Visit the Palace of Versailles

Things To Do In Paris

Majestic Front View of the Palace of Versailles

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Navigating Palace of Versailles : Answers to common questions

Washrooms: Restrooms are available throughout the estate.
Hours of Operation: The palace is open from 9 AM to 6:30 PM; the gardens close at 8:30 PM.
Important Information: Check the official website for ticket prices, events, and closure days.
Admission Fee: Admission fee for the palace; the gardens are free except on Musical Fountain Show days.
How Long to Visit: A full visit can take a whole day, considering the size and number of attractions.
Parking: Parking is available for a fee; the palace is also reachable by RER train.
Family Friendly: Family-friendly with expansive gardens perfect for exploration.
Photography: Photography is allowed in the gardens and within the palace without flash.
WIFI: Free WIFI available at the entrance area and within the palace café.
Picnic Area: Picnic in the gardens permitted in designated areas.
Handicap Accessible: The palace and gardens are partially accessible, with some areas having limited access.
Pets: Pets are not permitted in the palace or gardens.
Guided Tours: Guided tours are available for additional historical context and insights.
Restaurant or Cafe: Multiple dining options on the grounds, including fine dining and quick bites.
Gift Shop: Gift shops offer a range of souvenirs, from books to luxury goods.

Please note all times and prices subject to change. Please check the offical website for details.

Embarking on a journey to the Palace of Versailles is like stepping back in time, becoming lost in a world of grandeur that embodies the opulence of France's royal past. Nestled in the illustrious city of Versailles, just a short ride from Paris, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers a glimpse into the lives of the French monarchy, specifically Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI who reigned amidst its exuberant grandeur.

Upon arrival, visitors are immediately struck with the Palace's majestic façade that stretches to almost 4000 feet wide. Adorned with inviting French Baroque architecture, your gaze falls upon the outstanding sculptural decoration, the sparkling gold leaf details, and the intricate ironwork. All of which gives a hint of the masterful craftsmanship and extravagance that lies within.

The palace's interiors are breathtaking and incredibly sumptuous. Here, you can find the legendary Hall of Mirrors, a 73-meter long gallery lined with 17 grand windows and an equal number of giant mirrors. Initially erected as a passageway, this resplendent hall, with its gleaming chandeliers and polished parquet flooring, played host to grand court ceremonies and royal weddings.

Beyond the flamboyant corridors and stately apartments, the Palace of Versailles boasts its intricate Gardens, spanning over 800 hectares. A living work of art, these impeccably cultivated spaces provide tranquil wildlife lakes, enchanted groves, and geometrically designed parterres. Move a little farther, and you will discover the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon, exclusive retreats designed for the royal family to escape the protocol-bound world of the court.

Yet, the true allure of the Versailles lies not just in its marble-covered walls, grand chandeliers, marvelous fountains, or extensive arts collection. It's the stories of the individuals who once roamed its halls. Here, one can almost feel the echoes of the lavish gatherings, whispered council discussions, blooming courtly romances, and volatile political dilemmas.

Finally, a trip to Versailles would not be complete without treating the palette to French delicacies at the palace’s iconic restaurants. Whether savoring a sumptuous traditional lunch at La Flottille, nestled on the edge of the Grand Canal, or indulging in a hot chocolate the Angelina tea room, each culinary experience will transport you straight back to the opulent era of the monarchy.

In the realm of palaces, Versailles unquestionably stands as one of the finest examples of absolute royal authority. A visit to this splendid historical monument is an initiation into understanding French culture, history, and aesthetic development. From the magnificent Palace and its plush interiors to the sprawling Gardens with their sculpted groves, the Palace of Versailles is a poetic weaving of lavish art and profound history.

Did You Know These Facts About Palace of Versailles ?

The Palace of Versailles, located just outside Paris, is one of the most magnificent and historically significant palaces in the world. Originally a hunting lodge for King Louis XIII, it was transformed into a stunning symbol of absolute monarchy under the reign of his son, Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King, in the 17th century.

Versailles is renowned for its opulent architecture, beautiful gardens, and the Hall of Mirrors, a 73-meter-long hall featuring 357 mirrors opposite 17 large windows, reflecting the gardens outside. This hall has been the site of many significant historical events, including the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, which formally ended World War I.

The palace's gardens are an integral part of its allure, designed by André Le Nôtre, the chief gardener of King Louis XIV. These meticulously landscaped gardens feature elaborate fountains, ornate statues, and geometrically designed walkways that extend over 800 hectares, demonstrating the height of French formal garden style.

The estate of Versailles also includes the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon, smaller palaces where the kings and queens could escape the formalities of court life. Marie Antoinette, the queen consort of Louis XVI, is particularly associated with the Petit Trianon, where she sought refuge from the rigors of royal duties and created her own private domain, including a small farm, the Hameau de la Reine.

Versailles ceased to be a royal residence during the French Revolution when the royal family was forced to return to Paris. Today, it serves as a museum of French history and a testament to the lavish tastes and immense power of the French monarchy. The Palace of Versailles is not only a UNESCO World Heritage site but also a symbol of the cultural, political, and architectural achievements of France, attracting millions of visitors from around the globe each year to marvel at its beauty and hist

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Currency Exchange Rates for France

1 EUR = 1.0492 $ USD
1 EUR = 1.4869 $ CAD
1 EUR = 0.8332 £ GBP
1 EUR = 159.7881 ¥ JPY
1 EUR = 0.9438 ₣ CHF
1 EUR = 7.6175 元CNY
1 EUR = 8.1638 圓 HKD
1 EUR = 1.6523 $ AUD
1 EUR = 1.8334 $ NZD

NOTE: Exchange rates are an average currency exchange rate from several sources. These rates are not buy or sell rates which will depend on when and where you buy or sell currency.

Verified & Trusted Contact Information for Palace of Versailles

Address:

Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles, France

Telephone: +33 1 30 83 78 00

Official Website: en.chateauversailles.fr/

Latitude: 48.8049

Longitude: 2.1203

Map for Palace of Versailles

Versailles Current Weather

Local Temp: -2.3℃ / 27.9℉

High: -1.7℃ / 28.9℉

Low: -3.9℃ / 25℉

Humidity: 88 %

Visit the Palace of Versailles

Things To Do In Paris

Navigating Palace of Versailles : Answers to common questions

Did You Know These Facts About Palace of Versailles ?

Currency Exchange Rates for France

1 EUR = 1.0492 $ USD1 EUR = 1.4869 $ CAD1 EUR = 0.8332 £ GBP1 EUR = 159.7881 ¥ JPY1 EUR = 0.9438 ₣ CHF1 EUR = 7.6175 元CNY1 EUR = 8.1638 圓 HKD1 EUR = 1.6523 $ AUD1 EUR = 1.8334 $ NZD

Verified & Trusted Contact Information for Palace of Versailles

Map for Palace of Versailles

Versailles Current Weather

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Explore the Place de la Concorde

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Luxembourg Gardens

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Enjoy the Paris Fashion Week

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The Latin Quarter

Sainte-Chapelle

Parisian Cafés

Shakespeare and Company Bookstore

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Moulin Rouge

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French Cooking Class

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Walk the Rue Montorgueil

Centre Pompidou

Le Marais

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Walk the Canal Saint-Martin

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1 EUR = 1.0492 $ USD
1 EUR = 1.4869 $ CAD
1 EUR = 0.8332 £ GBP
1 EUR = 159.7881 ¥ JPY
1 EUR = 0.9438 ₣ CHF
1 EUR = 7.6175 元CNY
1 EUR = 8.1638 圓 HKD
1 EUR = 1.6523 $ AUD
1 EUR = 1.8334 $ NZD