Things to do in Versailles

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Versailles showing heritage architecture, a statue or sculpture and a square or plaza
Versailles showing a garden and a statue or sculpture as well as a small group of people
Versailles featuring heritage elements as well as a small group of people
Versailles which includes heritage elements, a garden and a pond
Versailles featuring heritage architecture, heritage elements and a statue or sculpture

Versailles Attractions

Travel just over 10 miles (16 km) southwest of Paris and you reach the city of Versailles, a small and elegant suburb of the Paris metropolis. The town became the de facto capital of France in 1682 under Louis XIV, serving as the seat of government until the tumultuous French Revolution forced the royal family to return to Paris in 1789. The city bears the legacy of the French monarchs most notably in its most famous attraction—the lavish and grandiose Palace of Versailles. Beyond the UNESCO-listed château and its enormous grounds, there's plenty to explore among the wide avenues, aristocratic mansions, and stately townhouses of the city of Versailles itself. While in Versailles, a visit to the palace is a must, but set aside time to wander the town and you'll be rewarded.

Areas of Versailles

Palace of Versailles

Originally a hunting lodge that was expanded by Louis XIV starting in the mid-17th century, the Palace of Versailles is a masterpiece of French art and architecture spread across 679,784 square feet (63,154 square m). Gold and crystal cover nearly every surface of its 2,300 rooms, a portion of which are open to the public. Admire the opulent, Italian-style decoration of the State Apartments, get a more intimate glimpse of royal life in the King's and Queen's Private Apartments, and take the dazzling walk down the legendary—and aptly named—Hall of Mirrors.

Gardens of Versailles

A UNESCO World Heritage Site in their own right, the Gardens of Versailles are just as impressive as the palace they accompany. Nearly 2,000 acres (809 hectares) of manicured lawns, parterres, sculptures, and fountains reflect the artful symmetry of the French formal garden style. You could spend hours uncovering the treasures of this paradise, which range from the expansive Grand Canal to the immaculately landscaped Orangerie.

Estate of Trianon

Separate but still close to the main palace, the Estate of Trianon was constructed to be an intimate escape from the formalities of court life. The largest of its structures, the Grand Trianon, is renowned for its pink marble panels and unique sheltered colonnade. Its smaller counterpart, the Petit Trianon, was the preferred residence of Marie Antoinette. In the château's surrounding park, the idyllic Queen's Hamlet served as a rustic retreat for the Queen and her closest friends.

City of Versailles

Louis XIV also left his mark on the city of Versailles, ordering the construction of tree-lined boulevards, mansions, and the grand Church of Notre-Dame. The town retains its sophisticated feel, and today is populated with designer shops, chic restaurants, and townhouses still painted in bourgeois shades of beige.

Things to See in Versailles

In Versailles, the main event is the sumptuous palace, but the charming town also has its fair share of sights to discover. Notre-Dame's adjoining square is home to a bustling, open-air market, where you can shop for fresh produce, cheese, herbs, and seafood like the locals do. For a look at 17th-century gardening, visit Le Potager du Roi—the King's Kitchen Garden—which produced fruits and vegetables for Louis XIV and still functions as a garden today. On weekends, horse lovers can get swept up in beautiful and passionate live equestrian performances from the artists at the National Equestrian Academy of Versailles, which transformed the Royal Stables into a stage in 2003. History buffs won't want to miss the Jeu du Paume, in which the National Assembly took the pivotal Tennis Court Oath that spurred the French Revolution. Just down the street from Notre-Dame de Versailles, the Musée Lambinet chronicles the story of the city with a collection of art, artifacts, and period décor gathered over the centuries.

Sightseeing in Versailles

If you're planning your excursion to Versailles around visiting the palace, you'll find no shortage of tours and activities to help you create your ideal experience at the impressive royal residence. Skip the lines and head in to explore on your own, or let a guide introduce you to the rich history and secrets of the grounds. Choose your preferred itinerary with half-day and full-day options, as well as tours that feature Trianon. For a different perspective on the gardens, pick up picnic ingredients and hop on a bike tour to cruise around the parterres and groves, or experience the many fountains of Versailles in their full glory with the Musical Fountains Show. Between June and September, you can also spend a magical evening at the palace as fireworks light up the glassy surface of the Grand Canal.


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What to do in Versailles

Free Things to Do in Versailles

A trip to Versailles doesn't have to break the bank. You can leave your wallet at home if you check out:

Temple of Love - Make time to wander around this place of local importance.

Cathedrale Saint Louis - Stop for some quiet contemplation and find out a thing or two about this site's religious significance.

Areas of Versailles

Palace of Versailles

Originally a hunting lodge that was expanded by Louis XIV starting in the mid-17th century, the Palace of Versailles is a masterpiece of French art and architecture spread across 679,784 square feet (63,154 square m). Gold and crystal cover nearly every surface of its 2,300 rooms, a portion of which are open to the public. Admire the opulent, Italian-style decoration of the State Apartments, get a more intimate glimpse of royal life in the King's and Queen's Private Apartments, and take the dazzling walk down the legendary—and aptly named—Hall of Mirrors.

