Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King, was the longest-reigning monarch in European history, ruling France for 72 years and 110 days. Take part in the history of the palace of Versailles by supporting a project that suits you: adopt a linden tree, contribute to the missions of the Palace or participate in the refurnishing of the royal apartments. XVIIIth century. Protestants were forced to convert, and over two hundred thousand fled the country. His reign of seventy-two years and 110 days is the longest of any monarch of a … His reign of 72 years and 110 days is the longest recorded of any monarch of a sovereign country in European history. It can be used without an Internet connection. Their marriage sealed the reconciliation between France and neighbouring Spain. 1710 – The Royal Chapel of Versailles. Louis XIV continues to embody the Grand Siècle, synonymous with the splendour of Versailles and the glory of France. The King lived in the main wing of the palace, on the first floor, in a suite of three apartments reserved for his use. The previous policy of religious tolerance was abandoned with the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685. In 1667, 28-year-old all-powerful king of France, Louis XIV, decides to build the greatest palace in the world - Versailles. Louis XIV and his courtiers were based in the Louvre Palace, then the Tuileries, alternating with stints at the Châteaux of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Vincennes, Fontainebleau and the rapidly-growing Versailles. To honour this pledge and preserve the religious unity of his kingdom, he cracked down on the Jansenists of Port-Royal and ordered the persecution of Protestants. The sun is the symbol of Apollo, god of peace and the arts; it is also the star which gives life to all things, rising and setting with unfailing regularity. From his base in Versailles, Louis XIV ruled over a centralised, absolutist state which revolved entirely around him. As sovereign by divine right, the King was God’s representative on earth. He applied a strict etiquette at court, a set of rules and protocols by which his noble courtiers were obliged to abide. 1662 – Louis XIV’s visits to Versailles. Louis XIV married his cousin (on both sides) Maria Theresa of Spain, the Spanish Infanta, at Saint-Jean-de-Luz in 1660. Taking the throne at the age of four following the death of his father, King Louis XIII, the young monarch received a thorough education from his mother Anne of Austria and his godfather Cardinal Mazarin. RMN / © Jean-Marc Manaï, Musical Fountains Shows and Musical Gardens, Research centre of the Palace of Versailles. Synopsis. Originating as a dispute between the monarchy and the Parlement de Paris, the rebellion subsequently spread to the aristocracy. They must accept the tough conditions. Protestants were forced to convert, and over two hundred thousand fled the country. After the death of the queen in 1683, the King secretly married Madame de Maintenon. Louis XIV married his cousin (on both sides) Maria Theresa of Spain, the Spanish Infanta, at Saint-Jean-de-Luz in 1660. He was a king for 72 years. Listed for the past 30 years as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Palace of Versailles constitutes one of the finest achievements of French art of the 17th century. The Rhineland will remain occupied by French troops. The sun is the symbol of Apollo, god of peace and the arts; it is also the star which gives life to all things, rising and setting with unfailing regularity. Louis XIV, France's Sun King, had the longest reign in European history (1643-1715). Revise your French history with help from the artworks of the Palace of Versailles! The reign of Louis XIV is often referred to as “Le Grand Siècle” (the Great Century), forever associated with the image of an absolute monarch and a strong, centralised state. Until the official inauguration of the Palace of Versailles on 6 May 1682, the royal court often changed locations. 9. She was the last in a series of official mistresses which had included Mademoiselle de La Vallière and Madame de Montespan, with whom he had several legitimated children. and that of Louis XV. At the Palace of Versailles he staged the finest comedies, operas and tragedies and organised spectacular parties. Though the unstinting regularity of his life and with the public getting-up and going-to-bed ceremonies, he hammered home the symbolic parallels. Coming to the throne at a tender age, tutored by Cardinal Mazarin, the Sun King embodied the principles of absolutism. Taking the throne at the age of four following the death of his father, King Louis XIII, the young monarch received a thorough education from his mother Anne