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1668–1671

The Envelop

Louis XIV decided to extend the palace and transform it into a residence worthy of a great monarch. The architect Louis Le Vau erected new buildings wrapping up the palace and creating two inner courts. The xhite-stoned garden façade was surmounted by a balustrade, hiding flat roofs. The first floor included a seven-room apartment for the king on the north side, and an identical apartment for the queen on the south side. In the centre, a terrace inspired by the Italian baroque architecture, connected the two apartments. 

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