Series two of the BBC’s sumptuous period drama ‘Versailles’ started on our screens last week, with episode two due to be shown this Friday 28th April 2017. 

Fans of the show will have seen a glimpse of the shining splendour of the Palace of Versailles and its gardens, both of which form the opulent backdrop to the show, and find it hard to imagine living in such surroundings. Now, viewers (and those who are new to the show) can experience what it was like to live in the era of King Louis XIV for themselves as part of a luxury river cruise along the river Seine. 

Amadeus River Cruises’ unique collection of river cruises and enriching cultural experiences includes an eye-opening excursion to the Palace of Versailles – the once residence of French Kings Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI from 1682 until the French Revolution in 1789.

Originally a small hunting lodge, the palace was extended to its current size by the ‘Sun King’ Louis XIV and is now one of Europe’s largest palaces. It was built by a string of celebrated architects, landscape artists, painters and decorators – making it one of the most costly and extravagant buildings in the world and an expression of Louis XIV’s absolute power.

Guests travelling with Amadeus River Cruises can enjoy a guided excursion of the palace, including an exploration of the grand private apartments of the king and queen, as well as the famous ‘Hall of Mirrors’, where they will learn all about the transformation of this simple countryside chateau into a grand palace.