Many people associate Versailles with the royal palace, and very often the word Versailles means only the palace. So I thought, too, starting to plan my trip and for the first time thinking about the place. But this is a city, a small city, but very cultural, historical, magical, incredibly interesting and very touristy.
At the beginning of the article, I decided to immediately show its boundaries in order to understand the full scale.
When I was planning my trip, I did not realize the full scale of the journey that awaits me. I was pleasantly and greatly surprised.
I arrived in Versailles by bus from Paris. I will tell you how to get to the place below in the article. So, I rode an ordinary local bus with city dwellers and tourists like me who lived in Paris, and went on an excursion to Versailles. Already at the entrance to the city there was such an interesting and unusual feeling, I don't know how to convey it ... As if you are slowly and gradually transported into the past. You know how in science fiction films they show when the main character lived in 2016, went on a picnic with his friends. They started fooling around, playing "find me", and so he went behind a tree to hide, then a little to the side, and now he found himself in the past, and there are no friends, but there are only some people on horses who travel through this forest and hunt. At this moment, the main character is completely at a loss: how can this be at all. Everyone who came to Versailles for a while feel like heroes, heroes with whom something magical, incomprehensible and incredible happened - you get off the bus and you are already in another world. Everything here breathes history, here it is very rich, at the same time cozy and hospitable.
I advise you to definitely experience this feeling for yourself once. Just hearing about it is not enough: when you feel everything described inside yourself, it is completely different. You will definitely enjoy Versailles.
If you look into the future, I think that Versailles will preserve its uniqueness, atmosphere of history, wealth and luxury, balls and royal decorations for many decades to come. Everything that makes up the charm and charm of the city. And having visited here once, you will remember this magical moment for a very long time, when you moved from the 21st century to the age of luxury and wealth of the royal palace. You will long remember the taste of local cookies and hot chocolate, which locals drink and eat every day. And local shows, exhibitions, concerts, dances, performances will inspire even the fastidious traveler for a long time.
How to get there
The main flow of tourists comes to the city from Paris. Versailles is one of the main points when visiting the capital of France, no matter how unusual it sounds. Of course, being in Paris and not visiting Versailles is a huge mistake. You should definitely come here at least for a day. Therefore, we will consider below the main transfer options from Paris.
There is no airport in Versailles, so the most popular, reasonable and objectively convenient way to travel is a flight to the capital of France, from where you can get to your destination using one of the most convenient and preferred options for you. About all existing ways read below.
By plane
So, there is no flight to Versailles. The nearest and most popular airport for tourists is Paris Charles de Gaulle. So many useful information you can find it on the official website of the airport. By the way, it is very convenient that the site has Russian.
A flight to Paris from Moscow, depending on the month of the flight, will cost from 10500 RUB (November) to 24400 RUB (June-July). Prices also vary greatly depending on the number of transfers or direct flight.
From St. Petersburg (Pulkovo airport) the cost varies between 12,700-25,000 RUB. Also, the price depends on the time of the year and the number of transfers along the way.
Ticket price options can be viewed.
There are a lot of airlines flying to Paris. Travel time - 3.30 hours (subject to direct flight).
By train
Since the main flow of tourists coming to Versailles is tourists coming from Paris, we will consider the main methods of transfer from the capital. One of the popular options is just the train.
- The fastest train leaves from Gare Montparnasse. The ticket price is 3.55 EUR. Tickets and route can be viewed on the website. Here you will always find the most up-to-date information. From the Saint-Lazare station (Paris), which is located in the 8th arrondissement, not far from large shopping centers trains leave for Versailles-Rive-Droite Station in Versailles.
- The second option is also a train, but plying not only in Paris, but also in the suburbs. Such trains are called RER (something like electric trains). A feature of this type of transport is that RER trains run not only in the suburbs, but also in Paris itself, and intersect with the metro. RER has 5 lines. You need line C. You can buy tickets, for example, at kiosks, at metro stations (like any ticket for public transport in Paris). Just pay attention to the zone in which the ticket is valid. You need to get to the station at Versailles Versailles Rive Gauche. Travel time is approximately 30-40 minutes. The ticket price varies depending on the terminal station (zone). On many trains, the doors do not open on their own; you have to press a button near the door.
When you arrive in Versailles at the Versailles Rive Gauche station that I just mentioned, you can take a very short route to the main entrance to the Palace of Versailles.
It takes 10 minutes on foot.
