A Day Journey To Versailles: Full Information & Customer Ideas

This text is a visitor put up written by Abigail Dalton.

Are you questioning if you happen to ought to take a day journey to Versailles? Effectively, we simply visited this unbelievable place, and it’s positively someplace you ought to be including to your Paris itinerary. It’s completely mind-blowing.

To be sincere, a go to to Versailles Palace was not on our agenda, however the alternative arose, and we determined to make it the final cease on our street journey earlier than heading residence. At first of our journey, we visited Strasbourg and cruised round Alsaces’s wine area, nevertheless it by no means crossed our minds we’d be ending the journey at this attractive website.

We’ve been to Paris earlier than however didn’t handle to go to and so forth this journey, and because it was our final cease in France, we have been eager to take advantage of our time out at Versailles Palace. And we did, though it was wet and windy.

On this article, I’m going to share the whole lot we realized from our day journey to Versailles so you’ll be able to plan an unbelievable go to as effectively.

Abigail is the proprietor and creator behind I’m Going On An Journey. She focuses on world journey and out of doors journey, giving first-hand experiences to assist her readers plan their good journey and make the most effective reminiscences.

Is A Day Journey To The Palace Of Versailles Value It?

Although we visited in mid-November on a cloudy and windy day, I genuinely loved our day journey to Versailles. It was an attraction I’ve needed to go to for some time now, having heard and skim some fascinating articles and seen many stunning pictures. 

You’ll discover its sheer measurement fairly breathtaking, together with the decor and manicured gardens. It was a stunning go to the place we have been in a position to discover the palace and gardens and study in regards to the French aristocracy. It’s actually a spot which might attraction if you happen to’re in search of a mix of historical past and grandeur. 

I discovered the palace beautiful, rooms just like the Corridor of Mirrors and the Flats of Mesdames being my favourites. These are full of intricate particulars, and if you happen to get the audio information (I like to recommend you do) you’ll study an incredible deal about how each day life for these royals was carried out. 

It’s a vacation spot for anybody who has a love for French tradition, structure and royal historical past.

For us, the vibe was simply implausible, even in early winter. It was nonetheless busy inside the palace however not too unhealthy, and though the gardens weren’t at their prettiest, it was good to stroll round and never be swamped by vacationers.

It’s an outstanding selection for a day journey and guarantees a mixture of awe and pleasure, and because it’s tremendous simple to get from Paris to Versailles, a go to can simply be added to any Paris itinerary.   

Greatest Day Journeys From Paris To Versailles

Though we didn’t go to from Paris, most individuals take pleasure in day journeys from the capital. It’s attainable to e book something from full-day guided excursions and skip-the-line tickets to fundamental entrance. Nevertheless, it’s vital to pre-book your go to, even in off-season. (Examine availabilities right here)

With this in thoughts and since we cherished our go to, I needed to focus on the highest three Versailles day journeys that can assist you plan whether or not you’re coming from Paris or not.

Concerning the Versailles Property

The Versailles Property, which is mostly what individuals check with when discussing Versailles, contains three essential sections:

1. the Palace of Versailles
2. the Gardens
3. & the Trianon Property

Its historical past is marked by important occasions over the centuries. For example, the Corridor of Mirrors witnessed the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, formally concluding World Warfare I – an fascinating reality we found throughout our go to.

It’s information like these we completely love studying about, and Versailles is stuffed with them.

The palace, initially a looking lodge constructed in 1624, underwent a change in 1661 beneath Louis XIV, reflecting absolutely the energy of the French monarchy.  I beforehand talked about its measurement, however its opulence can be breathtaking…it’s no marvel the French revolted.

Architect Louis Le Vau, panorama architect Andre Le Notre, and painter-decorator Charles Le Brun collaborated to convey Louis XIV’s imaginative and prescient to life, finishing the palace in 1682.

The 18th century witnessed expansions, together with the Petit Trianon (residence of Marie Antoinette) and the Queen’s Hamlet. But, it additionally skilled turbulent instances with the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789. The royal household left Versailles, and the palace underwent varied repurposing.

