Hand-Crafted Versailles Panels

Parquet de Versailles floors, originally a symbol of royal absolutist taste are now synonymous with timeless classicism. They are the epitome of grand flooring and blend seamlessly into both period and modern interiors.
The 17th century, the so-called Age of Louis XIV, was an age of decadence, and that included flooring.

During Louis’s reign, French culture came to exert a universal appeal, which is precisely what the great royal absolutist intended when he specified the best of everything for himself and his residences, flooring included.

Also known as the Sun King (or le Roi Soleil in French) owing to his identification with Apollo, Louis XIV converted a hunting lodge built by his regal predecessor, Louis XIII, into the spectacular Palace of Versailles over the course of four major building campaigns. The result provided both an extravagant private residence for the king and an awe-inspiring setting for the conduct of state affairs and the reception of foreign dignitaries.

The constant washing of the marble floors within the palace, as insisted upon by Louis’ courtiers, was rotting the joists beneath. In 1684, an elegant wooden replacement for the marble floors was accordingly commissioned. The new floors, of course, had to complement the very grand interiors in which they were to be featured. Various wood floor designs were presented: after much debate, the classic design now known as parquet de Versailles (or parquet de menuiserie or Versailles panels) was chosen.

Parquet de Versailles floors, originally a symbol of royal absolutist taste are now synonymous with timeless classicism. They are the epitome of grand flooring and blend seamlessly into both period and modern interiors.

Click here for a full analysis of Parquet de Versailles flooring.

Parquet de Versailles Gallery