| Check out our free interactive Versailles holiday guide and discover Versailles's biggest attractions, best restaurants and much more. If you've visited Versailles before tell us your holiday tips and help other travellers enjoy great holidays in Versailles, France. |
| Free Versailles Holiday Guide |
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Once a humble hunting lodge, Versailles was rebuilt into the world's most famous palace by Louise XIV during the 17th century
Built as a haven against possible assassination, this palace became the centre of French nobility and a symbol of aristocratic extravagance that fuelled the fires of the Revolution
This is also the famous site of the peace treaty between France and Germany signed after World War 1, which in turn fuelled the fires of the Second World War. |
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Chateau de Versailles - The main chateau is a splendid complex of buildings built in the 1600's by Louis XIV as a safe haven for royalty and nobility wishing to move from unsafe Paris. The sumpteous chambers are richly decorated in marble, velvet and wooden carvings. The main attractions are the Chapelle Royale, Salon de Venus, Hall of mirrors and the Queens bedchamber. The tradition was for the queen to give birth in public view- possibly to make sure no surreptitious dealings or babyswopping went on...
All the state rooms were designed and dedicated to Greek gods. Salon d'Appollon was Louis' throne room and a portrait of the regent is to be seen on one of the walls there. The Hall of Mirrors has 17 huge mirrors facing tall arched windows with crystal chandeliers - and is where the signing of the Treaty of Versailles between France and Germany after WW1 took place.
Grand Trianon - This beautiful pink marble palace stands within the grounds of Versailles and was built by Louis XIV for his lady love, Madame de Maintenon. This is where the monach took time out from his hectic schedule to pleasantly recharge his batteries for another gruelling day in the courtrooms.... His home-away-from-home. Later the home of Napoleon and his second wife.
Colonade - Situated within the gardens, this circle of marble pillars and arches continues the Olympian god theme. Apparently a favourite outside dining area of the king - the ultimate in picnicing style.
Petit Trianon - Another love nest, built by King Louis XV for Madame de Pompadour, later occupied by Marie- Antoinette and later still by Napoleon's sister. The nearby Temple of Love is said to have been a favourite party spot of Marie-Antionette. |
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Les Petite Marches - Affordable and cosy , this restaurant is situated at 1 bd de la Reine and is reliable and has highly recommended specialities of the day.
Les Trois Marches - The showy and very expensive big sister of the abovementioned restaurant, serving haute cuisine that is in keeping with the regal setting. Enjoy the view of the gardens while dining; who needs bread when you can eat cake...
Restaurant Chez Lazare - When you have tired of foie gras and snails try this viby South American restaurant for a good old fashioned steak. Situated at 18 rue de Satory, open all week and affordable prices. |
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The Orangerie - Built to nurture 2000 orange trees the temperature was regulated to accommodate these warmth loving trees. The Orangery is situated below the Parterre du Midi garden to the left of the terrace. King Louis wrote his own guide to the gardens and suggested that a tour should always commence from the terrace.
Other gardens near to the terrace include the Rockwork Grove and Parterre d'Eau with the nearby fountain of Latona, a statue of the mother of Diana and Apollo.
Jardin du Roi - an English style garden with trees from different parts of the world has two fountains nearby: Bassin du Mirioir d'Eau and Bassin de Saturn. At the south gate jolly Bacchus also has his own fountain- unfortunately not spurting wine as would have suited him.
Parterre du Nord - This beautifully designed garden is chock full of flowers and with great views of yet more fountains. The Bassin d'Encelade boasts a 25m long jet of water when turned on. |
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Grand Canal - Boats for hire to take a leisurely paddle out on the regal Grande Canal which is approximately 5110 feet long and is situated behind the bassin d'Appollon.
Bikes for hire - Stretch the leg muscles with a brisk cycle around the huge estate, stopping for a look at the sculpted Dragon Fountain which spurts a 27m spray of water into the air. Or if quantity impresses, the fountain of Neptune has a full ninety nine jets going and is the largest fountain in the garden. Word of warning: Should they have partaken of liquid refreshments, the sight of all these fountains will probably get the kids hurriedly searching for the nearest cloakroom before long.
Disneyland Paris - Take the children for a fantastic daytrip to France's version of Disneyland, at Marne-la-Vallee. Explore the two themeparks with Sleeping Beaty's castle and all the fantasy they could possibly wish for. |
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