The Palace of Versailles is one of the outstanding achievements of 17th-century French art and a symbol of an absolute monarchy. Here are some top attractions at the Palace of Versailles if you are interested in French history, art, or architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site needs a place on your itinerary. It was launched not merely to map the future of France but also to chart itself. Located within the Palace of Versailles are some incredibly extravagant displays that give insight into how powerful and wealthy these French monarchs were, from intricate wrought iron gates to vast landscaped gardens.
Top Attractions At The Palace Of Versailles
Here are the top attractions you can’t miss while exploring the palace on your next trip.
1. The Grand Trianon
Image Credit: JC Allin for Wikimedia Commons
A smaller and more personal palace within Paris, the Grand Trianon was intentionally built by Louis XIV when he wanted to enjoy leisure time away from the strictures of court life. Famous for its pink marble columns and vast colonnades, the building consists of a house wing on the north and a Senate wing on the south. Napoleon Bonaparte utilised the Grand Trianon during his time on the throne, and later, Charles de Gaulle used it as a presidential haunt. It was reconstructed and transformed into a museum, allowing visitors to tour the lovely rooms and take in the full breadth of peaceful gardens encompassing the facade.
Entry Fee: NA
Address: Porte Saint-Antoine, 78000 Versailles, France
Timings: Mon-Sun: 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM
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2. The Royal Chapel
Image Credit: CARLOSCRUZ ARTEGRAFIA for Pexels
The Royal Chapel within the compound of the Palace de Versailles is a marvellous example of baroque architecture. The chapel was built into the Palais des Tuileries and opened in 1710 for daily royal mass and grand affairs such as that of Louis XVI (later guillotined) to Marie Antoinette. The chapel’s interior is characterised by high ceilings, detailed carvings, and stunning stained glass windows. This organ, one of the finest in France, is still used for special concerts and events at the palace. This chapel was used for royal weddings, baptisms, and daily Mass, symbolising the divine right of kings and the close relationship between the monarchy and the Catholic Church.
Entry Fee: $23.29
Address: Place d’Armes, 1 PI. Léon Gambetta, 78000 Versailles, France.
Timings: Open 24 hours
3. The King’s Apartments
Image Credit: Jean-Marie Hullot for Wikimedia Commons
The King’s Apartments of the Palace of Versailles consist of interlocked rooms serving Louis XIV’s living quarters in the 17th and 18th centuries. The apartments, with their sumptuous tapestries, gilt furniture, and paintings by the finest artists of the age, include The King’s Bedchamber, Council Chamber, and Antechamber. It is a richly decorated room, upholstered with curtains and tapestries that include images of the king’s authority and sovereignty within the state. Within this room, some of the most critical decisions about how to run a kingdom at war, both militarily and diplomatically, had been discussed. And so it has now gone on record as one of the main legacy areas inscribed into the Palace of Versailles.
Entry Fee: $29
Address: Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles, France
Timings: Mon-Sun: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
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4. The Hall Of Mirrors
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With 357 mirrors inside, the hall is a dream. Its splendid artwork and elegant tone make everyone feel as though they were in paradise itself. This excellent gallery, 73 metres wide, has seventeen arched mirrors in each, mirrors that, as Lehmann-Voss says, back-paired windows intermittently viewed gardens.” It was designed by the architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart and became a venue for royal events. This wasn’t the Hall of Mirrors just to be seen. Initially, they were a sign of political power for the Sun King himself since the light radiated from them wouldn’t break. The glory of the French monarchy was reflected over here, and that cannot be compared to any other place in the world.
Entry Fee: $23.11
Address: Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles, France
Timings: Mon-Sun: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
5. The Petit Trianon
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The Petit Trianon is a smaller palace built on Versailles grounds for Louis XV’s mistress, Madame de Pompadour. It later became the private retreat of Queen Marie Antoinette, who wanted to escape from court life and its strict etiquette. Today, in the setting of direct green shades and silvery sounds, The Petit Trianon is surrounded by a model village, La Hameau de le Reine: parcelled thatched cottages with vegetable gardens—every conceivable rural retreat on one side (a working watermill); pastoral friezes embedded in royal stonewashed glass at the dark lawn entrance. Everything is much more personal in the palace and its gardens; you see a piece of the life of the French royal family.
Entry Fee: $13.20
Address: Château de, Le Petit Trianon, 78000 Versailles, France
Timings: Mon-Sun: 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM
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6. The Garden Of Versailles
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The Gardens of Versailles, located over 800 hectares, are one of the landscapes of the Renaissance. André Le Nôtre designed the gardens full of formal flower beds, calm ponds, and fountains to rival the grandeur of Palace Versailles. Gardens look particularly charming during the Musical Fountain Shows, with fountains dancing to classical music. The Gardens of Versailles can be visited by foot bike, or you may rent a golf cart to explore. Occasional Musical Fountain Shows and the nightly Garden, where fountains “dance” in unison to classical music, are realised with grandiosity as they would have been done during Louis XIV’s reign. These are unique performances that any visitor to Versailles cannot be allowed to pass by, experiencing the artistry and sophistication of one of the most iconic gardens in history.
Entry Fee: NA
Address: Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles, France
Timings: Mon-Sun: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM
7. The Opera House
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Another architectural marvel of the Palace of Versailles is the Opera House, also known as the Royal Opera. Built in 1770, celebrated architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel beautifully set out this opera house, leaving it the epitome of grandeur and impeccable acoustics. The Opera House is still one of Europe’s most beautiful and best-preserved 18th-century theatres. While famous for its architectural and acoustic brilliance, the Royal Opera House also has a tradition of hosting major cultural events. In the life of this court, opera occupied a relatively important place overall. They became a kind of symbol by which artistic hegemony over Europe was established in France during the rule of Louis XVIII.
Entry Fee: NA
Address: 3 PI. Leon Gambetta, 78000 Versailles, France
Timings: Open 24 hours
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Explore the Hall of Mirrors, stroll through the magnificent gardens, and immerse yourself in the rich stories of French royalty. Versailles is more than just a destination; it’s a timeless experience. Don’t miss the chance to witness this iconic symbol of luxury and power with a trip to France and explore the Palace of Versailles.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Palace Of Versailles
What is the Versailles Palace famous for?
The Palace of Versailles is famous—and rightly so, given its opulent architecture, beautiful gardens, and historical significance as the home of the kings of France until the revolution in 1789.
Can I take a tour of the Palace of Versailles?
As long as you admit it costs able-bodied tourists 18 euros each for entry plus a surcharge of 1 euro per person from 1 April to 31 October 2005 (upright in person or after being taxed twenty euros per day). From there on, everyone would be disqualified, and then those tours begin and end at Versailles.
How to get to Palace Versailles?
You can take the train from Paris to Versailles. The journey is about 40 minutes on the RER C line from central Paris.
When does the Palace Versailles open its doors?
Palace Versailles is open daily except Monday from 9 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. in the high season and shorter hours depending on the weather.
Is there any charge for visiting the Palace Versailles?
The Palace Versailles is not actually free, but rather has entry fees—different ticket options are provided at each price point. The prices vary according to where guests can enter (such as the Palace, Gardens, and Trianon Estate).
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