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The Palace of Versailles, also known as The Château de Versailles, has been the scene for several historic events, not the least of which was the signing, on 28 June 1919 within the Hall of Mirrors, of the Peace Treaty between defeated [wiki=d8b00929dec65d422303256336ada04f]Germany[/wiki] and the Allies that brought the First World War officially to an end. The signing of the treaty at Versailles, of course, mirrored the proclamation, in 1871 within the same long hall, of the establishment of the German Empire under the Prussian king, subsequently the Kaiser.
Originally, the palace started out as simply a hunting lodge built by Louis XIII. However, after that Louis XIV decided he wanted to build the palace that we know today at that exact location. In 1789 the palace lost its seat in power, but today hosts the Museum of France's history.
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The easiest way to get to Versailles palace and avoid queues is to buy the ticket directly from the Château de Versailles website: it costs a bit more than the usual entrance ticket but includes return railway and metro tickets, an audioguided tour of the Chapel and Opera House, the King's and Queen's State Apartments, the Dauphin's and the Mesdames' Apartments, the Coach Museum, Trianons and all the temporary exhibitions.
However, you can get to the Palace easily by train and buy tickets for each attraction once there. This may be the best approach if you want to see something in particular or just want to explore the enormous gardens.
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By train
There are three different train stations in Versailles: Versailles Rive Gauche, Versailles Rive Droite and Versailles Chantiers. The Versailles Rive Gauche station is the one closest to the Palace (5 minute walk), though the other two stations are not all that much further away (about 15 minute walk).
*From Paris Montparnasse: Take Transilien N to Versailles Chantiers. A semi-direct train will bring you to Versailles in 12 minutes, but the walk is not very nice from that station.
*From Paris Saint Lazare: Take Transilien L to Versailles Rive Droite. You will reach Versailles in 33 minutes, with the opportunity to see (or visit) La Defense on the way. The walk from that station can be very pleasant.
*From Paris: RER C5 line, direction Versailles Rive Gauche (trains called VICK or VITY), get off at Versailles Rive Gauche station. Be careful not to get off at Viroflay Rive Gauche! The name looks somewhat the same, but it is not the right station! Trains come every 15 minutes, and from Paris is about a 35 minute ride. The RER C7, direction Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, stops at Versailles Chantiers (train called SARA or SLOM). Do not take RER C4 terminating at Versailles-Chantiers (trains called CIME or CITY) as this takes a long tour of the southern suburbs of Paris before reaching Versailles. This train is very slow but the station is the closest one to the Palace. [url=http://www.transilien.com/itineraire/ligne/init?codeLigne=C]RER C schedules are available for download[/url]; download the one titled "BFM - Viroflay RG - Versailles RG - St Quentin en Yvelines."
(If travelling from central Paris by RER, please ensure you have the right tickets covering zone 1-4, normal t+ tickets covering inner Paris is not enough. Ticket inspectors have been known to board RER trains just before Versailles Rive Gauche station - any person holding the wrong ticket is liable to a EUR30 penalty.)
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By bus
Route 171 travels between Pont de Sèvres (at the end of Métro line 9) to Versailles. The bus journey from the station to the château takes approximately 30 min.
An extensive [url=http://giverny.org/tour/versailles/]Bus/Minibus Full-day/Half-day Tours[/url] offer is proposed by major tour operators in Paris.
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By bike
It's a nice bike ride from Paris via Bois de Bologne and Parc St Cloud. [http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/france/paris/387633911]
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By scooter or motorbike
Beat the traffic from Paris to Versailles and discover the French countryside (takes between 40 minutes to 1 hour by scooter or motorbike).
*Rent a Vespa and drive with a guide to Versailles, crossing Paris, riding along the Seine and discovering 2 typical villages in the west of Paris. During this whole day trip you'll ride inside the Park of the Chateau de Versailles and discover the lovely countryside of 2 Parks which belonged to the French Royal Family. Consider this if you want to visit Versailles, its Palace and the French Countryside.
