Home › Destinations › Versailles
Versailles, France - Things to Do in Versailles

Things to Do in Versailles

Versailles, France - Complete Travel Guide

Versailles, located just 20 kilometers southwest of Paris, is synonymous with royal grandeur and French aristocratic history. This elegant city is dominated by the magnificent Palace of Versailles, the former residence of French kings Louis XIV, XV, and XVI, which stands as one of the world's most opulent royal palaces. Beyond its famous château, Versailles offers charming cobblestone streets, refined boutiques, and an atmosphere that still echoes with centuries of royal heritage. The city seamlessly blends its illustrious past with modern French living, featuring beautiful residential neighborhoods, excellent restaurants, and cultural attractions that extend far beyond the palace walls. Visitors can explore the expansive palace gardens, the intimate Trianon palaces, Marie Antoinette's hamlet, and the historic town center with its markets, cafés, and architectural gems that have witnessed some of the most pivotal moments in French history.

Top Things to Do in Versailles

Palace of Versailles Tour

Explore the legendary Palace of Versailles with its Hall of Mirrors, opulent royal apartments, and stunning State Rooms. The palace showcases the absolute pinnacle of French baroque architecture and decorative arts. Audio guides provide fascinating insights into court life and the dramatic events that unfolded within these gilded walls.

Booking Tip: Book tickets online in advance (€20-29) to skip entrance lines, especially during peak season. Visit on weekdays for smaller crowds, and consider the Passport ticket (€27) which includes palace, gardens, and Trianon access. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer the best lighting for photos.

Palace Gardens and Musical Fountains

Stroll through the meticulously manicured French formal gardens designed by André Le Nôtre, featuring geometric patterns, ornate fountains, and tree-lined pathways. During Musical Fountain Shows, the gardens come alive with baroque music and synchronized water displays. The gardens offer spectacular views back toward the palace and peaceful groves for relaxation.

Booking Tip: Garden access is free most days, but Musical Fountain Shows (€10) run on weekends April-October and require tickets. Rent a golf cart (€34/hour) or bicycle to cover the vast grounds more easily. Pack a picnic to enjoy in designated areas.

Marie Antoinette's Estate

Visit the Queen's private retreat including the Grand and Petit Trianon palaces and her famous hamlet (hameau). This intimate area reveals Marie Antoinette's attempt to escape court formality in a pastoral setting complete with a working farm and rustic cottages. The estate provides fascinating insight into the queen's private life and tragic fate.

Booking Tip: Included with Passport tickets or available separately (€12). Allow 2-3 hours to fully explore both Trianons and the hamlet. Visit in late afternoon when tour groups thin out. The estate is a 20-minute walk from the main palace through the gardens.

Royal Chapel and Opera House

Discover two architectural masterpieces within the palace complex: the stunning Royal Chapel with its soaring ceiling and marble columns, and the intimate Royal Opera House with its blue and gold décor. Both venues showcase the artistic sophistication of the French court and occasionally host concerts and performances in their original settings.

Booking Tip: Both are included with palace admission. The Opera House requires separate guided tours (€7 additional) available on specific days. Check the cultural program for special concerts or events. Photography is limited in these spaces, so focus on experiencing the acoustics and atmosphere.

Versailles Market and Town Center

Explore the vibrant local market at Place du Marché and the charming streets of Versailles town center, lined with antique shops, cafés, and boutiques. The market offers fresh produce, artisanal goods, and regional specialties, while the surrounding streets reveal beautiful 17th and 18th-century architecture. This area provides authentic French small-town atmosphere away from palace crowds.

Booking Tip: The main market operates Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday mornings until 2 PM. Combine with lunch at a local bistro for an authentic experience. Many shops close for lunch 12-2 PM and on Mondays. The tourist office near the palace provides town walking maps.

Getting There

Versailles is easily accessible from Paris via the RER C train, which takes 30-40 minutes from central Paris to Versailles Château-Rive Gauche station (€7.10 round trip). Alternatively, take the SNCF train from Paris Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers (22 minutes) or the RER Line L from Paris Saint-Lazare to Versailles Rive Droite. By car, Versailles is 30 minutes from central Paris via the A13 motorway, though parking near the palace can be challenging and expensive (€6/hour). Many visitors opt for organized day trips from Paris that include transportation and skip-the-line access.

Getting Around

Versailles is compact and very walkable, with most attractions within easy walking distance of the palace. The palace grounds are extensive, so consider renting bicycles (€7/hour) or golf carts (€34/hour) to explore the gardens and Marie Antoinette's estate comfortably. Local buses serve the wider area, and taxis are available but not always necessary. The train stations are about a 10-15 minute walk from the palace entrance. Comfortable walking shoes are essential as you'll cover several kilometers exploring the palace and gardens.

Where to Stay

Versailles Town Center
Saint-Louis Quarter
Notre-Dame Quarter
Montreuil District
Porchefontaine Area
Satory Neighborhood

Food & Dining

Versailles offers excellent dining from Michelin-starred restaurants to charming bistros and cafés. The town center around Place du Marché features traditional French brasseries serving classics like coq au vin and bouillabaisse, while Rue de Satory offers trendy wine bars and modern French cuisine. For a royal experience, dine at La Petite Venise within the palace grounds, or try Gordon Ramsay au Trianon for fine dining. Don't miss local specialties like Versailles honey, artisanal chocolates, and regional wines. Many restaurants offer prix fixe lunch menus (€15-25) that provide excellent value, and several patisseries near the palace serve perfect pastries for garden picnics.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Saint Vincent

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

La Kiuva - Ristorante e Cantina con Cucina Tipica di Arnad

4.5 /5
(1478 reviews) 2
bar liquor_store store

Parc Hotel Billia - Saint-Vincent

4.6 /5
(1282 reviews)
bar lodging spa

Vinosteria Borracho

4.7 /5
(1173 reviews) 2

Adaggio

4.6 /5
(1131 reviews) 2

Massawa Restaurant

4.6 /5
(877 reviews) 1

Cantina Du Clou

4.8 /5
(364 reviews)
all dining options →

When to Visit

The best time to visit Versailles is late spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October) when weather is mild and crowds are more manageable. Summer brings peak tourist season with long lines and hot weather, but also features the Musical Fountain Shows and extended opening hours. Winter offers fewer crowds and atmospheric indoor palace tours, though gardens are less appealing and some outdoor attractions may have reduced hours. Weekdays are always preferable to weekends, and arriving early morning (9 AM) or late afternoon helps avoid the busiest periods when day-trip groups from Paris arrive.

Insider Tips

Purchase tickets online in advance and use the separate entrance for pre-paid tickets to save significant time in line
Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the palace gardens rather than paying high prices at on-site restaurants
Visit Marie Antoinette's estate first thing in the morning when it's most peaceful, then work your way back to the main palace as crowds build throughout the day

Explore Activities in Versailles