Versailles. That word alone conjures up royal opulence above what the mind can comprehend! We went to Paris during a “shoulder” month–the first of April, so the crowds were minimal. I’ve heard that summer can be pretty busy, so if you find yourself there in June or July, embrace the crowds, buy tickets ahead of time, and indulge in the extras- the garden and the row boats, along with lunch or dinner! Watch the sun set over the gardens! So inviting and magical. Although we did not visit the Queen’s Hamlet, my friend said it was a must-see–so put this on the list, too, if you have time. We decided to Uber to the palace and return the same way. This is about a 30 – 45 minute drive, depending on traffic. Want to engage in a tour? Take a bus? Metro? Ride bikes? Check out this post from a blogger who gives you lots of resources!

Versailles is full of fascinating history! Here are some fun facts:

• Originally a hunting lodge – Before becoming a grand palace, Versailles was a modest hunting lodge built by Louis XIII in 1623.
• Louis XIV’s vision – The Sun King transformed Versailles into a symbol of absolute monarchy, moving the royal court there in 1682.
• Massive gardens – The gardens span 800 hectares, featuring 1,400 fountains, 200,000 trees, and 5.57 km of canals.
• A royal residence until the French Revolution – Versailles housed French kings until 1789, when revolutionaries overthrew the monarchy.
• The Treaty of Versailles – Signed in 1919, this treaty officially ended World War I.
• World’s largest royal domain – Versailles is considered the largest royal estate in the world.

The gardens are so breathtaking and awe-inspiring! You could get lost in the mazes of gardens!

The Gardens of Versailles are a breathtaking masterpiece of landscape design. They cover a meticulously arranged greenery, fountains, and sculptures. Designed by André Le Nôtre, the gardens reflect the grandeur of Louis XIV’s vision and embody the elegance of French formal garden style.

At the heart of the gardens lies the Grand Canal, a vast waterway stretching 5.57 km, once used for gondola rides. The gardens feature 50 fountains, 620 water jets, and 200,000 trees, creating a harmonious blend of nature and artistry. Ornamental flower beds, geometric pathways, and classical statues enhance the regal atmosphere, while the Latona Fountain and Apollo Fountain serve as iconic focal points.

Beyond their beauty, the gardens played a significant role in court life, serving as a venue for royal celebrations and theatrical performances. Today, they remain one of the most visited sites in France, offering visitors a glimpse into the opulence of Versailles’ golden age.

Stay for the sunset. Sit on the stairs and gaze at the changing colors over the trees and the canal.

We also had lunch at Angelina’s, which featured delicious citrus/mint tea and a pastry/dessert menu. They also have a cafeteria if you do not want to formally dine.

There are many things to do and see at Versailles, allowing you to spend days exploring! How you experience the palace, gardens, and various activities is entirely up to you. You can do as little or as much as you like, but visit the gardens.

I will always treasure our enchanting rowboat experience. Gliding through the shimmering water, I felt like I had stepped into a serene oasis, where the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft lapping of waves invited tranquility. The sunlight danced upon the surface, creating a magical tapestry of reflections. The graceful presence of a white swan truly captivated us—a stunning creature, its feathers gleaming like freshly fallen snow against the backdrop of vibrant greens and blues. Watching it glide effortlessly across the water, I felt my heart swell with appreciation for the beauty of nature surrounding us.

Lovers embraced, children played, and avid runners found refuge in a place to log their miles, along with artists, who surrounded us, are still etched in our minds. During the last hour (our time slot), we created a space where we ended up being the last ones on the water, with fewer crowds, and we joined a rowing team!

Tomorrow is Sunday, and our trip is coming to an end. A friend texted us to ask if I had visited Montmartre. It was her favorite spot during her visit years ago, and she still has fond memories of it. We decided to change our plans and spend the day in Montmartre! What a stroke of divine intervention! It turned out to be yet another magical day in Paris! We can’t wait to share!