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The main city is easily traversable on foot, however a good network of buses run throughout. Once inside the palace it's possible to hire both bikes and battery-powered golf carts (see section below).
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Château de Versailles
Château de Versailles, [url=http://www.chateauversailles.fr/index.cfm?langue=en],][url=http://www.cityzeum.com/en/mus%C3%A9e-du-ch%C3%A2teau-de-versailles[/url]]open daily (except Mondays when the château is closed) 9AM-5:30PM November-March, 9AM-6:30PM April-October.
One-Day Pass (all inclusive) Apr-Oct: €25 weekdays, €25 weekends; Nov-Mar €16; under-18s free.
Château-only tickets also available : €15, museum pass holders and under-18s free.
Marie-Antoinette's Estate and Grand Trianon-only tickets : Apr-Oct €9, Nov-Mar €5 ; under-18s free.
The Grandes Eaux Musicales, week-ends and bank holidays only, Apr-Oct €8, under-18s €6, under-10s free.
Fares from 01.01.2010:
One Day Pass (all inclusive) €18 except on Grandes Eaux Musicales days : €25.
Château-only tickets also available : €15, reduced fare €13, museum pass holders and under-18s and under-26s (EU only) free.
Marie-Antoinette's Estate and Grand Trianon-only tickets : €10, reduced fare €6, under-18s and under-26s (EU only) free.
The Grandes Eaux Musicales, week ends, bank holidays and some Tuesdays, Apr-Oct €8, under-18s €6, under-10s free.
Even if the user interface is poorly translated in english, you can try to [url=http://giverny.org/tour/versailles/ticket.htm[/url]get these admission tickets[/url] online to avoid some queuing.
Another famous "must see" location on the western outskirts of Paris. Not only does it have enormous historical significance but also it is a very beautiful building. Do other tourists a favour: do not use your mobile phones inside as it ruins the atmosphere. The rear of the palace also is partially covered by scaffoldings.
If you plan to visit the palace it cannot be stressed enough that getting there earlier is recommended, because the lines stay very long all day until early evening. So if the lines are already too long once you get there, you can speculate on a shorter queue around 4:00 - 4:30 pm and visit the park first where you can easily spend a few hours. If you insist on visiting the palace first, the queue to get to the security checkpoint around noon can take 45-60 minutes.
Even if you have a [wiki=e2c1aba775761b373c60c1874e881e10]Paris Museum Pass[/wiki] or something similar, you will still be directed to stand in the long line while construction is underway. If you are under 26 (EU only) or with a EU student visa over 6 months, congratulations as you can skip the long queue and proceed directly to the 'A' entrance with your student card and your passport!
* Alternatively, especially if you have young children, access to the grounds is free.
* Note that it is often free to access the park from the Rue de la Paroisse entrance (leads to the Bassin de Neptune), or if you are walking, from the Boulevard de la Reine (next to the four-star hotel Trianon Palace).
If you are travelling with children then beware that you are not allowed to bring the baby trolley inside the palace. However, there are plenty of chairs around the palace that can be used to have a rest.
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Others
Historic buildings are scattered in the west part of the town:
** Hôtel de Ville: the 19th-century town hall building (you can get inside), on the Avenue de Paris, a 5-min walk from the Château, or from the Versailles-Rive-Gauche station .
** Cathédrale Saint-Louis, in the old Quartier Saint-Louis neighbourhood.
** Église Notre-Dame, rue de la Paroisse.
** Hôtel de la Péfecture, a nice façade across the town hall.
** The municipal Library, in the former Louis XIV's ministry of foreign affairs, 5 rue de l'Indépendance Américaine. You can enter on opening hours. They also organise open-doors on certain days, to get a glimpse inside the old cabinets. [http://www.bibliotheques.versailles.fr/Statique/pages/presentation-reseau/sites/centrale.htm]
* You may also have a look at the Potager du Roi, where the king used to have his vegetables cultivated. Avenue du Maréchal Joffre.
