Tucked away in the heart of France, the Palace of Versailles is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art, history, and architecture. As one of the most beautiful attractions in Paris, it’s easy to see why this royal residence has captivated visitors for centuries.
Where It’s Located and How to Get There
For those planning a day trip from Paris, there are two convenient alternatives to reach the palace:
- SNCF train departing from Paris Montparnasse station and getting off at Versailles Chantiers
- Departing from Paris Saint Lazare station and getting off at Versailles Rive Droite; approximately 40 minutes
Alternatively, you can take the RER line C5, which departs from various stations in Paris and gets off at the Rive Gauche terminal. Travel times vary depending on the departure station.
Hours and Prices
The palace is open all days except Monday, with opening hours of 9:00 am to 6:30 pm (winter hours close at 5:30 pm). The gardens are open until 8:00 pm in summer.
Tickets range from €18.00 for a standard ticket, which includes access to the palace, gardens, and parks, to €154.00 for a one-day guided tour with lunch included. There are also priority entry and transfer options available for an additional fee.
What to See and How to Visit the Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is a treasure trove of art and architecture, with numerous rooms and gardens worth exploring. Here’s a brief overview of what to see:
- First-Floor Apartments: Originally intended for the first members of the royal family, these apartments maintain their structure and furnishings dating back to when they were inhabited by Louis XV’s son and his second wife.
- Lower Galleries: This starting point of a discovery circuit leads to finding out about the “Mesdames,” i.e., the daughters of Louis XV. There are also sculptures initially located in the gardens.
- Grand Cabinet de Madame Victoire: A primary reception hall for the princess and music room that hosts an organ.
Rest of the Complex
The palace complex is extensive, with various rooms and gardens to explore:
- Madame du Rea’s Room: The center of court life represented by this central section of the palace.
- Gallery of Mirrors: A wide gallery built by Hardouin-Mansart in 1678 and decorated by Le Brun; has 17 windows with corresponding 17 arched mirrors.
- Queen’s Chamber: Two queens and two dukes died within its walls, while 19 “sons of France” were discovered there.
- Galleries of Battles: Intended by King Louis Philippe for the Museum of French History; houses a series of historical paintings dedicated to “all the glories of France”.
- Chapel Royal: Where the traditional Mass of the King was held every morning. The entire court participated in it.
Useful Tips for Visiting the Attraction
To make the most of your visit, consider these tips:
- Get up early to avoid long queues at the palace entrance.
- Watch out for security restrictions; every visitor must undergo security checks.
- Minimum stay of at least one full day is recommended to explore the palace, gardens, and annexes calmly.
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Historical Notes and Curiosities: What to Know About the Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles has a rich history, with numerous modifications made by famous artists of the time for the will of King Louis XIV. It was once a simple hunting lodge but transformed into one of the most luxurious palaces in the world.
One of the most suggestive rooms in the Palace of Versailles is undoubtedly the gallery of mirrors. Here, the light reflected from the mirrors floods the rooms, making the stucco and paintings shine. The Gallery of Mirrors also holds a special place in history, as it was here that the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, ending World War I.
From the central window of the Gallery of Mirrors, you can see the enormous park of the Palace of Versailles. Inside the gardens is also the Grand Canal, which hosted even boats and made it a backdrop for numerous festivals. Starting from 1669, Louis XIV had small boats pass through it, as well as replicas of ships. In 1674, Venice sent two gondolas and four gondoliers to be nicknamed “Little Venice”.
Gardens and Fountains
The palace gardens are an extensive 800 acres of artistry, with forests, fountains, and sculptures that stretch along the Grand Canal.
Visiting the gardens is free, but not the musical shows, which are worth seeing at least once in a lifetime (prebook your ticket online).
It’s possible to visit the area on board electric carts or Segways, but discovering the magnificent lawns characterized by beautiful fountains with guided tours is much more fascinating.
Here are some of the most beautiful fountains:
- Les quatre bassins des saisons
- Les cabinets des animaux
- Le bassin du dragon
- Le bassin de Neptune
- Le bassin de Latone
- Le bassin d’Apollon
- Le bassin du Miroir
- Le bain des Nymphes
- Le bassin de la pyramide
- Le bassin des enfants Dorés
Restoration and Maintenance
The palace underwent a major restoration project from 1992 to 2001, which included the restoration of the Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Chapel, and the Grand Staircase. The work was funded by the French government and took over 9 years to complete.
The palace is still undergoing maintenance and restoration work today, with ongoing efforts to preserve its intricate architecture and art collections.
Conclusion
The Palace of Versailles is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art, history, and architecture. With its extensive gardens, beautiful fountains, and numerous rooms to explore, it’s easy to see why this royal residence has captivated visitors for centuries.
Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply want to experience one of the most beautiful attractions in Paris, the Palace of Versailles is a destination that will leave you in awe.