By bus
For my taste, the most scenic and budgetary way to travel from Paris is by bus. You can get to Versailles by bus number 171, which departs from the Pont de Sevres metro station and drives up almost to the main entrance to the Palace of Versailles. It is convenient: you got off the bus, took a couple of steps and you are in the main attraction of Versailles. In this case, you can use the usual tickets, which are valid in Paris in zones 1-2.
But moving by bus has its drawbacks, this must be remembered. The flight can easily be delayed and arrive off-schedule due to traffic jams in the capital. And in Paris they are often. There are also strikes local residents... Bus passengers have long been accustomed to this situation. And they either get off the bus and change to another type of transport (most often the metro), or quietly wait in the salon for the end of the strike (parade). I got into one of these strikes, the bus just got up and stood in the middle of the road, and the local Parisian granny, seeing my apparently surprised and frightened eyes, said to me in a calm, kind tone in melodious French: “Paris” (Pariiii). I then sat down next to her and watched the show called "Pari".
If comfort is important to you and you are willing to pay for it, I recommend the option with a transfer from Paris to Versailles. There is a complex service: "transfer Paris - Versailles - Paris + entrance ticket to the palace ". There are other options - for a day or half a day, for a night show. Come in and choose what suits you. Buses that operate on these "packages of services" are called express buses. You can buy tickets here, on the website, it works in English and French.
By car
If you are traveling by car or rented a car, then you can get to Versailles from Paris in 30-40 minutes along the highway number 10 ( free road). Along the road, you will find a lot of pointers to Versailles, so it is quite difficult for an experienced motorist to get lost.
You can also take a taxi from the capital. This is also a car. So, if it's convenient for you, you can use a taxi service. The car can be caught on the streets of Paris or ordered through a special service. Travel time will be about 40 minutes (excluding traffic jams). Taxi is a great option for those who do not want to understand all the schemes and features of public transport, for those who prefer comfort and convenience. And this is very beneficial for groups of friends. The trip will cost about 50 EUR.
Prompt:
Versailles - the time is now
Difference in hours:
Moscow 1
Kazan 1
Samara 2
Ekaterinburg 3
Novosibirsk 5
Vladivostok 8
When is the season. When is the best time to go
Each season has its pros and cons. Each tourist chooses the time of year that is most preferable for him based on cost, free time and goals. So, in order.
Versailles in summer
Of course, summer is the most popular time to visit Versailles. It's warm, all the most interesting and not so interesting sights of the city work.
June is the most popular month for theatergoers. Connoisseurs of performances come here from all over France to watch performances and more. There are many different theatrical performances in June. Performances take place even on the streets. You can also dance among the street dancers with other tourists. Visit numerous exhibitions and other cultural events. You can get acquainted with the program of the month of Moliere.
And on June 21, a festival of music takes place. Numerous musicians from all kinds of backgrounds come together. This event is very popular with the Versailles youth.
If there is an opportunity and you are a connoisseur of Culture with a capital letter, come in June and immerse yourself in all the stormy, interesting, incredible, theatrical and magical atmosphere of the city.
Versailles in autumn
The main flow of tourists has been declining since mid-September. The main attractions continue to operate and receive guests. The weather until November is warm enough for comfortable excursions and walks.
I also advise you to consider the autumn months when planning your trip to Versailles.
Versailles in spring
I would like to tell you about the advantages and disadvantages of the spring season.
So the benefits:
- The airfare is lower.
- Price tourist vouchers below (if you are traveling through a travel agency).
- It is easier and cheaper to book accommodation. If you rent in Paris (so many tourists do this), there is a wider choice in the spring months and the price is lower. All this is due to the number of tourists coming.
- There will be less queuing for museums.
- Spring has its own unique charm, when nature wakes up and the aromas of spring are felt in the mood, aromas, and behavior of the city itself.
Among the disadvantages are:
- Increased likelihood of rain strong wind and other "delights", especially in early spring.
- Tourist places still appear to the traveler not in this glory.
And yet, despite the shortcomings, for me the best time for sightseeing travel is spring. It's already warm, and there are few tourists, and prices are lower, and the weather makes it possible to comfortably walk hundreds of kilometers, studying and observing the life of a foreign country.
Versailles in winter
In winter, Versailles is also interesting and unusual in its own way.
Fountains do not work, this is a minus. But there are many different events: performances, exhibitions. You can always spend your leisure time interestingly.
But here it is worth considering weather... The coldest month is January.
Versailles - monthly weather
Prompt:
Versailles - monthly weather
Districts. Where is the best place to live
The area of the city is relatively small. The prices for hotel accommodation can be compared with the prices for hotels in Paris.
