Versailles is not forgotten by the most prestigious of its guides, Louis-Philippe. By way of introduction to an exhibition handing in the saddle this «the king forgotten» (says Michelet), in a chart signed Horace Vernet, it is he who, bicorne down, greets us. He wished to be figured as well, at the entrance of the castle, on horseback and in front of the equestrian statue of Louis XIV by the ancestor revered, although indirect.

registering as well as continuator that a man of his time, Louis-Philippe-there obviously has nothing to do with the famous caricatures of him in the shape of a pear, which have earned them a lot of trouble to their authors Philippon and Daumier. They were not even included in the showcases. Suffice to say that this Versailles asleep since the Revolution, the Bourbon intends to make a maximum of a chandelier. This while opening it to all.

Because this son of the regicide Philippe Equality wanted to be more «king of the French» as king of France. Important Nuance. Moreover, carried to the throne by the revolution of 1830, hunted by that of 1848, he embodies the contradictions of our country ; it even today.

the Versailles re-established by this exhibition installed in its walls richly painted of the north wing. Specifically in rooms that glorifies the colonial conquest of the Maghreb conducted in particular by one of his sons, the duke of Aumale. The course follows the life and action, but focuses on one of the most important policies of the kingdom: tend to the reconciliation of the French by a linear reading of the story, of course, which is devoted entirely to the rationale of the ruling power.

king Louis-Philippe surrounded by his five sons out through the grille d’honneur of the palace of Versailles after a military journal in the course, 10 June 1837, 1846 Horace Vernet. RMN-GP (Château de Versailles) / © Franck Raux Canvases hollywood

One first discovers a prince well educated, who has good taste (Girodet, Winterhalter, Géricault, furniture and modern inventions), a soldier who actively participated in the battles of revolutionary (Valmy, Jemmapes). Then from the Terror and during a long exile (Switzerland, Sicily, England), the future Louis-Philippe ran other adventures, criss-crossing the North cape, North America, Cuba or the Bahamas.

after these reminders, the place is largely made of the transformation of the palace of the Ancien Régime. When number of apartments among the most noble have been transformed in a museum of the history of France dedicated «to all his glories». Plans cutter, large format, meticulously detailed and delicate watercolour of the architect Frédéric Nepveu, are here wonderfully.

With these documents to gain all of their senses 32 rooms, suites of statues and busts of illustrious, galleries, battles and achievements since the election’s legendary king Pharamond by the Franks up to capturing the tribe of Abd el-Kader portrayed by Vernet-of-way pan-and-hollywood (21 meters long!). Most of these spaces were inaugurated in 1837. And most of them have been recently restored. Usually not very accessible, they can be browsed freely. Thus it is recommended to discover, or to walk again, in the wake of the exhibition. But then count a good half-day and wear appropriate shoes. For less hikers the route stricto sensu (already seen by almost 450,000 people) ends with the letter of abdication, and the office of Louis-Philippe at the Tuileries. It retains the mark of the rioters who forced.

«Louis-Philippe» and «Versailles», Chateau de Versailles (78). Tel.: 01 30 83 78 00. Opening hours: daily except sf lun. from 9 h to 17 h 30. Until 3 feb. 2019. Cat.: Somogy, 400 p., 49 €.

History of plants : l?sassy gardener to Louis-Philippe – Watch on Figaro Live