Queen's Bedchamber

All 8 parts, explained

1. 1. Royal bed

   The queen's bed stands behind a golden railing. Its canopy is topped with fluffy white feathers.

   Fun fact Nineteen royal children were born in this room.

2. 2. Railing

   The golden railing separates the bed from the rest of the room. Only certain people could step past it.

   Fun fact Every morning, the queen received visitors in this room as part of daily life at court.

3. 3. Silk walls

   The walls are covered with silk decorated with flowers, ribbons and feathers, matching the bed and chairs.

   Fun fact The fabrics were changed with the seasons, with lighter silks in summer and warmer ones in winter.

4. 4. Stools

   The little padded stools are called tabourets. Most ladies had to stand when they were with the queen.

   Fun fact Only duchesses and a few other high-ranking ladies were allowed to sit on a stool near the queen.

5. 5. Fireplace

   A marble fireplace warmed the room. In winter, fires burned in fireplaces all over the palace.

   Fun fact Big palaces like Versailles were very hard to keep warm, so people wore many layers of clothes.

6. 6. The queen

   Marie-Antoinette became queen of France in 1774. She lived at Versailles from 1770, when she married Louis XVI.

   Fun fact She was born in Austria and came to France when she was 14 years old.

7. 7. Hidden door

   Next to the bed, part of the flowered wall is really a door. When it is closed, it is very hard to spot.

   Fun fact Hidden doors let the queen move between her rooms without crossing the crowded public rooms.

8. 8. Hall of Mirrors

   From the queen's rooms, a grand room called the Peace Salon leads into the Hall of Mirrors.

   Fun fact A small door hidden in the wall next to the bed led to the queen's private rooms.