If you come to Versailles for one day, then it is better to stay with an overnight stay in Paris hotels, since Versailles hotels of the 1-2 * category are more expensive than the Parisian hotels of the corresponding category, while the level of service in Paris is higher.
If you spend a couple of days in Versailles, especially if you are traveling by car, then feel free to book your accommodation here. Many hotels have free parking. This is a big plus.
So, the price of accommodation in hotels in Versailles varies, but depending on what, to be honest, I did not understand when choosing a hotel. The service is clear, but the distance from the city center or proximity to attractions does not greatly affect the price. Therefore, my advice is to choose based on your budget. Here are all the main tourist places not far from each other.
- Most cheap option accommodations for today are such hotels as Buc Lounge Hotel 2 *. Price - 78 EUR. Quite decent, simple and a budget option to accommodate.
- Prices per night can reach 300 EUR. In such hotels you will be offered spa programs, a gym, varied meals, swimming pools and even tennis courts.
It is impossible to single out specific areas where you can rent housing cheaper or more expensive. Choose a hotel considering any location, focusing primarily on price and Special offers on the date of your arrival.
Very important advice. Book the hotel in advance when planning your trip yourself. Already 55% of all hotels are occupied for the month of June and July.
Renting housing in the private sector for living is not very accepted and not very popular. And in vain, if you are interested in plunging into local life even more, you can safely rent an apartment for about the same money as a hotel. Only here you need to take into account a few points: usually additional costs are added to the cost of living, such as cleaning and a deposit for the safety of the property. Prices depend on the specific object.
It is convenient to choose and book accommodation at. You can see the prices for apartments, and compare the cost of rooms in hotels by.
What are the prices for rest
Buying a tour directly only to Versailles is quite problematic, since the main offers are tours to Paris and at the same time a visit to Versailles.
The cost of a tourist voucher with a flight from Moscow or St. Petersburg starts from 600 EUR for 7 nights / 8 days. The tour price includes flight, meals, accommodation in the capital and a field trip. This is quite logical, because most tourists travel to Versailles for 1-2 days, and as I said earlier, you can get from Paris to Versailles by public transport in an average of 40 minutes.
The price for a travel package depends on the level of the hotel, food, travel time and date of arrival. You can see the options.
Major attractions. What to see
Of course, you've all heard about the city's main highlight. But besides the palace, there are other cultural or historical sights in the city. I'll tell you about them further.
Top 5
The main attractions of Versailles (or what you must see and feel in Versailles):
Churches and temples. Which are worth visiting
If you are in the city for a day, you will hardly have time to visit the churches. If you have a couple of days, I recommend visiting Church of Our Lady(Eglise Notre-Dame). It is located near the Palace of Versailles. Although everything is close by. So, this church is famous for the fact that its architect is Jules Hardouin-Mansart. His creation is a magnificent, huge in scale and simply beautiful Cathedral of the House of Invalids in Paris.
All christenings, weddings and funerals that took place in the life of the royal family were celebrated in the church. Now the church houses paintings from the era of the reign of Louis XIV, in particular "The Assumption of the Virgin" by Michel Corneille. If time permits, it is worth going here.
Museums. Which are worth visiting
I have already spoken about some of the museums, but I will repeat again:
- Museum Lambinet (Musée Lambinet) for connoisseurs of painting, as well as for those who love history - here the walls have their original "decoration".
- The Museum of French History (Musée de l "Histoire de France). It was created at the behest of the Duke of Orleans, who became King of France under the name Louis Philippe in 1830. The King refused to settle in the Palace of Versailles. Instead, he decided to create a national reconciliation there is a museum of the history of France.
Parks
Of course, without a doubt and other options, main park cities - Versailles... This is the main reason and main purpose of all travelers visiting the city. And I want to say, when you just come to the Palace of Versailles, it becomes clear why. He is huge, he is majestic, he is beautiful and he definitely delights. 
To get to the palace, and therefore to the park, in most cases, especially during the season (and this is all summer months), you will need to stand in a queue, a live queue at the entrance. I went through this in June and the "standing" time was 1.5 hours. In my opinion, this is one of important points when forming your tour - choose not so popular months. It was very hot outside +35, the sun was roasting more and more crowd of people who wanted to see the Versailles Park and the palace. When visiting the park with children, keep in mind this moment and stock up on panamas, water and patience. It is important to note here that this line is already for inspection, that is, here you are already standing with a ticket. You need to buy a ticket in a separate room, to the left of the entrance, on the spot you will definitely see signs that show where the ticket office is. At these ticket offices, surprisingly, there are practically no queues and buying a ticket will take about 10 minutes. There are toilets in this room.
