It is difficult to imagine the small hunting lodge of Louis XIII in this huge complex.
However it is still right in the middle of the Palace and frames the small Marble Courtyard.
As a matter of facts, Louis XIV refused the proposal of his architect, louis Le Vau,
and of the Superintendent of Buildings, Colbert, who wanted to demolish the small
castle to avoid a “mixture” of styles. This small castle built by Louis XIII was during the
17th century only a small lodge ,
on a hill with a village at its foot and marshes all around.
The picture shows well the two first courtyards : the Marble Courtyard,
the heart of the Palace of Louis XIII, and the Royal Courtyard,
where only the high Nobility could enter with their coaches.
the façade of the Palace with the south wing on the right and the north wing on the left.
