The Latest Breaking News from Louis XIV

French protesters downed their tools and marched once again in Paris and other cities on Thursday, galvanised by President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to ram his deeply unpopular pension reform through parliament without a vote, in what critics have branded a “denial of democracy”.

Brilliant. Inventive. Devilish.

Brasília (AFP) - Slashed canvas on a modern masterpiece, graffiti spray-painted on statues, a smashed Louis XIV clock: the horde of supporters of far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro who invaded Brasilia's hubs of power at the weekend ransacked everything in their path, including priceless works of art. 

The footwear at the heart of the age-old panto tale is a satirical jibe at fashionista king Louis XIV’s obsession with ornamental glass and impractical aristocratic styles

Five multiple-choice questions – set by children – to test your knowledge, and a chance to submit your own junior brain-teasers for future quizzes

François de Mazières, Versailles’s mayor since 2008, is a big fan of bicycles and architecture. He was re-elected for a third term in 2020, as an independent on a ‘divers droite’ (miscellaneous rightwing) ticket. He’s leading a crusade against ugliness in the city’s built environment and against its rightwing reputation

As the world pays its royal respects to Queen Elizabeth, Tamara Hinson highlights nine awe-inspiring residences of kings, queens and emperors which are open to the public

The name Charles is bad news for British and French monarchs. The new king carries a heavy historical burden.

From Louis XIV’s vision for Versailles to Balenciaga’s homage to the sari, Inspired by India explores how our textiles and craft impacted global design. But what’s the line between cultural appropriation and appreciation?

Nigel Isaacs looks back nearly 400 years for answers on the plasterboard shortage hobbling construction in New Zealand and around the world.

This French Renaissance-style castle would probably have remained largely unknown if it hadn't become home to the secret wife of Louis XIV, Madame de Maintenon. Françoise d'Aubigné – her real name – was a woman of humble origins who is often compared to Cinderella. After Louis secretly married her, the…