Is Versailles a must see?
Versailles is absolutely breathtaking and a must-see for anyone who has some extra time while visiting Paris! Versailles is very easy to get to from Paris--you just hop on the RER C line and it takes you all the way there in about 25-45 minutes depending on where you get on! 1.
Is the Versailles worth a trip?
Yes, it is definitely worth it to see Versailles! It's magnificent, beautiful, full of history and an easy day trip. But, yes, there are many other things to see in Paris for a first timer.
How much does it cost to visit Versailles?
The Guided Versailles tour ticket, which helps you skip all the long lines, under the guidance of a local guide, costs 53 Euros per person. The Versailles visit + transport from Paris combo ticket costs 59 Euros for every adult, and includes transport both ways.
When is the best time to visit Versailles?
Weather in Versailles
- Temperature. Average temperatures in Versailles vary drastically. ...
- Precipitation (Rain or Snow) If dry weather is what you’re after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in Versailles are September, August, and then November.
- Humidity and Wind. Versailles has some high humidity months, with other comfortably humid months. ...
How do you get to Versailles from Paris?
The most common and easy way to get to Versailles is to take the RER C train that will take you to Chateau rive Gauche train station at Versailles. Where can I get the RER C train? This train crosses Paris from East to West and follows the famous Seine River that divides Paris into 2 parts.
What Paris station is Versailles?
Versailles Château Rive Gauche stationWhich train station is closest to the Palace? The Versailles Château Rive Gauche station is the closest to the Palace (a 10-minute walk). Accessible from the centre of Paris (Champs de Mars, Invalides, Musée d'Orsay, etc.), it is part of Line C of the RER regional train system.
How far outside of Paris was Versailles?
It is easy to visit Versailles from Paris. The distance is only 20 kilometers — far enough away to feel like a bucolic escape to today's tourists but close enough that Parisian mobs were able to march to Versailles by foot during the French Revolution.
Is Versailles considered part of Paris?
Located in the western suburbs of the French capital, 17.1 km (10.6 mi) from the centre of Paris, Versailles is a wealthy suburb of Paris with a service-based economy and is a major tourist destination....Versailles, Yvelines.VersaillesRegionÎle-de-FranceDepartmentYvelinesArrondissementVersaillesCantonVersailles-1 and 220 more rows
Is Versailles a day trip from Paris?
One of the best day trips from Paris is the Palace of Versailles. It's home to stories of Marie-Antoinette and other royals who were part of the French Revolution.
How long is the Metro ride from Paris to Versailles?
Getting to Versailles from Paris on SNCF Line L The trip to Versailles takes about 35-40 minutes, train frequency is about every 20 minutes, and it arrives at the Versailles Rive Droite station, about three-quarters of a mile (1.3 km) or an almost-20 minute walk from the Palace entrance.
How much is a taxi from Paris to Versailles?
What's the fare of a taxi from Paris 75009 to Versailles ? The official taxi fare is about 72 € while the best price obtained is 35 €....4.9.Taxi ride priceMinimum priceAverage priceParis 75012 to Versailles29€67€Paris 75009 to Versailles35€72€Paris 75006 to Versailles30€65€Versailles to Paris 7501030€62€6 more rows
How much time do you need to visit Versailles?
"Plan on two to three hours for the château, one hour for the gardens, and another two hours if you want to include the Domaine de Marie-Antoinette in your visit.
What day is Versailles closed?
The Palace and the estate of Trianon are open every day except on Mondays. The Palace opens at 9:00 am, the estate of Trianon opens at noon. The Park and Gardens are open every day. Access to the Gardens is free except on days of fountains shows and musical gardens.
Is Versailles a lot of walking?
Any visit to Versailles involves a lot of walking. The palace itself is huge, but the gardens are what really takes it out of most visitors. If your feet begin to ache, note that there are rental bikes, golf carts, and a mini train to help you get around the grounds.
What is Versailles famous for?
The Palace of Versailles has been listed as a World Heritage Site for 40 years and is one of the greatest achievements in French 17th century art. Louis XIII's old hunting pavilion was transformed and extended by his son, Louis XIV, when he installed the Court and government there in 1682.
Is Versailles or the Louvre bigger?
