Versailles Palace in Paris, or the Chateau de Versailles is a magnificent symbol of royal opulence, and is one of the most visited landmarks in France, attracting tourists from all corners of the world.
Imagine stepping into a world of history and grandeur all in one place, transporting visitors to the splendour of the French Monarchy, featuring extravagant structures that will make Europe Tour Packages a memorable one.
Inviting all history buffs and art lovers to witness the lavish interiors, and enchanting gardens, stretching as far as the eyes can see.
There are Versailles Guided tours available, and these tours will give you insights and tell you about the history of the palace. It is advisable that you go for Versailles Guided tour for an amazing experience.
Versailles Palace History
The Versailles Palace in Paris was originally a hunting lodge of King Louis XIII, which was later transformed into an extravagant residence by Louis XIV, who was his son. The palace used to be the epicentre of French political power from the year 1682 until the French Revolution in 1789. The palace should definitely be on your list of places to visit in Paris, so don’t forget to miss out on this place, if you are into history and art.
It is always a clever choice to book Versailles Tickets in advance to avoid any last-minute chaos that you may have to go through. Here are the Versailles tickets prices:
- Palace and Estate of Trianon: INR 1999 per person
- Passport Ticket(Palace + Gardens + Trianon Estate): INR 2665
- Gardens Only(On Musical Fountain Days): INR 952
Note: There is free entry for visitors under 18, EU residents under 26, and the first Sunday of every month.
Versailles Palace Timings
- Palace of Versailles: The Palace remains open from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.(April to October) and 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.(November to March) and the garden remains closed on Mondays.
- Gardens and Parks: The garden and parks remain open every day from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. from April to October and 8:00 a.m. to 6 p.m.(November to March)
- Trianon Estate: The Trianon Estate opens from 12 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.(April to October) and 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.(November to March) and remains closed on Mondays.
Best Time To Visit Versailles Palace
The best time to visit Versailles Palace depends upon your preference and what it is that you are looking for. So here is a little sneak peek at what the place looks like during different times of the year.
- Spring and early Autumn: During the Spring season(April to June) and Early Autumn(September to October) the weather in Paris is quite pleasant, which makes it not only the best time to visit Paris but also a suitable time to explore the Versailles Palace. The best part about this time is that there will be fewer crowds, which means you don't need to stand in long queues, so that’s a win-win.
- Weekdays: Well, this is a no-brainer, weekdays are always a better choice than weekends because of fewer people. On weekdays, you’ll only find tourists but on weekends you may also find locals, which leads to overcrowding, and who needs that on a vacation, right? You don’t want anyone spoiling your pictures because of less space, right?
- Odd Hours: The smart move here is to visit the Palace during the time when hardly anyone visits. If you want to really explore the Palace, visit during the early morning hours, right after it opens or later in the afternoon, to avoid long queues.
Versailles Palace Attractions
A visit to the Palace Of Versailles is one of the best things to do in Paris. Here are the major things that you can explore at the palace:
- Hall of Mirrors(Galerie des Glaces): The Hall of Mirrors is a fabulous spot, popular for its ornate mirror work, painted ceilings, and chandeliers with intricate detailing, offering a glimpse into the royal life.
- King’s & Queens’ Apartment: Get a chance to explore the beautiful rooms of the former rulers, which is not only the king’s and queen’s bed chamber but also serves as an experience.
- Royal Chapel: Turn into a Royalty at the Royal Chapel, that features the finest baroque architecture with high vaulted ceilings, adorned with frescoes, making it a memorable experience.
- Royal Opera: The Royal Opera is a grand hall, which is perfect for hosting special events and performances.
- The Gallery of Battles: The Gallery of Battles, as the name suggests, has preserved paintings and sculptures depicting the victories of the French Military.
Things To Do In Versailles
Wondering about the things to do in Versailles, don’t worry, we have got you covered:
- Garden Walks: The gardens at the Versailles Palace remain open every day, so enjoy your walks at the meticulously manicured lawns, beautiful sculptures and sit by the fountains.
- Grand Canal: You can take a boat ride or enjoy a stroll along the Grand Canal and admire the surroundings.
- Visit Hamlet: One of the best things to do in Versailles Palace in Paris is to visit the Queen’s Hamlet and explore the insides of Marie Antoinette’s private retreat that features charming cottages and romantic gardens.
- Explore the Domain of Trianon: You can go for Petit Trianon and the Grand Trianon, which are the smaller palaces on the estate, each with a unique charm that attracts visitors from everywhere.
- Musical Fountain Show: You can even enjoy the Musical Fountain Show at night, and witness some stunning fireworks display.
- Empire Rooms: Check out the Empire Rooms in the palace which contains an exclusive collection of artwork and decor from the French Empire Period.
Places To Visit Near Versailles Palace
There are plenty of places to visit near Versailles Palace that you can explore once you are done exploring it. Some popular places include Notre Dame District, Boutique capsule market, which has restaurants near Versailles Palace.
Other options include Lambinet Museum, next to the market place, and Rue de Gally, which is a walking area perfect for evening strolls.