But as soon as you pass through the cherished gate and enter the territory of the palace, you immediately forget all the fatigue, because, I don’t know how to explain it, but you seem to find yourself in the past, passing through the gate. You are immediately surrounded by a magical atmosphere of greenery, fresh air, spaciousness, beauty, and the scale of the entire complex. It is difficult to explain, it must be felt and felt for yourself.
So, the Palace of Versailles and the entire area around it, including the park, are magnificent! I will not go into the history of the construction of the complex, I will not talk about all the historical events, intrigues, passions and the influence of all this on the history of France, I will simply say that no one else in the world has been able to create anything like this - beautiful and large-scale. Versailles has no equal.
In order to taste the whole atmosphere and really enjoy your stay in the park complex, you need at least a day. I would recommend two days. Here, you can buy a guided tour or explore the park on your own. In case of an independent option, I strongly advise you to use a card (which you can take at the entrance). It's enough to get lost here. Yes, yes, no matter how funny it sounds. It is very easy to lose scale, it seems that everything is simple and logical, but the paths, streets, paths here are long, and there is a desire to "cut" the path, and this is where the main danger lurks - you are lost. Do not worry, absolutely, of course, do not get lost and you will definitely find your way back to the exit, but it will take a lot of time and effort. There is a central entrance and several “black” entrances and exits that the locals know about.
Many residents come here to play sports, run among the greenery, lie on the grass, and come by car for picnics. Cars leave until the park area of the palace. Take the card and go.
Self-examination of the entire complex has a number of advantages. And the most important of them, in my opinion, is the unity with Versailles, with the atmosphere, with the locals. You can also sit on the grass beside the water, grab your sandwich bag and have lunch on the lawns of Versailles. When else can you go to a picnic on the grounds of the Palace of Versailles? And is it possible to do this together with a group of tourists? Of course not. Take action.
You can also see the palace itself (interior decoration), buy a ticket, take an audio guide and walk through the halls of the times of Louis XIV with headphones in your ears.
There are several options for excursions. There is an opportunity to eat on the territory of the Palace of Versailles, and also buy souvenirs. The price is formed depending on the territory visited, so be careful when buying a ticket. Tickets can be bought through the website, but I advise you to take them directly when you visit, but still go online in advance, see the plan and already have an idea of what exactly you would like to see and what you are willing to pay for. And most importantly, combine all this data with the amount of time you have allocated to visit the Palace of Versailles and its parkland.
Anything to add?
Versailles (fr.Versailles): Palace of Versailles park ensemble in the city of Versailles; the former residence of the French kings. Versailles (city) a suburb of Paris. Versailles (arrondissement) is a district in France, in the Ile de France region. Cities ... ... Wikipedia
Versailles- Versailles, a city in France, southwest. suburb of Paris, adm. c. dep. Yveline. Grew up near the hunting castle, founded by Louis XIV in 1661, but the name was mentioned already in 1074: apud Versalias near Versailles, modern. Versailles. Name… … Geographical encyclopedia
Versailles- Versailles. Castle. VERSAILLES (Versailles), a city in France, a suburb of Paris. About 100 thousand inhabitants. In 1682 1789 the residence of the French kings. Tourism. Mechanical engineering. The largest palace and park ensemble in the style of French classicism of the 17th - 18th centuries. Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary
Versailles- (Versailles) the main city of the French department of the Seine and Oise, 19 km on southwest from Paris, on a waterless hill, connected to Paris by two railway lines. About 40,000 residents who manufacture watches, weapons, ... ... Encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron
town- The capital, the fortress. See a resident, a place .. neither to the village nor to the city, to go to the Kharkov province to the city of Mordasov ... Dictionary of Russian synonyms and expressions similar in meaning. under. ed. N. Abramova, M .: Russian dictionaries, 1999. gorodets town, ancient settlement, ... ... Synonym dictionary
VERSAILLES- (Versailles), a city in France, a suburb of Paris. About 100 thousand inhabitants. In 1682 1789 the residence of the French kings. Tourism. Mechanical engineering. The largest palace and park ensemble in the style of French classicism of the 17th - 18th centuries: an extensive palace (length ... Modern encyclopedia
Versailles- a city in France, a suburb of Paris, the administrative center of the Yvelines department. 95 thousand inhabitants (1982). In 1682 1789 the residence of the French kings. The largest palace and park ensemble in the style of French classicism of the 17th - 18th centuries: the palace (in ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary
Versailles- Versailles, a city in France, southwestern suburb of Paris. It was first mentioned in 1075. In 1682-1789, the main residence of the French kings. The palace and park ensemble of Versailles grew out of the hunting castle of Louis XIII (1624, ... ... Art encyclopedia
versailles- noun, number of synonyms: 1 city (2765) ASIS synonym dictionary. V.N. Trishin. 2013 ... Synonym dictionary
Versailles- This term has other meanings, see Versailles (meanings). Palace and Park of Versailles ** UNESCO World Heritage ... Wikipedia
Books
- Palace of Versailles. Versailles, Milyugina EG .. The album introduces the history and art collections of the Versailles Palace. The program of the museum is a reconstruction of the history of France in the deeds of her great sons. A collection of art objects with ... Buy for 1861 UAH (Ukraine only)
- Versailles Palace, Versailles, Elena Milyugina. The album introduces the history and art collections of the Palace of Versailles. The program of the museum is a reconstruction of the history of France in the deeds of her great sons. A collection of art objects, ...
