How To Have The Perfect Palace Of Versailles Day Trip From Paris!

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One thing Paris is famous for is opulence and luxury, and the best place to see this at its finest is on a day trip to a grand, 17th-century palace on a day trip from Paris to Versailles. 

Within a metro journey, you can be out of the chaos of the bustling capital, and transported into a calm, sophisticated atmosphere at Versailles, which showcases the extravagant lifestyle of French royalty.

It only took us 20 minutes from our Montparnasse hotel location to get to Versailles. Let me tell you, it was worth it BUT it was also an intense day of exploring (especially on a hot day while jetlagged!). 

You may think this is just one beautiful palace! But, no, it’s an estate of over 800 hectares that includes the Chateau of Versailles, the Gardens, Estates of Trianon, and parklands. 

Visiting Versailles is no easy task, as we came to learn on our trip to Paris this summer. Which is why we prepared this guide on how to have the perfect Paris to Versailles day trip so you can explore this magnificent palace with ease.

We’ll be uncovering the palace’s history, highlight the unmissable sights and attractions, as well as detail some of the best ways to get there.

So, when you’re ready to unravel the secrets of this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site, keep reading to see the best way to spend a day there.

History of Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles, or Chateau de Versailles as the French call it, is the original hunting lodge and private retreat for Louis XIII, before it was transformed into a grand residence by his son, Louis XIV. 

The palace encompasses around 2,300 rooms, including the iconic Hall of Mirrors and the lavish apartments of the king and queen. 

The opulent interiors were adorned with exquisite artwork, intricate tapestries, and luxurious furnishings, showcasing the wealth and influence of the French monarchy.

The palace is a mixture of designs under the guidance of several renowned French architects and landscape designers for the royal family. The neoclassical style in which you see today is partly thanks to a multi-millionaire American philanthropist known as John D who donated $2,166,000 in 1925-1928 to restore and refurbish the palace. 

Construction of the palace began in 1661, and over the next several decades, the palace evolved into a…