At Chateau de Versailles (Palace of Versailles), France

 "I’m a man of simple tastes, I’m always satisfied with the best." – Oscar Wilde

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(in France) Versailles, the former unofficial capital of France, is found about ten miles (16 km) from Paris. Although the Chateau de Versailles (Palace of Versailles) has been known as the epitome of luxury for centuries, seeing it in person is quite a memorable experience. Once the French royal residence and center of government, and now a national landmark, the original structure was primarily a hunting lodge and private retreat for Louis XIII and his family. In 1624 the king entrusted Jacques Lemercier with the construction of a château on the site. At the direction of Louis XIV, the residence was transformed (between 1661 and 1710) into an immense and extravagant complex surrounded by stylized French and English gardens. The additions were designed by such renowned architects as Jules Hardouin-Mansart, who was also responsible for the other major project at the end of the Sun King’s reign: the Hall of Mirrors. Robert de Cotte, and Louis Le Vau. Charles Le Brun managed the interior decoration. Landscape artist André Le Nôtre created symmetrical French gardens that included ornate fountains with “magically” still water, expressing the power of humanity -- and the king -- over nature. With its chandelier-laden Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces) and approximately 2,300 rooms filled with paintings, tapestries and other treasures, this attraction in Versailles welcomed eight million visitors in 2019.
+ Featured here (to the right side of this photo) is the (north wing of the) Royal Chapel, Louis XIV’s last major construction project. Built on two levels, it is one of the jewels of the Palace of Versailles (along with the Hall of Mirrors). Officially announced in 1682, the work did not begin until 1699, and was completed in 1710. The resulting Chapel is a treasure of sacred architecture and an impressive showpiece of the Arts of that time. On the building's exterior, there are the Corinthian pilasters (pillars inspired by antiquity and topped with plant decorations), and the numerous statues that top the balustrade. Inside, there is an uninterrupted vault that prominently features the frescoes, while the free-standing columns let in bright light from the large panes of clear glass -- a luxury at the time.. On 05 June 1710, the completed Royal Chapel was blessed by the archbishop of Paris, Cardinal de Noailles, who consecrated what many consider to be Louis XIV’s spiritual legacy.
+ After the French Revolution, Napoleon largely neglected Versailles, and Louis XVIII and Charles X merely kept it up. Louis-Philippe, however, made great alterations, partly with help from patrons in the United States. His biggest contribution may have been the creation of the Museum of French History (on the left of this photo), which was consecrated “to all the glories of France” in an inauguration on 10 June1837, which marked the first celebration at Versailles since the Revolution.