The Sun King's palace and endless gardens
Versailles began as a hunting lodge and became the most extravagant palace in Europe, the seat of French royal power until the Revolution. Inside, the Hall of Mirrors and the state apartments show the Sun King's taste for gold and glass. Outside, the gardens designed by André Le Nôtre stretch in perfect geometry to the Grand Canal, with the Trianon palaces and Marie Antoinette's hamlet further out. Arrive early, allow a full day, and rent a bike or boat to cover the grounds.