Page 30 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Paris

28  INTRODUCING P ARIS

The Sun King’s Paris

The 17th century in France, which became known as Le Grand
Siècle (the great century), is epitomized by the glittering
extravagance of Louis XIV (the Sun King) and his court at Versailles.
In Paris, imposing buildings, squares, theatres and aristocratic
hôtels (mansions) were built. Beneath this brilliant surface lay the
absolute power of the monarch. By the end of Louis’ reign, the cost
of his extravagance and of waging almost continuous war with Extent of the City
France’s neighbours led to a decline in the monarchy. 1657 Today
The mansard roof, with its slopes at An open staircase rose
both sides and both ends, came to from the internal courtyard.
typify French roofs of this period.
Cross section of the
living quarters

The Gardens of Versailles
Louis XIV devoted a lot of time to
the gardens, which were designed
by André Le Nôtre.

The ground floor contained
Louis XIV as Jupiter the servants’ quarters.
On ascending the throne in
1661, Louis, depicted here as
Jupiter triumphant, ended the
civil wars that had been raging
since his childhood.
Chest of Drawers
This gilded piece was made by
André-Charles Boulle for the
Grand Trianon at Versailles.

1610 Louis Louis XIII 1622 Paris becomes Cardinal Mazarin 1643 Death of 1661 Louis XIV becomes
XIII’s accession an episcopal see Louis XIII. absolute monarch.
marks the 1631 Launch Regency under Enlargement of Château
start of Le 1624 Completion of La Gazette, control of Marie de Versailles begins
Grand Siècle of Tuileries Palace Paris’s first de Médicis and
newspaper Cardinal Mazarin
1610 1620 1630 1640 1650 1660
1629 Richelieu, Louis
1614 Final meeting of the XIII’s first minister, 1638 Birth of 1662 Colbert, Louis XIV’s
Estates Council (the main builds Palais-Royal Louis XIV finance minister, founds
legislative assembly) Gobelins tapestry works
before the Revolution 1627 Development
of the Ile St-Louis Weaving frame

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