Versailles

Introduction

Located in the western suburbs of the French capital, Versailles offers you a blend of historical grandeur and modern life as a wealthy suburb with a service-based economy. You can explore the renowned Château de Versailles and wander through the Gardens of Versailles, which are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Before you go

Before you arrive, consider the deep historical layers of this site, which served as a seat of government during several periods of French history and acted as a retreat for the government of the Third Republic during the Paris Commune. You can explore the evolution of the grounds from a simple hunting lodge into the grand palace it is today, now housing the Museum of France's history. The site includes the main palace, large gardens, an extensive park, and several annex buildings of cultural interest.

Because the palace area is vast and contains many sites of historic importance, you should plan your visit carefully to account for the time needed to travel between locations. If you have limited time, prioritize which areas you wish to see most, keeping in mind that there are large distances between some points of interest and potential lines at the entrance.

Getting there

You can reach the palace by train from several locations in Paris. The Versailles Château Rive Gauche station provides the shortest walk to the grounds, while Versailles Rive Droite offers a pleasant walk and Versailles Chantiers is also an accessible option. Depending on your starting point, you can take the Transilien N or TER Centre-Val de Loire from Montparnasse, the RER C line from central Paris, or the Transilien L from Saint Lazare. For those preferring a slower journey, Route 171 bus travels from Pont de Sèvres to Versailles.

For maximum comfort and door-to-door service, you can choose a taxi or a pre-booked private car. If you prefer an active approach, the ride from Paris via Bois de Boulogne and Parc St Cloud offers a scenic route by bike. To simplify your visit, consider booking your tickets online in advance to skip queues; choosing a Palace Ticket includes an audioguided tour of several apartments and halls, while a Passport Ticket adds access to the Trianon palaces and estate, as well as the musical fountains.

Getting around

You can explore Versailles easily on foot, making it a walkable destination for your visit. Once you are inside the palace grounds, you have the option to hire bikes or battery-powered golf carts to navigate the area.

A reliable network of buses serves the city and its surrounding areas. You can refer to the information provided for Paris to find details regarding ticket options for these routes.

Where to stay

You can choose from a variety of accommodations ranging from rustic forest settings to luxury stays in the heart of town. For a nature-oriented experience, Huttopia Versailles offers cottages and ridge tents nestled in the forest near an RER station, complete with a swimming pool. If you prefer a more traditional stay, the Residence Du Berry provides an old century feel combined with modern amenities just a short walk from the Parc de Versailles.

Several options are available for those traveling by car or seeking specific amenities:

• The Ibis Chateau de Versailles Hotel is located in the center of town and features air-conditioned rooms, a 24-hour bar, and complimentary parking.
• The Pullman Versailles Chateau offers luxury amenities including a pool, a fitness center, a sauna, and a restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine.
• Hotel Mercure Versailles Parly 2 provides another nearby option for your stay.
• For those staying in the surrounding areas, you can find accommodations such as Chambres de la Marina Hôtel indépendant in Les Mureaux, Hotel La Chaumière Logis de France in Les Mureaux, Hotel Les Jardins d'Epône in Epône, or Hotel Bleu France Eragny.

Food & drink

When dining within the palace grounds, you can choose from several options to avoid traveling back into town. The Château houses Ore, Angelina, and Grand Café d'Orléans, while the formal gardens offer informal dining at La Flottille and La Petite Venise. For a quicker bite, snack kiosks are located in the Bosquet du Dauphin and Bosquet de la Girandole, with an Angelina Terrace situated near the Petit Trianon. If you prefer to picnic in warm or dry weather, the palace grounds provide a scenic setting.

Outside the palace, you can find various dining experiences across the city:

• Monument Café offers all-you-can-eat buffets and wine tastings in an atmosphere featuring high-tech tools.
• The Broadway Café provides a relaxed atmosphere with dishes like burgers, lasagna, pizza, and sandwiches.
• For an authentic experience, visit the Place du Marché Notre Dame, where an outdoor market sells fresh vegetables, fish, meats, fruits, and cheese.
• Local bakeries in the town center provide quick lunch options such as pizzas and sandwiches.

What to see and do

Explore the historic grandeur of the Château de Versailles, a palace of immense historical significance and architectural beauty. You can wander through the Hall of Mirrors, a Baroque-style gallery that hosted significant historical events, or visit the Queen's Apartment to see white and gold woodwork in rooms such as the battle gallery and the royal birthing room. The grounds offer diverse experiences: admire the intricate paintings and marble altar of the Chapelle Royale, stroll through the Potager du Roi where the king’s vegetables were grown, or find a moment of rustic peace at the Hameau de la Reine. For those seeking scenic vistas, the Grand Trianon features Italian architecture and pink marble, while the Temple of Love sits on a small island within the park. The gardens also feature the Grandes Eaux Musicales, where you can see the many fountains of the Bassin de Neptune and the Bassin d'Apollon.

Beyond the main palace grounds, you can discover various landmarks throughout the town. Visit the Royal Stables to witness horse shows or view the collection of 19th-century coaches in the Coach Gallery. In the old Quartier Saint-Louis neighborhood, you can visit the Cathédrale Saint-Louis, while a short walk from the château leads to the 19th-century Hôtel de Ville and the neighboring Hôtel de la Préfecture. For those interested in art and history, the Musee Lambinet showcases 18th-century furnishings and sculptures within a beautiful home. You can also explore the Paroisse Saint Symphorien de Versailles, a chapel known for its cascading decor and historical paintings, or visit the Royal Tennis Court, a pivotal site of the French Revolution.

• The Grand Trianon
• The Hall of Mirrors
• The Queen's Apartment
• The Chapelle Royale
• The Temple of Love
• Hameau de la Reine
• Potager du Roi
• Royal Stables
• Coach Gallery
• Cathédrale Saint-Louis
• Paroisse Saint Symphorien de Versailles
• Musee Lambinet

Three days in Versailles

Day one, you can explore the grandeur of the Château and wander through the expansive Gardens. These sites are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a deep connection to history.

Day two, you can visit the Trianon. This area provides a different atmosphere within the grounds as you experience more of the estate's historical layers.

Day three, you can enjoy the surrounding landscape and scenery. Whether you are exploring the local surroundings or taking in the views, your time in Versailles concludes with a sense of the region's heritage.