Not far from the train station, tickets to Versailles are sold cheaper. They are picked up on the street by enterprising people and sold again. In principle, you need to carefully look at the date and if the day corresponds, then take it. Control in the park of Versailles is not taken off at all. So that you can enter and exit the park.
When you re-enter, the tickets are checked again and the control is left again. So you can save money.
Flower clock ...
From the station to the palace complex on foot for 15 minutes ...
Not far from the palace there is such a Tutonkhomon-guest worker ... earns money.
MYSELF! SUN!
Louis XIV, King - Sun, near the Palace of Versailles.
The city of Versailles, took over from Paris characteristic of it since the time of Baron Haussmann architectural style... Openwork lattices of balconies, awnings, attics, lots of greenery.
"The king nicknamed the Sun))) saw the castle of his finance minister in Vaux-le-Vicomte and realized why there was so little money in the treasury and got sick ... soon he hired the same team of craftsmen - the architect Louis Leveaux, the artist Charles Lebrun and the landscape architect André Le Nôtre and ordered them to build something that should surpass the palace of Vaux-le-Vicomte a hundred times.
Ivan the Terrible was right, blinding the architects ...
As a result, the Palace of Versailles became the apotheosis of indulging the whims of the French monarchs. Maybe that's why it's not very impressive. And although the historical significance of this palace is enormous, it is somehow motley and too overloaded with details.
For me personally, he created the impression of something smeared over the plane. It is somehow very horizontal, lying and not symmetrical. Perhaps the open spaces are to blame or the mood that day ... or my harmony parameters are different, or I'm just from St. Petersburg ...
The queue at the ticket office of the museum ...
Once these territories belonged to Jean de Soisy, whose family owned the land since the XIV century.
Then the land was bought out. The history of the Palace of Versailles begins with a very modest stone hunting castle measuring 24 by 6 meters. It would have been erected by order of Louis XII in 1623.
The "castle" was located where the marble courtyard is now. After 10 years, the territory was expanded by purchasing the Versailles estate from the archbishop of Paris from the Gondi family, and a two-year restructuring was undertaken.
Only in 1661, after the Frondian uprising, Louis XIV decided that this place was suitable for permanent residence... Living in the Louvre became unsafe for the king.
The architects André Le Nôtre and Charles Lebrun rebuilt the palace in the Baroque and Classicist styles.
Soon a city arose around the palace, in which the artisans who supplied the royal court settled.
Antoine Coypel Louis XIV gives an audience to the Ambassador of Persia Mohammed Reza-Beg in Mirror Gallery Palace of Versailles, 1715.
After 1789, the palace began to decay. There were no funds to maintain it in a luxurious condition. Gradually, the palace became an outstanding national history museum, which exhibited busts, portraits, paintings of battles and other works of art of predominantly historical value.
After the defeat of France in the Franco-Prussian War of 1871. Versailles was the seat of the main headquarters of the German army.
On January 18, 1871, the German Empire was proclaimed in the Mirror Gallery, and William I was its Kaiser. It was in the Palace of Versailles to humiliate the French. The peace treaty with France was signed on February 26, also in Versailles.
But after World War I, the French won back. It was in the Palace of Versailles that a preliminary truce was concluded, as well as the Treaty of Versailles, which the defeated German Empire was forced to sign.
