In 1667 in France, Louis XIV is a young king who wants to impose his power whereas he is traumatized by the Fronde (the revolt of nobility during Louis XIII's reign) and despite the attacks of conspirators. Then, Louis XIV decides to establish the seat of the power out of Paris, in Versailles. At that time, Versailles is just a hunting lodge but Louis XIV radically wants to transform this castle.
A closer look at the history behind the drama series Versailles. Professor Kate Williams and Greg Jenner look at Louis XIV's love life.
The Queen gave birth to the first royal baby and it triggers some rumors. Besides, Louis XIV's counselors advice him to go to war in order to impose his power. Furthermore, Louis XIV's brother Philippe dreams of glory and want to be on the field of the future battles.
Following the latest instalment of Versailles, Professor Kate Williams and Greg Jenner take a closer look at gender and sexuality at the court of Louis XIV.
Louis has one thing in mind: Versailles. For the nobles to come to Versailles, the king demanded the representatives of high society bring him their noble titles, only guarantors of their privileges. First to be stripped of his title, Montcourt seeking the support of the Duke of Cassel, one of the North's most powerful nobles, who bears the king in high esteem. Louis asks the queen to leave the mourning to welcome his guest: Prince of Assini, able to open his trade routes in West Africa.
Historical discussion show inspired by drama series Versailles. This week, Professor Kate Williams and Greg Jenner look at the tension between Louis XIV and his nobility.
Louis was furious on hearing the exploits of his brother Philip on the battlefield; some see it as the most valiant fighters of the army of His Majesty. Louis is furious to learn that the Parthenay family was assassinated on the road to Versailles, a powerful family of South nobles, who came to assure him of their support. If the roads leading to Versailles are not safe, no noble will venturer it. If Versailles is isolated, then the king should give up his plan. Inconceivable for the monarch who sends Fabien Marchal, the head of security, conduct the investigation into the murder of Parthenay and bring the head of the murderers.
Professor Kate Williams and Greg Jenner discuss 17th-century warfare as seen in drama series Versailles.
Hero of the battlefield, Philippe returns from the front transformed. The French soldiers admire the Duke of Orleans, all wreathed in glory. This recognition begins to overshadow Louis. The roads are still not safe just outside Versailles and convoys of attacks are increasing. To celebrate the peace treaty he just signed with the Spanish, the King decides to invite the biggest noble families in Versailles for great entertainment. He invites the Duke of Cassel.
Following the latest instalment of Versailles, Professor Kate Williams and Greg Jenner dig deeper into the world of Louis XIV and his court entertainments.
After the war, the soldiers were requisitioned to carry out the work on the palace of Versailles. But worn by the hardness of their task, their lives and broken promises, they revolt. Two thousand of them lay down their tools. Convinced by Madame de Montespan, the Duke of Cassel went to Versailles to attend the festivities. The king has just decreed that nobles that locate in the area will be relieved of their debts. No castle or land, the Duke of Cassel must resolve to stay.
Inspired by drama series Versailles, Professor Kate Williams and Greg Jenner explore the topic of religious conflict in early modern France.
With Louis laid low by a major fever, those conspiring against him grow in strength and confidence while Philippe is caught in the middle, as are medic Masson and his daughter Claudine.
Inspired by drama series Versailles, Professor Kate Williams and Greg Jenner look at Louis XIV's impact on the world of ballet.
While Louis proposes an audacious alliance with England, and an unexpected envoy to negotiate it, normally brazen Béatrice fears revelation of her secrets. The `palace of dreams' is home to murderous schemes as the extravagant drama continues.
Inspired by drama series Versailles, Professor Kate Williams and Greg Jenner discuss Anglo-French relations in the age of Louis XIV.
The traitor strikes in the palace prison, Henriette has a rocky reunion with her brother, Charles II of England, while Béatrice risks a rendezvous with Marchal. Diplomacy and duplicity dominate the drama's penultimate episode.
Court etiquette in the age of Louis XIV is the focus of discussion between Professor Kate Williams and Greg Jenner.
The traitor changes tactics, striking at those closest to Louis, with deadly consequences while Sophie stubbornly risks angering Marchal. A brutally bloody finale to the first season of the bold historical drama.
A high-profile poisoning in the heart of the French court leaves a coveted vacancy, while pregnant Madame de Montespan exercises her influence at every opportunity. Is someone out to eclipse the Sun King
A closer look at the history behind Versailles. In this episode, Professor Kate Williams and Greg Jenner discuss Louis XIV's mistress Madame de Montespan.
The king's bad example is blamed for the nobility's immorality, fuelled by illicit love potions and powders. Philippe must meet his new bride. Another victim of poisoning confounds Marchal.
