If there's one dream castle in France, it's Versailles. The royal atmosphere of yesteryear still haunts its walls and gardens, awakening in us the image of Louis XIV's pomp. Every corner of Versailles whispers royal tales, revealing its artistic splendors. Never visited this emblematic site of French history? Treat yourself to an unforgettable getaway, woven of sophistication and wonder. So, what's there to do in Versailles? Immerse yourself in the history of Versailles with these 13 must-sees.
1. The must-see Château de Versailles, a royal jewel
The Château de Versailles, France's iconic architectural gem, reveals a past rich in history and extravagance. Built in the 17th century by Louis XIV, the Château embodies the absolute grandeur of the French monarchy. From the Galerie des Glaces to the Galerie des Batailles, you'll plunge headlong into the opulence of the royal courts. It was in the famous Salle du Jeu de Paume that, in 1789, the Third Estate declared its independence, marking the start of the French Revolution.
The royal apartments, adorned with gilding and tapestries, bear witness to the splendor of life at court. A visit to Versailles is much more than just a tour of a château... You'll immerse yourself in royal intrigue, contemplate timeless works of art and walk in the footsteps of historical figures. Versailles is one of the 10 most beautiful palaces in the world, so take the time to visit at least once in your life!
Take advantage of an exclusive guided tour of the Palace of Versailles and its magnificent royal gardens by booking right here : you'll avoid long queues and access the palace via a separate entrance with an expert guide.
2. Explore the royal estate
The gardens of Versailles are as much a sight to behold as the château itself. Designed by André Le Nôtre in the 17th century, they are an invitation to a bucolic escapade steeped in history. Stroll through their majestic avenues, amid groves, fountains and statues. In their royal heyday, the famous hidden groves were the scene of secret rendezvous and games of intrigue. Today, they offer a visit full of wonder.
To discover this vast garden full of wonders, hop on a bike near La Flottille restaurant, the Queen's Gate and Porte Saint-Antoine. More the modern adventure type? The segway is the ideal solution for you! The gardens of Versailles, veritable odes to nature and human ingenuity, offer unforgettable discoveries.
3. Les Grandes Eaux Musicales de Versailles, an incomparable spectacle
Don't miss the Grandes Eaux Musicales de Versailles, a celebration of art and nature that transforms the garden into an incredibly beautiful aquatic spectacle. These performances are designed to magnify the splendor of the château and its gardens. The result is 100% successful!
Imagine the fountains dancing to the rhythm of Baroque music, splashing in the fading sunlight. There you are! This unique sensory experience transports you back to the royal era, transforming water into a visual symphony. Ponds come to life, water features compete in creativity and sculptures seem to dance in this liquid symphony. Les Grandes Eaux offers a magical experience like no other. A must for lovers of beauty, music and history.
4. The Trianon Estate and the Queen's Hamlet
The Domaine de Trianon, nestled in the vast setting of Versailles, is just as interesting to visit as the château itself. It reveals an intimate and refined facet of royal history.
Built during the reign of Louis XIV, the Grand Trianon represents sober elegance, offering an escape from the tumultuous court of the main château. Yes, royal figures need a breath of fresh air every now and then too! Its formal gardens and pink architecture provide a delicate contrast to the ostentatious style of the rest of the estate. Nearby is the Petit Trianon, given to Marie-Antoinette by Louis XVI. With its delicate lines, it is the starting point for the Hameau de la Reine. This idyllic village, designed for Queen Marie-Antoinette as a country retreat, has a bucolic charm with thatched cottages, a lake and pretty gardens.
5. The Grand Canal at Versailles by boat
While many people discover the gardens by bike, others enjoy following the Grand Canal on a small boat, at the rhythm of the water. It's an experience that will delight young and old alike, allowing you to discover the castle's exteriors at a relaxing pace.
Gliding silently over the shimmering waters, you'll discover a unique perspective of the château and its majestic gardens. Absolutely magical! Enjoy the harmonious blend of pleasure and tranquility, combined with that little bit of bucolic charm, ideal for a couple's weekend away. You'll be transported back to the 17th century, while enjoying the natural serenity of the gardens.
