Versailles: Place d'Armes, the Grand and Lesser Stables

When the Chateau of Versailles became the official residence, Jules Hardouin-Mansart built twin edifices designed to house not only the king's 600 horses, but also equerries, grooms, musicians, and pages. These buildings are remarkable for their size, the nobility of their architecture, and the quality of their decorative carving. Standing opposite the chateau, they harmoniously frame the broad square known as the Place d'Armes.\u000a\u000aTown and ch\u00E2teau in France, 20 km south-west of Paris. A hunting-lodge built for King Louis XIII in 1623 was rebuilt with extensive gardens from 1631. Under King Louis XIV it became the main royal residence and the seat of the French government from 1682. The ch\u00E2teau was enlarged in two main phases, first by Louis Le Vau from 1668, then, from 1678, by Jules Hardouin Mansart. The interior decorations were carried out under the supervision of the Premier Peintre du Roi, Charles Le Brun. Versailles was also the meeting place of States-General in 1783; scene of several treaty signings; German headquarters 1870-1871; and seat of French government 1871-1879. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site (named Palace and Park of Versailles).