The largest of all European palaces is still the Louvre, much older than Versailles (the first fortress dates back to the 12th century), but extended to surpass Versailles under Napoleon I and Napoleon III. It now has a total floor area of 210,000 m2.
How do you go from Gare du Nord to Versailles?
Train or bus from Gare du Nord to Versailles? The best way to get from Gare du Nord to Versailles is to train which takes 1h 3m and costs €4 - €9. Alternatively, you can line 91 bus, which costs €6 - €17 and takes 1h 48m.
Does Versailles have a train station?
The Park and Gardens are open every day. Access to the Gardens is free except on days of fountains shows and musical gardens. There are three train stations in Versailles : Versailles Château Rive Gauche station, Versailles Rive Droite station and the Chantiers station.
What metro zone is Versailles in?
zone 4As the Palace of Versailles is located in fare zone 4, outside Paris, the standard T+ metro ticket is not valid for this journey. If your departure point is within Paris, you will have to buy a ticket from Paris to Versailles Château Rive Gauche which costs €3,55. You can buy the ticket in any metro/RER station.
How much is a taxi from Paris to Versailles?
What's the fare of a taxi from Paris 75009 to Versailles ? The official taxi fare is about 72 € while the best price obtained is 35 €....4.9.Taxi ride priceMinimum priceAverage priceParis 75012 to Versailles29€67€Paris 75009 to Versailles35€72€Paris 75006 to Versailles30€65€Versailles to Paris 7501030€62€6 more rows
What is the Paris Pass?
The Paris Pass gives you access to the Château de Versailles and Chateaux de Trianon et Domaine de Marie-Antoinette when open and an audio guide. During high season (April 2 - October 29 - Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays) the garden is inaccessible to all visitors as a result of the fountain shows taking place at the venue. Please purchase a ticket in advance to avoid disappointment during this period.
What is the largest palace in the world?
The Palace of Versailles is one of the largest and most opulent palaces in the world. A fine example of 18th-century French architecture and art, it is one of the most visited attractions in France, as well as being a UNESCO World Heritage site and must-see French landmark.
Why is the Grand Apartment of King Louis XIV called the Apartment of the Planets?
The Grand Apartment of King Louis XIV, otherwise known as the Apartment of the Planets, was so-called because a painting of a planet decorated each of the seven salons within the apartment. Don’t forget to look up though, one of the most notable things about the room is the ceiling… Go see for yourself!
Is the Paris Museum Pass included in the Paris Pass?
This attraction is available with the Paris Museum Pass, which is included with your Paris Pass. Pick yours up at one of our collection points when you arrive in the city.
Is Grand Trianon open?
Please note, that Trianon Estate is only open in the afternoon, from Tuesday to Sunday.
What is a guided tour at the Palace of Versailles?
During guided tours, a speaker from the Palace invites you into lesser known locations otherwise closed to the visitors. You can also book online tours to discover the backstage of the Castle from your home!
How to prepare for a visit to Versailles?
You can prepare your visit by consulting the conditions of visit, and by downloading the official Palace of Versailles app .
How many artworks are there in Versailles?
With 60,000 artworks, collections of Versailles illustrate 5 centuries of French History. This set reflects the dual vocation of the Palace once inhabited by the sovereigns and then a museum dedicated "to all the glories of France" inaugurated by Louis-Philippe in 1837.
When will the Palace of Versailles reopen?
From reopening and until 13th June 2021, the Palace of Versailles will be presenting the first major monographic exhibition dedicated to the work of Hyacinthe Rigaud. This most famous portraitist of the Sun King dominated portraiture for nearly a century and set new codes in the discipline.
Where is the Palace of Versailles?
The Palace of Versailles ( / vɛərˈsaɪ, vɜːrˈsaɪ / vair-SY, vur-SY; French: Château de Versailles [ʃɑto d (ə) vɛʁsɑj] ( listen)) is a former royal residence located in Versailles, about 12 miles (19 km) west of Paris, France. The palace is owned by the French Republic and has since 1995 been managed, under the direction of the French Ministry of Culture, by the Public Establishment of the Palace, Museum and National Estate of Versailles . 15,000,000 people visit the Palace, Park, or Gardens of Versailles every year, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. However, due to the COVID-19 virus, the number of paying visitors to the Chateau dropped by 75 percent from eight million in 2019 to two million in 2020. The drop was particularly sharp among foreign visitors, who account for eighty percent of paying visitors.
