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This is a wonderfully engaging podcast episode that will transport FrancoFilers through space and time to feel you have had a sneak peek at Versailles without the crowds!

For as long as I can remember, I have been in awe of the legend and the stories surrounding Versailles. It was wonderful to hear about this magical place from a French local perspective with ma belle amie Sarah Swick who is just as big a fan as I am. 

Versailles has been listed as a World Heritage Site for the past 30 years, and is arguably one of the greatest achievements in French 17th century art and architecture. What started out as a hunting pavilion for King Louis XIII, was extended and transformed by his son King Louis XIV when he installed the Royal Court and French Government there in 1682.

We chat about how Versailles is viewed from a French perspective including the Italian influenced renovations during the Renaissance, the French revolution, and the Treaty of Versailles. 

Find out about some of the more bizarre customs surrounding the "Sun King", quirky facts that have been written by those who lived there, as well as the crazy layers of complexity of the royal and social hierarchy.    

My favourite part of Versailles is actually quite separate from the palace, down the back of the huge jardins in the Grand Trianon and Petite Trianon, the summer houses for the King and Queen. Separate summer houses of course, as it would not have been appropriate for the King’s mistress and the Queen to have a face off at the petit déjeuner table!

With tips not found elsewhere for a smooth Versailles visit and a wonderful musical piece capturing the sound heritage of Versailles, FrancoFilers will enjoy all the genuine and engaging snippets in this episode.

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Louise Prichard is the host of the Loulabelle's FrancoFiles podcast.
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Loulabelle's FrancoFiles website