As you will study, Louis XIV, whose nickname was the "Sun King," became the symbol of European absolutism during the 17th and 18th centuries. On May 6, 1682, King Louis officially moved his royal court from the French capital, Paris, to the Palace of Versailles on the outskirts of Paris. The magnificent court of Louis XIV soon became the envy of all of his contemporaries. You are now going to take a virtual tour of the Palace of Versailles, but before you begin, here's a glimpse of what you'll see. Below is a picture of one of the most famous rooms in the Palace, the Hall of Mirrors. In fact, you will see the Hall of Mirrors several more times during this course. Hint, the treaty that ended the First World War was signed in this room. That's important for a number of reasons you will find out.

Watch the video below to learn more about King Louis XIV and Versailles.

Open King Louis XIV and Versailles in a new tab

Watch the video below to learn more about King Louis XIV's Reign.

Open Louis XIV's Reign in a new tab

Now you're going to tour the Palace of the "Sun King." Go to Chateau Versailles: The King's Apartments. Scroll through the page, scanning the information and examining the pictures. Carefully analyze each room, and as you complete your tour of Versailles, consider what it cost the government of France to build and maintain such a luxurious lifestyle at court. After you finish the King's Apratments, visit the other Versailles links, again examining and analyzing each room.

• The Battles Gallery
• The Royal Chapel
• Mesdames' Apartments
• The Royal Opera House
• Marie-Antoinette's Private Chambers
• The King's Private Apartments
• The Mistresses' Apartments
• The Dauphin and the Dauphine's Apartments

Remember to take good notes as you tour because this material will be included in your Unit 3 Test.