Who was the architect of Versailles?
Le Vau was succeeded at Versailles by his assistant, architect François d'Orbay. Work at the palace during the 1670s focused on its interiors, as the palace was then nearing completion, though d'Orbay expanded Le Vau's service wings and connected them to the château, and built a pair of pavilions for government employees in the forecourt. In 1670, d'Orbay was tasked by Louis XIV with designing a city, also called Versailles, to house and service Louis XIV's growing government and court. The granting of land to courtiers for the construction of townhouses that resembled the palace began in 1671. The next year, the Franco-Dutch War began and funding for Versailles was cut until 1674, when Louis XIV had work begun on a grand staircase for the reception of guests that became known as the Ambassadors' Staircase [ fr], and demolished the last of the village of Versailles.
How many mirrors are there in Versailles?
It measures 73 meters (240 ft) long, 10.5 meters (34 ft) wide, and 12.3 meters (40 ft) high, and is decorated with 357 mirrors facing 17 windows and reflecting the light provided by them. The Hall occupies the site of a terrace Le Vau built between the king and queen's suites. It was, however, exposed to inclement weather, making it usable only in the summer months, and in 1678 Louis XIV tasked Mansart with demolishing it. In its place, from 1678 to 1681, Mansart built the Hall of Mirrors. The ceiling fresco, painted by Charles Le Brun over the next four years, embellishes the first 18 years of Louis XIV's reign in 30 scenes. The fresco depicts Louis XIV as a Roman emperor, breaking from earlier frescoes at Versailles that used Classical and mythological scenes as allegory rather than palette.
Why was the Palace of Versailles important to Louis XIV?
The Palace of Versailles was key to Louis XIV's politics, as an expression and concentration of French art and culture, and for the centralization of royal power. Louis XIV first used Versailles to promote himself with a series of nighttime festivals in its gardens in 1664, 1668, and 1674, the events of which were disseminated throughout Europe by print and engravings. As early as 1669, but especially from 1678, Louis XIV sought to make Versailles his seat of government, and he expanded the palace so as to fit the court within it. The moving of the court to Versailles did not come until 1682, however, and not officially, as opinion on Versailles was mixed among the nobility of France.
What did Louis XIV want to preserve?
Louis XIV at first desired to preserve his father's château and, over the 1660s, Le Vau only added a forecourt, paved in marble, and two detached service wings. In mid-1669, however, Louis XIV decided to demolish the château and replace it with a palace that could house his household and government. He was dissuaded from this by Colbert, and instead, from 1668 to 1670, Le Vau encased Louis XIII's château on three sides in a feature dubbed the enveloppe. This gave the château a new, Italianate façade overlooking the gardens, but preserved the courtyard façade, resulting in a mix of styles and materials that dismayed Louis XIV and that Colbert described as a "patchwork". Attempts to homogenize the two façades failed, and in 1670 Le Vau died.
Why did Napoleon Bonaparte abandon Versailles?
When Napoleon Bonaparte became Emperor of the French in 1804, he considered making Versailles his residence but abandoned the idea because of the cost of the renovation. Prior to his marriage with Marie-Louise in 1810, he had the Grand Trianon restored and refurnished as a springtime residence for himself and his family, in the style of furnishing that it is seen today.
Why was the Palace of Versailles melted down?
Some of the palace furniture at this time was constructed of solid silver, but in 1689 much of it was melted down to pay for the cost of war.
How much does it cost to visit the Palace of Versailles?
Palace of Versailles admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost $14.41, while a popular guided tour starts around $8.80 per person. See all 150 Palace of Versailles tickets and tours on Tripadvisor.
Is the Palace of Marie-Antoinette open?
Palace, Trianon Palace, and the estate of Marie-Antoinette: open daily except Mondays and certain public holidays. Gardens and park: open daily.
How much does it cost to get from Paris to Versailles?
A one-way trip between Paris and Versailles by Uber or taxi will typically cost you a minimum of around 42€ - 50€, assuming no major traffic jams and depending on your specific Paris location. Transit time (again, depending on where you are in the city) will be 30-45 minutes, maybe more if you get stuck in city traffic or on the Péripherique, the ring road around Paris. But add in road congestion (an almost-constant condition on the Périph', and your fare and travel time can soar.
