Versailles would become the seat of the French court and the government of France under Louis XIV and is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its 2300 rooms, 1944 windows covering 18,000 square metres and stunning grounds.
![Courtly Castles And Glistening Gardens](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/4153/349806/5d008ff10ad8f/Courtly-Castles-AND-GLISTENING-GARDENS.jpg)
The castle also served as a home to among others, Louis XV who made his own hot chocolate and marzipan in his private kitchen and Marie-Antoinette who enjoyed playing her harp, revived the glamorous balls, hosted parties and had a back to nature retreat built on the grounds.
Women played a major role in the life at the court of Versailles, and the recent restorations at Versailles, including that of the Grand Apartment of the Queen offer a glimpse into the life of three of the illustrious women who marked the history of the château, Marie Antoinette, Marie Leszczyska, and Madame de Maintenon.
The Grand Apartment of the Queen re-opened in April to the public after a vast three-year restoration. Composed of four rooms, it is one of the most spectacular spaces in the castle. Created for Queen Maria Theresa, the first wife of Louis XIV, it was also occupied by the queens Marie Leszczyska, the wife of Louis XV and Marie-Antoinette, the wife of Louis XVI and still reflects the style of the three queens that occupied it. Princes and princesses of France were born, publically, in this room including the future Louis XV. Meanwhile, a dedicated exhibition in the Dauphine’s apartments, A Taste of Marie Leszczyska, enables one to discover the tastes and lifestyle, through some 50 works and objects, of the queen and consort to Louis XV who would influence the décor of the castle. Another exhibition is running through to July 21st, of some 60 works tracing the life of the major court figure and the second and morganatic wife of Louis XIV Madame de Maintenon, is being held in the apartments where she resided.
This story is from the June 2019 edition of Where Paris.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2019 edition of Where Paris.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![The Guide: Dining](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/4153/382384/5dc14c0424c40/crp_The-GuideDining.jpg)
The Guide: Dining
French Fare, Contemporary, Seafood, Dinner with a View, Brasseries
![Shows On Show](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/4153/382384/5dc146d710cde/crp_Shows-On-Show.jpg)
Shows On Show
Worlds unbound, precious paintings, Degas’s take on dance, the world view of Leonardo da Vinci, magical paintings from Picasso, atmospheric antiquity, an electric palette and fun and fabulous footwear are just some of the themes abounding in a host of exciting exhibitions underway in the French capital.
![The Living Heritage Of France Comes Alive In Paris And Beyond](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/4153/382384/5dc1445b8b4e1/crp_The-Living-Heritage-Of-France-Comes-Alive-In-Paris-And-Beyond.jpg)
The Living Heritage Of France Comes Alive In Paris And Beyond
Fine fragrances, sparkling crystal, superb leather goods, high jewellery, and even Parisian paper are just some of the arts, crafts and professions fashioned and played out in France, and even in Paris itself.
![Hot Dates](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/4153/382384/5dc149c986cad/crp_Hot-Dates.jpg)
Hot Dates
What to do in Paris this month
![The Recipe For Chef Frédéric Duca's Delicious Career](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/4153/378468/5daa9387864d1/crp_The-Recipe-For-ChefFrdric-Ducas-Delicious-Career.jpg)
The Recipe For Chef Frédéric Duca's Delicious Career
Chef Frédéric Duca has a lot to crow about right now, but that’s not his style.
![Dining](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/4153/378468/5daa9b603ecac/crp_Dining.jpg)
Dining
French Fare | Fusion | French Bistros | World Food | Vegetarian-Friendly
![Entertainment](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/4153/378468/5daa9cd277421/crp_Entertainment.jpg)
Entertainment
Musicals | Ballets | Events | Concerts | Pop-Up Bars | Cabarets | Clubs
![Arts & Attractions](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/4153/378468/5daa9856d1162/crp_Arts-Attractions.jpg)
Arts & Attractions
Galleries | Monuments | Museums | Exhibits | Day Trips | Boat Trips | Guided Tours
![10 Things Not To Miss In Bordeaux](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/4153/378468/5daa959f44dcf/crp_10-Things-Not-To-Miss-InBordeaux.jpg)
10 Things Not To Miss In Bordeaux
When people think wine they think Bordeaux and while the wine here is fantastic, the city also offers visitors a wonderful escape with restaurants, museums and plush hotels, setting up the perfect scene for a French getaway.
![Thibault Loupias](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/4153/370399/5d8b13860921d/crp_THIBAULT-LOUPIAS.jpg)
Thibault Loupias
HEAD CONCIERGE AT HOTEL GRAND POWERS