Getting The Royal Treatment

This is a recent publicity photo of the Gallerie des Batailles (Battles Room) of the Chateau de Versailles, in Versailles, France.

For the first time since the French Revolution, King Louis XIV's sumptuous abode in Versailles opens to the public this year for a New Year's Eve party fit for the Sun King.

Fireworks, recitals, dancing and gourmet delicacies like the ones served at Louis' 17th-century court are guaranteed to make ``Le Bal du Roy,'' or Royal Ball, a unique, and costly, alternative to traditional New Year's Eve entertainment.

If you'd like to celebrate New Year's Eve In Versailles, we can help you plan your trip to France through our Getaway section.

But if you'd rather celebrate the festivities at home, we can help you with the preparations through our Holiday Survival Guide section.