CHÂTEAU DE VERSAILLES SPECTACLES An exceptional events programme continues the tradition of sumptuous court festivities at the time of the Sun King. Throughout the year, major artists perform on the stage of the Royal Opera House. In summer, the Musical Fountains Show (during the day or at night with a fireworks display) create a wonderful spectacle in the French-style garden — a mas- terwork designed by Le Nôtre. In May and June, the Versailles Festival includes big firework displays, costumed parties and open-air con- PALACE certs. Exhibitions of contemporary art are reg- ularly organized in various areas of the estate. OF VERSAILLES Tickets, information and bookings: 01 30 83 78 89, Mon to Fri 11am-6pm (closed public holidays). www.chateauversailles-spectacles.fr A Royal day out at Versailles! The golden gates at the entrance set the scene. You 6CHÂTEAU DE MAISONS begin by exploring the Palace: Hall of Mir- Situated on the edge of the forest of Saint- rors, the State apartments … The grounds, Germain-en-Laye, this chateau built by designed by André Le Nôtre, are a master- François Mansart in the 17th century is a piece of symmetry where the art of per- model of classical French architecture. The spective has achieved perfection. Here, elegant decor reaches its zenith in the Cab- you can stroll at your leisure through the inet aux Miroirs, where the marquetry floor is many groves, admiring ornamental ponds, inlaid with gold and pewter. It was to be the fountains and statues. Enter into the private inspiration for Versailles and Vaux-le-Vicomte. world of kings and queens with a visit to the 2 av. Carnot. 78600 Maisons-Laffitte. Grand and Petit Trianon, the theatre, with its 01 39 62 01 49. Daily, except Tues, 1 Jan, original machinery dating back to 1780, and 1 May, 1 Nov, 11 Nov and 25 Dec. 16 May to the Queen’s Hamlet, which still echoes with 15 Sept: 10am-12.30pm and 2pm-6pm (5pm the memory of Queen Marie- Antoinette. from 16 Sept to 15 May). Full rate: €8. And why not round off your visit at the www.chateau-maisons.fr Royal Stables (built by the architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart) opposite the Palace. 7VILLA SAVOYE Place d’Armes. 78000 Versailles. Baptized ‘The Bright Hours’, this villa is Le Cor- RER C Versailles Château – Rive Gauche. busier’s major work. The design incorporates 01 30 83 78 00. Passport (Palace + Domaine the five fundamental points of his architec- de Trianon + temporary exhibitions + gardens ture, of which this villa is an example: the and park + Galerie des Carrosses)/full rate: €20 pilotis,the rooftop terrace, the horizontal (€27 on ‘Musical Fountains Show’ or ‘Musical windows, the free plan and the free facade. Gardens’ days). www.chateauversailles.fr 82 rue de Villiers. 78300 Poissy. • PALACE: 01 39 65 01 06. Daily, except Mon, 1 May, Daily, except Mon, 1 Jan, 1 May and 25 Dec. 1 Nov, 11 Nov and from 25 Dec to 1 Jan. May to Apr to Oct: 9am-6.30pm. Nov to March: 9am- Aug: 10am-6pm. Sept to Apr: 10am-5pm. 5.30pm. Full rate: €18 (including audio guide Full rate: €8. www.villa-savoye.fr and temporary exhibitions). • DOMAINE DE TRIANON: Daily, except Mon, 1 Jan, 1 May and 25 Dec. Apr to Oct: 12 noon-6.30pm. Nov to March: 12 noon-5.30pm. Full rate: €12. • GARDENS AND PARK: Daily. Apr to Oct: 7am/8am-8.30pm. Nov to March: 8am-6pm. OUTSIDE PARIS | 83