Palace of Versailles: A Journey Through History and Style

The Palace of Versailles is one of France’s most breathtaking treasures — a place where art, architecture, and royal ambition combine.

The Palace of Versailles is one of France’s most breathtaking treasures — a place where art, architecture, and royal ambition combine to create a landmark that still inspires visitors from around the world. Although today, it stands as a museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site, its story began far more modestly as a small hunting lodge built for Louis XIII in the early 1600s.

When his son, Louis XIV, ascended the throne, everything changed. Determined to showcase the strength and splendour of his reign, he transformed Versailles into the seat of royal power. Over several decades, the palace expanded into a vast architectural masterpiece, designed not only to impress but also to serve as the political heart of France. Thousands of courtiers lived and worked there, making Versailles a stage on which power was performed every single day.

A Palace of Art and Innovation

Inside the palace, each room was meticulously designed to reflect royal prestige. Perhaps the most famous of all is the Hall of Mirrors, a grand gallery lined with glittering mirrors facing floor-to-ceiling windows. In the 17th century, mirrors were rare and extremely costly, so this brilliant room symbolised not only luxury, but also France’s growing artistic and manufacturing skills.

Versailles continued to evolve under later monarchs, with each generation leaving its own stamp on the palace. From the intimate private apartments to the grand salons used for ceremonies, the interiors form an extraordinary timeline of French design.

The Styles Found Inside Versailles

One of the reasons Versailles remains so captivating is its blend of artistic styles. Walking through its rooms is like travelling through the evolution of French craftsmanship.

Baroque Grandeur

The earliest phases of Versailles are defined by Baroque style — dramatic, bold, and designed to impress. Expect sweeping ceilings, rich colours, sculptural details, and heavy gilding. Everything in Baroque design was intended to express power and theatricality, perfectly matching Louis XIV’s vision of a magnificent royal court.

Rococo Elegance

By the mid-18th century, tastes had softened. During the reign of Louis XV, the palace adopted the lighter, more playful curves characteristic of the Rococo style. This style is instantly recognisable: flowing lines, asymmetrical shapes, soft pastels, shell motifs, floral carvings, and a sense of romantic delicacy. It is this charming rococo spirit that continues to influence artists and makers today, including La Rochère.

Neoclassical Refinement

Towards the end of the century, design shifted again. Inspired by ancient Greek and Roman art, Neoclassicism introduced cleaner lines, symmetry, and a more restrained palette. This is particularly evident in the later apartments and in buildings like the Petit Trianon, where elegance came through balance rather than ornamentation.

Why Versailles Still Inspires Today

Versailles remains a symbol not only of French history but also of artistic imagination. Its mix of architectural styles, its sweeping gardens and its extraordinary decorative details continue to influence modern interiors, fashion, tableware, and craftsmanship.

For lovers of French décor, the palace serves as a reminder that everyday objects can be both functional and beautiful — a philosophy embraced by French makers for centuries.

Bring a Touch of Versailles Home

At Maison Chérie, we celebrate this spirit of French artistry with our beautiful collection of Versailles glasses from La Rochère. Their delicate detailing and elegant shape echo the refined Rococo influences found throughout the palace. Whether used for entertaining or displayed as part of your décor, these glasses bring a little French grandeur straight to your home.

👉 Explore our Versailles glassware here