City of Versailles history

Located in what became known as the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky, where farmers also raised thoroughbred horses and other high-quality livestock, the city was officially incorporated on February 13, 1837.

The Palace had become an archetypal seat of power and continued to host the most important events in the history of France, such as the declaration of the German Empire, signed in 1871 following France's defeat at war by the Prussians.

For eight years after the peace with Germany, the palace was the seat of the French Parliament, and the constitution of the Third Republic was proclaimed there in 1875.

The Treaty of Versailles (1919) between the Allies and Germany was signed in the palace, which was again restored and modernized under Pres.

Following in the footsteps of Pierre de Nolhac, who left in 1920, the Palace’s curators dedicated themselves to refurnishing the rooms, and sought out the furnishings that had been scattered during the great Revolutionary rummage sales of 1793.

The idea received fresh support from an international subscription launched in January 2000.

Unveiled in 2008, the Royal Gate partially re-creates a gate that was designed by Hardouin-Mansart in the 1680s and was destroyed during the French Revolution.

In the centre of the Place d’Armes, facing the Avenue de Paris, is a bronze equestrian statue of Louis XIV. Originally located at the apex of the Court of Honour, the statue was relocated to the Place d’Armes in 2009 after an extensive restoration.