At the moment, Versailles holds UNESCO World Heritage standing, attracting guests globally. Its wealthy historical past, from royal decadence to revolutionary upheavals, provides a layer of intrigue to an iconic website.

Overview: A Day Journey To Versailles Palace

Time you need to plan in your go to: 6 Hours

Price: Passport €21.50 (beneficial entrance-only ticket choice, e book right here) + Audio Information €5

General, you’ll be able to look forward to finding a lavish and well-kept royal palace turned museum with grand formal gardens. Inside, you’ll wander by rooms full of centuries-old furnishings, stone statues, work, intricate objects and historic artefacts. 

All through the property, there are data plaques offering particulars and utilization of every chamber. Whether or not it’s the royal residences or galleries showcasing the historical past of the palace. 

When planning your day journey to Versailles, you’ll want to contemplate a number of issues. 

• Make sure you allocate sufficient time to discover the grounds, given the vastness of each the palace and the gardens. We spent a full day strolling round. 
• With that stated, bear in mind to put on snug strolling footwear as you’ll be protecting a big quantity of floor. (You’ll be able to e book a Golf Cart Tour right here)
• Check out the timetable for particular occasions just like the Musical Fountains Present or Musical Gardens to have the most effective expertise. 
• Think about grabbing a guidebook or deciding on an audio information to get a greater understanding of the historical past that Versailles presents.
• Don’t neglect to choose up a map on the entrance!

Dates and Opening Instances

• The Palace and the Property of Trianon are open day by day besides on Mondays. 

• The Palace opens from 9:00 am to five:30 pm (6:30 pm throughout excessive season)
• The Property of Trianon opens from 12:00 pm to five:30 pm. (6:30 pm throughout excessive season)
• The Gardens are open each day from 8.00 am – 6.00 pm – (8:30 pm in excessive season)

Excessive season runs from 1st of April to thirty first of October, Off-season from 1st of November to thirty first of March.

#1 Go to The Palace Of Versailles

The Palace has two accessible ranges and though not all areas are open to the general public, there’s sufficient on-show to maintain you busy for a number of hours. Particularly if you happen to like to soak up all the knowledge. 

For us, we spent simply over two hours contained in the Palace. We do take pleasure in our historical past and bought the audio information, however I’ll say that in the direction of the tip it does turn into somewhat repetitive. We’re additionally not big followers of artwork, and so moved faster by the galleries.

There’s a path to observe, colour-coded and simple to navigate. I like to recommend following this route. 

You’ll begin on the bottom degree within the Dauphin’s Condominium (inexperienced) earlier than getting into the Gallery of the Historical past of the Palace (purple).

On the second degree, you’ll begin at Louis XIV Rooms (orange) earlier than shifting on to the Corridor of Mirrors (pink) and eventually, the Gallery of Battles (blue). There are a number of different rooms inside these sections as effectively.

I loved the Dauphin’s Flats, the Flats of Mesdames and the Corridor of Mirrors probably the most. By the tip, we have been able to discover the gardens and get some contemporary air.

#2 Discover The Gardens of Versailles

Notice: the gardens are freed from cost from November to March

The gardens and groves are splendidly manicured and even in winter have been pretty to stroll round. 

The Gardens of Versailles are extremely huge! We didn’t stroll round their entirety, as it might take hours, if not days. Nevertheless, there’s a route by them, passing the Grand Canal, to the property of Trianon.

Most guests will observe this route nevertheless I urge you to discover additional, particularly across the groves as there are various hidden fountains.

The biggest is Neptune Fountain which has fountain reveals throughout the summer season alongside the Mirror Pool, Apollo’s Fountain, and Latona’s Fountain amongst others.

#3 Uncover The Property Of Trianon

The Property of Trianon is a separate property which was used as Louis XIV’s retreat to flee the pomp of court docket. There are three buildings situated inside: the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet.

The entire property is far more modest compared to the palace. Though the Grand Trianon nonetheless showcases a pink-marble facade. It served because the assembly place for Louis XIV and his lover Madame de Montespan. 