How long does it take to get to Versailles from Paris?
It takes around 25-30 minutes on RER C and SNCF Line N, and between 35-40 minutes on SNCF Line L.
What train stops at Versailles?
Although three different trains to Versailles - RER C and SNCF Lines L and N - offer service from Paris, only one of them (RER C) stops at the Château Versailles Rive Gauche, the closest station to the front entrance gates at the Palace of Versailles. Not surprisingly, this is the train most people choose because of the convenience, although depending on your location, you may want to opt for one of the others.
Why is the Château de Versailles so famous?
And for good reasons. The spectacular architecture, lavish interiors, and magnificent gardens of the Château de Versailles and its surrounding Estate dazzle and enchant visitors today just as they did when the French monarchy called it "home." From Louis "The Sun King" XIV who created the Palace to the doomed Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette who fled in disgrace to escape an angry mob on the eve of the French Revolution, each generation of kings and queens contributed to the over-the-top luxury you see today.
Where does the SNCF train go in Paris?
The SNCF N Train has only one Paris departure point: the Montparnasse Station ( Gare) located close to where the 6th, 14th, and 15th arrondissements intersect. In Versailles, it arrives at the Versailles Chantiers station, slightly over half a mile (1 km) from the Palace entrance and about a 10-15 minute walk from the Palace.
How to get to Versailles Palace?
The easiest and most stress-free way to get to Versailles Palace is to join a group tour that includes transportation from Paris on a luxury coach or train. Then, all you have to do is show up at a designated meeting spot in central Paris.
What to see in Versailles in a day?
Full-Day Guided Tour of Versailles by air-conditioned coach from Paris - On this comprehensive tour, you will visit the most spectacular Palace attractions such as the Hall of Mirrors, the beautiful Palace Gardens, and other important sights such as the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, and Marie Antoinette's Estate including her charming Hamlet before re-boarding your coach for your relaxing return to Paris.
How to get from Paris to Versailles?
There are 4 ways to get from Paris to Versailles by train, taxi, car or rideshare. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner.
What to do in Versailles?
Things to do in Versailles. Palace of Versailles. The Palace of Versailles, Château de Versailles, or simply Versailles, is a royal château in Versailles in the Île-de-France region of France. It is now open as a museum, and a very popular tourist attraction. Eiffel Tower.
What companies run services between Paris, France and Versailles, France?
Transilien operates a train from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers every 10 minutes. Tickets cost €3 - €5 and the journey takes 12 min. SNCF also services this route hourly.
How long is the train ride from Paris to Versailles?
The train journey time between Paris and Versailles is around 20 min and covers a distance of around 16 km. The fastest train normally takes 11 min. Operated by Transilien and SNCF, the Paris to Versailles train service departs from Gare Montparnasse and arrives in Versailles Chantiers. Typically 1050 trains run weekly, ...
What station does the Transilien train go to?
Paris to Versailles train services, operated by Transilien, arrive at Versailles Chantiers station.
What is the name of the train that runs from Paris to Paris?
Transilien. Transilien is a suburban rail network operated by SNCF that departs from major Paris train stations and connects the Ile de France region. Transilien operates the following lines: RER A, B, C, D, and E; Transilien trains H, J, K, L, N, P, R and U; Tram 4 and 11 Express; and the Noctilien night bus.
Is the Palace of Versailles open?
The Palace of Versailles, Château de Versailles, or simply Versailles, is a royal château in Versailles in the Île-de-France region of France. It is now open as a museum, and a very popular tourist attraction.
How many floors does the Palace of Versailles have?
The Palace of Versailles is the beating heart of the Versailles Estate. One of the best castles in France, the Palace of Versailles has two floors – garden floor and first floor -, with a total surface of 63,000 m2 divided into 2,300 rooms and halls.
What are the opening hours for Versailles?