This time, historic site was picked up by the French to humiliate the Germans, although the signing of such an agreement in Berlin would be more logical))))
Some historians believe that it was this shame, huge indemnity payments and admission of sole guilt that hit the pride of the Germans hard and helped Hitler come to power. Who captured France again won back ...
Adolf Hitler came up with the idea to sign the surrender of France in the very place and in the same carriage in which Germany signed the Compiegne Armistice in 1918. For this, the Nazis removed the carriage from the museum memorial complex.
They transported it to a historical place, put it on a memorial plate and it was there that they accepted the French surrender)))
ehhh Ostap suffered ... this is another story and a topic for another big post))) I will just say that the memorial plate and the trailer were taken to Germany by the Nazis, and at the end of the war they burned them out of sin, dismantled and buried them for fidelity. So they had to sign the surrender (including the French) not in the carriage))) but back to Versailles, to the palace.
After World War II, the Palace of Versailles became the site of German-French reconciliation. This is evidenced by the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Elysee Treaty, held in 2003.
Palace theater and church.
The marble courtyard where the hunting castle once stood and where Versailles began.
They were hit during the restoration, so the roof was closed. Now the details ... a lot of gold ...
All papers and construction costs remained. Scientists and financiers argued for a long time and recalculated the cost of the palace and park today. It would amount to approximately 250 billion euros. A little more than our Olympics ... but in our mountains and what a scale ...
Clock with the sun ...
The restoration work began thanks to Sarkozy. The phased restoration program was designed for several decades. I hope it will continue after he leaves.
Those wishing to walk through the palace of the Sun King, poke below ...
Versailles is difficult to compare with our Peterhof. There are more fountains in Peterhof, and the space is more interesting, etc. I would give 10 to 3 in favor of Peterhof. If we compare it with the Aleksandrovsky Park and ... rather, with the space in front of the Catherine Palace in Tsarskoye Selo. But there are more interesting pavilions, and the space is more like a park. There are no fountains, but they are not needed either. But there are secluded beautiful corners which are attractions in themselves.
I would give 7 to 5 in our favor. It is difficult to compare with. He has a serious advantage in relief. He is a "forest park". There are hills, century-old trees, a river, and against the background of this "living" nature, not lined with canals, beautiful gazebos, a palace, even an imitation ancient ruins look harmonious and not sleek and at the same time grandiose. He's just completely different ...
Former royal stables.
Urban sketches ...
We walked for pleasure with a secret goal ... to eat oysters (the idea was not mine).
Market Square. There was an attempt to buy oysters, and not order from a restaurant)))
Bird of Peace ...
The American cafe was almost empty. But after her everything is jam-packed.
Market abundance, but not many buyers, to put it mildly ...)))
We never ate the oysters. They were not on the market, nor in restaurants. Maybe for the best. After all, they are alive, and women do not eat live things. I feel I would have to dig holes and bury them)))
Dog with a pipe)))
No traffic jams were observed at all. Although it would seem that rush hour is 18 hours.
Girl with a dog, a mobile phone ...
Zebra with hell ...
Great transitions ...)))
: from the era of the "Sun King" until the Great French Revolution, it was here that the most important state decisions were made, diplomatic alliances were concluded, wars were declared and signed peace treaties... Versailles with its famous palace, regular park and meticulously calibrated urban planning served as a role model not only for the monarchies of Europe, but also for the young American republic - when building Washington, the architects were inspired by the example of their French colleagues. With the fall of the monarchy, the political significance of Versailles diminished, but by no means faded away: it was here in 1871 that the Prussian Kaiser Wilhelm I proclaimed the creation of the German Empire, and half a century later the famous Treaty of Versailles recorded its death.
Modern Versailles is the respectable capital of the Yvelines department, a bourgeois city with excellent ecology, world-class attractions and a developed tourism industry. Another plus of Versailles in the eyes of a traveler is easy transport accessibility and proximity to Paris.
How to get to Versailles
Versailles is located 16 km from Paris, so most travelers arrive in the French capital by plane. From Paris to Versailles can be reached by railroad: by RER on line C, as well as regular commuter trains from Saint-Lazare or Montparnasse train stations. Travel time is 25-40 minutes, but electric trains stop at different stations, from where to go for another 15 minutes to half an hour.
Another option is a bus that travels from the Pont de Sevres metro station in about 40 minutes. In addition, you can get there by taxi, rented car and even bike.
Versailles maps
The main historical districts are compactly located within walking distance of both the former royal palace and any of the three train stations, therefore The best way movement in Versailles - on foot. If you wish, you can save time and use local buses, which are easily recognizable by their blue and white coloring and route lettering. You can calculate the route, get information about traffic jams and traffic schedule at the office. the site of the Phebus company responsible for intracity transportation. A single ticket can be purchased from the driver for 1.90 EUR, it is valid until any stop.