Gardens of Versailles

A UNESCO World Heritage Site in their own right, the Gardens of Versailles are just as impressive as the palace they accompany. Nearly 2,000 acres (809 hectares) of manicured lawns, parterres, sculptures, and fountains reflect the artful symmetry of the French formal garden style. You could spend hours uncovering the treasures of this paradise, which range from the expansive Grand Canal to the immaculately landscaped Orangerie.

Estate of Trianon

Separate but still close to the main palace, the Estate of Trianon was constructed to be an intimate escape from the formalities of court life. The largest of its structures, the Grand Trianon, is renowned for its pink marble panels and unique sheltered colonnade. Its smaller counterpart, the Petit Trianon, was the preferred residence of Marie Antoinette. In the château's surrounding park, the idyllic Queen's Hamlet served as a rustic retreat for the Queen and her closest friends.

City of Versailles

Louis XIV also left his mark on the city of Versailles, ordering the construction of tree-lined boulevards, mansions, and the grand Church of Notre-Dame. The town retains its sophisticated feel, and today is populated with designer shops, chic restaurants, and townhouses still painted in bourgeois shades of beige.

Things to See in Versailles

In Versailles, the main event is the sumptuous palace, but the charming town also has its fair share of sights to discover. Notre-Dame's adjoining square is home to a bustling, open-air market, where you can shop for fresh produce, cheese, herbs, and seafood like the locals do. For a look at 17th-century gardening, visit Le Potager du Roi—the King's Kitchen Garden—which produced fruits and vegetables for Louis XIV and still functions as a garden today. On weekends, horse lovers can get swept up in beautiful and passionate live equestrian performances from the artists at the National Equestrian Academy of Versailles, which transformed the Royal Stables into a stage in 2003. History buffs won't want to miss the Jeu du Paume, in which the National Assembly took the pivotal Tennis Court Oath that spurred the French Revolution. Just down the street from Notre-Dame de Versailles, the Musée Lambinet chronicles the story of the city with a collection of art, artifacts, and period décor gathered over the centuries.

Sightseeing in Versailles

If you're planning your excursion to Versailles around visiting the palace, you'll find no shortage of tours and activities to help you create your ideal experience at the impressive royal residence. Skip the lines and head in to explore on your own, or let a guide introduce you to the rich history and secrets of the grounds. Choose your preferred itinerary with half-day and full-day options, as well as tours that feature Trianon. For a different perspective on the gardens, pick up picnic ingredients and hop on a bike tour to cruise around the parterres and groves, or experience the many fountains of Versailles in their full glory with the Musical Fountains Show. Between June and September, you can also spend a magical evening at the palace as fireworks light up the glassy surface of the Grand Canal.


 

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Discover the most popular places to visit in Versailles

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Versailles

Versailles featuring night scenes, heritage architecture and a city

Notre-Dame

4.5/5(68 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Notre-Dame, you might enjoy attractions like Palace of Versailles and Grand Trianon. You might also enjoy the neighborhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Les Portes de Saint-Cyr Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Notre-Dame
Inside the castle...

Saint-Louis

4.5/5(26 area reviews)

Unique features of Saint-Louis include the historic sites and bars. Make a stop by Grandes & Petites Ecuries or Jeu de Paume while you're exploring the area.

Saint-Louis
Sunday in the Park at Versailles

Chantiers

5/5(9 area reviews)

You might enjoy the restaurants while you're in Chantiers, and if you want to see some more of the larger Versailles area, you can catch a ride on the metro at Versailles Château Rive Gauche RER Station.

Chantiers
Default Image

Clagny Glatigny

4/5(1 area review)

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Clagny Glatigny and surrounding area, you can visit Palace of Versailles and Paris France Temple.

Clagny Glatigny

Porchefontaine

In the south-east of Versailles, this neighborhood boasts a sports complex and a green space enveloped by Versailles, Satory, and Meudon woods.

Porchefontaine
Default Image

Jussieu

Though Jussieu might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Palace of Versailles and Parc du Domaine de Madame Elisabeth.

Jussieu

 

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Popular day trips from Versailles

Frequently asked questions

Is Versailles worth visiting?
From retail therapy to history and outdoor pursuits, there are many interesting things to do in Versailles. Be sure to experience the area's blend of cool sights, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Versailles?
When you've checked off major attractions like Eiffel Tower and Palace of Versailles, spend the rest of your day exploring Versailles's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Versailles?
You can't leave without visiting Eiffel Tower, ranked the top tourist attraction in Versailles.
Is three days enough to stay in Versailles?
Three days in Versailles is more than enough to visit the city's major attractions. Many guests stay for two days on average. Palace of Versailles, Malmaison Castle and Grand Trianon are highly rated sights. Want to discover more? Hang around a bit longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Paris.
Is Versailles a walkable city?
Some leading attractions in Versailles, such as Palace of Versailles and Grand Trianon, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city's neighborhoods on foot. Only 1 mile from central Versailles is Notre-Dame and Saint-Louis is 1 mile away.
What are some activities to do in Versailles with kids?
What to do in Versailles for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or adventure seeker, there are lots of things to do in Versailles for adults including Paris La Défense Arena and Rue Cler.
Are there free things to do in Versailles?
In Versailles, Cathedrale Saint Louis is a top spot for anyone planning to experience the city without taking their wallet out. Also, stroll around the local parks and neighborhoods, and ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. It's a good way to learn about the best free things to do in Versailles.