The Château de Versailles is without doubt one of the jewels of Parisian heritage. We love to go there for its magnificent gardens, and to explore its various rooms… But if there’s one secret place that few people know about, it’s the chapel. Usually closed to visitors, the chapel will be open all summer. And believe us, it’s well worth a visit!
The Royal Chapel at the Château de Versailles opens exceptionally this summer
One of the treasures of Versailles… The Chapelle Royale was the Sun King’s last major building project. Like a pious wish before he drew his last breath, it rises to a height of 40 meters, far surpassing the surrounding buildings and testifying to the king’s power. It took 23 years to build before the king himself was able to worship here.
This superb palatine church was the scene of all the important religious ceremonies: weddings, baptisms, and the great religious festivals that the king honored with his presence. In many ways, this unusual chapel is often compared to the Sainte-Chapelle on the Ile de la Cité, for its spectacular architectural style.
Outside, you’ll notice no fewer than thirty statues of Christian figures decorating the chapel’s central pediment and balustrade. In the time of the Sun King, the roof was covered in gold leaf, and sparkled throughout the estate.
Inside, your eyes will be dazzled by the beauty of the surroundings. The vaulted ceiling, designed by artist Antoine Coypel, is entirely covered with a fresco dedicated to the Holy Trinity. Other impressive frescoes depicting the resurrection of Christ or the descent of the Holy Spirit can be admired above the royal gallery or in the apse.
Another remarkable feature of the chapel is its monumental organ, adorned with gold leaf and a magnificent scene depicting King David in relief. It has to be said that acoustics were one of the points that demanded the most attention from the architects, who worked tirelessly to provide these premises (and the King’s ears) with one of the most beautiful sounds in Europe. Conceived by Clicquot, it already accompanied the most important religious ceremonies. Even today, its melodious music resonates throughout the chapel, 300 years on, thanks to some forty lyric concerts given throughout the year.
All summer long, from July 8 to September 30, come and take a guided tour of the lower part of the Royal Chapel, and discover all its secrets. A rare opportunity to discover one of the masterpieces of the Château de Versailles.