Versailles

Travel Guide

Versailles
Versailles
Versailles
Versailles
Versailles
Come to visit the magnificent palace and stay to explore the historic town, whose elegant museums and cultural hotspots are just as fascinating.

Versailles is synonymous with the extravagant gilded palace bearing its name. Take the time to explore the rest of this interesting town.

Before the palace was built, Versailles was an ordinary small French village. As work got underway on the royal abode in the 17th century, the nearby town was given a makeover to mirror the palace’s opulent style. The old village was demolished to make room for the Notre-Dame and Saint-Louis districts, where large mansions and grand churches were installed.

Make your way through the stately Notre-Dame district, built at the order of Louis XIV. Highlights include the Théâtre Montansier, the Church of Notre-Dame and the Musée Lambinet. Look for the King's stables, home to the Academy of Equestrian Art and a carriage museum that houses the ostentatious royal carriages of the Versailles monarchs. While here, visit the bustling Notre-Dame Market complex to find fresh produce and snacks. 

Don’t leave without visiting the Palace of Versailles. This glittering architectural masterpiece is the town’s star attraction. Next to the palace entrance lies La Cour des Senteurs, a courtyard lined with four perfume boutiques and a museum dedicated to the history of perfumery in Versailles. Step into nearby Potager du Roi, a famous garden that once grew produce for the royal kitchen. Walk along the lawns past fruits and vegetables cultivated using traditional techniques. 

Before you visit, check the event listings at l’Opéra Royal de Versailles and book a ticket to see an opera production. This stunning Baroque venue was originally built to celebrate the wedding of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI.

Versailles is located about 13 miles (21 kilometers) outside Paris. Use a connecting train from Paris to Versailles Rive Gauche station or Versailles Rive Droite station. Both stations are a 15-minute walk from the palace. The palace is closed on Mondays and during major holidays. But even without the palace, there’s still enough here to give you a taste of the royal high life.

Where to stay in Versailles

Versailles featuring night scenes, heritage architecture and a city

Notre-Dame

5/5(3 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Notre-Dame, you might enjoy attractions like Palace of Versailles and Grand Trianon. You might also enjoy the neighborhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Les Portes de Saint-Cyr Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Notre-Dame
Inside the castle...

Saint-Louis

5/5(4 area reviews)

Unique features of Saint-Louis include the historic sites and bars. Make a stop by Jeu de Paume or Grandes & Petites Ecuries while you're exploring the area.

Saint-Louis
Sunday in the Park at Versailles

Chantiers

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

You might enjoy the restaurants while you're in Chantiers, and if you want to see some more of the larger Versailles area, you can catch a ride on the metro at Versailles Château Rive Gauche RER Station.

Chantiers
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Clagny Glatigny

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Clagny Glatigny and surrounding area, you can visit Palace of Versailles and Paris France Temple.

Clagny Glatigny

Porchefontaine

In the south-east of Versailles, this neighborhood boasts a sports complex and a green space enveloped by Versailles, Satory, and Meudon woods.

Porchefontaine
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Jussieu

Though Jussieu might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Palace of Versailles and Paris France Temple.

Jussieu
Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
4 out of 5
18 avenue de Suffren, Entrée au 22 rue Jean Rey, Paris, Paris
The price is CA $628 per night from May 18 to May 19
CA $628
CA $718 total
May 18 - May 19
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Paris. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,286 reviews)
"Excellent location. Staff very accommodating; very nice lounge and restaurant. Close to many sites and restaurants."

Reviewed on May 9, 2025

Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
Novotel Paris Centre Tour Eiffel
Novotel Paris Centre Tour Eiffel
4 out of 5
61 Quai De Grenelle, Paris, Paris
The price is CA $303 per night from May 25 to May 26
CA $303
CA $359 total
May 25 - May 26
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Paris. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Loved the helpful staff as well as the great location. Having taxis out front was very helpful. Parking was easy but pricey"

Reviewed on May 6, 2025

Novotel Paris Centre Tour Eiffel
Novotel Paris Les Halles
Novotel Paris Les Halles
4 out of 5
8 Place Marguerite De Navarre, Paris, Paris
The price is CA $439 per night from May 18 to May 19
CA $439
CA $509 total
May 18 - May 19
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Paris. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,033 reviews)
"Everything was great"

Reviewed on May 6, 2025

Novotel Paris Les Halles
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aparthotel Adagio Paris Centre Tour Eiffel
Aparthotel Adagio Paris Centre Tour Eiffel
4 out of 5
14 Rue Du Theatre, Paris, Paris
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Paris. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (377 reviews)
"Just wished had more rigid mattress , for people with back problems, I asked and did not have them"

Reviewed on May 5, 2025

Aparthotel Adagio Paris Centre Tour Eiffel
Les Jardins du Marais
Les Jardins du Marais
4 out of 5
74 Rue Amelot, Paris, Paris
Stay at this 4-star luxury residence in Paris. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the spacious ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,654 reviews)
"The restaurant was not available but there were plenty of good reservations within 25 yards."

Reviewed on May 7, 2025

Les Jardins du Marais
Les Patios du Marais
Les Patios du Marais
26 Rue des Gravilliers, Paris
Stay at this aparthotel in Paris. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and an in-room espresso maker. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,549 reviews)
"lovely secluded garden property on site staff not responsive to service requests and referred to host website no response to one of our requests regarding washer/dryer"

Reviewed on May 6, 2025

Les Patios du Marais
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Versailles

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
4
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
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4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
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3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
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1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Walked into town to eat at le Bœuf a la Mode which was excellent. Explore the town. It is quite nice and very safe. Pub O’Paris has a good selection of beers and scotch. Les Badauds had good cocktails.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Stunning must see to beleive

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