Last rags on the majestic chandeliers of the Hall of Mirrors, last passages of vacuum cleaner on the impressive gilding or last cuts of pruning shears in the gardens of the Grand Trianon… Less than three days before the reopening to the public of the Palace of Versailles, the atmosphere was studious in the residence of the Sun King. Studious, and unusually calm. From this Saturday June 6, visitors will once again be able to walk the paths of the Château and its gardens.
1. The long alley that leads to the castle remained abnormally empty (or almost) for 82 days.
2. This almost unprecedented period of closure has allowed the château to get a makeover.
3. The Hall of Mirrors, for example, could be completely dusted.
4. A first since… 2007.
5. When reopening, the mask will be compulsory and a single direction of visit has been set up for the free route.
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6. Anachronistic cloakroom…
7.Scaffolding has been erected all over the castle, in order to reach every corner.
8. In 2019, Versailles welcomed 8 million visitors, 80% of whom were foreign tourists.
9. At the reopening, the crowds will therefore be much lower than in normal times.
10. From June 6, Jean-Pierre Bianchin, head fountain maker, will be able to reopen the fountain valves using his lyre key.
11. And the famous Great Waters of Versailles will spring again.
12. Like here, in the ballroom grove.
13. A little further, the flowerbeds of the Grand Trianon are also preparing for D-Day.
14. The gardeners of Versailles have concocted an original African flowerbed with 200 species of plants.
15. Little by little, Versailles and its gigantic park will come back to life.
