How to Plan Your Visit to Versailles: Palace of Versailles Full Access Entry Ticket

If you’re planning a visit to France, a trip to the Palace of Versailles is a must-do experience. This UNESCO-listed property is one of the most beautiful and historic sites in the world, and it’s a great way to learn more about French history and culture.

Booking a Full Access Entry Ticket is the best way to make the most of your trip to Versailles. With this ticket, you’ll gain access to all the major attractions of the property, from the Palace and Gardens to the private estate of Marie Antoinette.

Here’s how to plan your trip to the Palace of Versailles with a Full Access Entry Ticket:

Step 1: Book Your Full Access Entry Ticket

The first step to planning your trip to the Palace of Versailles is to book your Full Access Entry Ticket. We recommend booking your ticket online through GetYourGuide.com for a hassle-free experience.

The Full Access Entry Ticket includes access to the Palace, Gardens, Estate of Trianon, and temporary exhibitions when available. You’ll also get timed entry to the Palace to avoid long lines and crowds.

Step 2: Plan Your Visit to the Palace of Versailles

Once you have your Full Access Entry Ticket, it’s time to start planning your visit to the Palace of Versailles. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip:

Explore the Palace

The Palace of Versailles is one of the most ornate and opulent properties in the world, with stunning State Apartments and lavish décor. Be sure to take your time exploring the Palace and learning more about the “Sun King” and other legends of the French monarchy.

Visit the Palace Gardens

The Palace Gardens are one of the highlights of any trip to Versailles. Take a leisurely stroll through the perfectly manicured gardens, see the sun reflected off the two large pools beside the water parterre, and admire the beauty of the fountains.

Discover Marie-Antoinette’s Château

Located on the palace grounds, the private estate of Marie Antoinette is a must-see attraction. Visit the idyllic Queen’s Hamlet and learn more about the fascinating life of this iconic figure.

Step 3: Take Advantage of Additional Attractions

In addition to the Palace, Gardens, and Estate of Trianon, your Full Access Entry Ticket also includes access to temporary exhibitions when available and either the Musical Gardens or Fountain Show during the show season (April-October).

Be sure to check the schedule to take advantage of these additional attractions and enhance your experience at the Palace of Versailles.

Step 4: Come Prepared

To make the most of your visit to the Palace of Versailles, it’s important to come prepared. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The Palace and Gardens are sprawling, so it’s important to wear comfortable shoes to make the most of your visit.

Bring Sunscreen and Water

The Gardens can get hot and sunny, so it’s important to bring sunscreen and water to stay hydrated and protected from the sun.

Be Respectful of the Property

The Palace and Gardens are historic and beautiful, so it’s important to be respectful of the property and follow any rules and regulations.

Book the tour here on GetYourGuide.com and get ready to experience the beauty and history of the Palace of Versailles with a Full Access Entry Ticket.

An Insider’s Guide to Exploring Versailles

Versailles, located in the Île-de-France region of France, is known for its stunning Palace of Versailles and formal French gardens. However, there are many more hidden gems to explore in this charming royal city. Here is an insider’s guide to exploring Versailles that will make your visit unforgettable.

Local Attractions: Hidden Gems

While the Palace of Versailles is a must-visit, there are many other attractions that the city has to offer. One of the hidden gems of Versailles is the Potager du Roi or the King’s Kitchen Garden. This beautifully designed garden is where the kings of France would once come to pick fresh produce for their kitchens. The garden is now open to the public and offers a serene environment with a stunning range of fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

Another hidden gem is the Marché Notre-Dame, the city’s bustling market. This market has been around since the 17th century and is a hub for locals to buy fresh produce, cheeses, meats, and other culinary treats of the region. In addition to serving as a shopping destination, the market is also an excellent spot to people-watch and soak in the local atmosphere.

Dining Spots

When in Versailles, you cannot miss the quintessentially French boulangeries offering freshly baked baguettes and croissants. Although there are plenty of cafes and restaurants in the city, Le Saint-Julien is a standout dining spot that offers traditional French cuisine in an intimate ambience.

One must-try dish is their Foie Gras de Canard, a regional delicacy made of the liver of a specially fattened duck. If you want a taste of the local cuisine, do not forget to try the Escargots, snails cooked in garlic butter, which are surprisingly delicious despite being an acquired taste.

Cultural Experiences

Versailles is steeped in rich history and art, and its plethora of museums offers an excellent opportunity to indulge in the city’s cultural offerings. For art enthusiasts, a visit to the Musée Lambinet is a must. This museum was once a mansion and now displays a diverse collection of decorative arts, paintings, and sculptures from the 18th and 19th centuries.

If you’re interested in learning about the city’s music traditions, then you’d love visiting the National Opera of Paris which hosts live shows and performances for its visitors. Another cultural experience is the Fêtes Galantes, a costume ball hosted by the Palace of Versailles where guests dress up in period costumes to experience the courtly life from the time of King Louis XIV.

Local History

Versailles is steeped in history, but there is one story that visitors must know before they venture into the city’s streets, which is the legend of the Château de la Petite Malmaison. This small castle was once the residence of Josephine de Beauharnais, the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. After the fall of the Empire, she lost her home, wealth, and husband, but she returned to live in the Petite Malmaison for her remaining years. Her story of resilience and making the best out of difficult situations is a true inspiration for visitors.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you want to explore Versailles beyond the usual tourist hotspots, then hire an electric boat at the Grand Canal and explore the gardens at a relaxed pace. Another option would be to visit the Parc des Chanteraines, a natural park in the heart of Versailles, which has an extensive network of bike trails and walking paths.

You can also take a day trip to the nearby Forest of Rambouillet and immerse yourself in nature, which is home to the royal hunting ground and has over 200 kilometers of marked trails for you to explore.

With this insider’s guide, you are equipped to explore Versailles beyond the Palace to discover hidden gems, local cuisine, cultural experiences, and off-the-beaten-path adventures. By experiencing the lesser-known aspects of this elegant royal city, you are sure to create unforgettable memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.