Versailles is one of France’s most visited tourist destinations in the heart of Ile-de-France and easily reached from Paris or other surrounding cities. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it attracts millions of visitors yearly– for a good reason. Read more for the ultimate day trip to Versailles; here are some of the must-see highlights:
Château de Versailles
It is an opulent castle once the seat of power of the French monarchy and is the main attraction in Versailles. It features ornate architecture, lavish décor, and impressive artwork.
This is where you’ll find King Louis XIV’s famous Hall of Mirrors, the Queen’s Bedchamber, the Salon de Diane, the King’s Study and the Library. Restored to its original design, Marie Antoinette’s bedroom is one of the several rooms you shouldn’t miss.
If you’re fascinated by castles, here’s our list of the Top 5 Castles to Visit Near Paris.
The Gardens of Versailles
These are a definite must-see as they are one of the most famous gardens in the world. The English garden is meticulously kept and includes a pond.
Landscape architect André Le Nôtre who created many other beautiful gardens throughout France (1613-1700), like the ones at the castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte, designed the Park. Apart from his notable work, he used geometric shapes like circles and squares to create different areas within the Park so that people could enjoy various activities.
The Grand Trianon
The Grand Trianon is a smaller version of Château de Versailles but has many similarities, including its gardens. In addition, the building has several rooms, including a private theatre, dining room and music room.
In 1687, Louis XIV and his family built the Grand Trianon to escape their everyday life at Château de Versailles.
The Petit Trianon
Queen Marie Antoinette commissioned the construction of a small palace in 1760. The building is located in the Park of Versailles, just a few minutes from the main palace. This small palace had only two floors and was designed for private use. Built in the middle of the park, it allowed the queen to go there away from the prying public eyes.
The Petit Trianon was one of her favourite places to go during her free time. In fact, she spent most of her time there with her friends and family members. The garden was also extraordinary for her because André Le Nôtre, who also designed the gardens at Versailles Palace, created it.
There are several buildings on this property:
The Orangerie is where you can see many orange trees and other fruit trees grown onsite. This building also features a café where you can get snacks and drinks while visiting this property.
The Salon de la Paix was used as a reception hall when people visited Marie Antoinette at Petit Trianon Palace. Undoubtedly one of the finest rooms as it features beautiful paintings by famous artists such as Jean-Baptiste.
The Royal Opera of Versailles
One of the best-kept secrets in Paris. Louis XIV started building the opera house as a theatre for his courtiers in 1682.
Today, you can watch operas, ballets, symphonies and more at this historic venue.
The Royal Opera of Versailles has two theatres: the Grand Théâtre de la Reine (or Théâtre Royal) and the Opéra Royal. Both are located in the palace complex at Versailles.
The Grand Théâtre de la Reine (within the Grand Trianon) is one of Europe’s most beautiful opera houses, built between 1778 and 1779 by Richard Mique.
The building is large enough to accommodate an audience of 250 people on three levels (balcony, parterre and mezzanine).
The Queen’s Hamlet
The Hameau de la Reine, a hamlet constructed in 1783, was where Marie Antoinette spent her time away from court. The main building has been restored to its original condition and features a small farm, a dairy, a vegetable garden and several outbuildings. So what’s more fitting to cap the ultimate day trip to Versailles than checking out the hamlet?
Visitors can walk through the grounds and explore the various buildings, including an orangery (where orange trees were grown), a dairy and an apiary (bee hives). The hamlet is located in the park of Le Petit Trianon. Marie Antoinette intended it to be a retreat for their children during summers at Versailles.
Clearly, Marie Antoinette had a great interest in agricultural activities and raising livestock. Therefore, she ordered that there should be a dairy at Le Petit Trianon where she could make butter herself.
The Grand Canal
Apart from the impeccable buildings and gardens, the long, narrow lake in the centre of the gardens shouldn’t be missed. Used for boating and other water activities during the time of Louis XIV, it runs from the city centre northwest to the Parc de Meeûs, passing through Château de Versailles’ Gardens.
How to Get to Versailles
By car: Take the A13 highway to reach Château de Versailles. You can also take the N12 to reach it from Rouen or Le Havre via Montigny le Bretonneux.
By train: RER C Trains frequently run from Paris to Versailles-Rive Gauche station (about 25 minutes), where you can walk (10 minutes) or take a bus or taxi to reach the chateau’s entrance gate.
By bus: Bus 171 runs regularly between Pont de Sèvres to Versailles (30 minutes).
How much does it cost to visit
Passport – access to Versailles Estate (Palace, Trianon and the Gardens) €28,50
Palace – access to the Château (with timed entries) €19,50
Musical Fountains Show €10,50/ €9
The Fountains Night Show €31 / €27
Musical Gardens €10 / €9
Trianon Estate – The Grand/Petit Trianon, the Hamlet and Gardens €12
Passport + Return Trip by Little Train €34,50/€16
Check Versailles ticket prices and schedule for more details.
What are the best months, days and times to go there
Months: March to May / September to November.
Days: Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Time: 9 am to 5 pm
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