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The spectacular 70-m (233-ft) long Galerie des Glaces (Hall of Mirrors) is one of the few rooms at Versailles that can be visited without a guide. It was in this room that the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919, to formally end World War I. Renovation is scheduled for 2007.

The Royal Chapel is regarded as one of the finest Baroque buildings in the country. Finished in 1710, the elegant, white marble Corinthian columns and numerous murals make for an awe-inspiring place of prayer.

In this elaborate room decorated mainly in marble, a statue of Louis XIV, the creator of Versailles, stands centre stage, exuding regal splendour beneath the fine painted ceiling.

In this ornate room filled with white-and-gold woodwork, the queens of France gave birth to their children in public view: 19 royal infants were born here.

Approaching the front of the palace across the vast open courtyard, visitors finally come to the splendour of the black-and-white marble courtyard. This is the original area of the palace, before the north and south wings were added.

The stunningly opulent opera house was built in 1770, to be ready in time for the marriage of the dauphin , the future Louis XVI, to Marie-Antoinette. The floors were designed so that they could be raised to stage level during special festivals.

In the southeast corner of the gardens stands the Grand Trianon, a miniature palace built by Louis XIV to enable him to retreat from royal duties and enjoy a little private female company.

The palace gardens are scattered with walkways, landscaped topiary, fountains, pools, statues and the Orangery, where exotic plants were kept in the winter. The magnificent Fountain of Neptune is to the north of the North Wing.

Louis XIV’s throne room is, naturally, one of the palace’s centrepieces, and features a suitably regal portrait of the 18th-century king. Dedicated to the god Apollo, it reflects the divine way in which the French monarchy saw themselves.

The magnificent stables have been restored and they now house the famous Zingaro equine training academy.