Palace of Versailles is a Must See When Visiting Paris

The Palace of Versailles, located just outside Paris France, took me by surprise. It is breathtaking around every corner.  Initially, a small hunting lodge built by Louis XIII in 1623 it was enlarged into a royal palace by Louis XIV. The gardens are a world famous immaculate masterpiece.  It is a must see located just outside of Paris, France.

My friend lived quite close to the Palace of Versailles, so close that had we chose to, we could have walked here. We arrived before it opened, and the queues were already long. My friend had our girls stop at the spot in which the line to enter ended on her last visit. Best advice is to get tickets in advance.

When getting to Versailles from Paris, the train is the best way to arrive. Viator offers small group day trips from Paris to Versaille that includes train transport, audio tour of the palace, guided tour of the gardens.  Most importantly, they include the ability to Skip the line at the entrance. 

→ Check Pricing on Versailles Palace and Gardens Day Trip from Paris by Train

The Great Hall of Mirrors is always crowded like this.

The level of detail everywhere was incredible.

An interior shot of some of the detail.

The Chapel.

Masterpieces are everywhere.

And then there was this odd art exhibit going on, with random, giant, out-of-place pieces of art everywhere.

Queen’s bedchamber in the grand appartement de la reine.

Our girls and a friend on the staircase as the rest of the crowd rushes by.

This was one of our first views of the impressive gardens, seen from the palace.

The famous, well-manicured gardens are truely breathtaking.

A family photo in front of one of the fountains.

We were glad to be there during one of the fountain shows.

The gardens looking back at the palace.

The gardens actually have a fascinating history. You can read more about Versailles fountains and gardens here.

We toured the interior before making it out to the world famous gardens. All of it is pretty incredible. Our entrance fee included a recorded tour of both the interior and exterior of the Palace of Versailles. They were available in many languages and you can people in the background listening to them – although it looks a bit like everyone is on their mobile phone.

Practical Information:

• This place is busy and crowded every day but most crowded on weekends and Tuesdays. It is best to purchase tickets in advance. It is less busy if you can be in the first group to get in for the day.

→ Check prices on a Skip-the-Line Versailles Pass

Or if you are coming from Paris:

→ Skip the Line: Versailles Palace and Gardens Day Trip from Paris by Train

• Times and access to different sections of the property vary by season and can be found here.
• Be sure to get an audio set, available in 11 languages: French, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Korean, and Polish.
• Some people are entitled to free or reduced rates. These include Visitors under 18, European Union residents under 26, schoolchildren, teachers in French schools (upon presentation of their education Pass), disabled people and the person accompanying them, French job-seekers (upon presentation of proof dated less than six months). Check here to see if you qualify.
• If you are doing a day trip to Versailles from Paris, check out this tour:

→ Check Pricing on Versailles Palace and Gardens Day Trip from Paris by Train

• The Palace of Versailles sits not far outside of Paris. It, along with the Arc de Triomphe are my favourite places to visit in Paris.
• Regardless of where you go in Paris, there are lots of people. Don’t miss our best tips for avoiding the crowds in Paris.

Have you visited the Palace of Versailles?