Restoring Versailles

Visiting Versailles

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February 22nd 2009
One of the most visited monuments in France is the Palace of Versailles. Wanting to escape the busy life in Paris and to keep the nobility under his control, Louis XIV built this chateau in which he set up home and installed the government. Louis Le Vau was commissioned to renovate and extend an old hunting lodge, Le Notre created the gardens from swamp land, and Mansart masterminded the hydraulic ... read more

Europe » France » Île-de-France » Paris

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Although ultimately a victor in World Wars I and II, France suffered extensive losses in its empire, wealth, manpower, and rank as a dominant nation-state. Nevertheless, France today is one of the most modern countries in the world and is a leader am... ... read more