VERSAILLES
Versailles is more than just a grand palace; it is a symbol of French opulence and a testament to the country’s rich royal history. It seamlessly combines the extravagance of its royal core with the serene charm of its surrounding gardens.
This region is where France’s most iconic and enduring monarchy was centered. It is a land of iconic sights, from the grand chateau to the meticulously manicured grounds and the tranquil Grand Canal.
Most Popular Attractions
Château de Versailles & Royal Core:
Château de Versailles: The magnificent royal residence of French kings, a masterpiece of 17th-century architecture.
Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces): The most famous room in the palace, an extravagant corridor lined with 357 mirrors and crystal chandeliers.
King’s State Apartments (Grands Appartements du Roi): A series of seven elaborately decorated rooms used for official functions.
Queen’s State Apartments (Grands Appartements de la Reine): Similar to the King’s, these rooms were where the queen received guests and lived her daily life.
Royal Chapel (Chapelle Royale): A stunning, two-story chapel with a magnificent ceiling painting.
Royal Opera (Opéra Royal): A lavish opera house built for royal celebrations and performances.
Apartment of the Dauphin and Dauphine: The private living quarters of the heir to the throne.
Museum of the History of France: Located within the palace, this museum traces French history through its vast art collection.
Gardens of Versailles & Estate:
Gardens of Versailles (Jardins du Château de Versailles): A sprawling, 800-hectare park with intricate parterres, fountains, and sculptures.
Grand Canal: A massive, cruciform canal where Louis XIV used to hold gondola parties.
Grand Trianon: A smaller, elegant pink marble palace built by Louis XIV as a private retreat.
Petit Trianon: A more modest chateau in the gardens, famously a favorite of Marie Antoinette.
The Queen’s Hamlet (Hameau de la Reine): A rustic, idyllic village built for Marie Antoinette as a private escape from the formalities of court life.
The Orangerie: A beautiful garden with a central pond and a vast collection of citrus trees.
Neptune Fountain: One of the most spectacular fountains in the gardens, with elaborate sculptures of gods and mythical creatures.
Latona Fountain: A centerpiece fountain depicting the goddess Latona with her children, Apollo and Diana.
The Groves (Les Bosquets): Secluded, themed garden rooms hidden within the main park.
Jardin du Roi (King’s Garden): A kitchen garden designed by Jean-Baptiste La Quintinie to supply the royal table.
Versailles City & Surrounding Area:
Old Town (Quartier Saint-Louis): The historic quarter with charming streets and the Notre-Dame market.
Notre-Dame Market: A lively market with fresh produce, cheeses, and local products.
Cathedral of Saint Louis: A beautiful cathedral and a masterpiece of Baroque architecture.
The Royal Tennis Court (Jeu de Paume): A historic site where the “Tennis Court Oath”
Activities & Experiences
Explore the Royal Apartments in the Palace: Wander through the opulent King’s and Queen’s State Apartments, marveling at their lavish decoration and intricate details.
Stroll through the Hall of Mirrors: Experience the grandeur of the most famous room in the Palace, adorned with 357 mirrors, crystal chandeliers, and painted ceilings.
Bike to the Grand Trianon and Marie Antoinette’s Estate: Rent a bicycle and cycle through the expansive gardens to discover these more intimate and picturesque royal retreats.
Row a Boat on the Grand Canal: Enjoy a tranquil afternoon on the water, with stunning views of the Palace and its meticulously manicured gardens.
Visit the Queen’s Hamlet: Step into Marie Antoinette’s rustic retreat, a charming faux-village built for her to escape the formalities of court life.
Attend the Fountains Shows (Les Grandes Eaux Musicales): Witness the magnificent fountains come to life to the rhythm of baroque music, a tradition dating back to the time of Louis XIV.
Go on a Horseback Ride in the Royal Domain: Discover the vast parkland of Versailles on horseback, offering a unique and authentic way to explore the former hunting grounds of the French kings.
Take a Cooking Class Focusing on French Pastries: Learn to create classic French desserts like macarons or éclairs from a local chef in Versailles, an ode to the famous pâtissiers of the past.
Explore the City of Versailles: Beyond the palace, discover the charming city center, with its historic markets, boutiques, and the Notre-Dame and Saint-Louis cathedrals.
Take a Carriage Ride: Experience a taste of 18th-century royal life with a leisurely carriage tour around the palace grounds.
Local Tips & Transport
Train from Paris: The most common way to get to Versailles is by train from Paris. There are three main lines:
- RER C: The most direct route, it drops you at Versailles Château Rive Gauche, which is just a 10-minute walk from the Palace.
- SNCF from Gare Montparnasse: Arrives at Versailles Chantiers, about a 15-minute walk from the Palace.
- SNCF from Gare Saint-Lazare: Arrives at Versailles Rive Droite, about a 20-minute walk from the Palace.
Walking within the City and Park: The town of Versailles is very walkable, and many of the main sights are close to each other. The Palace grounds, however, are vast. Be prepared for extensive walking, especially if you plan to visit the Trianon Estate and the Queen’s Hamlet.
Bikes, Golf Carts & Minibus: Within the Palace grounds, you can rent bikes or electric golf carts to explore the gardens and the Trianon Estate. A small train (Petit Train) and an electric shuttle bus also run between the main sites, saving you from a long walk.
Book Your Tickets in Advance: The Palace of Versailles is one of France’s most popular attractions. To avoid long queues, especially during peak season, purchase your tickets and a timed entry slot online well ahead of your visit.
Visit on a Weekday, Early or Late: The Palace can get very crowded, particularly on weekends and during the summer. For a more relaxed experience, aim to visit on a weekday, either right after opening or in the late afternoon.
Beyond the Palace: While the Palace is a must-see, the town of Versailles itself is a destination. Don’t miss the Marché Notre-Dame, one of the oldest and most beautiful markets in the region, perfect for grabbing a picnic lunch.
Take Time for the Gardens: The gardens are not just a backdrop; they are a major part of the experience. Allocate a half-day or more to explore them, including the Grand Canal and the Trianon Estate. The atmosphere is completely different from the bustling Palace itself.
Hidden Gems:
- The King’s Vegetable Garden (Potager du Roi): A UNESCO World Heritage site and a hidden gem for foodies and garden enthusiasts. It was created by Louis XIV and still produces fruits and vegetables for the French culinary institute.
- The Royal Tennis Court (Jeu de Paume): Located just a short walk from the Palace, this is the site where the famous “Oath of the Tennis Court” was sworn, a pivotal moment in the French Revolution.
- The Hall of Battles: A large gallery within the Palace dedicated to French military triumphs. It’s often less crowded than the main apartments and offers a different historical perspective.
- The Versailles Chantiers Neighborhood: A residential area south of the main train station, it offers a quieter, local vibe with charming cafés and restaurants, perfect for a break from the tourist crowds.
Food and Drink: While the Palace has some restaurants and cafés, dining options within the city of Versailles are generally more affordable and offer a better quality experience. Look for traditional French bistros and bakeries in the streets surrounding the Palace.