The Story of Marie Antoinette and the Palace of Versailles

The Gilded Room

Originally, the Gilded Room was built for Marie Leszczyńska, Marie Antoinette’s predecessor, but upon coming to power, Marie Antoinette inherited it and made several modifications. Where there was once silk hanging from the walls, the new queen had wood panelling installed with decoration dating back to antiquity.

The Méridienne Room

The word méridienne translates to nap, or siesta, and the room was designated as the queen’s chambers of slumber for the afternoon. It was designed accordingly too, with its irregular walls allowing those in her service to pass through without disturbing her or attracting much attention to themselves. The references engraved into the walls celebrate their child, the royal couple, and their love.

The Library

An avid reader, Marie Antoinette had a large collection of books that were moved to the Palace during her reign. It was fitted with a pioneering system that allowed shelves to be adjusted in height. And as the queen’s book collection began to grow, so the library required an extension.

The Billiard Room

At her request, Marie Antoinette also had other rooms that mimicked her personality and were left to her disposal throughout the palace. One such was the Billiard Room, which was furnished with the finest silks and sofas, completely elaborate and intricately detailed.

The Petit Trianon Apartment

The queen also had an apartment built for herself in the Petit Trianon—a chateau on Versailles’ grounds—that served as a retreat. It was furnished ornately, with remarkable details ingrained into the walls.