Get the Best Out of Your Trip to Versailles | Travel Guide

Once home to the French kings and queens, the Palace of Versailles is one of Paris’s most visited tourist attractions. Guests walk through the magnificent halls and gardens within the palace walls, taking in all of Versailles’s historic beauty.

You’ll need to plan to make the most of a day trip to Versailles. The palace is always packed with tourists, so being prepared and knowing which parts of the site are on your must-see list will help your day go smoothly. Here are our tips and must-sees to make your trip to the Palace of Versailles memorable.

The History of the Palace of Versailles

The Palace began as a hunting lodge. The palace was home to the Kings of France for over 100 years, leading to the French Revolution. Afterwards, Louis XII bought the surrounding land and transformed the lodge into a chateau with parks and gardens. It was not until King Louis XIV began to develop the site that it became the magnificence it is today. Famously, Louis XIV even installed an opera house in the palace solely for Maria Antoinette’s wedding to the Dauphin.

1682, the king moved the royal court and French government into the palace. At this point, the palace’s furniture was made from solid silver. As times and trends changed, subsequent kings remodelled the palace’s interior to fit their tastes, which is why the furnishings look so different today.

A genuinely significant set of events, two globally important occasions occurred at the Palace of Versailles. Firstly, on 3 September 1783, the Peace of Paris treaty was signed at the palace. The treaties signed on this day ended the American Revolutionary War and led to peace between the two nations. 136 years later, on the exact 5th anniversary of Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s assassination, the official end to the First World War occurred at the Palace of Versailles. The Treaty of Versailles is historically infamous for forcing Germany to accept complete responsibility for the war and inciting the German people to seek vengeance during World War II.

Today, the palace is certified as a UNESCO World Heritage site and welcomes guests from around the world to walk through its halls and take in its beauty and history.

3 Tips to Make Your Trip Great

Arrive Early (or Late!)

The Palace of Versailles is open daily except Mondays from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Because the palace is constantly flooded with guests, it is best to plan and either arrive right before the site opens or later in the day to make the last entry at 5 p.m. Furthermore, tickets are available to pre-purchase online to ensure your entry, and you may even be allowed to go through a shorter security check.

Dress for the Occasion

Another essential tip to enhance your trip to Versailles is wearing appropriate attire. Seasoned tourists will know that any vacation requires the proper footwear. For a long day spent roaming the halls of Versailles, comfortable walking shoes are a must! Similarly, wearing the correct layers and outerwear is essential to looking up the weather for the day you visit. If you’re admiring the gardens and it suddenly becomes chilly or rainy, you’ll want to be prepared!

Take a Guided Tour

Finally, if you want to learn details about the Palace of Versailles as you walk through, we suggest you book a tour guide! Going through the halls with a knowledgeable guide is a great way to dive deeply into history. Some sections of the palace, such as the king’s private apartments, are off-limits to guests unless they’re on a guided tour.

3 Must-See Features at Versailles

The Hall of Mirrors

Of all the beautiful sights to behold at the Palace of Versailles, the Hall of Mirrors is at the top of our list. With its intricately built 350-piece mirrored wall and stunning artwork, the Hall of Mirrors will leave you speechless as you wander through the corridor. While the entire hall is a jaw-dropping symbol and feat of French royalty, obtaining the mirrors was a great accomplishment. Before the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles was constructed, there was a Venetian monopoly on the construction of mirrors throughout Europe. It was only by convincing Venetian artisans to defect and make the mirrors for France that the Hall of Mirrors became the site we all know it to be today.

The King’s Private Apartments

Although they’re only accessible through booking a guided tour of Versailles, the King’s private apartments are truly worth seeing. King Louis XIV was the one who created the King’s apartments. This suite opened to the Marble and Royal Courtyards, giving the king more privacy. The private apartments were also occupied by Louis XV and Louis XVI, who made changes and expanded the rooms. Should you take a guided tour through the King’s private apartments, you’ll be in awe of the majestic bedrooms, the royal bathroom, and even the dogs’ room, where Louis XV’s favourite dogs slept.

