Travel through pop culture with Pop Passport, “Marie Antoinette” Edition. Image courtesy of Columbia Pictures.
Yesterday was the Fêtes Galantes at the Château de Versailles – an annual, costume-required evening event held at the Palace of Versailles. It recreates the atmosphere of the royal court in the 18th century, with guests in period costumes attending a ball and enjoying other entertainments. If you have never heard of it, search for it on social media to see the most spectacular images and video – it’s still on my bucket list. It should also be mentioned that you can now stay at the 5 star hotel in the heart of the Château de Versailles, Airelles Château de Versailles. There is also an upcoming Marie Antoinette style exhibit coming to London’s famed V&A Museum this Autumn. Now as someone who has been to Paris many times, and also visited the Palace of Versailles twice, it seemed the perfect time to revisit both the exquisite location and wonderfully stylish 2006 film “Marie Antoinette”, written, directed, and produced by Sofia Coppola.
Living Like Marie Antoinette: Exploring Versailles Through Sofia Coppola’s Lens
Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette isn’t just a historical drama — it’s a candy-colored dreamscape that breathes decadent, modern life into 18th-century France. Shot almost entirely on location at the Palace of Versailles, the film offers a rare and intimate glimpse inside the opulent world of France’s most infamous queen, played by Kirsten Dunst – a frequent collaborator of Coppola’s. What makes Marie Antoinette so extraordinary is that it was actually filmed inside the Palace of Versailles — a rare privilege granted by the French government. This gives the movie a striking authenticity, as many of the rooms you see on screen are real historic locations you can visit today:
- The Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces): One of Versailles’ most iconic rooms, this glittering corridor is where Marie Antoinette’s royal wedding was filmed, featuring candlelight, couture, and grandeur.
- The Queen’s Bedchamber: Dunst’s Marie lounges in the same boudoir where the real queen once slept — complete with elaborately embroidered fabrics, gold-leaf details, and floral motifs.
- The Gardens of Versailles: Several dreamy outdoor scenes, including picnics and strolls, were filmed across the Petit Trianon and the English-style gardens Marie Antoinette adored and made her own.
Milena Canonero, who won an Academy Award for Best Costume Design for the film, famously blended historical silhouettes with modern touches — including Converse sneakers in one blink-and-you-miss-it shot. The wardrobe draws heavily from:
- Pastel tones, macarons, and soft textures — inspired by Ladurée, who supplied real pastries for the set.
- Silks, corsets, panniers, and bows that feel authentic yet youthful, reinforcing the idea of Marie Antoinette as a teen girl trapped in royal opulence.
- Shoes by Manolo Blahnik, designed specifically to look 18th century but remain wearable and modern.
From Rococo wall panels to ornate chandeliers and floral wallpaper, the interiors in the film are pure Versailles decadence. Interior design lovers will find inspiration in:
- Gilded molding and pastel hues used throughout the palace — pinks, blues, and mint greens abound.
- French-style antique furniture, including upholstered chaise lounges, lacquered side tables, and baroque mirrors.
- Floral tapestries and chinoiserie, both seen in the Petit Trianon and mimicked in the film’s more intimate scenes.
Coppola’s aesthetic turned Versailles into something personal, girlish, and symbolic — making it one of the most influential films for modern “French girl” design trends, from Pinterest boards to luxury hotels channeling Marie Antoinette vibes.
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Synopsis: A stylish twist on French history that we all know, Austrian teenager (Kirsten Dunst) marries the Dauphin (Jason Schwartzman) of France and becomes that country’s queen following the death of King Louis XV (Judy Davis) in 1774. Years later, after a life of luxury and privilege, Marie Antoinette loses her head during the French Revolution.
