The Palace of Versailles, not to be confused with the wealthy suburban commune of Versailles on the outskirts of Paris, is the ultimate symbol of the affluence and power of France’s former monarchy. Its high ceilings, lavish architecture, and vast gardens make it one of the most magnificent palaces not just in France but in the entire world!
As the former residence of the French crown and centre of diplomatic activity in the country for more than 100 years, it’s no wonder Versailles is so outstanding! And with every outstanding monument, it’s also no surprise that the palace is one of Paris’ most visited attractions, with millions of tourists every year. Located at the Place d’Armes and just under 20km from Paris, it’s easily accessible by train, bus, or car and is an extremely popular day or side trip from the famous French capital.
That said, is a day trip to Versailles worth it? Read on to find out, as well as tips to help you plan and make the most of your Versailles trip.
Planning your Versailles trip
Before you decide to head off to Versailles, it’s probably best to plan your visit in advance, as there is no shortage of sightseeing and various other activities. Besides visiting the palace to view its countless splendid chambers, ornate bedrooms and furniture, extensive art, painting, and sculpture collection, and endless hallways, you can easily spend hours just walking through its expansive gardens and grounds. Therefore, plan to spend at least half a day – five to six hours—though a full day or two is ideal if you are not in a rush.
A suggested itinerary for a first-time visit could include: two to three hours for the main palace, one hour for the gardens, and another hour or two for Marie Antoinette’s estate, at the very least. There is also the less crowded but equally stunning Estate de Trianon, which includes the Grand and Petit Trianon, as well as the Queen’s Hamlet and numerous ornamental gardens. It is recommended that you spend another two to three hours to see all these places if you still have additional time during your visit.
Inside Palace of Versailles
When visiting Versailles, the most obvious place to start would be inside the palace of Versailles itself. The palace of Versailles alone contains some 2300 rooms, with around 1000 of them open to the public! With such a gargantuan place, to make the most of your visit, it’s important to note which rooms and areas in particular are worth seeing. The Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles is a great room to start with, as it’s the most famous and visited room in the palace, and for good reason. This dazzling hall is a grand gallery of at least 350 silvery, shiny mirrors, large quantities of gold and crystal, and vivid, 17th-century paintings on the hall’s vaulted ceilings. This room is stunning, to say the least, and is one of the most emblematic rooms in the entire palace.
With regards to the many prominent rooms in the palace, did you know that the palace is divided into public and private areas? For instance, Versailles houses the King’s and Queen’s state apartments, which were a collection of many rooms where King Louis and Marie Antoinette hosted many dinners and parties, and Marie Antoinette’s private bedroom in the Queen’s private chambers.
When walking through the rooms in the King’s and Queen’s apartments, you can really see the contrast between the rich crimson, dark tones, and ornate gold panelling in the rooms of King Louis’ apartments compared with the light, pale tones and floral prints in the Queen’s bedchambers. And many of the rooms in both the state and private apartments are adorned with shiny, crystal chandeliers, gold-framed paintings, and ornate furnishings and panels.
While visiting the King’s state apartment, make sure to check out the Apollo room, which was used as a throne room from the late 17th century; the Room of Abundance, a room used for evening gatherings and serving refreshments such as wines, liqueurs, and coffee; and the Mercury room, which was originally the King’s bedchamber. In the Queen’s apartments, there are now only four rooms, but all are still magnificent. The Queen’s bedchamber is not to be missed and was where Marie Antoinette spent the majority of her time, including where she slept, received guests, and even gave birth to her children.
Other places to visit
Besides the Hall of Mirrors and private and state apartments of King Louis and Marie Antoinette, the outdoor area of Versailles is also well worth the visit, especially the Versailles gardens and Versailles fountains. The gardens of Versailles are expanses of beautifully landscaped gardens spread out across acres of land, and they include many grand fountains such as the Apollo Fountain and the Musical Fountains. While there, be sure to take a stroll along the Grand Canal and watch the flowers and plants in full bloom if you’re there in spring or summer.
Other less visited and probably underrated places at Versailles include the Grand Trianon, which King Louis used as a private residence to escape the public eye, and the strict etiquette of the royal court, the Petit Trianon, where Marie Antoinette stayed. Along with serving as Marie Antoinette’s personal residence, the Queen’s Hamlet and more picturesque landscaped gardens can be found here. The hamlet comprises a series of village cottages set around an artificial lake, which the Queen used as a retreat to host relaxed, private gatherings with friends and even as a classroom to educate her children.
The best times to go
As a world-class tourist attraction, Versailles is always busy and is open every day of the year except Mondays, Christmas, and New Year’s. However, the best times to visit would be during the spring and autumn months of March to June and October to November. The weather tends to be more pleasant and mild during these months, and the flowers will be out in full bloom in the spring. Plus, you won’t have to push your way through throngs of tourists during the hot, sweaty, and busy summer months! Aim to visit early on Wednesdays or Thursdays, as Tuesdays are the busiest days, and November to March is low season if you’re looking to avoid the crowds. Admission is ~ 20€ | $22 USD | $33.50 AUD for entry to the Palace, 12€ | $13 USD | $20 AUD to the Trianon Estates, and 21.50€ | $21.40 USD | $36 AUD for access to the entire estate, including the Palace, Trianon Estate, and the gardens. Youth under 18 and EU residents under 26 get to enter for free! Just have some form of ID ready, such as a student card or driver’s license.
Verdict: Is Versailles worth the trip?
Versailles is totally worth the visit! With no shortage of superb places to visit, affordable fares, and super easy access from Paris, there’s no excuse not to make the day trip here! Before you visit, just be sure to book tickets online in advance to secure your spot and reduce wait times. Bon voyage!
If a tour is not within your budget, consider hiring a car for the duration of your Paris to Versailles trip.
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