If you’re interested in exploring French history and culture, then a trip to Versailles is a must.
This magnificent palace complex was once the seat of power for the kings of France and is now one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions. OurVersailles travel guide will help you make the most of your visit, with information on how to get there, what to see, and where to eat and drink. Bon voyage!
Information About Versailles
When visiting Versailles, it is important to remember that much of the estate is still a functioning palace. As such, there are certain etiquette guidelines one should follow when touring the grounds. For example, visitors are required to maintain a respectful silence while inside the Palace Chapel and during other religious ceremonies. In addition, smoking is prohibited throughout the entire estate.
Those planning to tour the Palace of Versailles will want to reserve their tickets in advance as entrance is highly regulated and often sells out days or weeks in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Once inside, visitors can explore the State Apartments, which contain some of the most lavish furnishings and finishes in all of Europe. Of particular note are the Hall of Mirrors and King’s Bedchamber. Other highlights include the Queen’s Hamlet – a rustic village built for Marie Antoinette – as well as the extensive gardens, which span nearly 800 acres and feature numerous fountains (many of which are still operational).
When touring the gardens, be sure to leave time to stroll through The Grotto of Thetis – an underground cave-like structure decorated withShell grottoes, sculptures, and an artificial lake – and take in one of the famous fountain shows (which take place every Saturday from April through October).
The City of Versailles
Located just outside of Paris, Versailles is a beautiful city that is home to the world-famous Palace of Versailles. The palace is a must-see when visiting Versailles, but there are also plenty of other activities and attractions to enjoy in the city.
Whether you’re interested in history, art, or simply want to enjoy some time in a beautiful setting, Versailles is definitely worth a visit.
How to Get Around the City of Versailles
There are a few different ways that you can get around the city of Versailles. If you are staying in one of the many hotels in the city, most of them offer shuttle services to and from the airport as well as to and from the city center. There is also a bus system that runs throughout the city and its surrounding areas. The buses are clean, air-conditioned, and reasonably priced. Lastly, there are plenty of taxis available throughout the city.
What neighborhoods make up the commune?
The commune of Versailles is made up of several different neighborhoods, each with its own unique character. The most well-known neighborhood is the historic center, which is home to the Palace of Versailles and other important landmarks. Other neighborhoods in the commune include the stylish Le Vésinet district, the residential La Celle-Saint-Cloud area, and the industrial zone around the Rive Gauche railway line.
What to Wear?
When packing for your trip to Versailles, remember that the weather is likely to be warm, so pack light clothing that you can layer. A dress or skirt for women and trousers for men are always appropriate. If you plan on doing a lot of walking, pack comfortable shoes. And don’t forget to pack a raincoat or umbrella—it’s always better to be prepared!
What You’ll Experience
When you visit Versailles, you’ll be blown away by the opulence of the Palace of Versailles. Built in the 17th century, this former royal residence is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can explore the extensive grounds, which include manicured gardens, as well as take a tour of the lavish interior of the palace. In addition to the palace, there are also several other attractions in Versailles, such as the Hall of Mirrors and the Queen’s Hamlet. Whether you’re interested in history or just want to see some incredible architecture, a trip to Versailles is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
What You Need To Understand
There are a few things you need to understand before visiting Versailles. First, it is important to know that the palace is enormous. It is not just one building, but a series of interconnected buildings and gardens. Second, because it is so large, it can be difficult to navigate. There are maps available, but they can be confusing. Third, the lines to get into the palace can be very long, especially during peak tourist season. Finally, there is an entrance fee for the Palace and Gardens separately. Keep these things in mind when planning your trip to Versailles!
Travel Tips / Helpful Advice
When traveling to Versailles, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to make the most of your trip. First, be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes as there is a lot of ground to cover at the Palace of Versailles. Secondly, since the Palace is located outside of Paris, it is recommended to take a day trip from the city rather than trying to commute back and forth. Lastly, keep in mind that the Palace is closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly. With these tips in mind, you’re sure to have a enjoyable and memorable trip to Versailles!
The Château de Versailles
The Château de Versailles is the most iconic and well-known palace in France. It was built in the 17th century by King Louis XIV, and was the main residence of the Kings of France until the French Revolution in 1789. The Palace is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in France, with over 7 million visitors per year.
The Château de Versailles is located in the town of Versailles, about 20km southwest of Paris. The Palace grounds cover an area of 800 hectares, and include the famous Palace gardens, as well as several other smaller buildings and attractions.
