V E R S A I L L E S
How to get there
A short train ride away from Paris, Versailles is a perfect day trip but an even better overnight visit. The estate is extensive as it includes the Palace, the Gardens, the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet, so there is a lot of ground to cover, especially by foot. I will be sharing a great bike tour below but for now, the basics.
Once your train arrives in Versailles, the station is walking distance to the Palace gates and one barely needs to look for direction as the crowd will likely lead the way. The ticket office is inside the main gates but I highly recommend purchasing tickets online ahead of time to avoid the long lines. Different tickets are offered depending on what area of the estate you’d like to visit, so read on to learn more and create your itinerary accordingly.
The Palace
A World Heritage site for the past 40 years, the Palace of Versailles was transformed in 1682 from an old hunting pavilion to a place of residence and government by King Louis XIV. Each king that followed added to its beauty until the French Revolution forced King Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette to abandon it and return to Paris in 1789. Today the palace is home to the Museum of the History of France and although only a fraction of the original rooms are now open to the public, it is well worth visiting.
The Gardens
Before boarding the small train that transports visitors from the Palace to the Estate of Trianon, I highly recommend taking a stroll through the beautiful Gardens, a spectacular work of art in their own right. André Le Nôtre was entrusted with their development by King Louis XIV, who considered them just as important as the Palace itself. The result is an unmissable masterpiece.
While the Park is free to the public, please note that the Gardens do require a ticket and are only open during certain times of day. During one of my visits I made the mistake of postponing my walk through the gardens until the end of the day, only to be turned away at the gate.
The Estate of Trianon
The Estate includes the King’s Grand Trianon and the Queen’s Petit Trianon, my particular favorite. This is where Marie Antoinette found refuge from court life and, enamored with rural life, commissioned the construction of the Queen’s Hamlet, an idyllic hamlet of cottages inspired by the traditional rustic architecture of Normandy. Walking along the paths you will be able to find a dairy farm, a windmill, a dovecote and multiple vegetables and flower gardens. Marie Antoinette loved to spend time here with her closest friends but especially with her two children, who were able to learn about farming, gardening, nature and animals. During my most recent visit, I learned that the hamlet has inspired many of Disney’s most iconic settings, like the village in Beauty and the Beast.
Bike Tour
I have visited Versailles on multiple occasions and on two I visited alone. During one of those times, in the interest of having some company and a fun mode of transportation, I signed up for a bike tour of the estate through Fat Tire Tours. I met my group at the designated meeting point in Paris and together we took the train to Versailles while our knowledgeable tour guide shared some of the history of France and of Versailles. Once we arrived, we made our way to a bike shop where we were given our bikes and helmets and made our way to the town’s market to buy lunch. After perusing the many different stalls and selecting some cheese, a baguette and a small bottle of wine that I packed in my bag, we made our way to the Palace. The tour started at the Estate of Trianon, next we found a patch of grass along the Grand Canal to enjoy our picnic lunch. Once we were satisfactorily stuffed and buzzed, we went for a tour of the Palace. The whole day was incredibly fun and a truly enjoyable way to visit the sprawling beauty of the estate.
After Hours
If like me, a day of pedaling and sightseeing still leaves you craving more, don’t despair! Check with the ticket office or on their website as after hours concerts and shows are often available. During my bike tour visit in September, I made a last minute ticket purchase for a show inside the Palace. I didn’t know what to expect but I got to see the sun setting over the gorgeous gardens from the Hall of Mirrors, a memory I won’t soon forget.
