March 12, 2025 • 12 mins
In this episode of Global Treasures, we cover the Palace and Park of Versailles, located in France. This was the main residence for the French monarchy and served as the model for Royal residences throughout Europe for over a century. Abigail and Keith discuss the history, travel tips for visitors and more.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Abigail (00:00):
Imagine a place that tells a story, spanning centuries, where
culture and nature intertwine tocreate something truly extraordinary.
That's the beauty of UNESCOWorld Heritage Sites.
I'm Abigail, and this is GlobalTreasures, the podcast that covers
the history, Travel tips and legendssurrounding one of the 1, 223
(00:26):
World Heritage Sites each episode.
These places have been identifiedas having universal cultural or
natural significance that is soexceptional that it transcends national
boundaries and is of importanceto present and future generations.
Welcome to Season 2, wherewe'll explore the 45 sites that
(00:47):
UNESCO added in 1979 together.
Thank you for listening tothe Global Treasures Podcast.
We appreciate all of your support,and you can continue to support us
by subscribing at Apple Podcasts,Spotify, Podbean, or any major platform.
You can also follow us onTikTok, Clapper, and Facebook.
(01:11):
And most importantly, you can supportus by booking your trips through the
affiliate links in the show notes.
This is at no extra cost to you.
The story of Versailles beginsuneventfully, in a forest
outside of Paris, France.
Monarch King Louis XIII ishunting, his usual pastime.
(01:33):
In 1623, he had a small hunting lodgebuilt on the site, meant to be a
retreat away from the hustle and bustleand grand personality that is Paris.
But this simple lodge would betransformed into something momentous.
His son, Louis XIV, hadvisions of grandeur.
(01:54):
Visions that one day, Versailleswould, and could, be the most
magnificent palace in Europe.
When Louis ascended to thethrone, he saw Versailles as
more than just a place to live.
He saw it as a symbol of his power.
In 1661, construction began.
(02:16):
Architects Louis Le Vau and JulesHardouin-Mansart and painter
Charles Le Brun worked to makethe king's vision a reality.
Over the next two decades.
This simple lodge evolved intoa sprawling palace adorned with
gold and gorgeous frescoes.
(02:36):
By 1682, Louis moved his courtand government there, securing
Versailles place as the center ofFrench political and cultural life.
There are so many rooms that could becommented on, but the real masterpiece
here is the is the hall of mirrors.
Here, sunlight streams through tall,arched windows, reflecting across 357
(03:02):
mirrors that line the opposite wall.
It was in this hall where treatieswould be signed, and rulers from
across Europe would come to beentertained and simultaneously
struck with awe by France's splendor.
Outside, the expansive gardens stretchedfor miles, In a perfectly symmetrical
(03:24):
fashion, with fountains that seem to defygravity, Versailles was not just a palace.
It was a statement to the entire world.
Now, we arrive at the partof the story many of us know.
As Versailles prospered, so did thediscontent of the French people.
(03:45):
By the time Louis XVI and MarieAntoinette came to power in the late
18th century, revolution was fermenting.
See, People no longer saw Versaillesas a symbol of power, but more as a
symbol of excess and apathy towardsthe starving citizens of the country.
(04:05):
In 1789, an angry mob stormed thepalace, forcing out its king and queen.
Once they were put to death, the monarchyfell, and Versailles was abandoned,
with its priceless treasures looted,it's halls left in pure silence.
For years, Versailles remainedempty most of the time.
(04:28):
Under Napoleon Bonaparte, itwas used for state functions.
But it wasn't until King LouisPhilippe came to power in 1837 that
Versailles regained a second life.
He transformed it into a museum,dedicating it to the glories of France.
(04:49):
The palace became a testament tothe country's history, rather than
just a relic of an unloved monarchy.
But Versailles still had arole to play in world history.
In 1919, in the aftermath ofWorld War I, world leaders
gathered in the Hall of Mirrors.
(05:09):
It's here that the Treaty of Versailleswas signed, officially ending the war and
reshaping the modern world as we knew it.
Restoration efforts in the 1920swere surprisingly led by an
American philanthropist, who'sname may ring familiar, John D.
Rockefeller Jr. He donated over twomillion dollars towards the effort.
(05:33):
The next pivotal point moves us to 1978.
A terrorist bombing left a host of damage.
However, staff were determined torestore the palace to the state it was
in when the royal family left in 1789.
They've gone as far as torepurchase much of the original
(05:54):
furniture from private owners.
And you'll see it if you tour the palace.
