Things To Do
in Versailles
Versailles is a royal town just outside Paris, famed for its opulent château and expansive gardens. The Palace of Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases lavish architecture, art, and centuries of French history. The town blends grand, formal design with charming streets, markets, and cafés that invite leisurely exploration.
Visitors can wander from the Hall of Mirrors to the Grand Canal, then retreat to serene parklands and elegant patisseries.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the magnificent Gardens of Versailles, marveling at the meticulously manicured hedges and vibrant flower beds. Take a moment to appreciate the grand fountains, which come to life in a choreographed display at specific times. As you wander, don't forget to capture the stunning views of the palace from various angles.
After exploring the gardens, visit the Grand Trianon, a beautiful retreat built for King Louis XIV. Enjoy a guided tour to learn about its rich history and the lavish lifestyle of the French monarchy. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the lake nearby, perhaps indulging in a picnic with local delicacies sourced from nearby markets.
As dusk approaches, return to the palace to witness the enchanting sunset over the gardens. Opt for a dinner reservation at a nearby restaurant, where you can savor classic French cuisine. Conclude your evening with a leisurely walk through the illuminated gardens, a magical experience under the stars.
Begin your day inside the opulent Palace of Versailles, starting with the Hall of Mirrors, where history echoes through its grand arches. Take your time to appreciate the intricate details of the gilded decor and the breathtaking views of the gardens. Don't miss the royal apartments, each room telling the story of the lives of France's kings and queens.
Continue your exploration by visiting the King’s Apartments and the Queen’s Apartments, where you can visualize the grandeur of royal living. Enjoy lunch at one of the palace’s cafés, where you can taste authentic French pastries and light dishes. Afterward, attend a guided tour that focuses on the art and architecture of the palace, revealing secrets and stories behind each masterpiece.
Wrap up your day with an elegant dinner at a nearby Michelin-starred restaurant, celebrating your Versailles experience with exquisite French cuisine. Consider booking a table outside to enjoy the tranquil ambiance of the gardens as the sun sets. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll down the charming streets of Versailles, soaking in the local atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $4-6 |
| 🍷Glass of wine | $6-12 |
| 🧀Cheese board or snacks | $6-12 |
| 🧁Pastry or dessert | $3-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- World-class palace and gardens
- Convenient day trip from Paris
- Rich history and architecture
- Beautiful seasonal scenery
- Crowds, especially in peak season
- Some areas are pricey or restricted
- Limited late-night options compared to Paris
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Parlez-vous anglais?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est le Château de Versailles?" - Where is the Palace of Versailles?
- "Combien ça coûte?" - How much does it cost?
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The check, please
Places to Visit in Versailles
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic Baroque façade with statues and manicured grounds serving as a grand backdrop for wide-angle and detail shots.
Opulent chandeliers and arches; best photographed with controlled lighting and careful reflections.
Symmetrical parterres, fountains, and geometric perspective lines ideal for formal composition and dramatic skies.
Water reflections and straight axis lines provide classic symmetry; sunrise or golden hour is ideal.
Intimate palace spaces within woodland settings; charming corners for portrait and detail shots.
Food in Versailles
Versailles Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional French beef stew simmered with vegetables; widely available in brasseries and bistros around Versailles.
Must-Try!
Creamy potato gratin often served as a side in French restaurants; look for it in brasseries near the market area.
Classic pan-fried fish with lemon-butter sauce; available at seafood-focused or traditional French restaurants.
A rich chicken stew braised in wine, mushrooms, and onions; commonly featured on seasonal menus.
A timeless French dessert with a crisp caramelized sugar top; widely available at patisseries and restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A central market with fresh produce, cheeses, bread, pastries, and seasonal treats; ideal for picnic supplies.
Casual street bites, crepes, sandwiches, and light snacks near the town center, perfect for a quick bite between sights.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Always say Bonjour or Bonsoir with a polite address (Monsieur/Madame) when entering shops or dining. A handshake is common in formal settings.
Speak calmly in public spaces and avoid loud conversations. Keep voices modest on transit and in queues.
Follow photography rules inside interiors where posted; respect restricted areas and avoid flash or tripods where prohibited.
Safety
Tipping in Versailles
Ensure a smooth experience
In France, service compris is often included in restaurant bills; if not, a tip of 5-10% is customary for good service. For cafés and casual spots, rounding up the bill is common but not required.
Cards are widely accepted (contactless preferred); cash is also fine, though some smaller venues may prefer card. ATMs are available around town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming gardens; great for walking routes and outdoor photography.
Warm days and active fountains; expect larger crowds; plan shade breaks and water smartly.
Colorful foliage and softer light; ideal for landscape shots and fewer crowds.
Cool to cold with possible frost; indoor palace spaces are a major draw and provide atmospheric photography.
Versailles at Night
Hiking in Versailles
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive woodland with miles of trails, ideal for walking and light hiking within easy reach of the town.
Hilly park to the west with scenic views over the Seine and good elevation for hikes.
Airports
How to reach Versailles by plane.
Major international hub; about 40-50 minutes by train or car from Versailles.
Southern Paris airport; about 30-45 minutes by car or public transit to Versailles.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
People drawn to monarchy, architecture, and the French Revolution.
Versailles is family-friendly with gardens, parks, and museums suited for kids.
Common among Paris-based visitors seeking a day trip destination.
Commuters and long-term residents who live in the surrounding suburbs.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A deeply rooted sport in France; local clubs and public pitches are common around Versailles.
Public courts and clubs provide a convenient way to stay active in the town.
Road and forest trails around Versailles are popular for casual and serious cyclists.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Versailles.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Choose vegetable-forward dishes, dairy, and eggs; Le Potager du Roi is a strong option for vegetarian meals; many brasseries offer mushroom or ratatouille plates. When dining elsewhere, ask for vegetable mains or sides to supplement a lighter option.