Top Things to do in Versailles
The 10 Best Things to do in Versailles, Ile-de-France
This former unofficial capital of France sits just 10 miles from Paris and is easily reachable by train. Even though the Chateau de Versailles has been known as the epitome of indulgent luxury for centuries, seeing it in person is a jaw-dropping experience. The chateau's magnificent gardens are free, but it's worth shelling out for a day ticket to see the interior—although it does make going back to even a fancy hotel seem rather humdrum.
Restaurants in Versailles
1. The Royal Opera (L'Opera Royal)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 358 reviews
Reviewed By theredhat
Amazing architecture, incredibly opulent.I am so glad that I visited. The entrance to the building is a bit confusing, you have to go all the way around the building before it is evident where to enter. It really is a site to put on your list. However, the staff is outrageously RUDE , unhelpful and could care less if you see the building or not.
2. Galerie des Carrosses
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 298 reviews
Reviewed By rosemead1 - Kingston-upon-Hull, United Kingdom
This is one of the rare attractions in Versailles that is free to visit, it is worth popping in to see the beautiful state coaches and they also have some original sleds used by Marie Antoinette, also carriages made for her children are on display.
3. The Trianons & The Hamlet
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,981 reviews
Reviewed By chrislN392IZ - Sumter, United States
The Grande Trianon was a stunning “little” house that is worth visiting while at the Palace of Versailles. You can walk there, rent a golf cart, rent a Segway, even run there if you choose. This place has a very homey feel, like you could picture yourself sitting there enjoying a book and some coffee. Well worth the visit.
4. Temple of Love
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 402 reviews
Reviewed By gorobingo - Split, Croatia
If you purchase the ticket to visit le Petit Trianon and Marie Antoinette's quarters (12 eruos), you will have access to the beautiful park and trails that surround it. This is where you find this well preserved and peaceful temple.
5. Grand Canal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 836 reviews
Reviewed By 750dimitrisl - Sydney, Australia
The Grand Canal is a magnificent part of the Versailles Palace. The sheer size of it and the volumes of water needed to make it work are just mind boggling. A great place to walk around.
6. The Hall of Mirrors
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,185 reviews
Reviewed By bruceaubry
The Hall of Mirrors is the most beautiful, the largest and the most interesting of the rooms of the Chateau de Versailles and it was here that the armistice ending the First World War was signed.
7. Le Grand Trianon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 334 reviews
Reviewed By jaywalkingaroundtown - Calgary, Canada
The Grand Trianon is a French Baroque style château situated in Versailles castle area. It was built as a retreat for Louis XIV and his lover, the Marquise de Montespan. When there, Louis was way more relaxed with guests and strict court étiquette.
8. Le Jardin de Versailles
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,004 reviews
Reviewed By athy_a
Awesome garden with many fountains and statues. So big you can hire a golf cart to travel around but still great just to walk. Garden not officially opened at my time of visit ( beginning of March ) so no water fountains on and most statues were still covered but still a great garden to visit. Would visit again just the garden, if ever in Paris during the summer just to see the fountain show.
9. Hameau de Marie Antoinette
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 239 reviews
Reviewed By Ellemay - Sydney, Australia
The Hamlet of Marie Antoinette was built in 1783 at the end of the park of Chateau de Versailles just close to Petit Trianon. The hamlet was used by the queen to escape from the Royal duties & to relax with her closest friends & animals. The hamlet has cottages , orchards, garden beds, & animals which makes visiting perfect for everyone especially children.
10. Palace of Versailles
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 26,254 reviews
Palace, Trianon Palace, and the estate of Marie-Antoinette: open daily except Mondays and certain public holidays. Gardens and park: open daily.
Reviewed By ATravellingSquirrel
The Palace and Gardens of Versailles cover an area of over 800 hectares. It would be beneficial to plan ahead if you want to visit the palace, the trianon palaces and enjoy some time in the gardens. I would recommend arriving early and getting the "skip the line" tickets as the queue can be a couple of hours long. The audio guide is very informative. We spent the entire day there and managed to cover the following areas: The main palace + The Private Apartments of the Kings - allocate about 2 hours Le Petit Trianon Some parts of Le Grand Trianon The Queen's Hamlet (recommended) Some parts of the garden (consider using the Little Train to save some time getting from the main palace to the Trianon Palaces) Walked through the Musical Gardens on the way back to the main palace And enjoyed the Musical Fountain Show before heading back to Paris Plan your lunch in advance as the restaurants and cafés can be rather crowded. A picnic in the park is a great way to enjoy the surroundings. Consider wearing comfortable shoes.
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