The music video for Olivia Rodrigo's new song "Drop Dead" was filmed entirely at the Palace of Versailles.
The choice of location feels deeply intentional: with its gilded halls, theatrical proportions, and the enduring legacy of Marie Antoinette, Versailles provides the perfect backdrop for the song's themes of the song's themes of new love and emotional surrender.
Let’s walk through the three areas of the Versailles domain that feature in the video, and the good news is that every single one of them is open to visitors!
Marie Antoinette's Grand Queen's Apartment
The bedroom setup was filmed in the Grand Couvert Antechamber (Antichambre du Grand Couvert), part of the Queen's Grand Apartment. You'll recognize it immediately by its striking deep red wall coverings and large, ornate tapestries.
This scene takes place in the Queen's Bedchamber (Chambre de la Reine), a room steeped in history as the former private quarters of Marie Antoinette. The room is decorated in a Rococo style, with gold-leaf paneling and an elaborately gilded balustrade that once separated the royal bed from the courtiers who attended the Queen's morning ritual.
Gallery of Battles
This place is the celebrated Gallery of Battles (Galerie des Batailles), one of the most impressive spaces in the entire palace. It is know for its remarkable length, vaulted glass ceiling, and the massive paintings of French military victories. One of my favorite rooms to visit, if you’re interested in french history.
This is one of the many places you’ll be able to see if you visit Versailles, book your tour here!
Leading directly into the gallery is the Princes' Staircase (l'Escalier des Princes), a grand white marble staircase that serves as a formal and visually stunning entrance to this iconic room. She’s definitely living my dream here!
3. Castle Gardens & Exteriors
In one of the video's most exhilarating moments, Olivia runs and sings in front of the Marble Courtyard (Cour de Marbre), the historic heart of the château. It’s one of the most iconic corners of Versailles making it a perfect stage for the song's most powerful moment.
In another exterior shot, Olivia stands overlooking the Orangerie parterre, the grand french formal garden to the south of the château. It takes its name from the large greenhouse nearby, built to shelter the thousands of orange, oleander and palm trees that fill the garden in the warmer months. In the far distance, the Swiss Ornamental Lake (Pièce d'Eau des Suisses) completes the breathtaking picture.
Come Visit Versailles with Us!
Whether you knew Versailles well or are discovering it for the first time through this video, there is truly nothing like seeing it in person. Book your Versailles tour here and let us take care of the rest!
.png){kind=icon}
-100.png){kind=small}
.png)
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