The Gardens of Versailles

Last but not least on our top 3 must-see list, the Gardens of Versailles are a sight to behold, which is unsurprising since the gardens took over 40 years to complete! Adorned with fountains, statues, and ornamental basins, the terraced gardens will surely delight all who wander their paths. South of the terrace, you can find raised beds of flowers that lead to two sets of staircases. These staircases line the Orangerie, which harbours more than 1,000 trees, including orange, lemon, pomegranate, and palm trees. So, when planning a day trip to explore Versailles, walk through nature and admire the gardens.

The Estate of Trianon

The Grand Trianon

The Grand Trianon is a stunning example of French classical architecture. Built by Louis XIV as a retreat from the formal court life of Versailles, the pink marble palace, with its elegant arcades and charming gardens, offers a more intimate glimpse into royal life. The interiors are richly decorated, reflecting the tastes of its various occupants, including Napoleon Bonaparte.

The Petit Trianon

The Petit Trianon, a gift from Louis XVI to Marie Antoinette, symbolizes the Queen’s desire for simplicity and nature. The neoclassical building and its surrounding English-style gardens provided a peaceful escape from the formality of the court. With its elegant yet understated décor, the interior offers insight into Marie Antoinette’s taste.

The Queen’s Hamlet

One of the most unique features of the Estate of Trianon is the Queen’s Hamlet, a rustic retreat designed for Marie Antoinette. The hamlet consists of charming cottages set around a lake, designed to resemble a rural village. Here, the Queen and her friends would dress as shepherdesses and enjoy a more straightforward way of life. The hamlet includes a working farm, gardens, and a dairy, all meticulously restored to their original appearance.

Beyond the Main Attractions

The Royal Opera House

Built by Louis XV, the Royal Opera House is a stunning example of 18th-century theatre architecture. It was inaugurated in 1770 for the wedding of the future Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. The opulent interior, with its gold leaf, mirrors, and rich fabrics, is a highlight of any visit.

The Coach Gallery

Located near the Palace, the Coach Gallery displays an impressive collection of royal carriages, sedan chairs, and sledges. These artefacts offer a fascinating glimpse into the pomp and ceremony of royal travel and the craftsmanship of the period.

The Potager du Roi

The King’s Kitchen Garden, or Potager du Roi, is a lesser-known gem of Versailles. Created in the 17th century to supply the royal table, the garden still produces a variety of fruits and vegetables. Guided tours offer insights into historical horticultural practices and sustainable agriculture.

The Town of Versailles

The town of Versailles itself is worth exploring. The bustling market square, the quaint shops, and the historical buildings contrast the palace’s grandeur. Highlights include the Cathedral of Saint Louis and the Notre Dame Market.

Cultural Insights

The Legacy of Louis XIV

Known as the Sun King, Louis XIV’s influence is evident throughout Versailles. His vision of absolute monarchy and his patronage of the arts transformed the palace into a symbol of his power and France’s cultural dominance. Understanding his role in shaping Versailles enhances the visitor experience.

The French Revolution

Versailles played a pivotal role in the French Revolution. The events that unfolded here, including the Women’s March on Versailles and the forced relocation of the royal family to Paris, marked the end of the monarchy. Exploring the palace in this historical context adds depth to your visit.

Marie Antoinette

Marie Antoinette’s presence is palpable throughout Versailles, especially in the Petit Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet. Her life, marked by luxury and tragedy, is intertwined with the palace’s history. Understanding her story provides a poignant counterpoint to the site’s grandeur.

Exploring Versailles Is an Unforgettable Experience

A day trip to the Palace of Versailles requires some planning, but it is worth it. To make your day great, you should plan when you’ll arrive, wear the proper shoes and clothes, and consider booking a tour guide to see all the palace has to offer! With its history, beautiful artwork, and stunning landscapes, a day at Versailles will never be forgotten.