Skipping ahead to 1979, Versailles wasrecognized by UNESCO and officially
designated as a World Heritage Site.
This helps ensure that its story, oneof revolution and durability, lives on.
(06:17):
Today, it welcomes millions of visitorswho walk down the same marble halls that
once echoed with the footsteps of ourarguably most quotable queen, let them
eat cake, as she once supposedly said,transforming from a hunting lodge to
a palace, a symbol of French ambitionVersailles remains a timeless testament
(06:42):
to cultural and artistic evolution.
And if you want to visit this beautifulpalace, there are many ways to get there.
If you're flying in from anothercountry, you'll want to fly into
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
To get to Versailles from the airport,you can take a train or a taxi.
(07:03):
It should be about anhour and a half ride.
In terms of getting tickets tovisit Versailles, You can buy
them online ahead of time, orat the ticket office the day of.
Guided tours are an extracost on top of tickets.
While the primary language spokenthroughout France is French,
(07:23):
tours are offered in languagessuch as English and Spanish.
I also want to mention that some groupsare allowed in for free, so be sure to
check the official website in case youfall into one of these demographics.
And just a couple other notes here.
Security is very stringent atthis site, so you will be searched
(07:45):
and bags above a certain sizewill probably not be allowed in.
This UNESCO site is also far moreaccessible than most, which is
nice, with lifts being availablefor those with accessibility needs.
During your visit, you can see someof the rooms that I mentioned before.
This includes the Hall of Mirrors,The king's bedchamber, the gardens,
(08:11):
the marble courtyard, and more.
There's a map online thatgives you an idea of what you
can see during your visit.
The Palace of Versailles has 2, 300 rooms,so make sure you bring your walking shoes.
While you won't see them all, you'll wantto give this site a few hours or even a
half day, because there is a lot to see.
(08:33):
If you're a believer in the supernatural,This site will be of interest to you,
because many claim that it's haunted,and given its history, it makes sense.
In 1901, two women claim to have seen theghost of Marie Antoinette in the gardens
of the Petit Trianon, while others haveclaimed to see her ghost in the concierge,
(08:58):
which is where she was imprisonedbefore her untimely death.
Surprisingly, they don'toffer ghost tours here.
And I couldn't find any offered inother parts of Versailles either.
While you're in the area, there are plentyof other noteworthy places to visit.
The Place du Marché Notre Dame is a marketwith food, flowers, and so much more.
(09:23):
You can make a picnic out ofthe food you pick up from there.
Just make sure you bring cash,as some vendors don't accept
credit card as a form of payment.
I also want to mention That manypeople assume the currency is the
franc, but it's actually the euro.
They switched to using the euro in 1999.
(09:43):
In terms of where to stay,homestay options will likely
be your most affordable bet.
There are many siteswhere you can find them.
There are also bed and breakfasts,and hotels, from 2 star ranked
to 5 star hotels, that arethousands of dollars a night.
So no matter what your budgetis, you'll find something.
(10:07):
Now, on to one of the questions I'masked most frequently regarding any site.
What's the best time ofday or year to visit?
Visiting midweek will mean smaller crowds.
Also, I should note, you'll want to checkthe website, because the palace isn't
open for tours every day of the week.
(10:28):
Midsummer is going to be busier thanspring or fall, as with most sites,
and this site gets around 10 millionvisitors each year, arguably one of the
most popular and again busiest in France.
In terms of the weather, if you visitin the winter, know that it gets quite
cold, so bundle up, and even in themidsummer, the average temperature is
(10:53):
in the high 60 degrees Fahrenheit or inthe low 70s, again, degrees Fahrenheit.
October receives the most rain.
Now, let's briefly talk about the food.
It's really hard to pinpoint onething worth trying in France,
because French cuisine is highlyregarded, generally speaking.
(11:15):
So I'll point to one of theitems they sell on site.
Macaron.
This is a French cookie that,I would argue, is a must try.
Made with almond flour, it'svery light, and not too sweet,
while still being decadent.
They also look like a work of art, comingin a variety of pastel colors and fruity
(11:38):
flavors like strawberry or raspberry.
And these cookies are directly connectedwith Versailles, as this was one of
Marie Antoinette's favorite desserts.
She was known to nibble onthem as she got dressed.
So whether you love to travel,to indulge in the food, or other
aspects of another country's culture,Versailles is a perfect example of how
(12:04):
historical spaces can remain vibrantand relevant in our modern world.
Our next episode will bring us toPersepolis, an iconic Iranian cultural
heritage site that dates back to515 BC. Join us as we explore the
history, legends, and travel tips forvisiting this former royal residence.
