The Palace of Versailles stands as a pinnacle of French history. After three visits to Paris, it was finally time to explore this historic palace. Whether you choose to visit independently or join a guided tour, the Palace of Versailles is a key stop. As part of our 10-day French road trip, we had a rental car, but you can also reach the palace by train or bus. More details on transportation options are coming up.
Historical Insights into the Palace of Versailles
Before it became the grand palace we know today, the Chateau de Versailles started as a hunting lodge for Louis XIII. Over three years, this lodge was transformed into the magnificent Chateau de Versailles. The palace was also the site of the World War I peace treaty signing and is listed as a World Heritage Site. It boasts 2,300 rooms and holds the title of the world’s largest royal domain. Notably, billionaire John D. Rockefeller made significant donations for its restoration. For a thorough historical overview, visit the official Palace of Versailles website or delve into one of Alexandre Dumas’s books.
Reaching the Palace of Versailles from Paris
Driving from Paris to the Palace of Versailles takes around 30-40 minutes. For a more budget-friendly option, you can take the train, which takes approximately 1-1.5 hours. Guided tours from Paris are also available. For more details on transportation, check the official Palace of Versailles website.
Tickets for the Palace of Versailles
I planned ahead and purchased tickets for the Palace and its gardens from Viator before our departure from Norway. This allowed us to avoid the long lines at the ticket counter. Arriving at the palace, I was relieved to have our “skip-the-line” tickets, especially since the place was crowded and the weather was hot. Although I felt quite clever for booking in advance, we still faced a long wait at the entrance. Despite my initial disappointment, we decided to stay determined and managed to sneak into the line. While “skip-the-line” tickets expedite the purchase process, they don’t eliminate all waiting. Guided tours are another way to bypass some crowds.
Exploring the Palace of Versailles
Once past security, we encountered another line to enter the main building. We chose to explore the left side of the Palace, including the Gallery of Great Battles, which was engaging for our 12-year-old. Despite some wear and tear, the palace’s art and decor were impressive, and we eventually found our way to the beautiful gardens.
Rooms of the Palace of Versailles
The Palace has 15 public rooms, including the renowned Hall of Mirrors and the King’s State Apartments, which were used for official functions and social gatherings. We spent most of our time in the Gallery of Great Battles, which showcases French military achievements over centuries.
The Gardens of Versailles
The gardens are celebrated for their symmetry, statues, and fountains, with renovations starting in 1661. Visitors typically spend around two hours exploring the gardens. The entrance fee to the gardens is included with Palace tickets, except during special events like the Fountain Shows. The gardens were replanted in 1999 to restore their original appearance. The skip-the-line tickets included access to the Fountain Show, but we missed it due to timing.
Additional Attractions in Versailles
The Marché Notre-Dame, a covered market dating back to Louis XIV, offers a variety of foods. The Montreuil district, a former medieval village, features the Hôtel de Ville, a notable landmark. For a unique experience, you can dress as a French aristocrat for photos at Costumes & Châteaux. During the Christmas season, enjoy concerts and shows at the Royal Chapel and Royal Opera, and sample festive treats at La Varenne.
If you choose to stay overnight in Versailles, the town offers a range of high-quality hotels and restaurants to enhance your visit.
