Submitted by Kaitlyn Taylor on the 2024 Winter BISC program in Paris…
There is no good way to describe the scale of the Palace of Versailles. I had learned
about Versailles in my history class I am taking here in Paris and have seen some pictures of it
before, but I was amazed when we were walking up to the gates to see how big it really was.
We started our day at Versailles with a tour of the Kings State Apartments. I learned that these
apartments were created by Louis XIV for more personal use. The existing rooms of the castle
were very large, so these rooms were smaller and more comfortable. The smaller size also
made it easier to regulate the temperature of the rooms in the winter.
Almost everything in the Palace was covered in gold. There was such much detail in
everything in each room that you walked into. The ceilings were covered in murals, the curtains
were made of silk with very detailed designs, the floors were made of marble, and so many
other details it was overwhelming. The gardens outside the Palace went on for what seemed
like miles. It had many beautiful fountains and sculptures and I’m sure in the summer time it is
even more beautiful with all of the greenery. It was crazy to think that the Royalty had lived like
that at one point in time. I am very thankful I got to walk through the history of French Kings and
experience all of this beauty. I got to feel like royalty for the day! (Submitted on January 16, 2024)
