A day trip to Versailles
Bonjour! On our latest family trip to Paris, we were seeking an extraordinary experience we hadn’t done before. As we don’t live too far from Paris, we all have visited quite some spots in the city of love, so it was a challenge to find something that pleases all. On our last day, we stepped into a world of opulence, extravagance, and timeless elegance. You guessed it right, we visited Château de Versailles.
Versailles
Versailles is a small charming town, located in the Île-de-France region of France, just outside of Paris. Versailles is most famous for its grand palace, the Château de Versailles, which was once the residence of French kings and queens, including Louis XIV. The palace boasts stunning halls, extravagant chambers, and the world-famous Hall of Mirrors. Today, the Château de Versailles is a UNESCO World Heritage site. With all its grandeur, the palace and the gardens make Versailles worth an enchanting day trip from Paris.
Plan your visit
Buy your tickets online on the official website. You can order tickets for just the palace or a ticket that covers everything on site. On the official website, you will also find the most recent updates and all the opening hours of the different parts.
Versailles is just a 40 minutes train ride from Paris (Gare de l’Est). We went by car and there is parking available just in front of the palace.
The Palace
Standing in front of the majestic Château de Versailles leaves you speechless. The sheer size palace is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture and is renowned for its opulent design and extensive gardens. Channel your inner Marie Antoinette or Louis XIV as you wander along all the exquisite chambers and halls that showcase the pinnacle of French art and craftsmanship.
Let’s delve into Château de Versailles’ interior and some of its remarkable features!
Hall of Mirrors
The Hall of Mirrors is perhaps the most iconic and breathtaking hall in the palace. Stretching over 73 meters, it is adorned with 17 arched windows that overlook the gardens. 357 mirrors embellish the opposite wall. The grandeur of the hall is enhanced by the ornate chandeliers, gilded sculptures, and elegant painted ceilings. Walking through this hall feels like stepping into a dream, with the sunlight reflecting off the mirrors, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
King’s and Queen’s Grand Apartments
The King’s Grand apartments are a series of lavishly decorated chambers that were used for official ceremonies and private audiences. Each room boasts its own unique theme and design. Have a look at all the details in the décor, including the intricate woodwork and sumptuous textiles.
The Queen’s Apartments are equally captivating, featuring an array of beautifully appointed rooms such as the Queen’s Bedchamber, the Queen’s Chamber of the Grand Couvert and the Queen’s Salon.
Royal Chapel
The Royal Chapel is a majestic space that exemplifies the union of religious and artistic grandeur. Its stunning architecture, including the soaring vaulted ceilings, creates an atmosphere of divine beauty.
The Gallery of Great Battles
One of the lesser-known gems of the palace is the Gallery of Great Battles. This vast gallery displays over 30 monumental paintings that depict key moments in French military history.
The Gardens
The palace’s gardens are equally breath-taking and cover a vast area of about 800 hectares. The gardens feature perfectly manicured lawns, intricate flower beds, elegant fountains, and charming pathways. You can spend hours exploring the various groves, hidden corners, and peaceful ponds that make up the expansive gardens.
Grand and Petit Trianon
When you walk away from the Palace through the gardens and exit on the right side of the Grand Canal, you walk upon Grand and Petit Trianon. These two beautiful and historical buildings are located within the grounds of Château de Versailles. The Grand Trianon was a retreat for King Louis XIV and has an elegant pink marble exterior. Inside you find an exquisite interior featuring luxurious rooms.
Petit Trianon or Small Trianon is located to the west of the Grand Trianon. This building was intended for the personal use of the royal family and provided a more intimate and informal setting. Both Grand and Petit Trianon are surrounded by extensive gardens including Queen’s Hamlet, a rustic retreat built for Queen Marie Antoinette.
Versailles
Versailles offers a charming town centre with narrow streets, quaint shops, and delightful cafés. It’s a perfect base if you want to visit Versailles at a slower pace.
We went into the city for dinner after visiting Château de Versailles. Visiting the palace including the gardens and Grand and Petit Trianon already took us all day, so, we didn’t have any spare energy or time to visit the town itself. But we believe it’s also worth a visit when you’re around!
Best Time to Visit
According to the official website, April to June and October to November are the best months to visit Versailles. The weather is mild and crowds are less likely than mid-summer. The low season is from November through March.
