Get ready to step back in time and immerse yourself in the lavish lifestyle of French royalty with a day trip to the breathtaking Palace of Versailles.
Located just a short train ride from the heart of Paris, this historic gem offers a unique glimpse into the opulence and grandeur of the French court.
So pack your picnic basket, slip on your comfiest walking shoes, and join us on a journey to one of the most magnificent palaces in the world!
Overview Of The Day Trip To Versailles From Paris
A day trip to Versailles from Paris is a popular tourist activity.
The journey takes around 2½ hours by train and includes entrance to the Palace of Versailles, its gardens, and the Estate of Trianon.
Tourists can also enjoy lunch in the palace and learn about the history of Marie-Antoinette and other royals who were part of the French court.
Tips for a fun day trip include planning ahead, wearing comfortable shoes, and bringing snacks.
How To Get To Versailles From Paris For A Day Trip
The best way to get to Versailles from Paris for a day trip is to take the RER C train to Chateau Rive Gauche station, which takes about an hour.
From there, it is a 10-minute walk to the palace.
Alternatively, tickets can be purchased in advance for skip-the-line access, or visitors can join a group tour that includes transportation from Paris on a luxury coach or train.
Tips For Making The Most Of Your Visit To Versailles From Paris
Visiting Versailles from Paris is a popular day trip and there are several tips to make the most of it.
Consider taking a skip-the-line tour with transportation from Paris to avoid long line-ups.
Dress comfortably in layers, as the area around the chateau can get windy.
Taking the train from either Saint-Lazare or Montparnasse stations is also recommended.
Other tips include bringing snacks and water, wearing comfortable shoes, and researching ahead of time to plan your visit.
Best Time To Visit Versailles From Paris For A Day Trip
The best time to visit Versailles from Paris for a day trip is on a Wednesday or Thursday, as these days tend to have the least crowds and the palace is closed on Mondays.
Additionally, the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays, making that day a popular option for visiting Versailles.
Weekends are the busiest days and should be avoided if possible.
What To Bring To Visit Versailles From Paris For A Day Trip
When visiting Versailles from Paris for a day trip, it is recommended to bring comfortable shoes and clothing.
Additionally, visitors may want to consider purchasing round-trip train tickets to Versailles, as well as entrance tickets to the castle, gardens, and Estate of Trianon.
The closest station to the palace is Versailles Château Rive Gauche on Line C of the RER train network.
Length Of The Visit To Versailles From Paris For A Day Trip
It takes approximately 1-1.5 hours to get from Paris to Versailles by RER C train, which is the most common transport option.
The round trip cost is €7.30.
The palace has huge dimensions of 1,700 m east-west and 1000 m north-south, making it a great day trip destination from Paris.
Must-See Attractions In Versailles
Versailles is home to many must-see attractions, including the Palace of Versailles, the Gardens of Versailles, the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon, the Queen’s Hamlet, the Empire Rooms, the Hall of Mirrors, and Marie-Antoinette’s Estate.
Other attractions include the Château’s Apartments, Musée des Carrosses, and Academy of Equestrian Arts.
TripAdvisor also lists 15 top things to do in Versailles.
The Hall Of Mirrors In Versailles
The Hall is 240 feet long and has 357 mirrors, making it an ideal place for taking photos.
Courtiers and visitors crossed the Hall of Mirrors daily, and it was used for ceremonies on rare occasions.
The Royal Apartments In Versailles
The King’s Private Apartments at the Palace of Versailles were created by Louis XIV for his personal use and opened onto the Marble Courtyard.
The apartments have recently been fully restored and are open to visitors.
The suite includes the Hall of Mirrors, which houses historically significant paintings and sculptures.
It is also known as the Appartement du Roi or King’s Apartment.
Visitors can take a private tour of the King’s Private Apartments to learn more about French history.
The Gardens Of Versailles
The Gardens of Versailles were designed by André Le Nôtre and cover 800 hectares of land.
The gardens are a classic example of French formal garden style, featuring parterres, an Orangery, and other landscaping elements.
Louis XIV considered the gardens to be just as important as the Palace itself.
Hidden Gems And Lesser-Known Facts In Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is renowned for its grandeur and contains 372 statues, 55 water features, 600 fountains, and over 20 miles of gardens.
It also has a wealth of lesser-known facts and hidden gems, such as the Hall of Mirrors where France was humiliated, the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon Palaces constructed under Louis XIV, and secret spots like Marie-Antoinette’s world.
Other lesser-known facts include the fact that it was originally a hunting lodge and that it contains many hidden gems to explore.
Day Trip From Paris To Versailles – Beyond The Palace
A day trip from Paris to Versailles can include a roundtrip on the RER C train line, which takes around 60-90 minutes depending on the starting location.
Once there, visitors can explore the palace and gardens, take a guided tour, or attend a fountain show.
Other activities in the area include a 20-minute walk to the palace and exploring the beauty of Versailles in winter.
Day Trip From Paris To Versailles – Suggested Itinerary For A Full Day
A suggested itinerary for a full day trip from Paris to Versailles includes taking the RER C train from central Paris to the Palace of Versailles.
Once there, visitors can explore the palace and its gardens, as well as Marie Antoinette’s estate and the Grand Trianon.
It is recommended to plan ahead and purchase tickets in advance to avoid long lines.