Chapelle Royale (Royal Chapel), Versailles
The Royal Chapel of the Palace of Versailles stands as a stunning example of early 18th-century architecture and artistry. Dedicated to Saint Louis, the patron saint of the Bourbons, the chapel was consecrated in 1710. Its opulent design reflects the grandeur of the French monarchy, with the upper level, known as the "salon de la chapelle," adorned in elegant white stone and featuring intricate bas-relief sculptures that contribute to its majestic atmosphere.
The chapel's floor is meticulously inlaid with marble, creating a striking visual effect. At the base of the steps leading to the altar, a crowned monogram of interlaced double “L” serves as a symbolic tribute to both Saint Louis and Louis XIV, underscoring the chapel's connection to the royal lineage. This monogram reflects the blending of religious devotion with royal grandeur that characterizes the chapel’s design.
Throughout the 18th century, the Royal Chapel was the site of numerous significant official events. It served as a venue for hymns celebrating military victories and royal births, highlighting its role in the ceremonial life of the court. Notably, the chapel was the setting for important royal marriages, including the wedding of Louis XV’s son, Louis-Ferdinand, with the Infanta Marie-Thérèse of Spain in 1745, and the marriage of the future Louis XVI with Marie-Antoinette in 1770.
The chapel's floor is meticulously inlaid with marble, creating a striking visual effect. At the base of the steps leading to the altar, a crowned monogram of interlaced double “L” serves as a symbolic tribute to both Saint Louis and Louis XIV, underscoring the chapel's connection to the royal lineage. This monogram reflects the blending of religious devotion with royal grandeur that characterizes the chapel’s design.
Throughout the 18th century, the Royal Chapel was the site of numerous significant official events. It served as a venue for hymns celebrating military victories and royal births, highlighting its role in the ceremonial life of the court. Notably, the chapel was the setting for important royal marriages, including the wedding of Louis XV’s son, Louis-Ferdinand, with the Infanta Marie-Thérèse of Spain in 1745, and the marriage of the future Louis XVI with Marie-Antoinette in 1770.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Versailles. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Chapelle Royale (Royal Chapel) on Map
Sight Name: Chapelle Royale (Royal Chapel)
Sight Location: Versailles, France (See walking tours in Versailles)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Versailles, France (See walking tours in Versailles)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Versailles, France
Create Your Own Walk in Versailles
Creating your own self-guided walk in Versailles is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Versailles Introduction Walking Tour
Versailles, a wealthy suburb of Paris some 20 kilometers southwest of the capital, is steeped in grandeur and regal history. Known worldwide for its opulent palace – the residence of French royalty, this small town offers much more than just its royal gates. Versailles is a living museum of French architecture and aristocratic life and is historically known for numerous treaties signed there,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Versailles Gardens Walking Tour
Spread across a vast (800-hectare) area, the Versailles Gardens are the quintessential example of regal grandeur and meticulous French landscape design. Most of its feature areas – known as 'groves' – were created by King Louis XIV’s chief landscape architect André Le Nôtre. Key among the garden's numerous attractions is the Orangerie Fountain, which sets the tone for its... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles