Версаль

Do

thumb|400px|Palace from the back thumb|400px|Some of the gardens

Consider taking an audioguide tour of the château, available in several languages from various reception points within the palace and grounds. The day pass price includes the audio tour. Within the grounds in the Summer there are a number of activities including a train ride, rowing boat and cycle hire. The mini-train is really the only time efficient way to get an overview of the entire grounds, which include his and hers residence palaces, which otherwise are at least a 30-minute walk each way from the main palace. The mini-train also stops along the , where there is a cafe and a snack shop. For €30 it is also possible to hire a golf-style buggy for one hour in order to explore the expansive grounds. Consider taking a guided tour of Versailles that will allow you to bypass the regular entrance line and visit the palace and grounds with your own guide. There are several companies that are known for their Versailles Tours, departing from Paris: Aeon Tours of Paris, Oui Paris Tours, Classic Walks , and Gray Line. If you prefer to go by train (RER C) to Versailles, you will find just outside the railway station Versailles Rive Gauche a local company called Guidatours that offers either entrance tickets or guided tours of the Palace of Versailles at very attractive rates: Additionally, a short walk into town can provide a welcome contrast to the hectic, tourist-filled château. The town is like most others in Fran…

Eat

Versailles (the town) has any number of good places to eat whilst visiting. Once you have made it into the palace grounds, however, it is far more convenient to eat there — the alternative is to hike back into the town, before returning to the Palace (time better spent viewing the rooms and grounds). The grounds are also perfect for picnicking in warm and/or dry weather.

A number of other options exist: In the Château, there is a Ore restaurant (managed by Alain Ducasse) on the 1st floor (access on the Royal Courtyard), an Angelina restaurant close to the Battles Gallery, on the 1st floor, and a cheaper Grand Café d'Orléans is on the ground floor not far from the Royal Courtyard. Within the formal gardens, there are 2 informal restaurants, La Flottille and La Petite Venise, on Petite Venise (from the Château, head back directly through the gardens to the start of the canal - Petite Venise and the restaurants can then be found to the right). Several kiosks serving snacks and fast food can be found in the gardens (Bosquet du Dauphin & Bosquet de la Girandole) and an Angelina Terrace near the Petit Trianon.

There are also restaurants outside of the palace that are also enjoyable such as: Monument Café, a new innovative restaurant where you'll find excellent all-you-can-eat buffets (brunch, cold dishes, hot French specialities, desserts) in an atmosphere that will show you a virtual visit of Versailles, with high tech tools. They also organize guided tours and wine tastings. A …

Drink

Versailles might not be the best town in which to party. However it is fairly easy to mix with the locals.

There is a little concentration of bars (and restaurants) on the Place du Marché (at the junction of the Rue de la Paroisse, and Rue du Maréchal Foch). This is where most young people go out at night. Tables outside the terraces are plentiful in the nice months. Exploring the walking alleys from the Place du Marché can also reveal less know restaurants.

Another popular bar with Versailles' youth is the O'Paris, on the Avenue de Saint-Cloud, very close to the Château's Place d'Armes (on the right-hand side when facing the Château). They often play sport events inside. Tables outside are also available when it is warm enough.

Sleep

thumbnail|Pullman's entrance is a sight in itself The Ibis Chateau de Versailles Hotel is in the centre of town. It has 85 air conditioned rooms, three of which have been altered for disabled patrons. It includes a 24-hour bar, complimentary parking, and Wi-Fi. The Pullman Versailles Chateau is a luxury hotel which includes a pool, their restaurant, the LM Cafe which serves Mediterranean cuisine, 24-hour room service, free Internet access, a bar, and a 24-hour fitness center and sauna. The Residence Du Berry is the place to stay if you are looking for an old century feel with the amenities of a modern luxurious hotel. 5-minute walk from the Parc de Versailles.

Go next

Giverny - Visit the house and gardens of the Impressionist painter Claude Monet. For all of the history buffs, jump on the train for a quick ride to . This is the location where aristocrats were taken during the time of the French Revolution to be beheaded at the guillotine. Also, famous aristocrats, King Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette, were beheaded here. Today it has been replaced by a fountain and an obelisk. Saint-Cloud, Rueil-Malmaison and Rambouillet are also major destinations for those interested in French royal history.