Final answer:
The Palace of Versailles is closest to Paris and is a symbol of French Baroque architecture and royal absolutism, with the famous Hall of Mirrors and grand gardens, also playing a key role in events leading up to the French Revolution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Palace of Versailles is nearest to the city of Paris. This opulent residence is renowned for its French Baroque architecture, executed by architect Louis Le Vau. The interior was decorated by Charles Le Brun, while the magnificent gardens were designed by Andre Le Notre. The palace is home to 700 rooms, includes the famed Hall of Mirrors, and was a symbol of the absolute monarchy of the Ancien Régime.
The construction was ordered during the reign of King Louis XIV, who also made the palace a centre of French nobility and the location for luxurious events such as ballets and balls. Attached to the chateau are expansive and meticulously designed gardens, recognized for features like the Grande Canal which was part of a complex water distribution system for the fountains.
The historical importance of Versailles is also notable by events such as the march by Parisian women in 1789, demanding the royal family to relocate to Paris. This palace, with decor intended to exude the power of the King, stands as a symbol of the opulence and absolutism of French royalty pre-dating the French Revolution.