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Prefecture of Yvelines, Île-de-France
Photo: Kimberly Vardeman, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Versailles is a city on the western edge of the French capital city Paris, now part of the sprawling metropolis within the Île-de-France region. Versailles is best known for being the site of the vast royal palace and gardens built by King Louis XIV on what had been the grounds of a royal hunting lodge. It is also one of the wealthiest cities near Paris.
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A Palestine Chapel that contains a royal gallery dedicated to St. Louis. It was finished in 1707 by Robert de Cotte. The intricate detailing of the chapel's ceiling contains paintings by the artists Jouvet, Coypel, and La Fosse. Van Cleve sculpted the front altar out of marble which is decorated in front with gilded bronze.
Queen's Apartment
This suite Washington built for Louis XIV's wife Marie-Therese. The original decoration was redone between 1729 and 1735 with renowned white and gold woodwork. It features several famous rooms including a battle gallery room, a coronation room, and the royal birthing room. Tourists are always welcome to tour through the house and gaze at the spectacles of each room.
A beautiful garden composed mostly of fountains. The largest of them was built in the 17th century and is called Bassin de Neptune or Neptune's Fountains. These consist of 99 individual fountains. Also in the garden is the Bassin d'Apollon or Apollo's Fountain. For visitors looking for a gorgeous eye catching experience, they should definitely visit this lovely location.
A garden where the king used to have his vegetables cultivated.
Louis XIV requested that it be built as a retreat for the king or as a place for the king and his guests to dine without the strict etiquette of the court. Today, it houses visiting foreign dignitaries. It is renowned for its Italian architecture, pink marble, and geometrical French-style gardens. All visitors who come to see the Trianon leave in awe of the beautifully designed castle.
A nice sight to stop by. The temple was built in 1778 in the middle of a small island in The Parc. In the center of this circular temple is a replica Bouchardon statue. The original can be found in The Louvre Museum. It is an especially popular sight for couples who often enjoy sharing a kiss at the center of the temple.
The Queen's hamlet
A rustic retreat, which served as a private meeting place for the Queen and her closest friends, a place of leisure. The style of the place is completely different to the royal Versailles, it was fashionable among the French aristocracy at the time. It makes for a pleasant interruption from the grand buildings.
Of one of the most emblematic royal rooms, this Baroque-style gallery has been the scene of significant historical events, including where Otto von Bismarck proclaimed the first German Empire.
A 19th-century town hall building (you can get inside), on the Avenue de Paris, a 5-min walk from the Château, or from the Versailles-Rive-Gauche station .
A nice façade across the town hall.
Academy of Equestrian Arts
If you plan to go at the right time, you can even get into a royal horse show. Not only will you get the opportunity to see horses who have been trained by the best of the best perform, but you will also have the chance to see the fascinating royal stables. This is a sight many children often enjoy.
A display of several coaches, sedans, and sleds used by 19th century monarchs and presidents of France.
Salle du Jeu de Paume
Site of the Tennis Court Oath, a pivotal event during the beginning of the French Revolution
In the former Louis XIV's ministry of foreign affairs, 5 rue de l'Indépendance Américaine. You can enter on opening hours. They also organise open-doors on certain days, to get a glimpse inside the old cabinets.
It is housed in a beautiful 18th century home and displays many 18th century furnishings such as ceramics, sculptures, paintings, furniture, and other objects that are a part of Versailles' history, some of which are from the revolutionary period. People who appreciate fine arts and history will definitely want to make this a stop during their trip. Text only in French.
A park surrounding the country retreat of Princess Elisabeth
Take a trip to this quaint and beautifully constructed chapel, dedicated to Saint Symphorien. It is a landmark in history dating all the way back to 560. In 1722 a monk requested the expansion of the chapel believing it was far too small to hold services and his request was answered years later under the order of Louis XV. This chapel contains classic and gorgeous architecture as well as beautiful historical paintings. Any one who travel to this chapel can not help but to fall in love with the cascading decor.
Contains over 2500 species of trees.
Place du Marché Notre Dame (the main market square): If you're looking for more of an authentic French experience, the Place du Marché is a wonderful option. It is an outdoor market that offers only the freshest foods one can find. Here you can find vegetables, pizzas, fish, meats, fruits, and cheese. The outdoor market operates on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday mornings and starts winding down around 13:00. Sunday is the busiest day here. There are also sit-down restaurants in the market.
A nice place to stay, in the forest and very close to the RER (train) station. This campsite has a swimming-pool. Many accommodations to rent (cottages, ridge tents.). Wi-Fi for a small fee.
Two star hotel. 42 comfortable rooms with restaurant.
Two star hotel with restaurant.
Includes a beautiful hotel restaurant.
Privative parking, confort, high-end bedding, space, nice decoration, tidy, user-friendly.
By train
There are three train stations in Versailles: Versailles Château Rive Gauche, Versailles Rive Droite and Versailles Chantiers.
By bus
Route 171 travels between Pont de Sèvres (at the end of Métro line 9) to Versailles. The bus journey from the station to the château takes approximately 30 min.
By bike
It's a nice bike ride from Paris via Bois de Boulogne and Parc St Cloud. mapmyride.com/fr/versailles-ile-de-france It's a bit tiring to combine with a Palace visit though (45 km with a few hills).
Versailles is easily traversable on foot. Once inside the palace it's possible to hire bikes and battery-powered golf carts (see section below).
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