Things to do in Versailles

Versailles is located just southwest of Paris and is renowned for its opulent Palace of Versailles, a symbol of absolute monarchy and lavish excess during the reign of Louis XIV. The palace, originally a hunting lodge, was transformed by the Sun King into a grandiose residence with sprawling gardens designed by André Le Nôtre. The meticulously landscaped grounds feature ornate fountains, statues, and geometrically arranged flowerbeds, creating a breath-taking backdrop for the palace's Baroque architecture. Beyond its royal history, Versailles today is a vibrant town that blends its storied past with modern amenities, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at its historical richness and cultural significance.

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Things to do at Versailles

• The Palace of Versailles Tickets: Visit the masterpiece that is the Palace of Versailles.
• Marie-Antoinette Estate & Trianon Palace Tickets: Visit the famous estate of Marie-Antoinette & the Trianon Palace.
• Arboretum de Versailles-Chèvreloup Tickets: Visit the famous Arboretum de Versailles-Chèvreloup and enjoy the greenery.

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Versailles Fun Facts

• Versailles Was a Small Hamlet Before Royalty Arrived: Before Louis XIV transformed the village into the epicentre of French power, Versailles was just a small, quiet village with fewer than 1,000 residents,  most of which were farmers and hunters!
• The Town Was Built to Support the Palace: Versailles as we know it today was essentially created to serve the Palace. Louis XIV expanded the village in the 17th century to accommodate nobility, servants, and workers, so the area expanded!
• It Had the First Modern Planned Streets in France: Versailles was one of the first French towns with a symmetrical, planned layout which included wide boulevards and radial streets that were designed to reflect the grandeur and order of the monarchy.
• One of the First Train Lines in France Came Here: In 1840, Versailles was connected to Paris by one of the first railway lines in the country, which in turn helped turn it into a popular destination.
• It Has Beautiful Gardens Beyond the Palace: While the palace gardens are world-famous, the village itself has multiple green spaces, parks, and tree-lined avenues, giving it a calm, regal atmosphere.
• It Was a Cultural Hub in the 18th Century: Versailles was not just political, it was also a centre for music, art, and theatre. Many performances took place both in the palace and in venues around the village.
• ‍The Treaty of Versailles Was Signed Nearby: The Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I in 1919, was signed in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles, which is just steps from the village centre, forever linking the town to world history.

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