Louis XIV figurine on his horse

The most famous French monarch, Louis XIV (1638-1715), known as "the Great" or "the Sun King," ruled France and Navarre from 1643 to 1715. This was one of the longest reigns in European history. After Mazarin's death, he personally assumed the government of the kingdom and exercised an "absolute monarchy" with an iron fist. Passionate about art and architecture, the Palace of Versailles with its gardens, where you can admire the equestrian statue recreated by PAPO, remains his most extraordinary achievement.