BUCKINGHAM PALACE

Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British monarchy. Its history dates back to the Middle Ages, when the site was only part of a manor house, the Manor of Ebury. Although it has been home to many royal occupants, the grounds only came into royal ownership in the ^18th century, thanks to George III. The palace was enlarged in 1825 under George IV, who commissioned the services of John Nash. Buckingham definitively became the official residence of the British monarchy when Queen Victoria acceded to the throne in 1837, leaving St James's Palace at the same time. The palace was redesigned. In particular, its public facade was created, with the famous balcony in the center hosting the 2011 kissing of newlyweds Kate and William. Inside, there are some 660 rooms, including 78 toilets! The palace gardens are the largest private gardens in London, originally designed by Capability Brown and redesigned by William Townsend. A statue of Queen Victoria stands in front of the palace entrance, looking out towards The Mall, the tree-lined avenue that runs alongside St James Park and links Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square. Every year, the sovereign organizes a garden party, where all the British elite gather under large tents to enjoy tea and sandwiches.

The tour follows an organizedroute , timed by the audioguide provided. After discovering the inner courtyard, the tour begins with the grand staircase designed by John Nash, before moving on to the richly furnished guards' room, lounges and ceremonial rooms. The Gallery of Paintings, designed by George IV to house his art collection, includes a Canaletto (the first painting you see on entering), works by Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Frans Hals and a Vermeer. Don't leave the room without turning around one last time to admire the perspective of this gallery lit by daylight thanks to the ingenious presence of a glass roof. Among the paintings of note are several depicting members of the royal family by the English-based German painter Winterhalter, including a huge family portrait of Queen Victoria, her husband Prince Albert and five of her children.

The ceremonial rooms follow one another, including the dining room with its incredible vermeil service, the blue drawing room decorated in the Georgian style, and the more intimate music room, where many composers came to play for the royal family. Finally, the marble gallery houses the royal sculpture collection, including several works by Italian sculptor Antonio Canova. Weather permitting, you can admire the garden as far as the exit, opposite the main entrance, on the other side of the garden.

The changing of the guard takes place every day. This ceremony is a must for anyone visiting London. The changing of the guard is carried out by the infantrymen charged with the royal protection, dressed in the traditional red tunic and wearing the famous high furry helmets. The changing of the guard is accompanied by music and the rhythm of boots pounding on the ground. We strongly advise you to arrive early. This show takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 11am. And every day during the summer.