The three main streets of Versailles - avenue de Saint Cloude, avenue de Paris and avenue de Sceaux - fan out from the place d'Armes, located directly in front of the palace entrance. At the very beginning of the avenue de Paris is the Versailles tourism office.
Versailles Palace rivals in popularity with Eiffel tower, regardless of the season, millions of tourists visit it. In order not to jostle your elbows in the crowd, it is best to come here early in the morning. Sunday (day off in France) and Tuesday (when most Parisian museums are closed) are traditionally bad days to visit. On Mondays, the castle and park are closed, but there are almost no tourists in the city itself.
If the very unique local atmosphere arouses your interest no less than famous palace, try to visit Versailles on Thursday or Saturday when the flea market of Notre Dame is open. For a tourist, this will become not only an opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs, but also to feel the spirit of Versailles - over 300 years of existence, this market has become a real focus of city life.
Versailles Accommodation
It makes sense to stay in Versailles if you decide to devote two days or more to the city - otherwise it is much easier (and often cheaper) to rent a room in the 5-6th arrondissements of Paris.
Palace of Madame Elisabeth (Domaine de Montreuil)
The Royal Palace is not the only one in Versailles. In the very heart of the city, in the middle of a well-kept park with an area of 8 hectares, the Montreuil Palace is located. Louis XVI bought this elegant building in 1785 and presented it to his younger sister Elizabeth. Now the palace is owned by the state; it often hosts thematic exhibitions. The park is open to the public from March to November, and any tourist can admire exotic trees, including giant sequoias, without hindrance. Address: Avenue de Paris, 73.
Weather
The Versailles climate differs little from the Parisian one: winters are usually mild and humid, in summer (especially in August) it can be really hot, and most of the precipitation falls in spring and autumn. The coldest month is January, and although its average temperature is above + 6 ° C, cold winds often come from the east, "delighting" tourists and local residents with sleet.
Holidays and events
Versailles is a city in which something is constantly happening. In the summer season, the increased attention of tourists is attracted by music shows in royal park- Les Jardins Musicaux and Les Grandes Eaux Musucales. On Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, you can enjoy a stroll through the park alleys to the music of the Baroque era, watching the overflow of water jets in the fountains. If you did not manage to visit Versailles during the season, you can listen to the music of the era of kings in the city theater, under the auspices of the local society of baroque music lovers, regular concerts are held there.
French theatergoers are eager to visit Versailles in June, when Moliere's Month is held, a cultural event of national importance. At this time, more than 250 performances are presented to the public on indoor venues and right on the streets of the city, from classical drama to avant-garde performances.
In autumn (usually September), the city becomes a Mecca for lovers of completely different music - an annual jazz festival is held there. Rockers visit Versailles in April, the time of the Potager du Rock festival, where you can listen to bands of a wide variety of genres - from reggae to heavy metal.
For almost a whole century, Versailles actually served as the capital of France. It was here, in the famous Palace of Versailles, that the fate of the country was decided, important diplomatic issues were resolved, decrees were issued, and so on. The improvement and internal structure of the city became an example for inheritance in many European countries... And even the capital of the United States, Washington, was modeled after the French royal residence.
Now Versailles is a cozy bourgeois city with a long history, sights of world historical and cultural importance and a well-developed infrastructure.
This museum has at its disposal exhibits that are associated with three completely different branches of history and culture. Firstly, here are collected exhibits that are of local lore value and are directly related to the history of Versailles. Secondly, several halls of the museum are dedicated to the significant date French history- the great Revolution.
It is not surprising that it is in the Museum of Versailles that there are so many exhibits related to that bloody event, because it was from this city that the Revolution began its course as a country. Well, and thirdly, the museum displays exhibits of fine art, including many paintings by famous artists.
Location: 54 - Boulevard de la Reine.
The Church of Notre Dame at Versailles was built with the thought of the noble nobles who lived in the palace. It was specially erected in close proximity to the residence of the kings, so that they could attend Mass without going far into the city.
The church was built in the best traditions of classicism with the addition of some elements of medieval Gothic. The interior of the church was not destroyed even during the bloody events of the Great French Revolution, so anyone can enjoy the interior luxury of the church, which has been preserved since ancient times.
