The Dirty Secrets of the Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles had a reputation for being stinky due to members of the court relieving themselves in stairwells

Hygiene standards in the palace were different back then, and cleanliness was defined by having good breath and feet that didn't smell

Perfumes were used to mask the lack of cleanliness in the palace

Louis XIV, the Sun King, did take baths, but bathing was not a common practice at the time

The palace's reputation for being dirty is largely based on misconceptions and exaggerations

Why did the Palace of Versailles have a bad reputation for cleanliness?

—The palace had a reputation for being stinky because members of the court would relieve themselves in the stairwells.

Did Louis XIV, the Sun King, ever take baths?

—Yes, Louis XIV did take baths, but bathing was not a common practice at the time. He would sometimes visit spas for bathing.

What were the hygiene standards at the Palace of Versailles?

—Hygiene standards in the palace were different back then. Cleanliness was defined by having good breath and feet that didn't smell.

Did the palace use perfumes to mask the lack of cleanliness?

—Yes, perfumes were used to mask the lack of cleanliness in the palace.

Is it true that members of the court used to bathe in the palace's ponds?

—No, bathing in the palace's ponds was not common practice. The ponds were primarily used for cooling down, not for bathing.

00:03The Palace of Versailles attracts thousands of tourists

00:15The palace had a reputation for being stinky, but it was mostly a myth

01:26Bathing was not a common practice at the time of Louis XIV

04:13Hygiene standards in the palace were different back then

13:13The palace's reputation for being dirty is largely based on misconceptions

18:09Hygiene was defined by having good breath and feet that didn't smell

18:39Perfumes were used to mask the lack of cleanliness in the palace

20:52Louis XIV did take baths, but bathing was not a common practice