Versailles, France
Versailles stands unrivaled as a place of grandeur and opulence. Beyond the looming gold gilded gates is a magnificent estate, also gilded in gold. Everything glints underneath the sun. Beyond the estate are sprawling, well manicured gardens, with blooming with wildflowers nestled in well kept hedges. The gardens are a living museum, an homage to a time and a man who demanded perfection and excellence.
In the 17th century, King Louis the 14th took reign. The estate was first a hunting lodge, but officially became the center of power for the Sun King. Today, visitors can explore the gardens, the Palace, the Park, the Trianon Estate and a few of the buildings in town.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Travel
Versailles is accesible by train. RER C line 4 € adult one way, 2 € child one way. Tickets can be purchased here.
Palace d'Armes, 78000 Versailles, France
Coordinates: 48.8049° N, 2.1204° E
Cost & Admission
Hours:
Palace is open 9:00am-5:30pm but closed on Mondays.
Estate of Trianon is open 12:00pm-5:30pm but closed on Mondays.
Gardens and Park are open 9:00am-6:00pm.
Coach Gallery is open 12:30pm-5:30pm but closed on Mondays.
Passport (admission to entire estate): 18 € , 25€ with musical fountain shows or musical gardens (specific dates from April to Oct)
2-day Passport: 25 € , 30€ with musical fountain shows or musical gardens (specific dates from April to Oct)
Exhibition Ticket: 15 €, included with Passport Ticket
Palace ticket: 15 €, included with Passport Ticket
Palaces of Trianon Ticket: 10 €, included with Passport Ticket
Musical Fountains Show Ticket: 9,50 € regular, 8 € reduced, included with Passport Ticket
Musical Gardens Ticket: 8,50 € regular, 7,50 € reduced, included with Passport Ticket
*Access to the Palace and the estate of Trianon is free for: visitors under 18 years old, EU residents under 26 years old, people with disabilities and one accompanying person.
Buy tickets here.
Food
Cafes, restaurants, and little stalls with snacks.
We did some takeaway sandwiches at the cafe but they were a bit pricey. Pack your own food if you can or wait to eat on the strip right outside of the palace.
Activities
Walking, learning about history.
Tips
The tickets are a bit overwhelming. If you are spending a full day, go for the passport. If you have little time, stroll around the gardens. We rented a little golf cart to take us around at the rate of €32 per vehicle per hour, €8 per additional 15 minutes. Yes, the estate is that big. The gardens are free except for when the musical fountain shows are scheduled to play. Be sure to verify before your trip. The estate can get very crowded, so bring snacks, water and lunch if at all possible. You don't want to waste time waiting in line for sandwiches because the line to get into the palace is long enough. I went during peak season in August but it may be less overwhelming during off seasons.