Phenomenon of the Versailles festivals during an era of Louis XIV

The purpose of this article - disclosure of specifics of the Versailles holidays in the period of Louis XIV’s reign, is connected with a name and which activity also strengthening of the state power of France, and art blossoming. Majesty and gloss, magic and paradoxes of Versailles allow to consider this phenomenon as the first cultural project of Modern times. Festivals which subject basis was defined by the «King sun» were one of sides of this unique project. The author of article underline such fact of culture of the XVII century as coexistence of two esthetic systems - baroque and classicism. On a number of samples fruitfulness of inclusion in festive life of Versailles of art in all richness of its types and genres - from architecture to theater is shown.