* Consider visiting the Royal Stables. If you plan to go at the right time, you can even get into a royal horse show. Not only will you get the opportunity to see horses who have been trained by the best of the best perform, but you will also have the chance to see the fascinating royal stables. This is a sight many children often enjoy.
*If you are in Versailles between the beginning of August to late September, you may have the opportunity to view a show put on at 9:30 pm by the French government. The show includes fantastical fireworks, classical music, and about 200 people dressed in period costume.
* The Grand Trianon Castle is located in the northwestern part of the Domain of Versailles. Louis XIV requested that it be built as a retreat for the king or as a place for the king and his guests to dine without the strict etiquette of the court. Today, it houses visiting foreign dignitaries.It is renowned for its Italian architecture,pink marble, and geometrical French-style gardens. All visitors who come to see the Trianon leave in awe of the beautifully designed castle.
* The Temple of Love is a nice site to stop by. The temple was built in 1778 in the middle of a small island in The Parc. In the center of this circular temple is a replica Bouchardon statue. The original can be found in The Louvre Museum. It is an especially popular site for couples who often enjoy sharing a kiss at the centre of the temple.
*The Chapelle Royale is a Palestine Chapel that contains a royal gallery dedicated to St. Louis. It was finished in 1707 by Robert de Cotte. The intricate detailing of the chapel's ceiling contains paintings by the artists Jouvet, Coypel, and La Fosse. Van Cleve sculpted the front altar out of marble which is decorated in front with gilded bronze.
*Appartement de la Reine is also known as Queen's Apartment. This suite was originally built for Louis XIV's wife Marie-Therese. The original decoration was redone between 1729 and 1735 with renowned white and gold woodwork. It features several famous rooms including a battle gallery room, a coronation room, and the royal birthing room. Tourists are always welcome to tour through the house and gaze at the spectacles of each room.
*The Grandes Eaux Musicales is a beautiful garden composed mostly of fountains. The largest of which was built in the 17th century and is called Bassin de Neptune or Neptune's Fountains. These consist of 99 individual fountains. Also in the garden is the Bassin d'Apollon or Apollo's Fountain. For visitors looking for a gorgeous eye catching experience, they should definitely visit this lovely location.
*The Musee Lambinet is located just north of the château. It is housed in a beautiful 18th century home and displays many 18th century furnishings such as ceramics, sculptures, paintings,furniture, and other objects that are a part of Versailles' history, some of which are from the revolutionary period. People who appreciate fine arts and history will definitely want to make this a stop during their trip.
*Take a trip to the Paroisse Saint Symphorien de Versailles. This quaint and beautifully constructed chapel was dedicated to Saint Symphorien. It is a landmark in history dating all the way back to 560. In 1722 a monk requested the expansion of the chapel believing it was far too small to hold services and his request was answered years later under the order of Louis XV. This chapel contains classic and gorgeous architecture as well as beautiful historical paintings. Any one who travel to this chapel can not help but to fall in love with the cascading décor.
*The city of Versailles often organizes exhibitions or concerts. Here is a map of [url=http://autour2moi.fr/ville/Versailles]events in Versailles[/url].
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Consider taking an audioguide tour of the château, available in several languages from various reception points within the palace and grounds. The day pass price includes the audio tour.
*Within the grounds in the Summer there are a number of activities including a train ride, rowing boat and cycle hire. The mini-train is really the only time efficient way to get an overview of the entire grounds, which include his and hers residence palaces, which otherwise are at least a 30 minute walk each way from the main palace. The mini-train also stops along the main canal, where there is a cafe and a snack shop. For 30 euros it is also possible to hire a golf-style buggy for one hour in order to explore the expansive grounds.
