PALACE & PARK OF VERSAILLES, PARIS

Of all the things to see in France, the Palace of Versailles surely tops the list. Seat of the ‘Sun King’, and the iconic emblem of the French monarchy, Versailles is one of France’s most glittering treasures. This opulent palace was, for almost a century, the epicentre of French politics, and plenty of scheming, intrigue and scandal went on within its walls. The French monarchy may be gone, but they left behind a remarkable architectural testimony to the power and mystique of divine kingship. Versailles was built as a hunting lodge by Louis XIII in the early 17th century, but it was his successor, Louis XIV, who would transform the site into the beautiful, lavish palace that still stands today. Taking the sun as his emblem, Louis built a gilded palace that would dazzle his subjects (and his enemies!). Today, this palace and its extensive parks and ground are open to the public, making for an ideal day trip from Paris. Source: lelongweekend.com