Over time, the number of parishioners in the Church of Notre Dame increased to such an extent that the building was not able to accommodate everyone who wanted to attend Mass. It was then, by order of the king, that the Cathedral of Saint-Louis was built. Light shades and graceful decor of the temple corresponds to the best traditions of the Rococo style, which was fashionable at that time. Unlike the Church of Notre Dame, the Cathedral of Saint Louis was badly damaged during the French Revolution. The interior utensils of the temple of those times were lost during the historical events of those times.
Another name for this luxurious palace- Castle Montreuil... It is not inferior to the splendor and richness of the decoration of the famous Royal Palace. It was built by order of King Louis XVI in honor of his sister Elizabeth.
The park at the palace is open to the public for all tourists, and various cultural events are often held on the territory of the palace. The highlight of the palace is the giant sequoias growing in its park.
This is the first place worth visiting for a tourist in Versailles. The palace is its main attraction, a highlight, business card... Speaking of Versailles, the first thing that comes to mind is the Palace of Versailles.
Built during the reign of King Louis XIII, for a long time it was a royal residence, a place where intrigues were woven and the fate of the country was decided. The Palace of Versailles became an example for inheritance in the construction of many similar buildings. By itself, it is an excellent example of classicism in architecture.
The city of Versailles is famous for its palace and park ensemble, and one of the most striking parts of it are the Gardens and the Park of Versailles. To see them, you need to move west from the Palace of Versailles.
The Gardens and the Park, erected during the reign of King Louis XIV, have not at all lost their majesty and beauty. Today, by the hands of many gardeners and landscape designers, nine hundred hectares of parkland are ideally maintained.
As mentioned earlier, the main attraction of Versailles is its Royal Palace. And many tourists come to the city precisely because of him, while losing sight of another palace, which is no less worthy of attention. The Grand Trianon is just two kilometers from the Palace of Versailles and can be easily reached on foot or by a special tourist train.
The park and architectural ensemble of this palace is made up of well-groomed alleys, fountains, a centuries-old garden and much more, which makes this palace ideal place for walking on a sultry day and not only.
The Lesser Trianon Palace forms a single architectural ensemble with the Grand Trianon, surrounded by masterpieces of park art. The palace was built in the neoclassical style and is a masterpiece of this trend in architecture in France.
The construction of the palace has a long history. It was built at the request of one of the favorites of King Louis XV, Madame de Pompadour. However, the girl did not manage to live until the day the work on the palaces was completed, and soon a new favorite of the king became its inhabitant. Later, Queen Marie Antoinette became the owner of the palace.
Tourist brochures often overlook this city attraction, but the Royal Garden is well worth it. To visit him. It was here that at one time vegetables and fruits were grown for the monarch's table.
Now the best representatives of the school of gardening and landscape design in all of France are being trained here. This school has a long history that any tourist can learn during an exciting excursion.
The tradition of building chapels at the palace has been rooted among noble families since the Middle Ages .. People came here to communicate with God, to pray or ask him for help; dead relatives were buried here.
The Palace of Versailles is also famous for its chapels. There are five of them and the last chapel has acquired the main architectural value among tourists. They were not built immediately, but as the Palace of Versailles grew.
The mirror gallery is a real highlight Royal Palace at Versailles. She was equipped in the time of the Sun King. Then it was called simply the Great Gallery. The function of this gallery was to connect the chambers of the king and queen, but later important diplomatic events also took place here. The king often received ambassadors in the gallery in order to demonstrate to them, by the example of one place, all the luxury of the Palace of Versailles.
It should be noted that despite the current magnificent decoration of the gallery, which can amaze everyone and everyone with its wealth, the gallery used to be even more luxurious. But when times fell, the king was forced to melt many silver elements of the interior into coins so that the country had the opportunity to maintain an army.
Not far from the Little Trianon, which was presented to the queen, by her order, a small village with twelve rural houses was erected, with a large mill.
All this was done so that the queen could take a break from the hardships of court life. Here Marie Antoinette could enjoy the delights of rural life, which in fact were nothing more than a theatrical performance: country girls sang folk motives theatrically, washing their linen every day, washing the cows thoroughly every day and tying them with colored ribbons. Today the village is a popular tourist attraction.
The Montansier Theater is located just a few steps from the Palace of Versailles, so after a long walk along the alleys of the palace park, everyone can look here for a performance, especially since the repertoire here is constantly updated. Spectators have the opportunity to enjoy both dramatic and choreographic performances.
The Arboretum is a natural park, on the territory of which more than two and a half thousand species of plants brought here from all over the world are collected. There are also greenhouses with exotic plant species and the Museum of Natural History.
