The
Castle of Versailles, which has been on UNESCO�s World Heritage List for 30 years, is one of the most beautiful achievements of 18th-century French art. The site began as Louis XIII�s hunting lodge before his son Louis XIV transformed and expanded it, moving the court and government of France to the
Castle of Versailles in 1682. Each of the three French kings who lived there until the French Revolution added improvements to make it more beautiful.
From the central window of the Hall of mirrors the visitor can look down on the amazing view of the gardens that leads the eye from the Water Parterre to the horizon. This original vista, which preceded the reign of Louis XIV, was developed and extended by the gardener Andr� Le N�tre by widening the Royal Path and digging the Grand Canal. This vast view stretches from the fa�ade of the
Castle of Versailles to the railings of the park.