Versailles' rich historical heritage makes it an unmissable destination in the department of Yvelines. The famous Palace of Versailles, surrounded by its majestic gardens designed by André le Nôtre, is top of the bill of course, but the town also has other gems that it would be a shame to miss.
As you explore its old neighbourhoods, you'll discover all the architecture of the 17th and 18th centuries in all its refinement. In the Vieux-Versailles district, the historic heart of the town, you'll be dazzled by the many prestigious monuments, such as the Recollects convent, the former Foreign Affairs and Navy building, now the municipal library, the Grand Commun, which housed the kitchens under Louis XIV, and the Royal Tennis Court, an emblematic site of the French Revolution.
In the Saint-Louis quarter, you'll discover the superb Cathedral of St. Louis and its period paintings, the King's Kitchen Garden and its nine hectares, and the Carrés Saint-Louis, a group of small houses dating back to the time of Louis XV. With its fifty or so antique shops, the Antiquaires quarter is the place for lovers of vintage items, and is also where you can pay a visit to the Lambinet Museum, devoted to art and the history of the town. In the Notre-Dame quarter, the oldest part of Versailles, stands the unmissable church of the same name, built from 1743 onwards by Jacques Hardouin-Mansart de Sagonne. It's not far from the Montansier Theatre, an 18th-century Italian-style theatre, and the Carrés Notre-Dame, where a well-known market is held every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday morning. Near the palace, the Garden and the Court of Scents will delight your senses, with businesses and shops specialising in the decorative arts, tableware and gastronomy.
The list goes on! Amongst other treasures, must-sees include the prestigious riding school of the National Equestrian Academy of the Estate of Versailles, the Gallery of Coaches, Balbi Park and Madame Élisabeth's Estate, once home to Louis XVI's younger sister, as well as the cobbled streets of the Montbauron quarter and the village charm of the Montreuil quarter.
On top of all these attractions, Versailles is also a green town, with green spaces covering half of its surface area, and a cultural town that hosts all kinds of events all year round (exhibitions, concerts, theatre performances...).
Located twenty kilometers from Paris, in the heart of Yvelines, the town of Versailles has a worldwide reputation. Bordering the Hauts-de-Seine, it takes place on the outskirts of Vaucresson, Marnes-la-Coquette or Saint-Cyr-l'Ecole.
New city created by the great Sun King, Louis XIV, Versailles was however already populated in the Gallo-Roman era as evidenced by the remains found on the spot. This ancient medieval village flourishes in the 17th century, endowed with its most beautiful attribute, the famous castle of Versailles. Former seat of political power, the city was the cradle of the French Revolution in the eighteenth century. It is thus illustrated twice in history, including the signing of the Treaty of Paris of 1783, marking the end of the American War of Independence, and then with the Treaty of Versailles which marks the end of the First World War.
Particularly touristy today, the Ile-de-France city attracts millions of people from all over the world who want to discover its most famous treasures, but also its elegant and charming architecture.
Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and listed as a Historical Monument, the Versailles is the largest tourist site in the city. It includes the famous castle, exceptional gardens, the small and large Trianon, or the Hameau de la Reine. Residence of Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI, the castle of Versailles impresses with its size and grace. Spread over more than 63,000 m², it bears witness to the French art of its time. It is possible today to admire the apartments of the king and queen, the famous Hall of Mirrors, the apartments of the Dauphin and the Dauphine, or the gallery of Battles. Work of André Le Nôtre, the gardens are divided into delicious groves rich in surprises and statuary. The fountains that made the reputation of the site still flow to the delight of visitors. Dependence of the small Trianon, the Hamlet of the Queen seduced by its simplicity in nature. Haven of peace of Queen Marie Antoinette, it reveals a more rustic decor.
The domain of Versailles also consists of buildings scattered in the city like the Grand Commun, a work of Jules Hardouin-Mansart which today houses the administrative services of the castle, the Great Stable with its museum of coaches, the small stable which houses the National School of Architecture Versailles, the stables of the Queen who host the Court of Appeal, or the police and the chamber of commerce.
Also the work of Jules Hardouin-Mansart, the Saint-Louis cathedral was inaugurated in the middle of the 18th century and erected into a cathedral a few decades later. Listed as a Historic Monument, it has a beautiful facade adorned with Doric and Corinthian columns, as well as two campaniles. Inside, you can admire a style in honor of Louis XV, a great simplicity.
The royal chapel of the early eighteenth century with its vaulted paintings of Antoine Coypel is also worth a visit, as the former royal hospital of Versailles, the chapel of the Immaculate Conception, or the chapel Notre-Dame-des -Armées.
Do not miss to admire the Notre-Dame-de-l'Espérance chapel, the Récollets convent, the Saint-Symphorien church, the Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc church or the Notre-Dame church., the oldest of the town and the work of Jules Hardouin-Mansart.
Several monumental statues paying tribute to the greatest men of Versailles are also located on the town like those of Le Nôtre, Hardouin-Mansart, Louis XIV or Ferdinand de Lesseps.
The museums are also very present with that of history of France inside the castle of Versailles, the room of the Jeu de Paume, the Lambinet museum and its collections evoking the history of the city, or the osmotheque, museum located inside the International Higher Institute of Perfume, Cosmetics, and Food Aromatic.
The green spaces abound on the former royal commune, and it is possible to admire the vegetable garden of the King classified Historical Monuments with its nine hectares, Park Balbi, a park also classified English, or the orangery and the domain of Madame Elisabeth. The city has also been awarded four flowers in the contest of towns and villages in France.
The markets are held on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays in the morning. A very famous Christmas market is also proposed in December with various animations.
At the end of June, La Grande Ambulation is a festive rendezvous that sees the pedestrianization of the departmental road 10 between the castle and Saint-Cyr. On the program, more than 25,000 walkers, rollerbladers, or scooters enjoy fanfares, sports and musical entertainment or the grand parade.
Every summer, it is possible to admire the great waters in music at the castle of Versailles. The event is part of the Versailles Festival, which also offers a show of fire and light, concerts of classical music, Galantes Festivals, the costume ball, or even operas.
From October to November, place at the funfair of Versailles.
Molière Month
- From 1 to 30 june 2024
- The whole city becomes a big open-air stage, to live together a warm, festive and educational event.
