Grand Café d'Orléans — Restaurant in Versailles

Versailles is a very busy place, and the restaurants available within the castle grounds can be incredibly pricey for the common tourist. We went to this cafe because we weren't incredibly hungry and just needed to recharge from our walk around the Trianon Domain before heading inside the chateau itself. Let's start with the atmosphere. There's a line of course, and it leads to a small section of baskets. Pick one up if you intend to take goods from the cooled shelves. There are sandwiches, drinks, desserts, and small snacks. Though it's a bit weird if you're buying alone since if you leave your spot in line to fetch food, it's a little awkward to go back to your previous spot and already be taken over by someone. There needs to be a more solid pathing between falling in line and going to the cashier. The service was alright at best. The first time we got our main meal, the two cashiers were chatting away as if they didn't have any clients to tend to, and we waited for a while just to pay for a cold sandwich, a slice of cake, water, and espresso - which grew cold due to the cashiers taking their sweet time. The second time around however, I bought 'goûter' menu and got a better cashier who was attentive and more welcoming. When you get your order, you will need to find a spot to sit in one of the three rooms to the right. Otherwise, just order to-go so you can sit outside the castle walls and enjoy the weather while eating. As for the food... Very average. The mini sandwich I got had a braided brioche bread which was way too dry. Could use a bit more sauce and more variety in filling. Only ham, cheese, and salad were available. There are larger sandwiches, soup of the day, and...

I was just reminiscing about my visit there years ago and how I had the best little lunch there. I had a little sandwich, a little cake, and Versailles sparkling water. That sparkling water is still my favorite and I wish I could get it here.

The restaurant itself wasn't fancy but I was only sitting there for a minute before we were all evacuated for a terrorist threat.

We walked down so many flights of stairs and I was enjoying my sandwich so much I was completely unconcerned. I ate the little cake outside in the courtyard and thoroughly enjoyed being evacuated with my yummy sandwich, little cake, and sparkling water.

I hope I can go back again someday.

How funny that I would enjoy the food in a museum so much.

I love Versailles and I...

Not the best café at the palace, but the food was tasty and enjoyed a sandwich, drink and some macaroons during our time there and there were a lot of tables available to eat...