How to Spend a Day in Versailles

A listed World Heritage site for 30 years, the Palace of Versailles is one of the most elaborate royal sites in France and a breathtaking example of 17th-century art.

If you’re travelling to Paris for the first time, be sure to stop at Versailles for an afternoon of exuberant art and glimmering design. To make your trip a little easier, learn what to expect at Versailles in this visitors’ guide.

Versailles was once a village set among forest and meadows which were perfect for hunting. King Louis XIII came to enjoy the place, so built a small lodge to spend the night in whenever he would visit. This modest hunting lodge would be destroyed in 1673 to make way for his son’s newly envisaged Palace of Versailles. 

The former royal residence we know today reflects the grandeur and opulence of the many kings who have passed. Versailles is impressive and opulent throughout, surrounded by formal gardens which are scattered with sculptures and fountains.

Now serving as a public museum, Versailles is home to over 60,000 works spanning a broad period through the Middle Ages up to the late 19th century. Sculptures and paintings include originals and copies, as well as some commissioned pieces. 

The Palace of Versailles is open to the public every day, excepting Mondays, from 9am. The park and gardens are open every day, and both are free to visit. 

Getting there is easy, with three train stations located in Versailles. The closest to the Palace is Versailles Château Rive Gauche. Simply hop on from one of the city’s main stations and ride there in no time.

Because of its great size and abundance of things to see, it’s recommended that you arrive when the Palace opens at 9am. There are several routes you might take around the museums, gardens, and galleries. You can find visitor guides at the entrance which will inform you of the best way around according to what you wish to see.

The best hotels near the Palace of Versailles

Enjoy a luxury-style stay in Paris when you choose a Pullman hotel near Versailles Palace. The Pullman Paris Eiffel Tower is just 30 minutes’ drive or train ride from Versailles and is well connected by public transport.

Boasting unbeatable proximity to the iconic Eiffel Tower, this beautiful hotel offers guests hassle-free access to the whole city. Enjoy style and sophistication from the moment you arrive, with considerate touches throughout your room and shared areas. Truly elevate your time in the City of Light when you choose Pullman as your host.

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