of Austria and his godfather Cardinal Mazarin. The King lived in the main wing of the palace, on the first floor, in a suite of three apartments reserved for his use. It is in this respect that his power was “absolute”, which in Latin means literally ‘free of all restraints’: the king was answerable to no one but God. En 1682, il s’installe, entouré de sa Cour, au château de Versailles, meilleur symbole de son pouvoir et de son Though the unstinting regularity of his life and with the public getting-up and going-to-bed ceremonies, he hammered home the symbolic parallels. Louis XIV and his courtiers were based in the Louvre Palace, then the Tuileries, alternating with stints at the Châteaux of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Vincennes, Fontainebleau and the rapidly-growing Versailles. King Louis XIV of France commissions a lavish palace that becomes a fierce battleground for love and politics -- and a gilded prison for nobility. Coming to the throne at a tender age, tutored by Cardinal Mazarin, the Sun King embodied the principles of absolutism. Only the eldest, Louis de France, known as Le Grand Dauphin, would survive to adulthood. 1701 – The new bedchamber of Louis XIV. From his base in Versailles, Louis XIV ruled over a centralised, absolutist state which revolved entirely around him. After the death of the queen in 1683, the King secretly married Madame de Maintenon. Louis XIV, the Palace of Versailles, absolute monarchy… Why don’t we take a closer look at the emergence of the nation state in early modern France? Like the god, Louis XIV was a warrior fighting to restore peace; he was also a patron of the arts and the source of all privileges. Like the god, Louis XIV was a warrior fighting to restore peace; he was also a patron of the arts and the source of all privileges. The app includes the audioguide tour of the Palace and an interactive map of the Estate. Until the official inauguration of the Palace of Versailles on 6 May 1682, the royal court often changed locations. The royal couple had six children. Revise your French history with help from the artworks of the Palace of Versailles! In 1682 he moved the royal Court to the Palace of Versailles, the defining symbol of With enough room to house the whole court, the Palace and its surrounding buildings rapidly became symbols of an age when the nobility were prepared to go to any lengths to be close to the King, who respected the royal tradition whereby the monarch had to be accessible to his courtiers. The former hunting lodge of Louis XIII was transformed and extended by his son Louis XIV who installed here the Court and the government of … On September 1, 1715, four days before his 77th birthday, Louis XIV died of gangrene at Versailles. His reign had lasted 72 years, longer than that of … Palacefrom 9:00 am to 5:30 pmclosed on Mondays, Estate of Trianonfrom 12:00 pm to 5:30 pmclosed on Mondays, Coach Galleryfrom 12:30 pm to 5:30 pmclosed on Mondays, + 33 1 30 83 78 00price of a call to France, © Château de Versailles, Dist. The task of building and decorating the ultimate royal residence was entrusted to artists such as André Le Nôtre, Louis Le Vau, Charles Le Brun and Jules Hardouin-Mansart. While his mother ruled as regent and Mazarin busied himself with the young king’s political training, a civil conflict known as the Fronde broke out (1648-1653). There is a scarcely perceptible transition between the reign of Louis XIV. With George Blagden, Alexander Vlahos, Tygh Runyan, Stuart Bowman. He would never forget this experience. He also loved hunting, promenades, fencing, shows and parlour games, and was a great fan of billiards. The child king felt humiliated by the arrogance of the great lords and physically threatened in the capital. The app includes the audioguide tour of the Palace and an interactive map of the Estate. During these difficult times, the Palace needs your support more than ever. Louis XIV, the Palace of Versailles, absolute monarchy… Why don’t we take a closer look at the emergence of the nation state in early modern France? Louis XIV continues to embody the Grand Siècle, synonymous with the splendour of Versailles and the glory of France. The King cultivated a broad variety of interests and excelled in numerous fields, such as music (he played the guitar), dance (performing in ballets), and horse-riding (Louis XIV was an excellent rider). Take part in the history of the palace of Versailles by supporting a project that suits you: adopt a linden tree, contribute to the missions of the Palace or participate in the refurnishing of the royal apartments. He applied a strict etiquette at court, a set of rules and protocols by which his noble courtiers were obliged to abide. In 1678 work began on the Hall of Mirrors, the most potent symbol of the King’s absolute power. 