Watch The Rise and Fall of Versailles

The Rise and Fall of Versailles is a fascinating new historical docudrama series from Total Content Digital that chronicles the captivating history of one of the most significant events in French (and European) history - the rise of the Palace of Versailles: its creators, its triumphs, and its eventual downfall.

In the series, viewers can explore the events that led to the creation of the iconic Versailles palace, and the people behind it, including King Louis XIV and the architects and craftsmen involved in building it. The show delves deeply into the political history of France, including the wars that took place during Louis XIV's reign, and how they shaped the growth of the Palace of Versailles.

With the series narrated by Cherie Lunghi and with Samuel Theis as its guide, viewers will have a chance to hear from experts and historians who will provide insight into the fascinating behind the scenes details surrounding the palace's creation. This approach provides an excellent mix of fictional and historical accounts, making the show an enjoyable and educational experience for viewers of all ages.

As the series progresses, it explores the various dramatic events that unfolded within the palace chambers during Louis XIV's reign, including the infamous royal scandals that rocked France to its core. With its impressive and beautiful architecture, magnificent artworks and luxurious interior decoration, Versailles embodied Louis' desire to establish the absolute power of the French king.

The series does an excellent job of crafting a narrative that is both gripping and educational, managing to convey the complexity of the political tensions felt in the courts of the 17th century while still remaining engaging to a modern audience. The show's approach is rare, as it blends beautiful historical reenactment alongside commentary from the experts, making it an accurate educational show.

The Rise and Fall of Versailles also examines the difficult times experienced by the French royal family, which ultimately led to the eventual downfall of the palace. The show highlights how political issues and economic pressures ultimately contributed to the decline of the opulent palace and the power of the French monarchy.

Overall, The Rise and Fall of Versailles is an engrossing historical docu-drama series that artfully recreates the glory of the French monarchy and the stunning Palace of Versailles. Featuring some of the world's greatest historians, experts, and commentators, this series provides a unique glimpse into one of the most extraordinary periods in European history. With its impressive production values, compelling performances from the cast, and fascinating insights into both the highs and lows of French culture, this series is a must-watch for lovers of history, period dramas, or anyone who wants to learn more about the past.

The Rise and Fall of Versailles is a series that ran for 1 seasons (12 episodes) between January 1, 2008 and on Total Content Digital