Versailles

Versailles, a city 14 miles southwest of Paris, is home to the famous Palace of Versailles. The city offers more than just the palace, with its Hall of Mirrors and royal apartments. You can also visit the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon, smaller palaces within the grounds. The city has several museums, including the Lambinet Museum housed in an 18th-century mansion. For a taste of local flavor, you can shop at the Notre-Dame Market or try a macaron at one of the city's patisseries.

The Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is the city's main attraction. Louis XIV transformed his father's hunting lodge into this large royal residence. The palace contains 2,300 rooms across 63,154 square meters. Inside, you'll find the Hall of Mirrors, a 73-meter-long gallery with 357 mirrors reflecting light from 17 glass doors that overlook the gardens. The King's Grand Apartments and the Queen's Apartments show the lifestyle of French royalty.

Gardens and Fountains

André Le Nôtre designed the gardens of Versailles, which cover 800 hectares. The gardens have trimmed lawns, flowerbeds, and sculptures throughout. You'll find numerous fountains, such as the Apollo Fountain and the Latona Fountain. In summer, the Musical Fountains Show presents water displays synchronized with classical music.

Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon

Within Versailles' grounds, there are two smaller palaces: the Grand Trianon and the Petit Trianon. Louis XIV used the pink marble Grand Trianon as a retreat, as did Napoleon Bonaparte later. Louis XVI gave the neoclassical Petit Trianon to Marie Antoinette, and it provides a closer look at royal life.

Museums in Versailles

Versailles has several museums beyond the palace. The Lambinet Museum, located in an 18th-century mansion, tells the story of Versailles from its early days as a village to its time as the seat of royal power. Within the Palace of Versailles, the Museum of the History of France displays paintings and sculptures depicting major events in French history.

Local Markets and Cuisine

The Notre-Dame Market is a 19th-century covered market that sells fresh produce, cheeses, meats, and flowers. You can buy local specialties or gather supplies for a picnic in the palace gardens. Many patisseries in the city sell macarons, which were a favorite of Marie Antoinette.

Visiting Versailles

You can reach Versailles from Paris via the RER C train line to Versailles Rive Gauche station, a short walk from the palace. Another option is taking a train from Paris Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers station. The palace and most attractions are open Tuesday through Sunday, closing on Mondays. For fewer crowds, visit early in the morning or during the months of November through March.