From the time of its creation in the late 17th century, and in line with King Louis XIV’s wishes, the Château de Versailles was the most accessible royal residence in Europe.
Located twenty or so kilometres from Paris, the chateau was open daily to all his subjects as well as visitors from all over the world. Travellers, ambassadors, artists, scholars and adventurers came from every continent, drawn to this “incomparable palace”. 

Thanks to these visitors, the French court discovered the riches of civilisations located “at the ends of the earth”, which were still mysterious in many respects.
This fascination inspired artists and helped to instil a taste for exoticism in society. Versailles mirrored this taste at the crossroads of East and West. 

At the same time, the royal power became aware of the strategic issues at stake in scientific research: it was henceforth important for the King of France to have the reputation of being the most modern monarch of his time. Versailles then became a microcosm of the world, gathering and studying flora and fauna from every continent at the heart of its estate, while major expeditions to distant lands and astronomical science were developing, discovering celestial and terrestrial worlds.