Palace of Versailles
Castle · Versailles ·
Opulent royal palace with ornate interiors, vast gardens, and Hall of Mirrors
Opulent royal palace with ornate interiors, vast gardens, and Hall of Mirrors
"A sprawling royal palace and grounds accessible via the Paris Museum Pass, offering grand state rooms and expansive gardens that reward an early start or a dedicated day trip to avoid peak crowds." - Lane Nieset Lane Nieset Lane Nieset is a travel writer from Miami who has lived in France for the past decade. From Paris, she covers a mix of lifestyle, wine, food, and design for publications including Food & Wine, Condé Nast Traveler, Vogue, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"In the ‘70s, Versailles was the spot for Cubans exiles to network with a Fanjul brother. The place hasn’t stopped buzzing since. The Cuban restaurant’s superpower is its mirrors. They’re on every wall, so you can bat your eyes at every fulanito and catch your business partner meeting with a competitor from across the room. But the real action is at Versailles’ ventanita, where caballeros in crispy guayaberas share coladas (and Pepito jokes) with politicians mired in scandal. Panama hats for tourists; una guayabera para papi" - ryan pfeffer, virginia otazo, mariana trabanino, julia malave
"An opulent royal estate ideal for day trips from Paris, featuring expansive formal gardens, grand state apartments, and immersive displays of French court life—well suited to visitors seeking historic architecture and landscaped grounds alongside the city's highlights." - Evie Carrick Evie Carrick Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Built by Louis XIII as a hunting lodge and transformed by Louis XIV, the opulent 17th-century château and its manicured gardens span nearly 2,000 acres. Inside the palace, you’ll find the famed Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Chapel, and some 2,300 rooms that include the King’s state apartments and Marie Antoinette’s chambers. While you’re here, make sure to also pop over to the Trianon Estate, which was originally constructed so that Louis XIV could spend time with his secret wife, Madame de Maintenon, and the National Equestrian Academy for an equestrian show and a tour of the Royal Stables." - Christina Liao
"This mind-blowing historic marvel is one of France's most opulent jewels, and is crucial to understanding the country's history and a very specific moment of leadership. A 17th century Château and estate that spans over 800 hectares (1,977 acres), The Sun King's grand creation is open for visits year-round and includes bedrooms, the King's state apartments, the Hall of Mirrors, and some 2,300 rooms in total. Annual summer exhibitions highlight the works of prominent contemporary artists like Jeff Koons, Anish Kapoor, and Olafur Eliasson, whose art is displayed in the sprawling gardens. The old and new come together beautifully, a nod to its initial mission to support artistic creations." - Lindsey Tramuta, Mary Winston Nicklin
