Unexpected! Versailles is so magnificent
• Best time to visit: Versailles is only 12 miles (about 19 kilometers) from Paris, making it a great day trip destination around Paris. To avoid the crowds, it is recommended to visit the palace early.
• Palace visit: The Palace of Versailles is a symbol of the French monarchy and was the main royal residence until 1789. Be sure to visit the Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces), which features 357 mirrors and magnificent decorations. There are other events at the palace, such as classical music concerts, firework displays, and a grand masquerade ball in the summer.
• Trianon Estate: Within the palace grounds, stroll through the Trianon Estate, home to the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon, and the geometric flower beds that were so beloved of Queen Marie Antoinette.
• Hameau de la Reine: Explore this peaceful village commissioned by Queen Marie-Antoinette, complete with thatched cottages, a working dairy and a windmill, making it the ideal escape from court life.
• The Royal Stables: Across from the palace, free tours of the Royal Stables feature ornate carriages, including those that belonged to Marie-Antoinette’s children.
• The Palace Gardens: Designed by landscape architect André Le Nôtre, these gardens are nearly 2,000 acres and are both vast and exquisite. If you don't want to walk, you can choose to take a small train tour. The train has four stops: the palace, the Grand Canal, the Grand Trianon and the Petit Trianon.
• The King's Vegetable Garden (Potager du Roi): Don't miss Louis XIV's vegetable garden, listed as a historical monument since 1926, where you can buy fresh produce and jams.
• Useful information: The Palace of Versailles is open from Monday to Sunday, 09:00-17:30. We recommend downloading the Versailles Visitor App, which contains all the audio guides and other information about the visit. Due to the large number of tourists in the palace, it is recommended to bring your own food to avoid queuing in the restaurants inside the palace.
• Safety Tips: Due to the large number of tourists, pickpockets are often found in the Palace of Versailles and its surrounding areas, so please be sure to pay attention to the safety of your personal belongings at all times.
• Movie recommendations: To better understand the history of the Palace of Versailles, you can watch some related movies such as "The Palace of Versailles", "The Golden Girls of Versailles" and "The Passion of Versailles".