The Petit Trianon which was later inhabited by Marie Antoinette exudes a extra intimate allure. It’s surrounded by English-style gardens, which you’ll wander round to achieve the Queen’s Hamlet.

A shock for us – it resembles extra rustic farmhouse buildings than these match for royalty.  

The property due to this fact gives a glimpse into the personal lives of royalty, surrounded by pretty gardens and picturesque lakes.

How To Get To Versailles?

There are lots of methods of attending to the Palace of Versailles, whether or not you’re coming from Paris or from one other route.

Nevertheless, for the aim of this text, I’m going to debate attending to the Palace of Versailles from Paris. It’s attainable to achieve Versailles by practice, automotive, and bus, or you’ll be able to select a guided tour. 

In case you’re questioning how far the Palace of Versailles is from Paris, it’s between 20 min and 1h hours (by practice). Nevertheless, this could differ relying on the place you depart from in Paris. 

#1 Be part of a Guided Tour

Among the finest methods to take a day journey to Versailles is on a guided tour. Reserving a tour offers you a straightforward and informative journey with a educated information who will be capable of present historic insights when you discover. Personally, I take pleasure in these excursions once I need a stress-free choice.

It’s attainable to rearrange a guided tour from Paris which can embrace transport and bills, or there are alternatives to affix excursions on the Palace if you happen to’re already in Versailles.

• From Paris: Switch to Versailles with Skip the Line Tour & Backyard Entry (e book right here)
• From Versailles: Skip the Line Tour of Palace and Backyard Acess (e book here)
• Time Saver: Mix Versailles with the Gardens in Giverny – Extra Information right here

#2 Take the Prepare from Paris to Versailles

The preferred method to attain Versailles if you happen to select to not be part of a tour is to hop on the practice. From Paris, it should take about 40 minutes. At most, it should take you 1.5 hours to achieve Versailles, relying on the place you’re touring from in Paris.

It’s fast and handy, and that’s why day journeys to Versailles from Paris are tremendous fashionable!

You may have three choices travelling to Versailles by practice: 

• The RER C practice line (stops e.g., on the Eiffel Tower, St. Michel and Musée d’Orsay)
• The practice line L (beginning at Saint Lazare)
• The practice line N (beginning within the south of Paris at Montparnasse)

You’ll be able to count on to pay round €7 – 10€ for a spherical journey. 

#3 Take the bus to Versailles

In case you favor a extra scenic route then leaping on a bus could be a superb choice for you, though it’s not the quickest route. It does, nevertheless, present a relaxed journey, permitting you to benefit from the environment and get a glimpse of suburban life exterior Paris.

There are common buses between Paris and Versailles. The preferred place to begin is from the Pont de Sèvres bus cease in Paris — RATP bus line 171 which runs each 15–20 minutes — to the Place d’Armes Versailles bus cease and prices €4. 

#4 Drive to Paris in your Automobile

The quickest street connection between Paris and Versailles is through the N118 and the A86. Departing from the center of Paris, journey west alongside the Seine utilizing the D910 till reaching Pont de Sevres. Cross the bridge and keep to the left to proceed onto N118, earlier than persevering with on A86.

Merely observe the indicated signage, and in lower than 40 minutes, you’ll arrive on the Palace of Versailles. Simply bear in mind the touring time can differ relying on rush hours.

#5 Take a Taxi (Uber)

If you’re in a gaggle and plan to journey to Versailles for round €60 you’ll be able to e book a taxi to get you there in 40 minutes!

Greatest Ideas On Visiting Versailles

• Time it Proper: Mornings and weekdays are your finest wager to keep away from the crowds, though it’s busy all year long, winter is quieter. Be sure to verify the web site and official schedule for opening instances.

• Backyard Adventures: It’s not solely the palace which is beautiful, you’ll love exploring the Gardens of Versailles as effectively. Put aside a few hours to wander across the groves and fountains and if you happen to go to in Summer season, there are Fountain Exhibits and Musical Backyard occasions.

• Joyride in a Golf Cart: We didn’t do it, however for €42 for the hour you’ll be able to hire a golf cart and journey across the property. It appeared like a enjoyable method to go to the Trianon Property and uncover extra of the Gardens inside the royal property.