Some of the highlights of a visit to the Château de Versailles include:
– exploring the lavish State Apartments of the Palace, which are decorated with sumptuous furniture, tapestries and artworks
– seeing the stunning Hall of Mirrors, where King Louis XIV would entertain guests, and which is now used for special events such as state dinners
– taking a walk in the beautiful Palace gardens, which feature several fountains, sculptures and groves of trees
The Gardens of Versailles
The Gardens of Versailles are some of the most beautiful gardens in the world. Many people come to Versailles to see the famous Palace, but the Gardens are also a must-see. The Gardens cover about 800 hectares and there are over 200,000 trees and bushes planted in them.
The main garden is called the Royal Garden and it has two parts – the King’s Garden and the Queen’s Garden. The King’s Garden is more formal with straight lines and geometric shapes, while the Queen’s Garden is more natural with curved lines and softer colors.
There are also several other gardens at Versailles, including the Petit Trianon, the Grand Trianon, and the Hameau de la Reine. The Petit Trianon was built for Louis XV’s mistress, Madame de Pompadour, while the Grand Trianon was built for Louis XIV’s mistresses. The Hameau de la Reine was built for Marie Antoinette.
No matter which garden you visit, you’ll be amazed by their beauty. Don’t forget to take a camera so you can capture some memories of your own!
Places for Food and Drink
There are plenty of great places to eat and drink in Versailles. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a fine dining experience, you’ll find something to suit your taste.
For a quick snack or light meal, head to one of the many cafes or bistros around the city. You’ll find plenty of pastries, sandwiches, salads, and other simple fare to choose from. If you’re looking for something more substantial, there are also plenty of restaurants serving up traditional French cuisine. Many of these establishments are located near the Palace of Versailles, so you can make a day of sightseeing and dining.
There are also several bars and pubs in Versailles if you’re looking to relax with a drink in hand. These watering holes are typically lively places, perfect for socializing over a pint or glass of wine.
Alternative Options to the Château
When it comes to exploring the Palace of Versailles, there are a few different ways to go about it. The most popular option is, of course, to purchase a ticket and explore the palace on your own. However, there are a few alternative options that may be more up your alley, depending on your interests and budget.
One such option is to take a tour of the palace led by a knowledgeable guide. This is a great way to learn about the history of the palace and get an insider’s view of all the different rooms and areas. Tours typically last around 2 hours and can be booked in advance online or at the ticket office on the day of.
Another option is to participate in one of the many special events that take place at Versailles throughout the year. From open-air concerts to costumed balls, there’s sure to be something that piques your interest. Keep in mind that some events do require an additional ticket on top of your entry fee to the palace.
Finally, if you’re looking for something truly unique, you can always rent out a room at one of the châteaux in the Palace of Versailles for a night (or two). While this definitely isn’t cheap, it’s an once-in-a-lifetime experience that you’ll never forget.
Smithsonians in the City of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, and for good reason. The palace is a stunning example of French architecture and design, and the grounds are simply beautiful.
But did you know that the Smithsonian Institution has a presence in the city of Versailles as well? That’s right – the world-renowned museum has several artifacts on display inVersailles, including some from the famous palace itself.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Versailles and seeing some amazing artifacts up close, be sure to check out the Smithsonians in the City of Versailles. You won’t be disappointed!
Churches in the Town of Versailles
The town of Versailles is home to many different churches, each with their own unique history and architecture. Here are just a few of the churches you can find in Versailles:
– Notre Dame de Versailles: This Gothic style church was built in the 13th century and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the town.
– Saint-Louis Church: Also known as the ‘Church of the Dauphin’, this baroque stylechurch was built in the 17th century for Louis XIV’s son, Louis, Duke of Burgundy.
– Saint-Michel Church: This church was built in the 15th century and is one of the oldest churches in Versailles. It has a beautiful Renaissance style facade.
– Saint-Jean Baptiste Church: This church was built in 1686 and is notable for its ornate Baroque interior.
Information about the House of Orléans
The Orléans are a cadet branch of the Spanish royal family who ruled France from 1610 until the French Revolution when King Louis XVI and his queen, Marie Antoinette, were executed. The Orléans take their name from the dukedom of Orléans which was bestowed on the first Bourbon king of France, Henry IV, in 1566 by his successor, Charles IX.
The House of Orléans produced two monarchs of France:
-Louis XIII (1601-1643), husband of Anne of Austria and father of Louis XIV;
-Louis Philippe I (1773-1850), King of the French from 1830 to 1848.
