Louis XVI continued the traditional getting up and going to bed ceremonies in the official King’s bedchamber.
Like Louis XV, he actually slept in the private bedroom nearby that his grandfather had created.
Next to the private bed, he transformed the “cabinet de Garde-robe” (very fancy toilet) into a work of art, regarded as one of the most outstanding decors of his reign.
Louis XV had already installed the “Garde-robe” next to the bed in his private bedchamber. It was one of a number of toilets and bathrooms he had created in Versailles. Apart from the aspect of cleanliness, there was a large emphasis on privacy. He was not like his great-grandfather Louis XIV in terms of living his life largely in public. Louis XV retreated to his garde-robe for some peace and quiet.
The toilet next to his private bedroom was a very fancy affair. It was a “chaise à l’anglaise” (early version of a flushing toilet). The seat had a velvet cushion.
During the day the Garde-robe cabinet housed the king’s bedside table which was only brought out at night. There were beautiful vases containing pot-pourri (one is displayed on the cabinet between the windows).
Louis XVI decided to renovate the “cabinet” the year before the French Revolution. It is a magnificent little room with beautiful gilded boiseries representing sciences, arts, agriculture, war and the navy.
It was not the bathroom. The bath was elsewhere, but interestingly it was literally the “powder room” where Louis XVI powdered his hair.
*The Chateau of Versailles website has a virtual visit of the cabinet de Garde-robe. They translate it into “clothes cabinet” and don’t highlight the toilet aspect. Behind the boiserie panel opposite the window you have the King’s toilet.
