Planning the Perfect Day Trip to the Palace of Versailles from Paris
The Palace of Versailles is one of France’s most popular tourist destinations, and for good reason. This opulent palace was once the home of Louis XIV and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you are considering making the day trip to the Palace of Versailles from Paris, you will find it well worth the visit!
Why You Should Make the Awesome Day Trip to the Palace of Versailles
There’s so much to see and do there, but seeing the inside the Palace of Versailles is one of the most interesting parts of your visit.
The Palace contains 2,300 rooms!
Once the opulent hunting lodge for Louis XIII, then a seat of power for Louis XVI, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site & museum.
Once inside, you are free to tour the inside of the Palace of Versailles at your leisure.
Audio guides are provided, but you can avoid that line and just download Rick Steves tour for free ahead of your trip!
The Royal Chapel at Versailles
The Royal Chapel at the Palace of Versailles was the 5th built at the palace, completed during the reign of Louis XIV in 1710. and reflects the king’s taste for grandeur and luxury.
It was designed by Jules Hardouin Mansart, but when the architect died, it was completed by his brother-in-law, Robert de Cotte.
The design of the Royal Chapel was inspired by Gothic architecture.
The two-level interior of the Royal Chapel is decorated with marble pilasters, an altar with a baldachin, and a large organ.
The Royal Chapel was used for religious services for the royal family and guests of the palace.
The King’s State Apartment is a group of seven rooms that were used for hosting those who wished to see the King.
These rooms are the more elaborately decorated rooms that were fashioned in Italian decor.
The Hercules Room
This room, which was originally a chapel, was started in the reign of Louis XIV and completed during the reign Louis XV.
The large masterpiece on the wall, The Meal in the House of Simon, was a gift from the Republic of Venice to Louis XIV in 1664.
The Room of Abundance
This room served as a late-night refreshment room where the King could show off some of his more prized collections while guests enjoyed coffee, tea or liquors.
Venus Room
Like all the other rooms inside the Palace of Versailles, this state apartment was named after a planet.
Venus is depicted on the ceiling as the Roman goddess of love and is referenced in other parts of the room.
The Venus Room is the most Baroque state apartment and also features a statue of Louis XIV in Roman attire.
The room was used as a reception room for visitors of the King.
The Diana Room
In Greek mythology, Diana was known as the goddess of the hunt and this room is filled with this type of imagery.
The ceiling features a mural depicting Diana watching over navigation and hunting scenes and paintings along the walls all feature similar theming.
The Mars Room
The room was referred to as the Guard Room, but now is known as the Mars room because of the enormous painting of Mars on a chariot being pulled by wolves.
Mercury Room: Originally the King’s Bedchamber
This room is named for the patron messenger god of trade & commerce, was originally the royal bed chamber.
Originally, everything from mirrors to chandeliers was made of silver. Unfortunately, the silver had to be smelt to fund the vigorous war campaigns of Louis XIV.
The Mercury room also served as the place where Louis XIV’s body was publicly displayed after his death in 1715.
War Salon
At one end of the Hall of Mirrors, you will find The War Room which celebrates Louis XIV as a victorious king.
The King’s Chamber
This room was used several times a day and only Louis XIV slept here.
The King used it for his private meals and for receiving certain courtiers and ambassadors.
Palace of Versailles Hall of Mirrors
The Hall of Mirrors is over 200 feet long and contains more than 30 mirrors that reflect the light from both the numerous windows & chandeliers, creating a dazzling effect.
The walls are decorated with paintings by some of the most famous artists of the time, including Nicolas Poussin and Claude Lorrain and the ceiling is painted by Giovanni Battista Gaulli.
The Hall of Mirrors was used by the royal family for entertaining guests and important ceremonies, such as the signing of the Treaty of Versailles.
The Views of the Garden from the Hall of Mirrors
The Hall of Mirrors overlooks the gardens. Every set of double-doored windows opens, allowing not only the natural light but also the exquisite
The Peace Salon
On the opposite end of the Hall of Mirrors is the Peace Salon and the beginning of the Queen’s Apartment.
This room would have been filled with music and games for the Queen and her guests.
Queen’s Bedchamber
Not only is this where the Queen slept, it is where the royal children were conceived and born!
While not authentic, the bed, covering, and fabric walls were remade based on historical documents.
In total, 19 Princes and Princesses of the Realm were born in this room, and 2 queens died here.
Fun Fact: There is a hidden door left of the bed that was used as an escape route for Marie Antoinette during the French Revolution.
Coronation Room
This room is dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte, First Consul and once Emperor of the French.
There are two enormous paintings commissioned by Jacques-Louis David that commemorate Napoleon’s crowning as Emperor along with other smaller works that showcase important victories for him
The center of the room features the Column from the German Campaign (Austerlitz Column) which Napoleon commissioned from the Sèvres Royal Porcelain Manufactory to commemorate his first imperial victories.
Aside from the furnished rooms, you will also be able to see displays explaining the structures of the palaces, paintings of people who lived in the palace along with other statues and sculptures.
Book Your Timed Entry to the Palace of Versailles in Advance
The Palace of Versailles is open Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am–5:30 pm
Check to make sure the ticket you purchase gives you admission to both the palace and garden if you choose to see both.
When you get to the entrance of the Palace of Versailles, you will want to pay attention to directional signage.
Entrance A ( to the left )
This entrance is for guests who purchased individual tickets in advance online.
Entrance B ( to the right)
This entrance is for groups with a reservation for a guided tour & skip the line tickets.
How to Get to Versailles from Paris
Many people who visit the Palace of Versailles make the day trip from Paris.
The easiest way to get to the Palace of Versailles from Paris by train is on the RER Line C to Versailles Château – Rive Gauche. The train takes about 50 minutes. Once at the station, it is an easy 10-minute walk to the Palace.
If you would rather purchase a ticket to the Palace of Versailles that comes with transportation, this is a great affordable option:
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