Palace of Versailles — Attraction in Versailles

After 18 years, I finally returned to the Château de Versailles, and while much has changed since my last visit, the grandeur and historical magic of the palace remain just as breathtaking—if not more.

Let’s start with the positive changes: technology has certainly enhanced the visitor experience. You can now download an official app on your phone, which acts as a self-guided audio tour, explaining each room’s purpose, history, and significance. It’s incredibly helpful and adds depth to your visit without needing a live guide at every step. I was able to use my noise canceling airpods and listen at my own leisure- much better than the guided tour that I paid for.

Another welcome improvement is the restoration work. So much of the palace has been returned to its original glory—especially noticeable on the gold facades, the palace gates, and most strikingly, the exterior of the Royal Chapel. The craftsmanship and detail shine once again, and it’s wonderful to see the investment in preserving this cultural treasure.

Now for some of the less ideal changes: when I tried to book tickets online, no time slots were available, a new system that didn't exist 18 years ago. To get in, I had to purchase a group guided tour, which, thankfully, allowed me to explore freely after the tour concluded. The tourguide provided a walkie talkie system I was able to plug into my ear, but I could not really hear her and it made for a disappointing listening experience. I found that the official app from the Chateau of Versailles worked much more efficiently. Anyway, the booking of the tour was a workaround for not being able to get tickets online, but I do miss the flexibility of the past. Additionally, I had to buy a separate ticket to access the gardens, which I don’t recall ever needing before. Oh my, how times have changed!

The crowds were another noticeable difference—there were far more people than I remember. And yes, I’ll admit it: the number of "Instagram floosies" roaming around, posing endlessly for photo ops in every corner, was particularly distracting. This wasn't a thing nearly two decades ago, and while I’ll save my full rant for friends, let’s just say… please don’t be that guy. Enjoy the palace, don’t turn it into your personal photo studio.

Despite these quirks, Versailles remains a true marvel. Originally a hunting lodge, it was transformed by King Louis XIV (The Sun King) into the dazzling centerpiece of the French monarchy. With the help of the same architects from Vaux-le-Vicomte, he built this masterpiece of baroque architecture, which served as the seat of French government for generations.

During the French Revolution, many of the palace's original furnishings were sold, taken, or destroyed—but today, efforts to restore and recreate that lost history are impressive and deeply appreciated. One of the most memorable sections for me was the gallery of historic French battles—especially the depictions of Napoleon's military victories, offering a fascinating glimpse into France’s more recent imperial past.

In short: this palace is unforgettable. Even if some logistics and the culture of tourism have shifted over time, the Château de Versailles remains one of the most important historical and architectural sites in the world. If you’ve never been—go. And if you’ve been before—go again. It’s an experience that only grows...

The Palace of Versailles is huge and impressive. Our day trip there from Paris took six hours, and we did not come close to seeing everything. There are so many different ways to experience the palace, gardens and estates; it is worthwhile to consider which attractions you and your group would like to see during your visit. It is also important to consider the activity level of your group. The grounds are huge--those with limited mobility will be challenged. There are golf carts available to rent as well as a mini train to transport visitors across the grounds from the palace to the Trianon estate and other attractions. The palace has stairs and there is a lot of walking to view the chambers, paintings and Hall of mirrors.

We purchased our tickets a week ahead of time from the Palace of Versailles website. There are many types of tickets to purchase, and we decided to purchase the Passport with included one hour bike rental. (We are active.) The only entry timeslot remaining for the Palace was 4:30 pm. We decided to leave Paris around noon, to visit the park grounds before seeing the Palace, since the passport ticket allows access to the gardens and estates before the Palace entry time. We caught the train from the train station by the Musee d'Orsay. It was a local ticket, very inexpensive. The train to Versailles departs frequently, and the trip takes about thirty minutes. From the Versailles train station, it is about a ten minutes walk to the Palace. We stopped on the way at a cafe and had lunch. We took note of the huge lines of people waiting to enter the palace at Entrance A, as specified on the ticket. We passed them by, and went along the north side of the palace to the Queens Gate. The bike rental area is a little ways inside the Queens Gate to the surrounding park grounds. The surrounding grounds are free to access, and commonly used for walking, jogging and cycling. We were able to bike to the restrooms, near the Trianon Estate entrance, and then cycled on the park paths that are along the perimeter of the palace grounds. Afterwards, we were able to enter the Trianon Estate grounds with our Passport Ticket, and started our exploration of the palace gardens. We especially wanted to see the gardens and fountains, and spent nearly three hours doing that. Lots of walking! It was fun to see the Queen's Hamlet and the more informal gardens before taking in the very formal main palace gardens and fountains. I especially loved the dahlias! We visited in October and all the gardens and grounds were immaculate! There is a 30 minute leeway on either side of the Palace ticket entry time, and we did not enter the Palace until a little after 5 pm. By that time, I was a bit tired from cycling and walking, so did not have as much energy to look at all the paintings in the palace. I was on overload! We left at closing time, 6:30. It was still extremely impressive. If I had more time, I would consider a two day pass to explore more. But, with our limited time, I'm glad that we saw the palace the way...

A breathtaking journey through history, art, and grandeur

Visiting the Palace of Versailles is an experience like no other. From the moment you step onto the expansive grounds, you are transported into a world of opulence, history, and sheer architectural brilliance. Every inch of this palace tells a story, making it an absolute must-see for anyone visiting France.

The Palace

Walking through the halls of Versailles is like stepping into a living masterpiece. The sheer scale of the palace is astounding, and every room is more magnificent than the last. The Hall of Mirrors is truly a sight to behold—its shimmering chandeliers, intricate gilded details, and massive mirrors reflecting the golden light create an atmosphere of pure grandeur. The King’s and Queen’s Apartments are equally stunning, each room boasting lavish decor, ornate furniture, and paintings that reflect the lavish lifestyle of French royalty.

The Gardens

The gardens of Versailles are nothing short of extraordinary. Sprawling over 800 hectares, they are a masterpiece of landscape design, with perfectly manicured hedges, stunning fountains, and breathtaking sculptures. Walking through the Orangerie and the Grand Canal feels like wandering through a dream. If you have time, I highly recommend renting a bike or a golf cart to explore the vast grounds more comfortably.

The Grand Trianon & Petit Trianon

For a more intimate glimpse into royal life, don’t miss the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon, smaller palaces within the Versailles estate. These were used as retreats by the French monarchy, and they offer a quieter but equally beautiful experience. Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet is particularly charming—walking through this picturesque village feels like stepping into a fairy tale.

The Experience

Beyond the stunning architecture and gardens, what truly sets Versailles apart is the feeling of being surrounded by history. You can almost hear the echoes of grand royal parties, political decisions that shaped nations, and the whispers of a bygone era. The entire experience is immersive, awe-inspiring, and unforgettable.

Tips for Visiting • Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially in peak seasons. • Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll be doing a lot of walking! • Take your time—there is so much to see, and every detail is worth admiring. • Visit on a fountain show day if possible—the gardens become even more magical with the music and water displays. • Consider a guided tour for fascinating insights into the palace’s history and hidden stories.

Final Thoughts

The Palace of Versailles is more than just a historical site—it’s an experience that stays with you long after you leave. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or simply someone who appreciates beauty, Versailles will leave you in awe. It is easily one of the most spectacular places in the world, and I cannot recommend it enough.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 – An absolute...