Click here to book your guided tour of the gardens by golf cart, including a boat trip on the Grand Canal with champagne tasting and a visit to the château!
6. The Royal Stables, the pinnacle of equestrian shows
What about a trip to the royal stables at Versailles? Much more than just an equestrian rendezvous, it's a plunge into elegance à la sauce royale. The shows given here are incredible in their beauty and professionalism. Riders deliver performances worthy of the royal courts of the past! Imagine breathtaking equestrian acrobatics, all in a historic setting that exudes the grandiose era of Louis XIV. It's a truly incredible experience, whether you're a horse lover or not.
The icing on the cake : you'll have the chance to visit the stables after the show, which lasts around an hour. In particular, you'll be able to see the magnificent Galerie des Carrosses. So, are you ready to immerse yourself in a world where the majesty of horses rivals the charm of the past?
7. Discover the city of Versailles
Don't limit your visit to Versailles to the château and its gardens. Immerse yourself in the soul of the city by strolling through its picturesque quarters. Start with the antique district, where every store tells its own story. The lively and colorful Place du Marché is another must-see. Or explore Place Hoche and the Church of Notre-Dame, an architectural treasure trove of paintings and sculptures. If you still have a little time, the Saint-Louis district offers a more extensive stroll, with its pretty alleyways and authentic atmosphere. Versailles on the town side offers a wide range of discoveries, from hidden treasures to lively atmospheres, far from the glitz and glamour of the château. Let yourself be guided by the urban essence of Versailles!
8. Stroll through the antique district
We wanted to take a closer look at this district, because it really is Versailles' must-see. In the heart of this atypical district, paintings, antiques and unusual treasures await you. Antique dealers divide the area into 4 distinct zones:
- The Bailliage le Bailliage: a superb 18th-century building that was once Versailles' first prison.
- Le Village: the former outbuildings of the Hôtel de Picardie, with houses arranged in a horseshoe pattern around a well.
- Le Passage: a rather sordid place in its day, the scene of a prison and numerous convictions. Today, it's home to sellers of jewelry, ceramics and other window-dressing objects.
- Le Carré des Antiquaires: former stables transformed into sheds, then into antique dealers' galleries and craftsmen's workshops.
It's a delight to stroll through this unusual district, halfway between modern life and the past!
9. Musée Lambinet, culture between art and history
You can never have enough culture, especially in a place like this! So let's head for the Musée Lambinet, housed in a sumptuous 18th-century townhouse. The museum's adventure began in 1929, when the city of Versailles accepted a bequest from Nathalie Lambinet. The building was transformed into a museum of art and history, opened to the public in 1932. This singular space, dubbeda "collectors' museum", promises a fine immersion in works ranging from the Renaissance to the mid-20th century. Paintings, sculptures, engravings and objets d'art highlight the art of living in Versailles in the 18th century. You'll also discover the city's turbulent history, particularly during the French Revolution. Recently renovated and reorganized, the Musée Lambinet reveals its treasures on three levels.
10. Try out the Golf National during your stay
Situated not far from Versailles, this unusual venue is sure to delight greens and putts enthusiasts. The Golf National de Guyancourt is a prestigious venue for major golfing events. With three renowned courses, it offers a complete golfing experience. This emblematic venue is also host to the French Open and, in 2024, the golf events of the Paris Olympic Games. For enthusiasts and novices alike, the golf course also offers covered and uncovered stations for perfecting your swing.
11. Stimulate your senses at the Osmothèque de Versailles
Looking for an unusual experience in Versailles? We invite you to discover the Osmothèque de Versailles, the perfume conservatory. Embark on a journey back in time, through the fragrances that have marked history. With more than 3,200 fragrances, some of which have disappeared, this precious collection offers a veritable parade against oblivion, preserving the world's perfume heritage in the process.
As you explore its fragrant aisles, you'll discover fragile creations, preserved from the wear and tear of time. Whether you're fascinated by the history of perfumes or curious to discover olfactory gems, the Osmothèque promises a truly exciting and unusual visit!
