The Local France

Versailles Palace to finally receive delivery... 400 years after losing its marble

Wed, 20 Feb 2019 16:26:47 +0100

A misplaced block of red marble ordered by France's former royal residence in the 17th century has been found in a quarry on the other side of the country, more than 400 years later. And it's finally on it's way to the customer.

Ex-Renault CEO Ghosn ready to pay Versailles wedding bill: lawyer

Sat, 09 Feb 2019 10:27:12 +0100

Detained former Renault boss Carlos Ghosn "stands ready" to repay a 50,000-euro ($57,000) bill for his wedding party at the Palace of Versailles, which was waived under a sponsorship deal with the French carmaker, his lawyer said Friday.

Putin, Macron to air tough issues at Versailles meet

Sat, 27 May 2017 10:42:47 +0200

France's new President Emmanuel Macron will hold delicate talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Monday with the two countries harbouring longstanding differences over Ukraine and Syria.

France retains crown as world's top tourist destination

Fri, 10 Feb 2017 16:16:43 +0100

More tourists still flock to France than any other country in the world, despite the repeated efforts of jihadists to scare them away, the French government revealed on Friday.

Stunning video captures first look at Versailles from the sky

Fri, 23 Sep 2016 11:29:07 +0200

Versailles has released what it says is the first ever aerial look at the town and its historic palace. Check it out for yourself.

Treasures of Versailles to go on display in Australia

Mon, 18 Jul 2016 14:55:27 +0200

Riches from the Palace of Versailles including a harp belonging to Marie Antoinette will travel to Australia, the country's national gallery said Monday, as part of a display never seen outside France.

Palace of Versailles gets giant waterfall to 'hold up the sky'

Tue, 07 Jun 2016 15:18:03 +0200

Danish artist Olafur Eliasson has installed a giant waterfall that cascades into the Grand Canal of the royal gardens at the Palace of Versailles outside of Paris.

IN PICS: Commuter trains in Paris get royal makeover

Thu, 19 May 2016 17:51:27 +0200

An art project sees Paris's RER trains transformed into replicas of the Palace of Versailles, so you can travel (almost) like a king.

Prude Brits left red faced over French 'porno' TV drama

Mon, 14 Mar 2016 17:22:52 +0100

Steamy French period drama is arousing the anger of the prude Brits and the French are enjoying mocking their "conservative" neighbours.

Limited Palace of Versailles perfume goes on sale for €550

Wed, 17 Feb 2016 10:42:19 +0100

The palace of Versailles is launching a limited edition perfume, with the profits going towards the renovation of the luxurious palace. It goes on sale on Wednesday.

Graffiti to be removed from 'queen's vagina'

Fri, 18 Sep 2015 15:11:40 +0200

Anti-Semitic graffiti scrawled on a controversial sculpture by Anish Kapoor at the Palace of Versailles in France will be removed under the supervision of the artist, authorities said Friday.

Versailles: Vandals target 'Queen's vagina' again

Mon, 07 Sep 2015 11:10:53 +0200

A controversial sculpture, known as the "queen's vagina", that is on display at the Palace of Versailles, was vandalised on Sunday for the second time. The French president condemned the anti-Semitic graffiti scrawled all over the installation.

Palace of Versailles could soon open a hotel

Mon, 17 Aug 2015 12:12:44 +0200

How would you like to spend the night as a French king in Versailles? This dream may soon be possible as the Palace of Versailles considers turning some of its mansions into a luxury hotel.

Artist's fury as Versailles 'vagina' vandalised

Thu, 18 Jun 2015 11:45:11 +0200

UPDATED: The British-Indian artist behind the controversial "Queen's Vagina" sculpture at Versailles has blasted an "intolerance towards art in France", after the installation was vandalised.

English reigns in French TV series 'Versailles'

Thu, 05 Mar 2015 09:49:00 +0100

The makers of what will be France's most-expensive TV series ever, "Versailles" have succumbed to the domination of the English language in the global TV industry, meaning the French King will in fact be British.

Louvre and Versailles to open seven days a week

Wed, 01 Oct 2014 17:07:00 +0200

Three of France's most famous museums and art galleries - the Louvre, the Palace of Versailles and the Musee d'Orsay - will soon be open seven days a week, the government revealed on Wednesday. Many visitors may be surprised they aren't already open all week-round.

Wedding crasher at Versailles Palace

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 11:00:00 +0200

An angry wedding chauffeur took his rage out on the ornate gates of the historic Chateau de Versailles after he was told he could not drive the bride and groom in for some scenic photographs.

For a royal film shoot, book Versailles -- where else?

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 07:45:00 +0100

The Chateau de Versailles, the backdrop to "Farewell My Queen" which opened the Berlin film festival Thursday, has long welcomed filmmakers into its grounds, provided they behave themselves.