Former palace of the Sun King. Not much in terms of views, and the nearest beach is two hours away, but if it's spacious splendor you're looking for, Chateau de Versailles is it. In 1623 Louis XIII built a luxurious hunting lodge on the spot but it was his son, Louis XIV, who turned it into one of the world's greatest palaces. Designed by the king's architect, Louis Le Vau, and expanded later by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, work began in 1661. The chateau became an obsession of Louis XIV, who lavished a fortune on it before his death in 1715. The property comprises four distinct parts--Le Chateau, Le Trianon, Le Parc and Le Ville--and spans over several hundred acres. It includes a marble courtyard (perfect for morning calisthenics), a hall of mirrors (ideal for a dressing room), 32 pools and fountains (great for a quick dip on a summer's day) and an on-site auditorium, or opera, that can seat 712 people (the 713th person can wait outside).
Although the home comes in pristine codition, the gardens may require some repair. A particularly harsh December storm in 1999 caused an estimated $23 million in damage to the park; total damages were estimated at $37 million. The only drawback? Let's just say there aren't a lot of bathrooms.
