The castle and gardens of Versailles represent the most beautiful and complete chef d'oeuvre("gesamtkunswerk" is the word used for the castle of Schonbrunn in Vienna)of the french art from XVII century.The old hunting pavillion of Louis XIII was rebuilt by his son Louis XIV ,who mover there the french court and the siege of the French Gouvernment. The castle was expanded and enriched with new appartments in XVIII century were decorated under the reign of Louis XV. By the first days of the French Revolution, the court had to leave Versailles on the 6 october 1789. In 1837 , King Louis Philippe grounded in the castle the Museum dedicated to the French Glory. The gardens of Versailles designed and built between 1661 and 1700 by Le Notre,who dug channels , arranged flower carpets , bushes and labyrinths ; decorated with marble , bronze or tin statues ;refreshed the air with fountains creating the example of a garden "a la francaise". Beyond the gardens of the Small Park ( 94 ha ) spread the gardens of the Grand Park , perfect for walks. I always use the chance to visit castles whenever in the area ,so when my friend Manu suggested to visit the palace of Versailles,I was thrilled by the idea. http://www.linternaute.com/femm es/jardin/les-jardins-du-chateau-de-vers ailles/le-hameau-de-la-reine.shtml Ve rsailles is off the beaten path ,when it comes to Paris .It takes about 40 minutes / maybe more / to get there by Metro . So you need to plan at least half a day to visit the palace. http://www.chateauversailles. fr/en/