The current head of the House of Orléans is Prince Pierre d’Orléans, Duc de Penthièvre (b. 1922). He is a great-great grandson of Louis Philippe I through his mother Princess IrenePhilippa Louise Mary Adelheid Dagmar Sophie Helena Beatrix Friederike Maximiliane Wilhelmine Henriette Eugénie Feodora Alix Hélène von Fürstenberg-Weitra (1895–1973). The Dukes of Orléans have always used the style ‘de France’, indicating that they consider themselves legitimate successors to pre-Revolutionary monarchy.
Tours and Accessibility
When visiting Versailles, there are a few different tours that you can take in order to see the different parts of the palace. The most popular tour is the Palace Tour, which takes you through the main rooms of the palace, including the King’s and Queen’s Bedrooms, the Hall of Mirrors, and more.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Versailles, there is also a History Tour available. This tour covers the origins of the palace and how it became one of the most famous residences in Europe.
For those with accessibility needs, there is an Accessibility Tour available upon request. This tour covers all of the accessible areas of the palace and grounds, so that everyone can enjoy their visit to Versailles.
Basic Essentials to Bring With You
Assuming you’re staying in Paris and not at one of the on-site hotels, here are a few things you should bring with you for your day trip to Versailles:
– A good pair of walking shoes! You will be doing a lot of walking, both inside and outside.
– An umbrella or raincoat. Check the weather forecast before you go, but always be prepared for rain in France.
– A picnic lunch and snacks. There are plenty of places to stop and enjoy a meal, but it’s always good to have something with you in case you get hungry.
– Water bottle. You can fill this up once you pass through security.
– Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses if the weather is nice.
– Camera! There are tons of photo ops both inside and outside the palace.
When To Visit? / The Hours
The Palace of Versailles is open to visitors all year round, with different hours depending on the season. From April to October, the palace is open from 9am to 6.30pm, and from November to March, it is open from 9am to 5.30pm. Last entry to the palace is 45 minutes before closing time.
The gardens are also open all year round, but with different hours depending on the season. From April to October, the gardens are open from 8am to 8pm, and from November to March they are open from 8am to 6pm. Last entry to the gardens is 1 hour before closing time.
So whether you’re looking to escape the cold weather or enjoy the summer sunshine, there’s no wrong time to visit Versailles!
Paris Public Transportation
Paris is well known for its public transportation system, which includes the metro, buses, trams, and even a riverboat service. The metro is the most popular way to get around Paris and is relatively cheap and efficient. If you’re staying in Paris for a longer period of time, you may want to consider getting a Navigo pass, which allows you unlimited travel on all of Paris’ public transportation options.
Buses are another popular way to get around Paris and there are many different routes to choose from depending on your destination. Trams are also a great option for getting around Paris, with 14 different lines criss-crossing the city. And finally, the riverboat service is a great way to see some of Paris’ most iconic landmarks while getting from one point to another.
FAQ Versailles
Q: What are the most popular attractions at Versailles?
A: The Palace of Versailles and the Gardens are the most popular attractions. Visitors can also explore the Petit Trianon, the Grand Trianon, Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet, and more.
Q: How many days should I spend in Versailles?
A: We recommend staying in Versailles for at least 2 days to have enough time to explore both the Palace and the Gardens.
Q: What are the best times to visit the Palace of Versailles?
A: The best times to visit the Palace of Versailles are during the off-peak season from November to March.
Q: Can I visit the Palace of Versailles without a tour?
A: Yes, you can visit the Palace of Versailles without a tour by buying a ticket for a self-guided tour at the ticket office.
Q: Are there any discounts for students or seniors?
A: There are discounts for students and seniors available at the ticket office.
Q: What is the audio guide?
A: The Palace of Versailles offers an audio guide in various languages to help visitors explore the Palace on their own.
Q: Where is the Palace of Versailles located?
A: The Palace of Versailles is located in the town of Versailles, about 20 kilometers southwest of Paris.
Q: How much does it cost to visit Versailles?
A: Admission to the Palace of Versailles costs €18 for adults and €9 for children ages 6-17. Admission to the gardens is free for all visitors.
Q: How do I get to Versailles from Paris?
A: You can take a train from Paris’ Gare Montparnasse or Saint-Lazare train stations directly to Versailles-Chantiers station. The journey takes about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Paris’ Porte Maillot or Pont de l’Alma bus station.
There’s no doubt that Versailles is a truly magnificent place, and we hope our guide has helped you plan the perfect trip. If you have any tips of your own or if you’ve been to Versailles before, let us know in the comments below!
