Versailles is the world’s most opulent historic
chateau. It is surrounded by a spacious, luxurious, park filled
with fountains, sculptures, and beautiful gardens. This “must see” attraction is
a comfortable day trip from Paris (approximately twenty-five minutes to
the Versailles Rive-Gauche Station by RER).
Versailles was created by Louis XIV as a
country retreat - an
alternative to living and ruling the country from Paris. However, there was so
much intrigue among the nobility and politicians during his reign, that
he was afraid to have them out of his sight. So, he built Versailles large
enough to house his entire court and ordered them to accompany him when he was
in residence.
Take a self-guided tour of the grounds but sign
up for a guided tour of the lavishly decorated interior. Be sure to research
Versailles before you go, as it contains many treasures that you might miss if
not prepared. In addition, get there early, as exploring all of Versailles will
require the better part of a day. See what you can and leave when you
are pooped.
Most visitors focus on the Château, which served as the palace and
was the residence of the king and his court. The palace is
enormous, beautiful and presents an almost overwhelming array of
attractions. Be sure to see the State Apartments (both King and
Queen's), Opera House and the Chapel Royal. Don't miss the
beautiful Hall of Mirrors, which re-opened to the public in June of 2007
after undergoing a thorough, three year restoration.
The section of Versailles
associated with Marie Antoinette reopened in the summer of 2006 (after
substantial restoration) as "Marie Antoinette's
Estate", which includes the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, Chapel, Queen's Hamlet,
the Queen's Theatre, the replanted English Garden and other
delightful attractions.
Marie Antoinette's Estate is a classic example of the contrasts at
Versailles and you should reserve time in your schedule for a tour. Parts
of Marie Antoinette's Estate are not open during the low season
(November through March). The Petit Trianon, her small but ornate
neoclassical residence also known as "Little Vienna",
is closed for renovations through July, 2008,
although the Gardens of the Petit Trianon, which are extremely
beautiful, will remain open.
Have your camera ready, as
Versailles is one of the best picture opportunities in France. The grounds
are lush and filled with monuments, statues, canals, and other signs of an
ostentatious design. The Grand and Petit Trianon and their gardens are worth a slow walkthrough as
they will provide you with additional insights into the extravagant spending
required to build Versailles and the contrast between the royalty and the
commoner in France at that time.
Versailles is in the midst of a renovation program that will last
until 2020. Various areas of the Chateau will be closed as they are
restored. Regardless, there is so much to explore at
Versailles that the closures simply make it easier to choose what to
see. Other buildings may close for emergency repairs.
- See the official Versailles website for more
information
on the buildings available for touring and temporary closures. Also, the site
offers information about the new One Day Priority Access pass that
includes transportation from Paris.
- The Château is closed on Mondays. The Marie Antoinette
Estate, The Garden and the Park are open every day.
For more information about arranging tours of attractions in Paris,
see the options provided by our advertising partner
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