(12:28):
Until then, keep exploring, keepwondering, and keep treasuring
the remarkable diversityof our world's heritage.
Imagine a place that tells a story, spanning centuries, where
culture and nature intertwine tocreate something truly extraordinary.
That's the beauty of UNESCOWorld Heritage Sites.
I'm Abigail, and this is GlobalTreasures, the podcast that covers
the history, Travel tips and legendssurrounding one of the 1, 223
(00:26):
World Heritage Sites each episode.
These places have been identifiedas having universal cultural or
natural significance that is soexceptional that it transcends national
boundaries and is of importanceto present and future generations.
Welcome to Season 2, wherewe'll explore the 45 sites that
(00:47):
UNESCO added in 1979 together.
Thank you for listening tothe Global Treasures Podcast.
We appreciate all of your support,and you can continue to support us
by subscribing at Apple Podcasts,Spotify, Podbean, or any major platform.
You can also follow us onTikTok, Clapper, and Facebook.
(01:11):
And most importantly, you can supportus by booking your trips through the
affiliate links in the show notes.
This is at no extra cost to you.
The story of Versailles beginsuneventfully, in a forest
outside of Paris, France.
Monarch King Louis XIII ishunting, his usual pastime.
(01:33):
In 1623, he had a small hunting lodgebuilt on the site, meant to be a
retreat away from the hustle and bustleand grand personality that is Paris.
But this simple lodge would betransformed into something momentous.
His son, Louis XIV, hadvisions of grandeur.
(01:54):
Visions that one day, Versailleswould, and could, be the most
magnificent palace in Europe.
When Louis ascended to thethrone, he saw Versailles as
more than just a place to live.
He saw it as a symbol of his power.
In 1661, construction began.
(02:16):
Architects Louis Le Vau and JulesHardouin-Mansart and painter
Charles Le Brun worked to makethe king's vision a reality.
Over the next two decades.
This simple lodge evolved intoa sprawling palace adorned with
gold and gorgeous frescoes.
(02:36):
By 1682, Louis moved his courtand government there, securing
Versailles place as the center ofFrench political and cultural life.
There are so many rooms that could becommented on, but the real masterpiece
here is the is the hall of mirrors.
Here, sunlight streams through tall,arched windows, reflecting across 357
(03:02):
mirrors that line the opposite wall.
It was in this hall where treatieswould be signed, and rulers from
across Europe would come to beentertained and simultaneously
struck with awe by France's splendor.
Outside, the expansive gardens stretchedfor miles, In a perfectly symmetrical
(03:24):
fashion, with fountains that seem to defygravity, Versailles was not just a palace.
It was a statement to the entire world.
Now, we arrive at the partof the story many of us know.
As Versailles prospered, so did thediscontent of the French people.
(03:45):
By the time Louis XVI and MarieAntoinette came to power in the late
18th century, revolution was fermenting.
See, People no longer saw Versaillesas a symbol of power, but more as a
symbol of excess and apathy towardsthe starving citizens of the country.
(04:05):
In 1789, an angry mob stormed thepalace, forcing out its king and queen.
Once they were put to death, the monarchyfell, and Versailles was abandoned,
with its priceless treasures looted,it's halls left in pure silence.
For years, Versailles remainedempty most of the time.
(04:28):
Under Napoleon Bonaparte, itwas used for state functions.
But it wasn't until King LouisPhilippe came to power in 1837 that
Versailles regained a second life.
He transformed it into a museum,dedicating it to the glories of France.
(04:49):
The palace became a testament tothe country's history, rather than
just a relic of an unloved monarchy.
But Versailles still had arole to play in world history.
In 1919, in the aftermath ofWorld War I, world leaders
gathered in the Hall of Mirrors.
(05:09):
It's here that the Treaty of Versailleswas signed, officially ending the war and
reshaping the modern world as we knew it.
Restoration efforts in the 1920swere surprisingly led by an
American philanthropist, who'sname may ring familiar, John D.
Rockefeller Jr. He donated over twomillion dollars towards the effort.
(05:33):
The next pivotal point moves us to 1978.
A terrorist bombing left a host of damage.
However, staff were determined torestore the palace to the state it was
in when the royal family left in 1789.
They've gone as far as torepurchase much of the original
(05:54):
furniture from private owners.
And you'll see it if you tour the palace.
Skipping ahead to 1979, Versailles wasrecognized by UNESCO and officially
designated as a World Heritage Site.
This helps ensure that its story, oneof revolution and durability, lives on.