12. Visit Saint-Louis Cathedral
Impossible to miss, with its towers, columns and gold ornamentation! Cathédrale Saint-Louis is as majestic as it is splendid. Built between 1743 and 1754, this artistic marvel is distinguished by its Baroque silhouette, where graceful curves dominate, from the roof bulbs to the organ loft. Whether you're an enthusiast or simply curious, admire the fascinating details of the Catechism Chapel, added in 1764. Consecrated in 1843 and listed as a historic monument since 1906, the cathedral is also home to an artistic treasure trove, with paintings by masters such as Jean Restout, Jean-Baptiste Pierre and François Lemoyne. Perhaps you'll be lucky enough to hear the historic organ, still charming us with its unique sound. In 1789, the Saint-Louis church hosted the inaugural mass of the Estates General in the presence of Marie-Antoinette. Suffice to say, it's a church of its time, with its own share of history to tell!
13. The Potager du Roi, a place steeped in history
Immerse yourself in the gastronomic history of Versailles! The Potager du Roi, a listed historic monument, is the place to go for history-loving gourmets. This 9-hectare garden once supplied Louis XIV's table with rare fruits and vegetables, and today continues to grow the delicacies that marked the royal court. Designed by Jean-Baptiste de La Quintinie in the 17th century on a marsh, the kitchen garden has preserved its original layout. La Quintinie, a genius of his time, developed innovative techniques for producing fruit and vegetables out of season. A forward-thinking little genius! Today, the École Nationale Supérieure du Paysage continues this tradition, growing 130 varieties of apples, pears, red berries and other heirloom vegetables. The Potager boutique offers fresh and processed delicacies, so you too can savour the culinary heritage of Versailles. A great idea for an original souvenir for your loved ones!
What to do in Versailles with your family
An exceptional visit to the Château de Versailles is ideal for the whole family. Fun activities are organized to whet the curiosity of even the youngest visitors. Children and parents are accompanied by a mediator, to ensure that even the youngest visitors enjoy their visit.
Good to know admission to the château and Trianon is free for under-18s.
On the first Saturday of the month, you can also visit the Maréchalerie art center, located in the château's Petites Écuries. Although open all year round, on this day you can take advantage of workshops designed especially for children. As far as activities are concerned, you can also consult the Domaine de Madame Elisabeth diary, as occasional events are held there for younger visitors.
Of course, don't hesitate to hire a bike or a rowing boat for your visit to the château's gardens. Your children will surely prefer that to walking!
What else is there to do at Versailles?
There's much more to Versailles than the château and its splendid gardens. Explore the town itself, with its maze of fascinating districts. Follow the educational signs that guide you through the different quarters, each revealing its own unique charm. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the antique shops, discover the majesty of the cathedral in the Saint-Louis district, and stroll through the Notre-Dame market.
In addition, Versailles has no shortage offree green spaces:
- madame Elisabeth's estate,
- the Balbi park
- the pièce d'eau des Suisses.
Each offers a haven of greenery and bucolic panoramas. End your day in one of the lively streets of Satory, where bars and restaurants offer a warm welcome.
What to do in Versailles as a couple
Whether you're looking for a weekend getaway less than 2 hours from Paris or you've come from the other side of France, Versailles is a great place to spend two or three romantic days. A hand-in-hand stroll through the Gardens of Versailles is a must, as is a visit to the Château, where romance and amorous intrigue once took place. Take the time to walk to the Temple de l'Amour, on Marie-Antoinette's estate.
We also invite you to discover the Guerlain spa at the Trianon Palace, an ideal address for a couple's weekend away. In this luxurious setting, you'll also find the unmissable Gordon Ramsay restaurant.
Looking for a memorable way to round off a weekend in Paris? Then Versailles and its château will be on your to-do list! History blends brilliantly with romance in this emblematic site of our beloved France. From the château to the gardens, via the Trianon and the heart of Versailles, your little tour promises to be full of interesting and memorable discoveries!
