Versailles

Versailles was the unofficial capital city of the kingdom of France on and off again from May 1682 until October 1789 (and only then because of the French Revolution.)

During the entire period, Paris remained the official capital city of France, (the official royal palace was the Louvre) but government affairs were conducted from Versailles, and Versailles was regarded as the real capital city.

Versailles is an amazing visit, and I highly recommend hoppin' on a train from Paris to go for a day visit. Recently made popular by Sofia Coppola's film "Marie Antoinette" (which I also highly recommend, I am "highly recommending" all over the place!) it is filled with interesting history, amazing art and beautiful garden and grounds.

* Here are some interesting links for you to check out if you're unclear about The Revolution (aka the "Reign of Terror", do you hear the swoosh of the guillotine?)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Revolution

* the tragic end of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI and the fates of their children:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_XVI_of_France

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marie_Antoinette

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marie-Th%C3%A9r%C3%A8se-Charlotte_of_France

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_XVII_of_Francewww.chateauversailles.fr/en/