Versailles in Paris

Versailles is a city in France situated to the western side of the Paris city and at a very close distance of just 17.1 kilometers from the heart of the Paris city. This has a better status in France being the judicial and administrative capital of the country. This is pronounced as Versaj in French. The city has found gradual decrease in population as per the latest data of 2005 when compared with 1975 data, i.e. 86,400 people from 94,145 respectively. Versailles which had remained always as the De Facto capital of the France Kingdom is still a very wealthy city.

Palace of Versailles has brought the city world wide recognition. The name Versailles is said to have derived from the Latin name versare which means ‘to keep turning over’ which relates to the agriculture lands, where the lands will be ploughed and turned over. Versailles city was called by new name “cradle of Liberty” (Berceau-de-la-liberte) in French revolution. The First name Versailles is found in a document of 1038 A.D. in medieval times.

The city is recognized as the capital of the kingdom from medieval times official or unofficial. First, King Louis XIV transferred the government and the court to the Versailles in 1682 till his death and next King Louis XV maintained it and the King Louis XVI was forced by the people of Paris to transfer capital to Paris and Paris was made the capital back and the Palace of Louvre was made the Royal palace. But still the functions of the government were conducted officially from Versailles and The Versailles remained the original capital of the France Kingdom. Like this Versailles has remained as the seat of power and rule.

Religiously Versailles has been the Roman Catholic Diocese seat since 1790 who remains subordinate to the archdiocese of Paris. City was given the seat of Court Of Appeal in 1975 covering the western suburb Jurisdictions of Paris. Also it’s been the Educational center of France being the seat for the National education Ministry that covers 30 Districts of the country. It has its importance in defense, having the military camp at Satory and many institutions maintaining the tradition of the monarchy.

The City has altitude of 425 feet to 460 feet above the sea level which is four times greater than the Altitude of Paris which is 108 feet from sea level. Versailles has less area compared with Paris, has area of 10.11 square miles i.e. quarter of Paris. Versailles is a well planned city with systematic roads and to the 18th century standards. During the 18th century Versailles was the much modernized city of the European continent. Pierre Charles L’Enfant the builder of the Washington DC is said to have used Versailles as model for building Washington DC.

Transportation system of Versailles is taken care of by the Versailles – Chantiers station, of RER line C interchanging station, with many government run railways. Versailles and Rive Gauche the other two stations of the RER Line C of Paris and very close stations to the Palace of Versailles serve in transportation of the public.