City break in Versailles. Active leisure ideas for Versailles - attractions, recreation and nightlife

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 interesting activities that will make the acquaintance with this place even more exciting and unforgettable. The infrastructure of the palace includes many auxiliary buildings, such as the Grandes Écuries. Horses were the main “transport” for nobility in the past, so the stables look like a precious architectural landmark.

Nowadays, the prestigious Académie du Spectacle Équestre is open in that building. Visitors are welcome to attend fantastic equestrian shows, such as Reprises Musicales. One needs to buy tickets beforehand to be able to see the spectacular shows – as a rule, the tickets are sold out several weeks in advance. Visitors of the musical shows are also allowed to enter the stables and see training sessions. There is also the Petites Écuries nearby. The small stable is currently the location of Versailles’ School of Architecture.

Foodies will find it very satisfying to explore the Marche Notre-Dame. This is a very old market that has provided the population of the town of Versailles with food for centuries. The market was famous already during the reign of Louis XIV. In 1841, the covered market was built on the site of the previous one. Nowadays, the gorgeous market consists of four buildings that offer all kinds of delicacies. Moreover, the selection of food for sale is even bigger on Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday as an open-air part of the market is open on these days. Finest and freshest food, both locally sourced and brought from different regions of France, will not leave anyone indifferent. Cheese, fish, meats, fruits, vegetables, seafood – everyone will find something suitable at the Marche Notre-Dame. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Experienced travelers come to the market to try local delicacies, such as escargots (French snails) with garlic and parsley butter. This market looks very authentic with its historical architecture and sellers who bring their goods for sale in wheeled shopping carts. If street food doesn’t interest you much, there are several charming restaurants around the market square that serve mostly French cuisine.

Music fans will likely not want to miss an opportunity to see the Royal Opera. It is a gorgeous venue built for the wedding of Louis. Despite its age, the building is in a great condition and looks even more impressive inside with its posh chandeliers and wooden panels. However, the opera house is famous not only for its design but also for the excellent acoustic. Tickets to opera performances are not cheap, but fans of this music style will be more than satisfied.

Active travelers and everyone interested in extreme sports will not want to miss an opportunity to make a helicopter flight above Versailles! There are several companies that offer this entertainment at the airport Toussus-le-Noble. Professional instructors offer several types of flights including educational flights, during which visitors will find out new and interesting information. Travelers can even take control of the aircraft, but only during the initiation step. Observing Versailles from a bird’s eye view is a truly mesmerizing experience.

Both adult travelers and vacationers with children like Ferme de Viltain. It is a beautiful farm that grows fruits, vegetables, berries, and even flowers. All visitors are welcome to come to the farm, pick the harvest themselves, and then pay for their fruits or vegetables at the exit. The farm is an eco-friendly place that grows organic food, so even tourists with small children can be sure in the safety of this food. Kids usually like this idea and consider fruit or vegetable gathering an exciting game.