1688 – The Grand Trianon of Louis XIV. Louis XIV, also popularly known as the Sun King (5 September 1638–1 September 1715) was the King of France and King of Navarre from 14 May 1643 until his death. Intimidating, majestic, kept informed by an army of spies, the king controlled everything. Episode 9 With enough room to house the whole court, the Palace and its surrounding buildings rapidly became symbols of an age when the nobility were prepared to go to any lengths to be close to the King, who respected the royal tradition whereby the monarch had to be accessible to his courtiers. The reign of Louis XIV is often referred to as “Le Grand Siècle” (the Great Century), forever associated with the image of an absolute monarch and a strong, centralised state. During these difficult times, the Palace needs your support more than ever. Louis XIV by Hyacinthe Rigaud (1701). Palacefrom 9:00 am to 5:30 pmclosed on Mondays, Estate of Trianonfrom 12:00 pm to 5:30 pmclosed on Mondays, Coach Galleryfrom 12:30 pm to 5:30 pmclosed on Mondays, + 33 1 30 83 78 00price of a call to France, © Château de Versailles, Dist. Acclaimed as “Louis the God-given”, arriving as he did after a 23-year wait for an heir, Louis XIV was born in Saint-Germain-en-Laye in 1638. But drained budget, … The Germans have no choice. Created by Simon Mirren, David Wolstencroft. Investi très jeune dans ses fonctions, éduqué par le cardinal Mazarin, le Roi-Soleil incarne les principes de l’absolutisme. Discover the history of the Palace of Versailles and its characters in this illustrated video for young and old alike ! Louis XIV's France was emblematic of the age of absolutism in Europe. In 1682 he moved the royal Court to the Palace of Versailles, the defining symbol of his power and influence in Europe. During his coronation, Louis XIV swore to defend the Catholic faith. As sovereign by divine right, the King was God’s representative on earth. In 1678 work began on the Hall of Mirrors, the most potent symbol of the King’s absolute power. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. With Louvois he reformed the army and enjoyed a string of military victories. Under the sovereign’s watchful eye, the nobility could no longer plot against the throne; the great lords were kept in their place in the army or at court, eager to serve and please the King. Under the sovereign’s watchful eye, the nobility could no longer plot against the throne; the great lords were kept in their place in the army or at court, eager to serve and please the King. Acclaimed as “Louis the God-given”, arriving as he did after a 23-year wait for an heir, Louis XIV was born in Saint-Germain-en-Laye in 1638. Only the eldest, Louis de France, known as Le Grand Dauphin, would survive to adulthood. The day after Cardinal Mazarin's death, Louis XIV, at the age of twenty three, expressed his determination to be a real king and the sole ruler of France: ... Louis created a grand and majestic spectacle at the court of Versailles (see Daily Life at the Court of Versailles later in the chapter). During his coronation, Louis XIV swore to defend the Catholic faith. He surrounded himself with the leading artists and writers of his day, including Molière, Lully and Racine. This was the longest recorded rule of any European monarch.He is often seen as the typical example of absolutism.He was the older of two brothers the other being Philippe. He also loved hunting, promenades, fencing, shows and parlour games, and was a great fan of billiards. RMN / © Jean-Marc Manaï, Musical Fountains Shows and Musical Gardens, Research centre of the Palace of Versailles. The royal couple had six children. Life at CourtFrom 1654 to 1715Reign of Louis XIV, Ses traces à VersaillesThe King's state apartmentsThe Gardens. ... Louis returns to Versailles with newfound purity of purpose, and Philippe is surprised at his feelings for Palatine when she shows signs of poisoning. He was buried in the Saint-Denis Basilica, and the throne passed to his great-grandson Louis XV, aged five. At the start of his reign, before turning to more political allegories, Louis XIV chose the sun as his personal emblem. While his mother ruled as regent and Mazarin busied himself with the young king’s political training, a civil conflict known as the Fronde broke out (1648-1653). The losers are summoned only to sign the peace treaty in the Hall of Mirrors. Louis XIV was born on September 5, 1638, in Saint-Germaine-en-Laye, France. It can be used without an Internet connection. She was the last in a series of official mistresses which had included Mademoiselle de La Vallière and Madame de Montespan, with