A closer look at the history behind Versailles. In this episode, Professor Kate Williams and Greg Jenner explore Louis XIV's troubled relationship with religion.
A cool welcome awaits Princess Palatine both in the palace salons and her new husband's bed, but Sophie's destiny is worse. Marchal finds a prime suspect for the poisonings.
A closer look at the history behind Versailles. In this episode, Professor Kate Williams and Greg Jenner shine a light on Philippe's new bride Liselotte.
Preparations are made for war abroad, but battles of the sexes are waged within the palace itself, and there will be casualties.
A closer look at the history behind Versailles. In this episode, Professor Kate Williams and Greg Jenner examine how Louis XIV created an absolutist monarchy during his reign.
The king's continued insomnia renders him even more volatile, so loyalty counts for little, as Marchal finds to his cost. Claudine investigates the mystery toxin, while Sophie seeks a solution to her miserable marriage.
A closer look at the history behind Versailles. In this episode, Professor Kate Williams and Greg Jenner discuss Louis XIV's premier valet Alexandre Bontemps.
Debauchery is banned when Marie-Therese takes charge while Louis is away at war. However, signing an urgent treaty requires a man's touch, if Philippe can be persuaded to play his part. On the battlefield, the king meets his match. The court's shameless decadence cannot be suppressed as the lively period drama continues.
A closer look at the history behind Versailles. In this episode, Professor Kate Williams and Greg Jenner explore the use of aphrodisiacs and potions at the court of Louis XIV.
Clandestine discussions and an unexpected close encounter take their toll on Louis's mental state. Back at the palace mistrustful de Montespan questions where Madame Scarron's heart lies, while Queen Marie-Therese appeals to mourning Marchal to return. The lavish French historical drama continues with intense confrontations and exposed jealousies.
Louis resolves to reassess his relationships, while Madame de Montespan is determined to make a memorable impression on him. Philippe fears losing another wife to the poisoning plot, and its unwitting victim Cassel has a revelation to make.
As Louis starts to doubt his divinity, devilish behaviour tempts some courtiers. Rejected Madame de Montespan hopes a dark ritual will restore her status, while Philippe toys with Thomas, prompting jealous Chevalier to respond recklessly.
Louis and Philippe each face a foe in the bedroom, but the traitors strike back. Even in chains, poisonous Madame Agathe threatens the king. Sophie is torn emotionally.
Louis welcomes a defeated royal relative to the palace, but with unforeseen personal consequences. Philippe stumbles upon a mystery man. Madame de Montespan finds how to hurt a former friend, the King's prim companion Francois de Maintenon.
Little can be taken at face value as Louis negotiates with Leopold over Spain, the Bastille governor has a sorry tale for Philippe and Sophie surprises Marchal.
A betrayal by one of the women closest to the king has unforeseen consequences, while a graphic revelation results in a fall from grace for another. Philippe gets dangerously close to the mystery prisoner. Reprisals against the protesters in Paris place Fabien Marchal in peril.
Seeking retribution, Louis lashes out at the Parisian rebels though Philippe urges a more reasoned response. Word from Spain casts doubt on Marie-Thérèse's intentions. Sophie's loyalties are tested.
Can Louis' longed-for loving touch help the ailing queen? An engraved blade holds a clue to who Philippe has antagonised. Jeanne challenges her brother's business-minded betrayal.
Louis hopes diplomacy will hide his duplicity as he works to undermine Leopold while winning over severe cardinal Leto. Marchal helps Philippe learn a family secret, and is troubled by a command from the king.
Has Louis finally learnt the identity of the man in the iron mask? Cardinal Leto is still determined to use his knowledge against the king. Fabien Marchal is in pursuit of fugitive Sophie and the young woman he must kill.
Suffering an identity crisis, Louis gets moody, unable to reveal the reason. Jeanne's protest pamphlets in Paris bring reprisals led by Marchal.
His resolve reinforced, Louis is dismissive of the pain his plans will cause others, be they Philippe or Protestants of all classes. Cardinal Leto is confident of making the king marry Isabella of Portugal.
Looking to the future, King Louis XIV seeks to reconnect with his people, and reconcile his family. As some oppressed Parisians plan a violent welcome for Louis, has one of his friends become a foe?
Professor Kate Williams and Greg Jenner conclude the series by discussing the historical background of 17th-century court fashion, as seen in drama series Versailles.
Catch up on Season 2 and get a sneak peek of Season 3 of "Versailles," a series that explores the opulence and decadence of France's Sun King, Louis XIV.
A behind the scenes look at the series Versailles.
Versailles: The Final Act celebrates the enormous success of the hit series Versailles while saying goodbye to the iconic series we've come to know and love. The actors, producers, writers, crew and fans all weigh in on the series in this original Ovation special.
