Absolutism in France: Louis XIV and Palace of Versailles Virtual Field Trip
Name______________________
Directions: You are to explore the palace of Versailles to learn about the absolute rule of
King Louis XIV of France. You goal is to get a better understanding of how King Louis
XIV lived and how he embodied the concept of absolutism.
Go to the website: http://www.chateauversailles.fr/homepage and select “English” as you
language on the top right order of website.
Click on “The Palace” on the left side of website under “Explore.”
1. Why did King Louis XIII originally build Versailles?
2. Explain what Louis XIV did to Versailles?
On the right hand side of the screen click on “Discover the Palace.”
You should now be at the Hall of Mirrors.
1. Explain the purpose for the room.
2. Click on the picture of the Hall of Mirrors. What would motivate a person to build
such a room? (Opinion question – study the picture and think.)
Scroll through the pictures under “Explore The Estate The Palace” until you find “The
Royal Chapel.”
1. Read the first and last paragraph on this webpage. What does it mean to be a
“lieutenant on earth?” Connect your response to the concept of divine right of kings.
At top of the screen click on “History” and below that click on “Court Characters.”
1. What was the Fronde and how did this influence Louis XIV?
On the left side of the screen, click on “From the Residence of the King. . .” located
below the image of Louis XIV.
1. Louis XIV forced his nobles to live at Versailles, why would he do so?
Click on “A Monarch by Divine Law” located under the image of Louis XIV.
1. Why did Louis XIV choose the sun as his emblem? What are the comparisons he
wanted to make between himself and Apollo, the Sun God?
At top of the screen click on “History” and then find “A Day in the Life of Louis
XIV” located on the center right side.
1. In three to four sentences, summarize what life was like for Louis XIV.
2. Louis XIV is know for stating “L’Etat, c’est moi” (I am the State). How does this
statement reflect absolutism? Explain