*Consider taking a guided tour of Versailles that will allow you to bypass the regular entrance line and visit the palace and grounds with your own guide. There are several companies that are known for their Versailles Tours, departing from Paris: [url=http://www.AeonTours.com]Aeon Tours of Paris[/url], [url=http://www.ouiparistours.com]Oui Paris Tours[/url],[url=http://www.classicwalksparis.com]Classic Walks[/url], and [url=http://www.grayline.com/Paris]Gray Line[/url]. If you prefer to go by train (RER C) to Versailles, you will find just outside the railway station Versailles Rive Gauche a local company called Guidatours that offers either entrance tickets or guided tours of the Palace of Versailles at very attractive rates: [http://www.guidatours.com/en/versailles-with-guide-c-1.html]
*Additionally, a short walk into town can provide a welcome contrast to the hectic, tourist-filled château. The town is like most others in France, with a couple of small, historic churches and lined with small shops. While eating on the grounds of the château can save time and walking, finding food at a small café, patisserie, or sandwich shop in the town is less expensive and an authentic experience. Eating a picnic along the lake at the château is a pleasant experience, and you can find a couple of small grocery stores in town to pick up things like bread, sandwich meat, cheese, wine, etc to take back for a picnic at the château.
* Look into taking a private tour around the city. There are websites that provide information on tour companies that will provide tourists with personal tours and introduce them first hand to the beauty and culture Versailles has to offer.
*Shopping is one way to spend some of your time visiting Versailles. The Palace of Versailles contains its own gift shop as well as other souvenir shops outside The Palace. If you're looking for shopping other than souvenir scavenging there are several shops located around the city centre. Most of these shops are located along the Boulevard de La Reine, the Rue Chantiers, Rue Mar Foch, and the Rue Mar Joffre.
*If you are looking for a relaxing time, you can head down to the Cinema Cyrano. It offers patrons showings of films, motion pictures, events, and it can also be rented out for parties. This is a great place to go for everyone whether you are travelling alone, or with the family. It offers tickets at a good price including discounts for students, seniors, and happy hour.
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Versailles itself (the town) has any number of good places to eat whilst visiting. Once you've made it into the palace grounds, it may be far more convenient to eat within rather than hiking back into town, before returning to the Palace (time better spent viewing the rooms and grounds). The grounds are also perfect for picnicking in warm and/or dry weather.
A number of options exist:
*Within the Château itself, there is an Angelina restaurant & snack bar near the Battles Gallery. Alternatively, there's a Café at the entrance to the gardens, not far from the Cour des Princes.
*Within the Formal Gardens, there exists 2 informal restaurants, La Flotille and La Petite Venise, on Petite Venise (from the Château, head back directly through the Gardens to the start of the canal - Petite Venise and La Flotille can then be found to the right).
*Several kiosks serving snacks and fast food can be found in the Gardens (Bosquet du Dauphin & Bosquet de la Girandole), and the Petit Trianon.
There are also a number of restaurants located outside of the palace that are also enjoyable such as:
* Monument Cafe, a new innovative restaurant where you'll find excellent all-you-can-eat buffets (brunch, cold dishes, hot French specialities, desserts) in an atmosphere that will show you a virtual visit of Versailles, with high-tech tools. They also organize guided tours and wine tastings.
*A wonderfully quaint bistro called L'Resto du Roy. Here one can find many delicacies commonly found in France. However, don't be afraid, the chef also makes more commonly recognizable dishes such as scallops or salmon.
*Boulangerie is a bakery located in Versailles. During lunch hours they operate a fast food service to allow customers the ability to get in and out during which people can get already prepared foods such as pizza and sandwiches. If you're looking for a quick and easy lunch, this is definitely a good spot.
*Place du Marche: If you;re looking for more of an authentic French experience, the Place de Marche is a wonderful option. It is an outdoor market that offers only the freshest foods one can find. Here you can find vegetables, pizzas, fish, meats, fruits, and cheese. It is open a few days a week and most vendors dont stay open after the afternoon. Sunday is the busiest day here. There are also sit down restaurants located within the market.
