The Chapel

The chapel was one of Louis XIV's final projects at Versailles - but he only had the opportunity to use it for 5 years before he died.

The king would attend mass here every day.

He would sit on the upper level and only go downstairs for special occasions.

The chapel was dedicated to both himself and Saint Louis - the patron saint of the Bourbon monarchy.

Indeed the Bourbon dynasty was one of Europe's oldest ruling families - ruling almost continuously from 987 to 1848.

The Capetian dynasty, a direct line founded by Hugh Capet and which included Saint Louis, ruled from 987 to 1328.

Then a cadet branch, the Valois, succeeded them until 1589.

Finally, the Bourbons, another Capetian branch, began their rule with Henry IV in 1589 and ruled until 1848.

The two Ls near the altar symbolize both Louis XIV and Saint Louis.