(06:17):
Today, it welcomes millions of visitorswho walk down the same marble halls that
once echoed with the footsteps of ourarguably most quotable queen, let them
eat cake, as she once supposedly said,transforming from a hunting lodge to
a palace, a symbol of French ambitionVersailles remains a timeless testament
(06:42):
to cultural and artistic evolution.
And if you want to visit this beautifulpalace, there are many ways to get there.
If you're flying in from anothercountry, you'll want to fly into
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
To get to Versailles from the airport,you can take a train or a taxi.
(07:03):
It should be about anhour and a half ride.
In terms of getting tickets tovisit Versailles, You can buy
them online ahead of time, orat the ticket office the day of.
Guided tours are an extracost on top of tickets.
While the primary language spokenthroughout France is French,
(07:23):
tours are offered in languagessuch as English and Spanish.
I also want to mention that some groupsare allowed in for free, so be sure to
check the official website in case youfall into one of these demographics.
And just a couple other notes here.
Security is very stringent atthis site, so you will be searched
(07:45):
and bags above a certain sizewill probably not be allowed in.
This UNESCO site is also far moreaccessible than most, which is
nice, with lifts being availablefor those with accessibility needs.
During your visit, you can see someof the rooms that I mentioned before.
This includes the Hall of Mirrors,The king's bedchamber, the gardens,
(08:11):
the marble courtyard, and more.
There's a map online thatgives you an idea of what you
can see during your visit.
The Palace of Versailles has 2, 300 rooms,so make sure you bring your walking shoes.
While you won't see them all, you'll wantto give this site a few hours or even a
half day, because there is a lot to see.
(08:33):
If you're a believer in the supernatural,This site will be of interest to you,
because many claim that it's haunted,and given its history, it makes sense.
In 1901, two women claim to have seen theghost of Marie Antoinette in the gardens
of the Petit Trianon, while others haveclaimed to see her ghost in the concierge,
(08:58):
which is where she was imprisonedbefore her untimely death.
Surprisingly, they don'toffer ghost tours here.
And I couldn't find any offered inother parts of Versailles either.
While you're in the area, there are plentyof other noteworthy places to visit.
The Place du Marché Notre Dame is a marketwith food, flowers, and so much more.
(09:23):
You can make a picnic out ofthe food you pick up from there.
Just make sure you bring cash,as some vendors don't accept
credit card as a form of payment.
I also want to mention That manypeople assume the currency is the
franc, but it's actually the euro.
They switched to using the euro in 1999.
(09:43):
In terms of where to stay,homestay options will likely
be your most affordable bet.
There are many siteswhere you can find them.
There are also bed and breakfasts,and hotels, from 2 star ranked
to 5 star hotels, that arethousands of dollars a night.
So no matter what your budgetis, you'll find something.
(10:07):
Now, on to one of the questions I'masked most frequently regarding any site.
What's the best time ofday or year to visit?
Visiting midweek will mean smaller crowds.
Also, I should note, you'll want to checkthe website, because the palace isn't
open for tours every day of the week.
(10:28):
Midsummer is going to be busier thanspring or fall, as with most sites,
and this site gets around 10 millionvisitors each year, arguably one of the
most popular and again busiest in France.
In terms of the weather, if you visitin the winter, know that it gets quite
cold, so bundle up, and even in themidsummer, the average temperature is
(10:53):
in the high 60 degrees Fahrenheit or inthe low 70s, again, degrees Fahrenheit.
October receives the most rain.
Now, let's briefly talk about the food.
It's really hard to pinpoint onething worth trying in France,
because French cuisine is highlyregarded, generally speaking.
(11:15):
So I'll point to one of theitems they sell on site.
Macaron.
This is a French cookie that,I would argue, is a must try.
Made with almond flour, it'svery light, and not too sweet,
while still being decadent.
They also look like a work of art, comingin a variety of pastel colors and fruity
(11:38):
flavors like strawberry or raspberry.
And these cookies are directly connectedwith Versailles, as this was one of
Marie Antoinette's favorite desserts.
She was known to nibble onthem as she got dressed.
So whether you love to travel,to indulge in the food, or other
aspects of another country's culture,Versailles is a perfect example of how
(12:04):
historical spaces can remain vibrantand relevant in our modern world.
Our next episode will bring us toPersepolis, an iconic Iranian cultural
heritage site that dates back to515 BC. Join us as we explore the
history, legends, and travel tips forvisiting this former royal residence.
(12:28):
Until then, keep exploring, keepwondering, and keep treasuring
the remarkable diversityof our world's heritage.
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