whom he had several legitimated children. As of 1661, he started reforming France. The previous policy of religious tolerance was abandoned with the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685. Louis XIV (1638–1715), known as Louis the Great or the Sun King, was a monarch of the House of Bourbon who ruled as King of France from 1643 until his death in 1715. Coming to the throne at a tender age, tutored by Cardinal Mazarin, the Sun King embodied the principles of absolutism. The task of building and decorating the ultimate royal residence was entrusted to artists such as André Le Nôtre, Louis Le Vau, Charles Le Brun and Jules Hardouin-Mansart. With the help of Colbert, he oversaw the administrative and financial reorganisation of his realm, and also set up manufactures and worked to boost trade. At the start of his reign, before turning to more political allegories, Louis XIV chose the sun as his personal emblem. With the help of Colbert, he oversaw the administrative and financial reorganisation of his realm, and also set up manufactures and worked to boost trade. Intimidating, majestic, kept informed by an army of spies, the king controlled everything. Life at CourtFrom 1654 to 1715Reign of Louis XIV, Ses traces à VersaillesThe King's state apartmentsThe Gardens. Palace of Versailles can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. The King cultivated a broad variety of interests and excelled in numerous fields, such as music (he played the guitar), dance (performing in ballets), and horse-riding (Louis XIV was an excellent rider). Coming to the throne at a tender age, tutored by Cardinal Mazarin, the Sun King embodied the principles of absolutism. Discover more on this Foundation. At the Palace of Versailles he staged the finest comedies, operas and tragedies and organised spectacular parties. Through our new partnership with the French American Cultural Foundation, American citizens can easily support the Palace of Versailles. Originating as a dispute between the monarchy and the Parlement de Paris, the rebellion subsequently spread to the aristocracy. NARRATOR: For several months, the delegates remain in Versailles, the legendary palace of King Louis XIV. In 1682 he moved the royal Court to the Palace of Versailles, the defining symbol of He became king in 1643. See all 168 Palace of Versailles tickets and tours on Tripadvisor During this time he brought absolute monarchy to its height, established a glittering court at Versailles, and fought most of the other European countries in four wars. He was buried in the Saint-Denis Basilica, and the throne passed to his great-grandson Louis XV, aged five. The reign of Louis XIV is often referred to as “Le Grand Siècle” (the Great Century), forever associated with the image of an absolute monarch and a strong, centralised state. In 1682 he moved the royal Court to the Palace of Versailles, the defining symbol of his power and influence in Europe. 1675 – The large-scale landscaping of André Le Nôtre. Mme. After 72 years on the throne, Louis XIV died on 1 September 1715. To honour this pledge and preserve the religious unity of his kingdom, he cracked down on the Jansenists of Port-Royal and ordered the persecution of Protestants. Discover more on this Foundation. The reign of Louis XIV is often referred to as “Le Grand Siècle” (the Great Century), forever associated with the image of an absolute monarch and a strong, centralised state. The Palace of Versailles is replete with representations and allegorical allusions to the sun god (laurel wreathes, lyres, tripods) combined with royal portraits and emblems. The visits of Louis XIV becoming more frequent, he enlarged the château by degrees till its immense buildings afforded better accommodation for the Court than was to be found at St. Germain, where most of the courtiers had to put up with uncomfortable lodgings in the town. Through our new partnership with the French American Cultural Foundation, American citizens can easily support the Palace of Versailles. 1664 – The Royal Menagerie built by Le Vau. 1682 – Installation of the court in Versailles. Louis XIV (Louis Dieudonné; 5 September 1638 – 1 September 1715), known as Louis the Great (Louis le Grand) or the Sun King (le Roi Soleil), was King of France from 14 May 1643 until his death in 1715. He would never forget this experience. Discover the history of the Palace of Versailles and its characters in this illustrated video for young and old alike ! He was responsible for moving the center of French government to the Palace of Versailles in 1682. It is in this respect that his power was “absolute”, which in Latin means literally ‘free of all restraints’: the king was answerable to no one but God.