The Palace of Versailles

Offering a personal tour of France's historic Palace of Versailles, featuring insights from historian-guides who know the full history of the complex's magnificent structures, filmmaker Jacques Vichet's documentary describes how a hunting lodge built by Louis XIII in the early 16th century was eventually expanded to become the elaborate royal home and seat of government until the French Revolution. After Louis XIII's successor, the infamous Louis XIV, decided to shift his court and home to Versailles—leaving Paris, while also concentrating power in one locale so as to undercut the influence of the nobility—lodgings were added to the estate, as well as the famed Hall of Mirrors, and the Royal Chapel. One of the guides explains the various architectural innovations, including the establishment of the Hall of Mirrors as the central point of the residence—a gathering place for men and women after a long night of strict segregation of the sexes. Other intriguing details include the fact that one of the apartments was full of silver objects, and so many candles burned that a visitor could pass from one room to the next without seeing a shadow. Of course, a look at the extraordinary collection of art at Versailles is also included. The palace—or the Château de Versailles, as the French call it—was built to impress the king's visitors, and it continues to do so today. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (T. Keogh)