*The Broadway Cafe is also known as the American Cafe seeing as it is decorated with stars and stripes. The Broadway Cafe offers a variety of foods many of which are more common to American tourists such as burgers, lasagne, pizza, and sandwiches. This is a great place to go if you're looking for an easy, relaxed atmosphere.
*If you want to experience authentic, wine-and-dine French cuisine but craving for a home-cooked meal, this small yet charming restaurant run by a mother-daughter team is the place to beat. Perfect for intimate gatherings with friends. Meals range from 13-20 euros (as of July 2015). Try their duck leg (cuisse de canard) and have creme brûlée for desert! Best to book a table in advance to guarantee a table.
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Versailles might not be the best town to party. However it is fairly easy to mix with the locals.
There is a little concentration of bars (and restaurants) on the Place du Marché, at the junction of the Rue de la Paroisse, and Rue du Maréchal Foch. This is where most young people go out at night. Tables outside the terraces are plentiful in the nice months. Exploring the walking alleys from the Place du Marché can also reveal less known restaurants.
Another popular bar with Versailles' youth is the O'Paris, on the Avenue de Saint-Cloud, very close to the Château's Place d'Armes (on the right-hand side when facing the Château). They often play sport events inside. Tables outside are also available when it is warm enough.
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Huttopia Versailles [url=http://www.huttopia.com]]: a nice place to stay, in the forest and very close to the RER (train) station. Ideal for families as it is a campsite with a swimming-pool. Many accommodations to rent (cottages, ridge tents...). wi-fi for a small fee.
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*A beautiful hotel restaurant just near the exit 10 of A13 on the road to Versailles.
*Nice 42 rooms confortable room with restaurant on N184 near Cergy Pontoise on the road to Versailles.
*Hotel with restaurant just near the exit 8 of A13 on the road to Versailles.
* The Pullman Versailles Chateau is a luxurious hotel just minutes from many attractions one of which is the the Chateau Versailles. It includes a pool, their restaraunt, the LM Cafe which serves Mediterranean Cuisine, 24 hour room service, free internet access, a bar, and a 24 hour fitness center and sauna.
*The Ibis Chateau de Versailles Hotel is located in the center of town. It has 85 air conditioned rooms three of which have been altered for disabled patrons. It includes a 24 hour bar, complimentary parking, and wifi service available to any business travelers. This is a wonderful place for tourists who are visiting for a weekend stay.
*The Residence Du Berry is the place to stay if you are looking for an old century France feel. This hotel offers visitors an old century feel with the commodities of a modern luxurious hotel. It is in close proximity to many shops and restaurants as well as just a five minute walk from the Parc of Versailles.
*The Ferme des Vallees[http://giverny.org/hotels/vallees/[/url] Bed and Breakfast is run by the Raux family who have been farming here for four generations and produce among others flax seeds for the bakery industry. This very reasonably priced B&B is located in a village 4 kilometers from the town of Mantes la Jolie, 30 km west from Versailles. Three delightful guest rooms have just been fitted out in a 19th century stone house. A dining and sitting room with fireplace is at guests disposal.
*This beautiful 3-star hotel right next to the Chateau was once the private residence of Édouard Colbert, the marquis of Villacerf--the street where it is located is named after him. Each room is elegantly decorated in the style of French Renaissance which sets the perfect ambience for your stay in Versailles.
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[wiki=af3534f6b04cb47629208b6e51e3528e]Giverny[/wiki] - Visit the house and gardens of the Impressionist painter Claude Monet. Can be packaged with a Versailles visit.
[wiki=f696c22eaf2ce1e274699e25a02ac729]de:Versailles[/wiki]
[wiki=507ed0e9d9ba1405208be3b65469fb4f]fr:Versailles[/wiki]
[wiki=0f7c3571e868b17b185302fdf2d9771d]nl:Versailles[/wiki]
[wiki=66aba21148645bc78654dbce61a6a7f8]pl:Wersal[/wiki]
[wiki=445beec06d4375a6e128d9aeb2e6588e]pt:Versalhes[/wiki]
[[WikiPedia:Versailles]]
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