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Palace of Versailles: A Glimpse into French Royalty

Experience the grandeur of French royalty at the Palace of Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage site near Paris. Explore history, art, and stunning gardens.

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The Palace of Versailles, a lavish former royal residence, stands as a testament to French opulence and power. Explore the palace's stunning architecture, lavish gardens, and historical significance, offering a captivating journey into the lives of French royalty.

A brief summary to Palace of Versailles

  • Tuesday 9 am-6:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-6:30 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-6:30 pm
  • Friday 9 am-6:30 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-6:30 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-6:30 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially during peak season (April to October).
  • Purchase tickets online in advance to skip the ticket lines.
  • Consider a guided tour for an insider's view and access to restricted areas.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking.
  • Allocate at least half a day to explore the palace and gardens thoroughly.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Paris, the most common and convenient way to reach the Palace of Versailles is by taking the RER C train to the Versailles Château Rive Gauche station. This train line crosses Paris from east to west, with several stations located along the Seine River. Purchase a Metro-Train-RER ticket, which costs approximately €2.50 each way. Ensure you board a train going to Versailles Château Rive-Gauche, as the RER C has two branches. From the station, it's about a 10-minute walk to the Palace. Alternatively, you can take the SNCF Line L train from Saint Lazare station or the Line N train from Montparnasse station. However, these lines will drop you off at different stations in Versailles, requiring a longer walk to the Palace. RATP bus line 171 runs every 15-20 minutes from Pont de Sèvres bus stop. The cost is around €4 and the journey takes approximately 40 minutes.

  • Taxi/Ride-sharing

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are readily available in Paris and offer a direct route to the Palace of Versailles. A taxi ride from Paris typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs between €30 and €40. When taking a taxi from Paris, make sure that you book an official Paris taxi.

  • Driving

    If driving, the Palace of Versailles is located just outside of Paris. From Paris, take the A13 highway towards Versailles. Upon arrival, several parking options are available. Place d'Armes is the closest and most convenient, located directly in front of the Palace, but it can be pricey and fills up quickly. Parking rates are approximately €4.80 per hour for the first 4 hours, then €2.40 per hour thereafter. Parking inside the Palace grounds via the Queen's Gate costs €15 per vehicle. Cheaper options include parking at the Château de Versailles - Boulevard de la Reine car park, a 15-minute walk away, with rates around €1.87 per hour. Consider using a parking app like Parclick to book a space in advance.

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Discover more about Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles, located about 20 kilometers southwest of Paris, is more than just a palace; it's a symbol of French history, art, and power. Originally a humble hunting lodge built by Louis XIII in 1623, it was transformed by his successor, Louis XIV, into a sprawling palace that became the center of the French court and government in 1682. Over the decades, the palace underwent extensive renovations and expansions, led by renowned architects, landscape architects, and decorators. The result is a stunning complex of buildings, gardens, and grounds that showcase French architecture from the 1630s to the 1780s. The palace itself boasts over 2,300 rooms, including the iconic Hall of Mirrors, the King's and Queen's Apartments, and the Royal Chapel. The gardens of Versailles are equally impressive, designed by André Le Nôtre, featuring geometrically arranged lawns, fountains, and sculptures. The Grand Canal, a vast artificial lake, adds to the grandeur of the landscape. The Estate of Trianon, including the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, and the Queen's Hamlet, offers a glimpse into the more private lives of the royal family. Versailles remained the center of French political life until the French Revolution in 1789 when the royal family was forced to return to Paris. In 1837, it was converted into a museum dedicated to the glories of France, and it continues to attract millions of visitors every year. Today, the Palace of Versailles is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-see destination for anyone interested in French history, art, and culture.

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