Pierre de Nolhac 
Versailles and the Trianons [PDF ebook] 

Whilst the greatest effort has been made to ensure the quality of this text, due to the historical nature of this content, in some rare cases there may be minor issues with legibility. Suddenly, when one has mounted the stair case of Latona, the whole mass of the building comes into view in its entire length and in much its most imposing aspect. The centre of the Palace, where the royal apartments were, projects in a strong, square mass, the effect of which is lightened by colonnades and a quantity of sculpture; on each side an immense wing extends, repeating, a hundred paces further back, the plan of this noble design, and the pointed roof of the chapel is the only interrup tion to the monotony of the lines. To the right they end in a projection, above a distant horizon; to the left they are merged in the lofty heights of the trees, which thus seem to carry on the majestic effect of the architecture. This is the spot where one may see at a glance, in its almost unaltered glory and in its perfect unity, the most famous dwelling-place of the monarchy, designed by King Louis XIV. To serve as the symbol of his reign and the monu ment of his greatness.