The Gallery of coaches in Versailles

Today the royal stables, built by Louis XIV, are still a buzz of activity; home to the National School of Architecture of Versailles and the National Equestrian Academy of Versailles, as well as the world's only equestrian theatre created by Bartabas. The Gallery of Coaches is a must-see when you visit the Château de Versailles. On the ground floor of the Grande Écurie, or Great Stable, impressive ceremonial Berlin carriages are on display in the two magnificent vaulted galleries. This unique collection, created by King Louis Philippe in 1831 is a veritable “car show” of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Technological advances

These coaches are an extraordinary demonstration of the technological advances of the time: traction, suspension, the first coupé design, even convertibles! You can also see how attention was paid to passenger comfort. From the small sedan-chair-style carriages built for Marie Antoinette’s children to large, majestic carriages, the gallery is sure to amaze young and old alike, who will discover the splendour of court life under the Ancien Régime, the Napoleonic and Restoration eras.

Each item tells a story in the history of France. You can marvel at the coaches used for Napoleon's wedding, the coronation of Charles X or the funeral of Louis XVIII — all masterpieces created by the best craftsmen of the day: painters, upholsterers, embroiderers, sculptors and architects. You can round off your visit with a (paid) guided tour.

Discover the Gallery of coaches in Versailles through one of the treasure hunts in the Paris Region Adventures application specially designed for families and downloadable free of charge.