Versailles Behind the Scenes: Restoration and Adaptation of Historic Structures

A One Day Section Event

1 October 2005, Versailles, France

Many people the world over have visited the magnificent Château of Versailles. This full day event will focus on little known areas of the Château and its two horse stables, Les Grandes et Petites Ecuries, designed by Jules-Hardouin Mansart, in the context of the fifteen-year long overhaul of the Château and grounds called the “Grand Versailles” project.

This event starts at 08h45 at the École d’Architecture de Versailles, 5, Avenue de Sceaux. The closest rail station is Versailles Rive Gauche on RER line C. Those leaving from Paris (center) should plan for one hour of travel time. Consult the interactive guide of the RATP for more details.

Additional details for access by car and train will be sent to all participants prior to the event.

08h45

Petites and Grandes Ecuries

—image courtesy of École d’Architecture de Versailles

Despite the different names of these two structures, the size of the buildings is identical. Grandes and Petites signify importance — in this case the difference between royalty and lesser nobility. The day begins with a tour and lectures in the recently renovated Petites Ecuries. This building once housed horses and carriages for use by the Versailles nobility.

Today, it is home to the École d’Architecture de Versailles, which hosts the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign) Versailles Program.

Architect Françoise N’Thépé will lead attendees through her daring renovation of this historically classified building. Long-time Versailles resident and architect, Professor Jean Castex, will then present the historical evolution of Versailles, its buildings and master plan.

Following this tour will be a visit of the Grandes Ecuries. The Grandes Ecuries sheltered horses of the king and princes, as well as mounts reserved for hunting or war. In recent past, the French army occupied the building.

In 2003, the Grandes Ecuries was renovated by architect Patrick Bouchain. Horses returned to this structure with the arrival of the performing artist Bartabas’ show, l’Academie du Spectacle Equestre.

Thanks to generous sponsorship from Vitra, conference attendees will have the opportunity to watch equestrians rehearse for their performance.

12h30

Lunch at a nearby bistro

The cost of lunch is included in the registration fee.

14h45

Château Visit

The fifteen-year multi-faceted “Grand Versailles” project began in 2002. Some of its goals are: restore the Château and gardens, improve public access and welcome areas, create a research center, increase museum and archive facilities and update infrastructure and security for the buildings.

Architecte en Chef des Monuments Historiques in charge of “Grand Versailles”, Frédéric Didier, will lead a tour with a 30-minute lecture about the scope of the project. Illustrating the discussion is a model of the Château. A 90 minute tour of “back-of-house” spaces of the Château follows.

17h00

Optional self-guided Château tour

Upon completion of the organized part of the AIACE’s Versailles Event, participants are free to visit the public areas of the Château, including the Grands Apartments of the King and Queen and the gardens.

Those who stay in Versailles that evening can take advantage of La Nuit Blanche, Versailles’ late night celebration. Included is “Versailles Off” — a contemporary, open art exhibit installed throughout the Château’s grounds which concludes past midnight.

—Isabel Meinecke, Int’l Assoc. AIA; Elizabeth Heudebourg, AIACE Administrative Assistant

Information:

Register: registration form (PDF) ↓

 

Program subject to change.

Those interested in spending the night in Versailles may find rooms available within walking distance of the château.

Via Michelin lists a selection of nearby hotels.