Versailles is one of France's most emblematic cities, famous the world over for its majestic Palace and its spectacular surrounding gardens. From history to culture to relaxation, here are the must-sees on a visit to Versailles, the elegant royal city just outside Paris.
What to see and do in Versailles
Explore the Palace of Versailles
A masterpiece of classical architecture, the Palace of Versailles impresses with the grandeur and immoderation of its decor. The building boasts no fewer than 700 rooms, 67 staircases, 352 fireplaces and 2,150 windows, spread over an area of 67,121 sq meters! All created by the finest craftsmen of the 17 th , 18 th and 19 th centuries, for King Louis XIV and his successors. Among the countless treasures of the château, be sure to visit the Grands Appartements, particularly the King's, the Hall of Mirrors and the gorgeous reception rooms.
Palace of Versailles Place d'Armes
78000 Versailles
Explore the wonder that are the gardens of Versailles
Around the palace, the estate's French-style gardens extend over more than 800 hectares of magnificent fountains, copses, marble pieces and flowerbeds, the brainchild of André Le Nôtre, the Sun King's master gardener. The site can be visited on its own, or as part of the water shows which, every weekend from late March to October, bring to life the sumptuous jeux d’eau of the Great Century. During the day, the musical Fountain Shows make the waters dance to the sound of baroque music, while the night-time Fountain Shows can bring you a sound and light experience at dusk on Saturdays, topped with a fireworks display. All the more reason to fully appreciate the magic of the gardens of Versailles!
Experience into the private life of the Queen at the Estate of Trianon
To the north of the Palace grounds, follow the Grand Canal along the Allée de la Reine and you'll soon reach Marie-Antoinette's personal estate. Comprising the Petit Trianon and the Grand Trianon palaces, as well as the village of Hameau de la Reine and a vast landscaped area adorned with grottoes and follies, this estate is a place steeped in romance, where sovereigns liked to retreat far from the court. The Hameau de la Reine has recently undergone a major renovation, restoring the site to its former charm. It is only accessible on guided tours.
The Estate of Trianon Park of the Palace of Versailles
78000 Versailles
www.chateauversailles.fr/domaine-marie-antoinette
Stroll through the Notre-Dame and Saint-Louis neighbourhoods
Versailles isn't all about the Palace itself! Outside the gates to the royal estate, the town has a wealth of characterful facades, wide avenues and fine classical and baroque buildings. Around the Notre-Dame market, the narrow streets, passages and courtyards of the Bailliage form a particularly pleasant pedestrian zone, home to antique shops and trendy restaurants. A stone's throw away, on the Boulevard de la Reine, the Musée Lambinet houses a rich and varied collection dedicated to the history of Versailles, in an 18 th -century town house. Upstairs, you will discover the interior of a beautiful flat from the Age of Enlightenment, with an anteroom, dining room, drawing room and study.
Musée Lambinet 54 boulevard de la Reine
78000 Versailles
https://www.versailles.fr/51/culture/musee-lambinet.htm
Where to eat and sleep in Versailles: Our favourite hotels and restaurants
La Table du 11
Found in the charming Cour des Senteurs courtyard, this Michelin-starred restaurant (2024) offers creative, refined cuisine by chef Jean-Baptiste Lavergne-Morazzani. The elegant atmosphere and inventive cooking make this a place you need to try.
La Table du 11 8 rue de la Chancellerie
78000 Versailles
Chapeau
This Versailles restaurant, open since the Age of Enlightenment, has a cheery atmosphere! Recently renovated, the decor is properly royal: royal blue, gilding and porcelain tableware. All of which complements the fine bistronomic cuisine.
Chapeau 7 rue Hoche
78000 Versailles
H o tel la Résidence du Berry
Halfway between the Carrés Saint-Louis and the Potager du Roi, this pleasant three-star hotel has intimate, beautifully decorated rooms in a delightful 18 th -century building. The staff are charming and the breakfast is generous.
H o tel la Résidence du Berry 14 Rue d'Anjou
78000 Versailles https://hotel-berry.com/fr/
H o tel Le Versailles
Near the Palace, this four-star hotel features colourful, spacious rooms, inspired by the historical rooms and people that have left a mark on Versailles, from Marie-Antoinette to the Hall of Mirrors.
7 Rue Sainte-Anne
78000 Versailles
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