Is Versailles Worth Visiting? Honest Guide for First-Timers
The Palace of Versailles is absolutely worth visiting, as it is an important part of French history and culture. Versailles is one of the most beautiful palaces in all of Europe, from its dazzling hall of mirrors to its expansive gardens. Even with a short trip to Paris, a day trip to Versailles is worth it.
Personally, visiting Versailles is one of my favorite things to do while in Paris and I highly recommend going at least once. From learning more about the French history to wandering through the stunning gardens, visiting Versailles is 100% worth it.
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Best Versailles Tour
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Versailles Priority Access Tour
✅Transportation from Paris
✅Skip the Line
✅Small Group Palace Tour & Free Time at the Gardens
What is Versailles?
Versailles is the most famous and largest Palace in all of France. It is located in Versailles, France. The Palace was commissioned by King Louis XIV, who decided to turn his father’s hunting lodge into the grandest palace in all of Europe. The Palace of Versailles served as a home for the French monarchy from 1681 until the French Revolution in 1789.
✔️ Want to Avoid the Crowds? Book this Skip the Line Tour of Versailles
Insider Tip: Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore the gardens! On our first trip we went in the spring time and ended up spending a full day exploring the Palace of Versailles, Petit Palaces, and the extensive gardens.
7 Reasons to Visit Versailles
Not sure if a trip to Versailles is worth it? Well, here are 7 reasons that you should definitely visit the Palace and Gardens of Versailles.
1. Versailles is Unlike Any Other Palace in Europe
Versailles was built to be a palace that would make all other palaces look simplistic. Mission accomplished. Not only is Versailles massive in size, but it is exquisite in every detail.
The Palace of Versailles is the largest palace in France, and one of the largest in all of Europe. The Palace itself is 721,206 feet of space, sitting on 2,014 acres of land.
2. Experience French History at Versailles
The Palace of Versailles had simple origins, and was first used as a hunting lodge by King Louis XIII. Years later, his son, King XIV transformed the space into the largest and grandest palace in France.
King Louis XIV was popularly known as the Sun King, and spared no expense when creating the dazzling Palace of Versailles. The palace became home to the French monarchy in 1681. Later, King Louis XVI and his Queen Marie Antoinette would call Versailles their home, until the French Revolution in 1789 when the people took back the palace.
Today, the Palace of Versailles is one of the most visited museums in France. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its outstanding historical and cultural value.
3. See the Famous Hall of Mirrors
The most famous room at the Palace of Versailles is the Hall of Mirrors. The hall is considered to be a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, and was designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart.
This beautiful room is adorned with 357 mirrors which are strategically placed to reflect light from the 17 grand windows on the opposite side. The hall also features gilded moldings and decorative motifs cover the walls and ceilings, as well as grand crystal chandeliers.
The Hall of Mirrors was designed to symbolize the political, economic, and artistic achievements of France during the reign of Louis XIV. It was often used for royal ceremonies, grand receptions, and even the signing of treaties.
4. Wander the Beautiful Gardens of Versailles
The Versailles Gardens are extensive, and cover over 2,000 acres. The gardens are beautifully landscaped and showcase geometric precision, fountains, and ornamental lakes. In the center, you will also find the Grand Canal which reflects the grandeur of the Palace.
You can easily spend 1-3 hours exploring the gardens and there are many charming pathways and sculptures to admire. It is a serene place to spend a warm, sunny day.
It is also possible to rent bikes or a golf cart in the gardens, which is a fun and convenient way to explore the extensive gardens.
Insider Tip: If you don’t want to walk, there is a mini train that goes around the Gardens of Versailles. It makes stops at the smaller palaces and only costs €8.50. To purchase tickets stop at the hut near Water Parterre North Terrace stop (next to the Palace).
5. Explore the Trianon Palaces
The Palace of Versailles is not just a single building but a complex that includes smaller palaces and buildings known for their unique architecture and significance.
These smaller palaces are generally referred to as the Trianon Palaces and include the Grand Trianon Palace and the Petit Palace.
The Grand Trianon Palace was a retreat for French royalty seeking privacy. It’s known for its elegant architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens.
On the other hand, the Petit Palace was originally a gift from King Louis to his mistress, Madame de Pompadour. Later, it became a favorite residence of Queen Marie Antoinette.
Both smaller palaces are located in the Versailles Gardens and are worth visiting as the crowds are typically much smaller compared to the main Palace.
6. Experience the French Countryside at Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet
This is a picturesque hamlet built for Marie Antoinette, where she could experience a rustic countryside atmosphere and enjoy a tranquil retreat away from the palace formalities.
