The Royal Stables of Versailles
The French royal family really knew how to travel in style. You can catch a glimpse of their finery in an exhibition of royal carriages at Versailles Palace.
The exhibition is free to enter and is situated in the vast stable buildings opposite the main palace entrance.
Built between 1679 and 1682, this was one of the biggest ever projects to house horses. Now, it is home to the impressive Gallery of Coaches, the National School of Architecture of Versailles, the Centre for research and restoration of the museums of France and, unsurprisingly, the Equestrian Academy of Versailles.
It includes carriages used by both royalty and Napoleon, in state visits and also state funerals.
The impressive fine detail on the wheels and on the tops of the carriages are breathtaking.
The royal processions of yesteryear must truly have been a sight to behold. Fascinating videos detail the history of the pieces, including recent loans to other countries.
This exhibition is a must see, so make sure you make time during your Versailles visit.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my photographic tour of the palace of Versailles. If you do get the chance to visit this amazing palace complex, I urge you to do so. Make sure you stay in the town of Versailles - it’s an oasis of calm not far from Paris, so you have the best of both worlds.
