Versailles Palace

 

Here are five amazing things you can do at Versailles Palace

1.) Walk through the Halls of Mirrors

Hall of MirrorsAn absolute must while visiting the Versailles Palace is this one. This Hall is about French history, French style and French beauty. It was supposed to subjugate every single visitor Louis XIV may have had and it still remains one of the most famous spots in the world thanks to its baroque style but also to its function, which was to prove to the entire world how powerful Louis XIV was; in a word a symbol of the absolute monarchy.

2.) Feel like Marie Antoinette in the Queen’s Hamlet

Queen’s HamletSofia Coppola has shown Marie-Antoinette’s will to escape the Court and its obligations. This hamlet remains a peaceful and beautiful place, a real treasure of the Palace, different from everything else you might see, almost Disney-like.

3.) Take a break in the Versailles Garden

Palace of VersaillesEnjoy a walk in one of the most beautiful gardens of France. This immense garden is one of the best examples of the French gardening style. Everything is about symmetry and beauty thanks to the fountains, the canal, the different alleys and the huge park surrounded by the forest.

4.) Enjoy a picnic on the lawn

GardensThe picnic is one of the most popular French traditions and is particularly delightful in Paris. Whether in the Luxembourg Garden or in the Invalides it is great.But Versailles Gardens are the best place to enjoy a picnic. We recommend you join the Parisians and “Versaillais” to a White and Republican Picnic, on July 14th, during the French National Day.

5.) The Versailles “Notre-Dame Neighborhood”

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de ParisVersailles also has a Notre Dame neighborhood.It is not just about its castle or its garden. Versailles is also a suburb town, charming and full of life. You just have to wander through the streets of this neighborhood to find small and hidden shops full of ancient or rare items you would never find anywhere else.

Insider’s Tips:

  • Try avoiding visiting the Château De Versailles on weekends or else you will have to queue up for hours.
  • Versailles shelters the Palace but is also an amazing city! Do not miss it in any case!

Facts about the Versailles Palace

The Versailles Palace was built in order to glorify the French monarchy. This castle remains the real symbol of this period. Before its construction, the land was swampy and almost deserted. Louis XIII is the first King who started to go there: he constructed what we nowadays consider as the heart of the castle. His heir, Louis XIV, thought Versailles could be a better place than Paris for the French monarch to live in. Indeed, “La Fronde” (1648-1653), a rebellion of both the aristocracy and the Third Party during his childhood made him scared and suspicious.

He did not want to stay in Paris, which was too big and possibly unsafe. He decided to enlarge the castle in order to make the place bigger and as magnificent as he wanted his reign to be. That is why between 1661 and 1682 (and even after), huge works were conducted so that the castle would be able to welcome the French Court in 1682. After that, Versailles Palace became the official residence of Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI. Those kings occupied the Palace between 1682 and 1789, making a few adjustments with, for example, the Queen’s Hamlet symbolizing the idealized countryside during the late 1700s.

Today, Versailles is also a city, 20 kilometers away from Paris, on the western side of the French Capital.

Versailles Palace

As most locals would tell you: People who are born here never wish to leave. This may not be part of Paris, but this is one of the most interesting French landmarks you may ever see. Full of history, every single corridor is a perfect spot to imagine how the Ancient Regime France looked like. But this is not just about the castle! If you’re lucky enough to go to Versailles, you should really wander through the town! With all the cafes, the shops… this is a great place to live in, so pleasant and quiet!

Camille

Guide

How to get there

By Rer:
Versailles Rive Gauche
Rer C (Approximately 20 minutes from Paris)

  • 13 million visitors a year 99%
  • Incredibly detailed 80%
  • Contains hidden mysteries 70%

Opening Hours

April – October

Palace
Open every day except on Monday
9:00 am – 6:30 pm

Trianon Castle and Marie-Antoinette’s Domain
Open every day except on Monday
12:00 pm – 6:30 pm

Garden
Open every day
8:00 am – 8:30 pm

November – March

Palace
Open every day except on Monday
9:00 am – 5:30 pm

Trianon Castle and Marie – Antoinette’s Domain
Open every day except on Monday
12:00 pm – 5:30 pm

Garden
Open every day
8:00 am – 6:00 pm

Near By

montansier-theater

1.) Spend an evening at the Montansier Theater:
This Theater offers you the opportunity to attend plays, ballets and concerts next to the castle.

2.) Room of the “Jeu de Paume”:
This is the room where the contemporary French history begun in 1789. The “Jeu de Paume’s oath” symbolizes the beginning of the French Revolution.

3.) An amazing experience; Fireworks in Versailles:
Check Versailles Palace’s website and attend one of the most impressive fireworks in France.

Why it’s worth visiting

  • One of the most famous historical landmarks in Paris. French history will no longer have secrets for you.
  • The Gardens are beautifully organized and accurately shaped: It is a proof that French people can be disciplined!