France’s most visited attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fantastic tour of Versailles will introduce you to the glory and tragedy of one of the largest royal palaces in the world. 

On your private tour of Versailles, you will:
 
  • Travel in comfort with private return transportation from central Paris; 
  • Learn about the French monarchy and the run-up to the Revolution;
  • Hear the story of Louis XIV, France's longest reigning monarch: the Sun King, and his dream of the Palace of Versailles
  • Admire the golden gates and the impressive Baroque architecture
  • See the chapel where the unlucky King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette were married;
  • Hear about the daily routines of the palace royals, nobles and servants and the royal ablutions and the duties of the King's gentlemen;
  • Learn the intricacies and scandals of life at court, how to hold your fan, drop your gaze, bow and curtsy;
  • Discover the mandate dubbed the 'Versailles Shuffle' and hear about Louis XIV's love of the ballet;
  • See the best of the palace, including the Royal Chapel, the magnificent Hall of Mirrors, Peace Room, War Room, and the King’s Grand Apartments; 
  • Enjoy the formal grandeur and beauty of the Gardens of Versailles;
  • On select days when running, enjoy the magical charm of the Musical Fountains shown in the garden;
  • After a tour of the famous gardens, enjoy an easy, private transfer back to Paris.

Explore this supreme symbol of royal power, the Palace of Versailles, with your expert private guide. Learn about the history of the French monarchy, and the story of how the young King Louis XIV turned a humble hunting lodge into the golden, gilded Baroque masterpiece of a palace you see today.

Walk the halls that kings, queens, nobles, dignitaries and servants of ages past have walked, admiring the extensive art collection including the King Louis XIV bust by Bernini, and enjoy the exquisite furniture and Baroque atmosphere of this most grandiose of palaces. 

Admire the reflections in the Hall of Mirrors - an innovative design for the time, and learn about courtly soirees and etiquette, as well as the scandals, plots and power struggles that dominated life amongst the French nobility.  

You will discover the most famous parts of the Palace, such as Versailles' Royal Chapel, the Hall of Mirrors, and the King's Grand Apartments, where you'll learn all about Royal ablutions, and what daily life was like in this most luxurious of palaces. 
 
After exploring the decadent interior, relax and take in the majestic beauty of the formal Gardens at Versailles – the grandest example of classical French landscaping anywhere in France, strewn with many beautiful statues and colossal fountains. On select days, enjoy the Musical Fountains show, which incorporates sound into the beauty of the garden. 

Generally, the show runs from April through October, on weekends and some Tuesdays and Fridays. On days when the show is not on, your guide will take you on a walking tour through the Gardens, after which you will return to Paris via private transportation. 

Things to note: This tour includes the use of mandatory headsets for groups of 5 or more. Please note: the Musical Fountain show runs from April to October on weekends, and on select Tuesdays and Fridays. 
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