Monday, July 09, 2018

Mirror, mirror

One of the most amazing rooms in the Château de Versailles is la galerie des Glaces (Hall of Mirrors). It runs nearly the entire width of the central wing of the château, its windows looking west over the park and the Grand Canal. On the eastern wall, the arched floor-to-ceiling windows are replicated with mirrors instead of glass, providing an abundance of light and a feeling of transparency to the room.

Looking north to south, the mirrored wall is on the left.

You may recall from your history lessons that the galerie des Glaces was the setting for the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, at the end of the first World War. Being among the most popular of rooms, visitors to the château enjoy lingering there and taking photographs. For those of us not privileged enough for a private visit, we have to expect a lot of people in our shots of the space. Still, the size of the room allowed the crowd to spread out a little, so that was nice.

Looking back toward the north, the mirrored wall is on the right. The people who look like they're on the phone are listening to an audio description of what they're seeing.

The room underwent a comprehensive renovation between 2004 and 2007 and it shows. Statuary and ceiling paintings were cleaned and restored, the parquet floor was entirely replaced, and the chandeliers were cleaned and updated with bulbs that resemble candle flames, among other restorations. I read that most of the mirrors in the hall date from the time of its construction (1678-1684). Many had been replaced with bad copies in the 19th century, but those were removed in the latest renovation.


  1. Incredible even with all the people. I want a private tour! Or to visit at the quietest time of year.

  2. That new floor is a big change, the old one was much darker.

  3. Well, that's certainly the room we see so often! Great shots.

  4. mitch, if you wrangle a private tour, take me along!

    evelyn, yes, the new floor is so smooth that it would be fun to slide on it in stocking feet!

    judy, thanks. Imagine how many photos of this room exist in the world!


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