All 7 parts, explained
1. Royal bed
The king's bed stands in an alcove behind a golden railing, under a canopy of red and gold fabric.
Fun fact Every morning, a ceremony called the lever (le-VAY) took place as the king got up and dressed.
2. Sculpture
Above the bed, a white sculpture shows France as a woman watching over the king while he sleeps.
Fun fact It was carved by the sculptor Nicolas Coustou.
3. Railing
The golden railing kept the crowd away from the bed. Only the most important people could go past it.
Fun fact There was a bedtime ceremony every evening too, called the coucher (koo-SHAY).
4. Windows
The windows look out over the Marble Courtyard, at the front and center of the palace.
Fun fact The room faces east, toward the rising sun.
5. Usher
An usher stood at the door holding a staff. He decided who was allowed to come into the room.
Fun fact At Versailles, people gently scratched on a door instead of knocking, as a rule of good manners.
6. Courtiers
Courtiers waited for a long time for the chance to stand close to the king during the ceremonies.
Fun fact Handing the king his shirt in the morning was a great honor, given to the most important person in the room.
7. Council Room
The doorway beside the usher leads to the Council Room, where the king met his ministers.
Fun fact Louis XVI used this room for ceremonies, but he slept in a smaller, warmer bedroom nearby.
