Versailles Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Versailles

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, including the Treaty of Paris, which ended the American Revolution, and the Treaty of Versailles, after World War I.

The name "Versailles" is derived from the Latin word versare, which means "to turn over and over," referring to the land cleared and cultivated repeatedly. This reflects the transformation of Versailles from a humble village into a symbol of absolute monarchy under the reign of King Louis XIV, who moved the French court and government here in 1682.

The de facto capital of the Kingdom of France until 1789, Versailles became the cradle of the French Revolution which led to the abolition of feudalism. After having lost its royal status, the city fell into decline. The once-grand palace, stripped during the revolution and briefly visited by Napoleon, was transformed into a national museum in 1837, turning Versailles into a quiet, reflective site of historical significance.

During the Paris Commune's uprising, Versailles served as the temporary French government seat. However, despite being a political hub in the 1870s, it reverted to a suburban role after the government returned to Paris in 1879. Versailles regained prominence by hosting the signing of World War I's treaties in 1919 and later evolved into a bourgeois outskirt of Paris.

Versailles's historic heart is a picturesque neighborhood where the charm of yesteryear lingers on cobbled streets. Central to it is the Saint Louis Cathedral, named after the much-loved French King Louis IX.

Another gem is the Notre-Dame Market Square, established by King Louis XIV in the 17th century, which has remained a vibrant hub of daily life ever since. Nearby, is the street named after World War I's famed Marshal Foch, offering a stretch of shops and eateries amidst historical buildings.

And while the Palace of Versailles, complete with its Royal Chapel, is Versailles's main attraction, a major site not to miss here just as well is the Lambinet Museum, providing insights into the town's eventful past.

Walking in Versailles is like turning the pages of a history book. Embark on this self-guided journey back in time and experience the splendor of the former epicenter of French political power.