Versailles Opening Hours – High Season (April to October) 1 During the high season, Versailles Palace opens from 9 am to 6.30 pm. The last admission is at 6:00 pm. 2 Trianon and Marie-Antoinette’s domain opens from 12 pm to 6:30 pm. The last admission is at 6:00 pm. 3 The Park and Gardens are open from 8:00 am to 8.30 pm. The last admission is at 7:00 pm. 4 During the high season, the average waiting time to enter Versailles is one hour without any Versailles skip-the-line tickets. 5 There’s one line to access the Palace and one different line to buy the tickets. If you want to buy your Versailles tickets on-site, you need to add one extra hour to this time.
How many trees are there in Versailles Gardens?
Versailles Gardens span across 800 hectares and comprise 200,000 trees, 50 fountains, and a 5.57 km canal.
What is the most famous palace in the world?
CHÂTEAU DE VERSAILLES IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST MAGNIFICENT PALACES. The Palace of Versailles is one of the best castles near Paris, built in the 17th century as a hunting lodge for King Louis XIII. His son King Louis XIV moved to Versailles with his family and the royal court, and he undertook major works on it.
What is the estate of Trianon?
The Estate of Trianon. The Estate of Trianon is home to the Grand Trianon and the Petit Trianon pavilions, the Queen’s Hamlet, and various ornamental gardens. The Kings built these intimate spaces close to the main Palace to gain some brief respite from courtly etiquette and enjoy nature.
What is the most famous room in the Palace?
The most famous room in the Palace is the Hall of Mirrors, used for ceremonies and exceptional occasions such as the masked ball for Marie-Antoinette and Louis XVI ‘s wedding. But of course, there’s much more!
When is the high season in Versailles?
If you visit Versailles during the high season (April to October), you will have the possibility to enjoy beautiful shows around the Palace and Gardens.
Overview
The Palace of Versailles is a former royal residence built by King Louis XIV located in Versailles, about 12 miles (19 km) west of Paris, France. The palace is owned by the French Republic and since 1995 has been managed, under the direction of the French Ministry of Culture, by the Public Establishment of the Palace, Museum and National Estate of Versailles. 15,000,000 people visit the Palace, Park, or Gardens of Versailles every year, making it one of the most popular tourist at…
History
In 1623, Louis XIII, King of France, built a hunting lodge on a hill in a favorite hunting ground, 12 miles (19 km) west of Paris, and 10 miles (16 km) from his primary residence, the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye. The site, near a village named Versailles, was a wooded wetland that Louis XIII's court scorned as being generally unworthy of a king; one of his courtiers, François de Bassompie…
Architecture and plan
The Palace of Versailles is a visual history of French architecture from the 1630s to the 1780s. Its earliest portion, the corps de logis, was built for Louis XIII in the style of his reign with brick, marble, and slate, which Le Vau surrounded in the 1660s with Enveloppe, an edifice that was inspired by Renaissance-era Italian villas. When Mansart made further expansions to the palace in the 1680s, he u…
Royal Apartments
The construction in 1668–1671 of Le Vau's enveloppe around the outside of Louis XIII's red brick and white stone château added state apartments for the king and the queen. The addition was known at the time as the château neuf (new château). The grands appartements (Grand Apartments, also referred to as the State Apartments ) include the grand appartement du roi and the grand a…
Hall of Mirrors
The Hall of Mirrors is a long gallery at the westernmost part of the palace that looks out onto the gardens. The hall was built from 1678 to 1681 on the site of a terrace Le Vau built between the king and queen's suites. The hall is clad in marble and decorated in a modified version of the Corinthian order, with 578 mirrors facing 17 windows and reflecting the light provided by them. The ceiling fresco, painted by Le Brun over the next four years, embellishes the first 18 years of …
Royal Chapel
The Royal Chapel of Versailles is located at the southern end of the north wing. The building stands 40-meter (130 ft) high, and measures 42 meters (138 ft) long and 24 meters (79 ft) wide. The chapel is rectangular with a semicircular apse, combining traditional, Gothic royal French church architecture with the French Baroque style of Versailles. The ceiling of the chapel is constituted by a…
Royal Opera
• The Royal Box
• Foyer of the Royal Opera
• The Royal Opera during the celebration of the marriage of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette (1770)
• Stage of the Royal Opera
Museum of the History of France
• Louis Philippe dedicates the Galerie des Batailles, by François Joseph Heim (1837)
• The Gallery of Battles in the Museum of the History of France
• The Battle of Taillebourg, by Eugène Delacroix (1837)