The hamlet includes a cottage, a mill, gardens, and areas for animals. This was one of my favorite parts of visiting the Gardens of Versailles, as wandering around the hamlet felt like we had been transported back in time to the 1700s French countryside.
7. Visit the Charming Town of Versailles
Surrounding the Versailles Palace and Gardens is the charming town of Versailles, France. This small town is perfect for a stroll or to grab some dinner or lunch at one of the cafes after exploring the Palace grounds.
Visiting the town of Versailles is a great way to experience French culture, especially if you are only staying in Paris and not venturing out to other towns in France.
Tips for Visiting Versailles Palace
👉 Book your ticket to Versailles in advance to avoid waiting in long lines. You can book a Skip the Line Ticket to Versailles here.
🏰 Book a Skip the Line Tour of Versailles Palace
👉 The Palace gets crowded, so it is best to arrive 15-20 minutes before it opens. If you arrive later in the morning, spend time in the gardens first and see the Palace at the end.
👉 Like many museums in Paris, Versailles is closed on Mondays.
👉 You can visit Versailles year-round. If you aren’t sure about visiting during the winter months, check out this guide on Visiting Versailles in Winter.
👉 The Versailles Gardens are massive! However, there are bikes & golf cart rentals available on-site. There is also a small train that goes around the gardens. We completely missed this the first time and were exhausted after walking all day, so definitely take advantage of the transportation options.
👉 There is a Palace of Versailles app for your phone that offers both an audio guide and a map. It’s worth downloading this to learn more information about Versailles, make sure you see all the sites, and to avoid getting lost.
Where to Stay When Visiting Versailles
When visiting Versailles, many people (myself included) stay in central Paris and visit Versailles as a day trip. However, you can also stay in the small town of Versailles for a night or two. I’ve listed recommendations for both options below:
Where to Stay in Paris
You can easily stay in Paris when visiting Versailles, as it is easy to reach the palace using public transportation from central Paris. Personally, I always stay in central Paris and visit Versailles for the day.
I have traveled to Paris for leisure and for work and stayed in many areas of the city. I highly recommend staying in the neighborhoods of Saint-Germain-des-Prés or Odéon (6th arr.), or in the Latin Quarter (5th arr.) because they are central and safe areas.
📍 Hôtel Madison
Hotel Madison has a perfect location in the heart of Paris and is surrounded by charming cafes, shops, and restaurants. The hotel is beautiful, with elegant yet modern rooms.
📍 Hotel De Seine
I personally have stayed at this hotel and recommend it. The décor is traditional and elegant, but there are modern amenities such as air-conditioning. The staff at this hotel are lovely and very helpful.
Where to Stay in the Town of Versailles
Alternatively, you can choose to spend a night or two in the small town of Versailles, located just outside of the Palace. Staying in the town of Versailles is a great option for those who don’t love big cities and want to stay in a more peaceful and quiet location.
📍 Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Trianon Palace
A beautiful hotel located just steps away from the Palace of Versailles. Rooms are spacious and offer a fireplace and balcony, and the hotel has many featured amenities including a spa and indoor pool.
📍 Hôtel la Residence Du Berry
This budget-friendly option is located in the historic Saint-Louis neighborhood of Versailles, France. The location is perfect for being walking distance to the Palace, as well as having nearby shops and cafes. The rooms are cozy and traditional, yet charming.
FAQ: Is Versailles Worth Visiting?
It is worth it to spend a full day at Versailles. The gardens are massive and there is a lot to see, including the smaller palaces. To just see the Palace of Versailles, you will want to have at least 2-3 hours.
Absolutely avoid heading to Versailles on a Monday, as the Palace of Versailles is closed every Monday. Due to this, Sundays and Tuesdays can also be busier days to visit Versailles.
It is best to visit the Palace of Versailles early in the morning or late in the afternoon. It is a great idea to come first thing in the morning, as soon as the Palace opens. If you come later in the morning, start by exploring the gardens and then do the Palace of Versailles in the late afternoon.
Conclusion: Is Versailles Worth Visiting?
Versailles is 100% worth visiting. The Palace of Versailles is one of the largest historical sites in France, and is worth visiting for its significant value to French history and culture.
While the Palace can be crowded, it is still a site worth visiting and getting there early in the morning or exploring the gardens first is a great way to avoid the larger crowds.
Even with a short trip to Paris, I recommend visiting the Palace and Gardens of Versailles. It is a beautiful place to visit and is unlike any other site that you will see in central Paris.
