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Versailles, France

Destination Guide

Versailles

France

Best things to do in Versailles

28 curated attractions in Versailles, France. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

April - June, September - October

Average temp

18°C/64°F

Budget

Expensive

Safety

Very safe

About Versailles

Versailles is the epitome of royal extravagance, primarily known for its vast palace that served as the royal residence of Louis XIV. The Hall of Mirrors and the Royal Chapel showcase the scale of ambition behind the construction, which transformed a humble hunting lodge into a symbol of absolute monarchy. The extensive Gardens of Versailles are as much a part of the experience as the palace, featuring intricate layouts and numerous fountains, including the famous Apollo Fountain. As a result, the city attracts millions of visitors keen to witness the opulence of the French monarchy in all its unrestrained glory. People come to see the palace and gardens, and to picture what life must have been like for a king who really had too much money and not enough subtlety.

Who it's for

Anyone with an interest in history, architecture, or simply looking to walk through a real-life fairy tale. Not ideal for those seeking a lively urban environment or modern attractions, as it can feel a bit like stepping back in time without much of a contemporary vibe.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • The palace and gardens cover a lot of ground, so be prepared to walk; it's a good thirty minutes just to stroll from the palace to Antoinette's Hamlet
  • The RER C train from Paris takes about thirty-five minutes and drops you a short walk from the entrance
  • Public transport is efficient, but plan your return carefully, as the last train can catch you off guard
  • The local buses are reliable but not always frequent
Potager du Roi

Potager du Roi

Cultural
Grand Trianon

Grand Trianon

Castles & palaces
Versailles Market

Versailles Market

Local & craft markets
Versailles Cathedral

Versailles Cathedral

Churches & cathedrals
Place d'Armes

Place d'Armes

Cultural & Heritage Sites
Versailles City Hall

Versailles City Hall

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
The Dauphin's Apartment

The Dauphin's Apartment

Historic houses & mansions
La Boutique Royale

La Boutique Royale

Shopping
Royal Opera of Versailles

Royal Opera of Versailles

Theatres & opera houses
Bassin de Neptune

Bassin de Neptune

Historical Attractions
Antoinette's Hamlet

Antoinette's Hamlet

Traditional villages
Hall of Mirrors

Hall of Mirrors

Castles & palaces
Cour d'Honneur

Cour d'Honneur

Cultural & Heritage Sites
Royal Chapel

Royal Chapel

Churches & cathedrals
Galerie des Batailles

Galerie des Batailles

Arts and Entertainment Venues
Gardens of Versailles

Gardens of Versailles

Formal & Japanese gardens
The Orangerie

The Orangerie

Formal & Japanese gardens
Apollo Fountain

Apollo Fountain

Fountains, statues & public art
Petit Trianon

Petit Trianon

Castles & palaces
Royal Stables

Royal Stables

Historic houses & mansions
Château de Versailles

Château de Versailles

Castles & palaces
Osmothèque

Osmothèque

Cultural
Bosquet de la Colonnade

Bosquet de la Colonnade

Cultural & Heritage Sites
Théâtre Montansier

Théâtre Montansier

Arts and Entertainment Venues
Queen's House

Queen's House

Castles & palaces
The Royal Tennis Court

The Royal Tennis Court

Historic houses & mansions
Bosquet de la Reine

Bosquet de la Reine

Formal & Japanese gardens
Bosquet du Dauphin

Bosquet du Dauphin

Cultural & Heritage Sites

Where to eat in Versailles

The places worth planning a meal around.

Chez Tiouiche

Chez Tiouiche

North African · $30–$50

★ 4.8 · 1,845 reviews

Brasserie du Theatre

Brasserie du Theatre

French · $$

★ 4.3 · 475 reviews

Aux Merveilleux de Fred

Aux Merveilleux de Fred

French Patisserie · $5–$15

★ 4.3 · 236 reviews

Le Petit Boulanger

Le Petit Boulanger

French · $10–$30

★ 3.5 · 17 reviews

Angelina Paris - Château de Versailles, Pavillon d'Orléans

Angelina Paris - Château de Versailles, Pavillon d'Orléans

French · $$

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