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Versailles

Culture of Versailles. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

The famous town of Versailles is located not far from Paris. Without a doubt, it has gained worldwide recognition thanks to its unique landmark – the Palace of Versailles. For many years, the city has been the main residence of French kings. Nowadays, it remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in France. Travelers from all parts of the world come to Versailles to see the incredibly beautiful palace and walk in the miraculous park.

Your active city break in Versailles. Attractions, recreation and entertainment - best places to spend your day and night here

Without a doubt, vast majority of travelers come to Versailles to see the architectural masterpiece and explore the UNESCO-listed landmark. That said, curious travelers will also find some …

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Start your observation of the architectural landmarks of the complex from the eastern part of the main palace, the length of which is 680 meters. Each hall of the palace is made in an inimitable style, but the pantheon of Greek Gods remains the main inspiration of the design. Skillfully made marble décor, amazing handmade statues, and furniture with velvet upholstery decorate spacious halls of the palace. Outside, visitors will see gorgeous bronze statues of Greek gods.

The Salon of Venus is one of the most beautiful halls in the palace. There is a magnificent statue of Louis XIV inside. The king liked that room and often relaxed or had fun there. There was a billiard table in the center of the salon and stools at the perimeter of the room, so court ladies and gentlemen could see the king play. The Salon of Apollo simply strikes with luxurious design. In the past, it was a frequent location of different official ceremonies. The Hall of Mirrors is considered the heart of the palace. The spacious hall is decorated with 357 mirror panels, gorgeous crystal chandeliers, and large vases with orange trees. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Advices to travellers: what you should know while being in Versailles

1. Paris and Versailles are connected by the RER trains, so it will take no more than half an hour to reach the latter from the capital. 2. Fountains in Versailles work on certain hours …

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There are two famous buildings near the main palace – the Grand and Petit Trianon palaces. They were also built by the order of Louis XIV. Later, Napoleon Bonaparte with his family lived in that palace. Wonderful gardens that surround the palace complex are exceptionally elegant and good looking. There is a canal in the central part of the park. Rows of trees, fountains, and statues surround the canal on both sides. The length of the canal is roughly 6 kilometers. During a walk along the canal, visitors will see wonderful flower compositions and relax in charming and comfortable summer houses.

Apollo Fountain is one of the main decorations of the park. It includes an unusual sculpture composition – Apollo’s chariot that appears out of water. The building of the park complex started yet in 1624. Nowadays, tourists will need more than one day full of excursions to see all treasures of Versailles.

Versailles design-hotels for stylish travellers

Choosing a stylish hotel in Versailles, please pay special attention to Hotel du Jeu de Paume. Its interior designed in a modern style is full of bright colors and cozy light rooms are …

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Northwest of the main estate in the palace complex, visitors will see another gorgeous architecture landmark, the Domaine de Marie-Antoinette. It is a gorgeous structure that never ceases to amaze visitors with its elegance and inimitable beauty. Continue exploring this part of the complex to see Hameau de la Reine. It is an idyllic village that was built inside the royal park. Cute thatched cottages located near a lake and even a mill – everything was constructed solely for the purpose of amusement. The buildings, the lake, and the mill were built from 1775 to 1784. Marie Antoinette likes this part of Versailles and often spent time there.

Versailles fountains are so wonderful that even nowadays, centuries after their construction, they keep amazing numerous visitors. The Bassin de Neptune is the biggest and one of the most famous fountains of the complex. The fabulous fountain was built in the 17th century. The straight side of the fountain is decorated with a statue of a winged dragon or Grille du Dragon. The fountain doesn’t work most of the time, but visitors can see the spectacular landmark in action – the Bassin de Neptune flows for 10 minutes at 17:20 on the same days with musical fountain performances known as the Grandes Eaux Musicales.

Top places to stay in Versailles - most luxurious hotels

Versailles has several chic hotels that certainly deserve the attention of true connoisseurs of luxury. They include Trianon Palace Versailles, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel occupying an …

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L'Opera Royal is another interesting place in the beloved residence of Louis XIV. The hall is attractive both from an architectural point of view and as a place where you can enjoy the cultural life of the city and get spiritual upliftment. The opera is located in the North wing of the palace. The hall acquired its current appearance in the 1760s under Louis XV and was originally built in the middle of the 17th century. It is worth pointing out that this is the largest palace theater in the whole world. There is the Chapelle Royale, located in front of the opera hall. It is an elegant and majestic chapel. The interior decoration of the palace chapel is simply amazing. What is more, the historical value of the hall is also striking: the wedding of princes and the baptism of blue blood babies were held here.

You also cannot ignore another religious monument – Eglise Notre-Dame de Versailles. This is the first church which was built in the palace-park complex (17th century). Of course, in comparison with the Chapelle Royale, the church loses a little in terms of monumentality and majesty, but you can spend a very good time here getting rid of societal worries while enjoying the sounds of the organ – the building is famous for its excellent acoustics. The Cathédrale Saint-Louis looks rather unusual for a church. Decorated with columns, clocks, and pediments, the facade draws attention to itself, enticing and inviting travelers to explore the interior decoration of the church.

Best hotel choice for romantic escape, wedding or honeymoon in Versailles

Mercure Versailles Chateau stands out among the most romantic and elegant Versailles hotels. Its spacious rooms in coffee shades are ideally suited for a serene stay together, being equipped …

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The most romantic place in Versailles is the Temple de l'Amour – a rotunda with a sculpture of an angel inside. It is remarkable in the sense that it stands on a small island, which in general creates the illusion of solitude, and it is exactly due to this that the “romantic effect” is achieved. Yet another beautiful architectural monument is the Hôtel de Ville, a building constructed at the end of the 17th century. Initially, it was used as a place for audiences, later – as the building of the City Hall of Versailles. The Ancien Hôpital Roya building is also interesting from a historical viewpoint. The hospital of Versailles was located here, and today temporary exhibitions are often held here. The building was built in the style of “classicism”.

La Galerie des Batailles is a museum that is mandatory to visit. It is a giant museum, where you will find presented, paintings showcasing military actions. And, of course, with one condition – the pictures should depict the victorious battles of the French and their ancestors (there are also pictures in the picture gallery where the main characters are Gauls, Franks). Galerie des Carrosses is also worth a visit, as you will have the opportunity to see the gorgeous carriages in which representatives of the French nobility traveled. In addition to the Fountain of Apollo (Bassin d'Apollon), you should definitely enjoy the beauty of such other fountains as Bassin du Dragon, Bassin de Neptune, and Bassin de la Pyramide in Versailles.

In the section below, you can get one of our excursion, activities or city discovery tours over Versailles and surroundings. Our website offers 10-30% lower ticket prices, when compared to the offline purchase on the spot.

City tours, excursions and tickets in Versailles and surroundings

This guide to cultural sights Versailles is protected by the copyright law. You can re-publish this content with mandatory attribution: direct and active hyperlink to www.orangesmile.com.

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Reference information

Map of all palaces

Public palaces near Versailles
♥ Palace 'Château de Versailles' , 1.1 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

Culture of Versailles. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

City tours, excursions and tickets in Versailles and surroundings

Photogallery of cultural heritage of Versailles

Landmarks of culture on Versailles map: art-galleries, monuments, palaces, etc

Excursions over cultural sights of neighbours of Versailles