If you travel to Paris, you should also go to Versailles. The Palace of Versailles is a famous building in France that shows off the country’s art, history, and culture. There is the lovely Hall of Mirrors and the big gardens.
A well-planned day excursion can help Americans see the greatest aspects without feeling rushed. This guide provides all the information you need to enjoy a wonderful time in Versailles.
1. When to Visit Versailles
- Best Time of Year: Spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) are the greatest times to go because the weather is lovely and there aren’t as many people.
- Avoiding Crowds: Come early on weekdays to avoid the crowds. The busiest times are on the weekends.
- Special Events: From April to October, there are musical fountain shows on some days. Be sure to plan.
2. Getting to Versailles from Paris
- By Train (RER C): The RER C train is the fastest and cheapest way to get from Paris to Versailles. Take the RER C train to go to Versailles Rive Gauche. It takes roughly 45 minutes.
- By Car or Taxi: Driving or using a taxi costs more and depends on how busy the roads are. It’s great if you want to see a lot of things that are nearby.
- Guided Tours: Many businesses offer full-day trips that pick you up at your hotel and give you passes that let you skip the line. These are wonderful for folks who have never tried it before.
3. How to get in and buy tickets
● Palace Tickets: To avoid long lineups, make a reservation ahead of time. The Passport ticket permits you to go to the Palace, the Gardens, and the Trianon Estate. You might want to get one.
● Guided Tours: It helps you learn more about the history of the place if the guides speak English.
● Free Entry: People under 18 and people from the EU who are under 26 can get in for free. People in the US require a ticket.
4. How to Organize Your Day Excursion
Morning:
Arrive early in the morning and begin with the Palace tour. The Hall of Mirrors, the King’s State Apartments, and the Royal Chapel are all things you have to visit.
Midday:
You can eat lunch at La Petite Venise at noon or bring a picnic to the grounds.
Afternoon:
- In the afternoon, you can go to the Gardens, the Fountain Shows (if they are on), and the Trianon Estate, which has the Great Trianon Hotel and the small one.
- You should see Marie Antoinette’s estate. Don’t forget it.
Evening:
At night, go back to Paris. You may end your day with a boat excursion on the Seine River.
5. Tips for American tourists
- Language: Most of the personnel speak English, although a translation app can help in the gardens.
- Clothes: Shoes that are comfortable to walk in in gardens. Bring a light raincoat because it could rain at any time.
- Photography: In the morning is the greatest time to shoot images. You can’t take pictures inside with a flash.
- Time Management: Don’t go to souvenir shops till the end; they could take a long time.
6. Suggested Small-Group Guided Tours from Paris to Versailles
1. Small-Group Versailles Tour: a one-of-a-kind experience with no waiting in line.
2. Private Chauffeur Tour: The greatest option to travel in style and adjust your plans if you need to is to hire a private chauffeur.
3. Audio Guide Rental: You can rent an audio guide for a reasonable price and go at your leisure.
FAQs
Q1. How long should a trip to Versailles be?
Plan on spending 6–8 hours seeing everything. The Palace, the gardens, and the Trianon Estates all need their hours.
Q2. Is it safe for kids to go to Versailles?
Yes! People of all ages can enjoy the gardens, the fountain shows, and Marie Antoinette’s estate.
Q3. Should you go with a guide or on your own?
Guided tours teach you about the past and enable you to avoid the line. But you have more freedom when you go alone.
Q4. Are there places to eat in Versailles?
Yes, like Angelina Café and La Petite Venise. Packing a picnic is another common choice.
Q5. Can I use an American credit card to buy tickets?
Yes, you can use most major credit cards to buy tickets at the counter or online.