THE OPULENCE OF THE Château de Versailles
Located 22 km from Paris this former home of French kings offers you a chance to get a taste of Bourbon royalty. Only a few palaces in the world could rival France’s Château de Versailles for splendor. While the prominent figures that resided the Palace of Versailles (Louis XIV (Sun King), Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette) are long gone, Versailles glory remains to impress: painted ceilings, mirrors, gilded statues, lavish decorations, omnipresent opulence and lush gardens are the main reasons thousands of visitors flock to Versailles and get mesmerized by its beauty.
the palace of versailles = the FILTHY VERSAILLES
It might be hard to believe but Versailles has not always looked the same as today. It was actually once a very filthy and stinky place where everyone tossed the poo pots from the windows, people urinated wherever they could, and perfumes were used to hide the smells or rather the unbearable odor. Legend has it that Louis XIV took only one both during his life. It might not be the actual truth, but cleaneless at that time was still a sensitive issue. Before the age of 50 the king practically had no teeth. He might have been the Sun King but he was not Mr. Clean. The monarchs might have forgotten to bath but never to change clothes a few times of a day. O tempora! O mores!
HOW AND WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE CHATEAU DE VERSEILLES?
The Palace and the Gardens are at its best in the spring and summer months. The Palace is open every day except for Mondays, from 9 am until 6:30 pm. The estate of Trianon is open from 12pm. The Park and Gardens are open every day. Access to Park & Gardens is free except on the days on fountain shows.
You can get easily to Versailles by either train or shuttle/bus. There are 3 train stations in Versailles:
Versailles Château Rive Gauche train station is the closest to the Palace, it takes only 10 minutes on foot to get to the Palace. Just take RER line C.
Versailles Chantiers train station - SNCF trains from Gare Montparnasse arrive at Versailles Chantiers train station, which is 18 minutes on foot to the Palace.
Versailles Rive Droite train station - SNCF trains from Gare Saint Lazare arrive at Versailles Rive Droite train station and then you have only 17 minutes walk left to get to the Palace.
Please note that T+ tickets cannot be used to get from Paris to Versailles. You are required to buy a seperate ticket (buy return one in order to avoid queues at the train station). In order to get most of your trip to Versailles and get yourself a relaxed day in this royal city, plan your accommodation in Versailles instead of Paris. Recommended hotel in Versailles is Hotel Novotel Château de Versailles (Price approx. 120 EUR/1 night stay for 3 people)
But if you still want to visit Versailles commuting from Paris and the train option does not sound convincing, you can take Versailles Express coach. It offers transport to the Palace of Versailles from the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
The RATP bus line 171 runs between Pont de Sèvres (terminus of the Paris metro line 9) and the Palace of Versailles . It takes only 30 minutes if there is no traffic. T+ tickets can be used for this journey.
Pss. To save time, buy your tickets online at chateauversailles.fr (Go for the passport ticket with timed entry - Price - 20 EUR/27EUR with Musical Fountain Show/Musical Gardens) and avoid the hassle at the entrance. This place gets really crowded. I mean disgustingly crowded, so better get there before the opening time. Check if you are eligible for the free entry e.g. if you are under 26 years old and reside in the EU.
WHAT TO SEE/DO IN VERSAILLES?
Visit Château de Versailles (The Hall of Mirrors, The Kings’ Chamber, Gallery of Battles never fail to impress). You might be blown away with the lavishness and luxury.
Get lost in the Royal Gardens & Park (Just put on comfortable shoes and fall in love with the magnificent royal gardens). The Gardens of Versailles with their groves, statues, fountains and parterres are a perfect example of French gardens. You can hire a bike (Price: 8,5 EUR/1h; 18 EUR/4h; 20 EUR/8H), jump on a small electric vehicle or little train (Price: 8 EUR full rate) and explore it in an alternative way.
Take a trip in a rowing boat along the Grand Canal (Price: 13 EUR/ 30 min.; 17 EUR/1h)
Admire The Musical Fountain Show (Les Grandes Eaux Musicales) Every weeend during spring/summer) you can discover and enjoy the Château de Versailles gardens and groves, of its fountain playing to the tune of period music. (Extra Fee)
Do not miss The Night Fountain Show (Les Grandes Eaux Nocturnes) Every Saturday evening, Château de Versailles magnificent gardens get illuminated, with the fountains playing. The night is concluded by the impressive firework display. (Extra Fee)
The Royal Serenade in the Hall of Mirrors (La Serenade Royale de la Galerie des Glaces) - After the Musical Fountain Show or before the Night Fountains Show, you can visit the royal apartments and the Hall of Mirrors with baroque dancers in costumes from the period. (Extra Fee)
Visit The Grand Trianon & Petit Trianon - First is a little palace which Louis XIV built and where he was pursuing his affair with Madame de Montespan and the second, the epitome of independence of Marie Antoinette where she flew from the hustle of the royal life to enjoy the simplicity of the nature.
Fall in love with Queen’s Hamlet - The last creation of Marie Antoinette. A little village filled with rustic buildings around the lake and where you can discover the charms of rural life. Absolutely beautiful.
Pop over to King’s Vegetable Garden
Watch a show at the Royal Opera in Versailles.
Celebrate the Bastille Day in Versailles - The celebration starts the night before with a spectacular fireworks displays lighting up the night sky.