• Comfortable Sneakers are Key: Versailles is a strolling attraction the place you’ll be in your toes for many of the day, so it’s tremendous vital to put on cozy footwear.

• Examine for Particular Occasions: Earlier than you e book your day journey to Versailles, suss out any exhibitions or occasions. Momentary displays usually reveal hidden gems of historical past or artwork.

• Take a Packed Lunch: In case you’re seeking to save a couple of bucks, then take into account taking snacks with you. A lot of the eating places inside the property are somewhat expensive, though there are a number of inexpensive choices.

The place To Eat In Versailles

Because you’ll be spending many of the day at Versailles you’ll be comfortable to know that there are a great deal of locations to eat inside the grounds. Under are a handful of fashionable eating places that can assist you plan your day journey (however there are extra!).

Picnic – Free

You’ll be able to convey your individual meals and revel in a picnic within the park. The gardens are open day by day from 8:00 am to eight:30 pm within the excessive season (April to October) and eight:00 am to six:00 pm within the off-season (November to March).

Tip: The Marché Notre Dame in Versailles is a stunning place to replenish on meals in your picnic. The market halls are open Tuesday to Sunday. The surface market is open Tuesday, Friday and Sunday mornings.

Restaurant Angelina – Costly

The restaurant Angelina is situated on the finish of the palace tour/route on the primary flooring. It was busy once we handed with an extended queue already forming. 

It’s a tearoom which gives candy and savoury dishes and is open from Tuesday to Friday, 10 am to five.30 pm in excessive season (April to October) and 9:30 am to five pm in off-season (November to March). Saturday to Sunday, 10 am to six.30 pm, closed on 1 Might, 25 December and 1 January.

La Girandole – Mid-Vary

Within the coronary heart of the Gardens, La Gironde appeared like a pleasant place for breakfast, lunch, or a snack. It has a terrace overlooking the grounds as effectively, if you happen to go to on a sunny day and need a pleasant view. 

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to five pm, and closed on Monday. (Annual closure from 8 to twenty-eight January 2024).

Le Dauphin – Funds

In the midst of the Groves, we stopped right here for a espresso and to relaxation our drained toes. Le Daupin is a small café in between the Palace and the Property of Trianon and nice for grabbing a candy or savoury snack and a heat drink. 

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to five pm. Closed on Monday. 

La Petite Venise – Costly 

Tip: Ebook your desk with The Fork and save €10 when signing up with the code 83FDC2B7

For Italian delicacies in a country setting, you’ll be able to take pleasure in a lounge space and shaded terrace good for heat sunny days. It’s between Apollo’s Fountain and the Grand Canal.

Open day by day from 11.45 am to six pm (closed at 5 pm from November to March).

In Abstract: A Day Journey To Versailles Palace

I like to complete with a number of last ideas about our journey to Versailles, the elements we loved probably the most and people we didn’t take pleasure in as a lot. Nevertheless, general, I believe a day journey to Versailles is an outstanding thought – it’s a stunning attraction with a number of historical past and academic parts. 

The sections we weren’t as eager on as others embrace the galleries and the Property of Trianon. However, that is simply personnel desire because the galleries, for instance, could be stirring for anybody who loved artwork.

As for the Property of Trianon, I believe had we visited in Spring/Summer season it might have been extra spectacular, however the buildings lacked the identical pizazz the Palace exudes and appeared somewhat windswept.

That stated, we did take pleasure in strolling across the grounds recognizing mushrooms! And, as for the Queen’s Hamlet, it was an exquisite little rustic space. 

The Gardens and Groves as a complete we cherished. The timber have been nonetheless altering colors so we had some pretty yellow and orange foliage to take pleasure in, however many of the statues had already been coated up in preparation for winter.

With this in thoughts, we want to return in summer season, if solely to walk across the gardens once more.

The Palace was very spectacular and well-organized. I loved my go to, and due to this fact would suggest a day journey to Versailles to anybody visiting Paris or the encompassing space as a must-do exercise. 

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