Place of interest in Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is probably one of the most popular tourist attractions in France. The palace and its gardens are gorgeous and extravagant, putting the motives of the French Revolution into perspective. Due to its popularity, one should be prepared to fight lines and crowds no matter the season of your visit. However, the summer months are particularly brutal in regards to crowdedness. The easiest way to combat big crowds is to splurge for a timed ticket. If you buy the timed ticket online, then you will be able to skip the line at your designated time and begin your tour of the palace with an audio guide. If you are under 26 and an EU resident, then you will be able to get a timed ticket for free. However, for those over 26, the timed tickets are €27. A normal ticket to the palace will cost you €18 which includes an audio guide, temporary exhibits, gardens and the coach gallery.
Within the palace, you will see the Hall of Mirrors, the King’s Apartments and Gallery of Great Battles. All of these portions of the palace are spectacular so be sure to soak all the grandeur in! It’s like truly walking into a fairy tale or your high school textbook. While at the palace, make sure you have enough time to visit the gardens which are lovely no matter which season you visit. In the gardens, you will see the artistry of French gardener André Le Nôtre. The gardens are free to enter making it a prime location for summer picnics and gatherings. Take note that the statues are brought inside during the winter for protection, however, the statues in the ponds stay put all year round.
Just beyond the gardens is the Estate of Trianon, which is connected mostly to Marie-Antoinette, but in reality, the tiny estate dates back to King Louis XIV. Even though this little escape is only a few minutes’ walk into the gardens behind the main castle, it truly seems like you have gone to another small town. Check to see if the entrance to the estate is included in your ticket, but if you'd like, it is possible to buy an Estate of Trianon ticket only for €12 or free for those EU residents under 26.