The Palace of Versailles is one of the top attractions to visit in Paris. Once you get there, it’s easy to see why so many flock to this marvel of French architecture. The palace is an extravaganza of luxury with splendid gardens, fountains and sculptures. The palace’s interior is a fine example of the lavish lifestyle of the Kings of France. The Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Chapel and the Royal Apartments will certainly enchant you like it did us.
History of the Palace of Versailles
The history of the Palace of Versailles goes back to the 17th century when King Louis XIII first came to Versailles. In 1623 the king decided to build a hunting lodge where he could stay overnight during his hunting trips. But in 1631 he decided to rebuild laying out the foundation of the palace as we know it today.
But it’s King Louis XIV, the Sun King, who is responsible for extending the estate beyond the palace and creating a masterpiece of French architecture. During his reign, Louis XIV moved the court to Versailles and continued to extend the estate with new wings and buildings.
Following his death in 1715, his son Louis XV, moved the court to Vincennes. But a few years later he started to return periodically to Versailles creating smaller and more intimate areas within the palace.
After the death of King Louis XV, his son Louis XVI became king and in 1770 he married Marie-Antoinette. The celebration took place at the Palace of Versailles.
During the French revolution, the court left Versailles and move to Paris in 1789.
In 1833, under the reign of Louis-Philippe, King of the French, it was decided to turn the Palace of Versailles into a museum. The museum was inaugurated in 1837. It is now one of the most visited places in France and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visiting the Palace of Versailles
The Estate of Versailles is a museum complex that extends over 800 hectares (almost 2,000 acres). There is a lot to see, so allow at least 4 hours to explore the estate and gardens. More if you can. Also consider downloading a free audio guide to your phone to get the most of your visit of the Palace of Versailles.
Obviously, the top thing to do at the Palace is to visit the palace’s interior. There are 2,300 rooms and some of the most notable include the Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Chapel and the Royal Apartments.
The gardens are spectacular and strolling through them is a must. Along the way you will see plenty of beautiful fountains and sculptures (and you might even find a spot devoid of tourists!).
If you have time, do take a look at the Petit Trianon and Grand Trianon. They are nice to see and much less crowded than the palace. Nearby, you can also visit the Queen’s Hamlet, a rustic retreat built for Marie-Antoinette.
Good to know
- Download the Palace of Versailles app to your smartphone
- Buy your ticket online to avoid waiting in line at the ticket office
- Get there early and expect a line even if you already have your ticket
- On specific days from April to October there are Musical Gardens and Musical Fountain Shows
Opening hours:
- Palace of Versailles: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am-6:30pm, closed on Monday
- Trianon: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 12pm-6:30 pm, closed on Monday
- Gardens: Open every day from 8am-8:30 pm
Entrance fees:
Ticket prices vary depending on the type of ticket you choose. For 20 euros you can get a Passport Ticket with a timed entry to visit the Palace, the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon, the Queen’s hamlet, Gardens and special exhibitions. And for an additional 7 euros you can access the Musical Gardens and Musical Fountain Shows.
How to get to Versailles:
Versailles is easily accessible by train. There is a direct line from Paris via the RER train, but the SNCF train service is another good option to get there.
Conclusion
Even if it gets crowded, visiting the Palace of Versailles is a must-do day trip from Paris. It’s one of our favorite places to visit and we would happily visit again.
We found that the self-guided audio tour was the most convenient way to explore the palace’s interior. Overall, it was quite entertaining and some of the stories about the daily life of the court were interesting.
But I have to say that on our second visit we noticed that the narrative had been modified and that some of the most colorful stories removed. Nevertheless, we think that taking some sort of tour is the best way to learn about the people and the history.
People come mostly to visit the palace, but Versailles is also nice to see. There are many good restaurants to choose from, so why not stick around for a crêpe and head back to Paris when the crowds have dispersed?
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