This summer, the echoes of galloping hooves and roaring cheers will once again fill the air of Versailles. As the 2024 Paris Olympics bring equestrian events to the palace’s historic royal stables, the grandeur of Versailles finds a perfect match in the elegance of this sport. Yet, while today it stands as a jewel in France’s crown, Versailles was once a symbol of royal supremacy that left Paris in the shadows.

Fleeing Paris, Building Versailles

Paris—the heart of France, the pride of Europe. But for Louis XIV, the most powerful king in French history, Paris was a city to be escaped, rather than embraced. His lifelong departure from the capital was not only a personal choice but a political masterpiece that led to the creation of Versailles.

The Sun King’s childhood was anything but bright. Following the death of his father, young Louis and his mother found themselves at the mercy of Parisian mobs, rebellious nobles, and treacherous ministers. Twice, he was forced to flee the city in disgrace, hiding from those who sought to control him. When he finally returned, Paris repaid him with humiliation—the city gates were shut in his face.

Louis XIV never forgot. Once he secured his rule, he repaid the capital’s defiance with calculated vengeance. He demolished its medieval walls, replacing them with wide boulevards that left the city vulnerable to future uprisings. He erected a statue of himself in the city center, symbolically trampling over the flames of rebellion. And, most significantly, he stripped Paris of its role as France’s political center—by creating a new capital, one built entirely around himself.

Versailles: The Sun King’s Stage

Before Louis XIV set his eyes on it, Versailles was an unremarkable village, home to a handful of blacksmiths, bakers, and merchants. But once the king made it his project, thousands of laborers arrived, transforming the humble hamlet into a construction site of unprecedented ambition. Over five decades, Versailles swallowed up fortunes, consumed lifetimes of work, and left an indelible mark on France’s landscape.

At its heart stood the Hall of Mirrors—a breathtaking gallery where 17 massive mirrors faced 17 grand windows, flooding the space with light. Mirrors were a luxury in the 17th century, their production dominated by Venetian artisans. Rather than relying on imports, France simply built its own glass industry, birthing the now-famous Saint-Gobain company. The Hall of Mirrors was not merely a marvel of architecture; it was a declaration of French dominance.

Beyond the palace lay Versailles’ meticulously designed gardens, which Louis XIV adored like a personal masterpiece. He even wrote a guidebook on how to properly tour them, revising it six times. As his health declined, the king had a custom-made wheelchair built so he could continue strolling through his beloved groves.

Versailles: A Golden Cage for Nobles

Versailles was not just a royal residence—it was a trap. By inviting (or rather, summoning) France’s nobles to live in his palace, Louis XIV ensured they were too busy competing for his favor to plot against him. The extravagant lifestyle he encouraged—lavish balls, excessive gambling, and elaborate wardrobes—kept them financially crippled and utterly dependent on his generosity.

The daily life at Versailles was as much a political strategy as it was a theatrical performance. The king’s schedule was public knowledge, down to the minute. His morning routine alone was divided into multiple ceremonies, each attended by different ranks of courtiers. The greatest privilege? Holding his shirt as he dressed. Even the simple act of lighting his way to bed became a coveted honor. By turning ordinary tasks into royal rituals, Louis XIV ensured his nobles remained obsessed with gaining his attention, rather than power.

The Rise and Fall of Versailles

For decades, Versailles eclipsed Paris in importance. But no glory lasts forever. By the time Louis XIV’s great-grandson, Louis XVI, inherited the throne, the grandeur of Versailles had become a gilded cage, detached from the struggles of the common people. The revolution was brewing, and when it finally exploded in 1789, Versailles bore witness to its opening acts.

Today, Versailles no longer dictates the fate of France, but its legacy endures. As the Olympic Games return life to its historic halls, the palace once again becomes a stage—not for kings and courtiers, but for athletes and spectators. This summer, as horses and riders compete beneath its gilded ceilings, Versailles will relive its former splendor, if only for a moment.