Bâtiment 2 – Grands communs

“A princely palace, fit for a king!” someone might have exclaimed upon seeing the B\u00e2timent 2 – Grands communs for the first time. Now, before you look at me with a puzzled expression, you are right, the B\u00e2timent 2 – Grands communs was never intended for royalty. Yet this grand edifice played a pivotal role in the intricate workings of the court of Louis XIV. The B\u00e2timent 2 – Grands communs, or as it’s formally known, the Grand Quarré des Offices-Commun, housed the kitchens and dining halls for the officers serving the Chateau de Versailles. It was a hive of activity. Imagine the clatter of pots and pans, the sizzle of roasting meat, and the hurried footsteps of servants as they prepared elaborate meals to satisfy the appetites of the court. But the B\u00e2timent 2 – Grands communs housed more than just kitchens. Its spacious apartments accommodated a diverse range of individuals. Courtiers like the renowned landscape architect Le Nôtre and the powerful minister Colbert found themselves residing here, perhaps due to lack of space within the palace walls. This ‘overflow’ situation created a fascinating social dynamic. Can you imagine the conversations that might have taken place in the hallways of the B\u00e2timent 2 – Grands communs? A mix of gossip, political intrigue, and perhaps even artistic inspiration, all shared within the shadow of the opulent palace.