What to do in Versailles besides the Château : our must-sees
We've grouped together the best visits or things to do during your stay in the royal city.
Best activities in Versailles
- Bike ride in Versailles and fireworks
- Horse ride in the historic gardens
- Visit to Marie-Antoinette's Estate and the Trianon palaces
- Cité internationale de la langue française ticket
1. Dive into the royal world of the Versailles Estate (excluding the Château)
The Versailles Estate is not limited to the prestigious Château de Versailles. Here are a few ideas for visits within the estate:
- Venture to the Marie-Antoinette Estate, where the Petit and Grand Trianon are hidden away, along with the picturesque Queen's Hamlet, designed as a true bucolic refuge. Get your tickets here.
- Don't miss the sumptuous Gardens of Versailles, designed by Le Nôtre, which house ponds, groves and statues at every turn.
- Stroll through the King's Kitchen Garden, designed under Louis XIV to supply the royal table. Guided tours let you appreciate the ingenuity of the growing and pruning techniques put in place from the 17th century. A must-do walk in Versailles for nature and heritage lovers.
- Attending the Grandes Eaux Musicales will immerse you in the lavish atmosphere of the royal court, to the rhythm of Baroque music.
- Finally, end your exploration with the Galerie des Carrosses to admire the sumptuous ceremonial vehicles. A way to have a royal experience off the beaten track!
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Here are 4 stunning addresses if you want to stay in the royal city to visit the Château de Versailles and its surroundings:
2. Visit the historic Saint-Louis district with its royal chapel
Some people ask: is the town of Versailles worth visiting? Well, the answer is yes. Here are a few suggestions of things to see if you spend a weekend in Versailles.
The Saint-Louis district is a real journey back in time, with its cobbled streets and 18th-century buildings. You can admire the rigour of the royal urban planning wanted by Louis XIV, while discovering charming shops and cafés nestled in old buildings full of character. The atmosphere is particularly pleasant, especially when strolling through the little lanes in search of period architectural details.
Also enjoy the tranquillity of the Place Saint-Louis and the majestic cathedral of the same name. Finally, don't hesitate to push open the doors of some mansions, often open during cultural events or heritage days.
Another visit to make in Versailles besides the Château, the Royal Chapel of Saint-Louis. Less well known than the Château's Chapel, this chapel nevertheless deserves your full attention. Built in the mid-18th century, it has a sober and elegant architecture, enhanced by neoclassical details. Inside, you'll discover a bright nave and magnificent stained-glass windows that recall the rich religious history of the royal city. The exceptional acoustics of the place make it a prime setting for sacred music concerts, if you're lucky enough to visit during an event. The whole offers a moment of contemplation and spiritual beauty in a peaceful atmosphere, away from the tourist bustle.
3. Relive the Tennis Court Oath
Charged with strong historical symbolism, the Salle du Jeu de Paume (Tennis Court Room) is the setting of a key episode of the French Revolution: the Tennis Court Oath of 1789. This place, still little known to the general public, can be visited to relive the moment when the deputies of the Third Estate decided not to separate until a Constitution had been drawn up. The interior architecture has kept its authentic character, and information panels guide your understanding of the event. Go back in time by walking through this moving place, witness to an essential chapter of French history, before continuing your discovery of the town.
4. Browse the Passage des Antiquaires
For lovers of beautiful things and rare pieces, the Passage des Antiquaires in Versailles is a must-stop. Located not far from the historic centre of Versailles, this place brings together shops specialising in period furniture, objets d'art, antique jewellery and refined decoration. It's the perfect place to hunt for an exceptional souvenir or simply admire pieces that evoke the splendour of yesteryear. The dealers are often passionate experts, ready to share anecdotes and advice with visitors. A visit through this passage is like a journey back in time, where every window holds real treasures.
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5. Take a tour of the Notre-Dame market
Another idea for a visit when you wonder what to do in Versailles besides the château. Located in the heart of the town, the Marché Notre-Dame is one of the oldest and liveliest in the region. Its four halls are full of fresh local produce: fruit, vegetables, cheeses, fish, charcuterie, and much more. It's the ideal place to taste regional specialities or simply soak up the friendly atmosphere that reigns there. Besides the colourful stalls, you'll find independent shops, home decor boutiques and small café terraces all around where you can take a gourmet break. On market days, the bustle is at its peak, offering a glimpse of the true Versailles art of living.
6. Go back in time at the Musée Lambinet
The Musée Lambinet, housed in an elegant 18th-century mansion, is a must-stop for history and art lovers. It traces Versailles life through a rich collection of paintings, sculptures and decorative art objects. Each room of the Musée Lambinet is carefully staged, immersing you in the atmosphere of the salons, studies and apartments of yesteryear. The route is enlivened by fascinating explanations of politics, culture and daily life under the Ancien Régime. You can also admire souvenirs of the French Revolution, offering a complete insight into the centuries past in Versailles.
7. Marvel at the Académie Équestre
The Académie Équestre de Versailles, founded by Bartabas, is an exceptional place where dance, music and equestrian art blend harmoniously. In this historic riding hall, you'll watch poetic and striking performances, featuring horses and riders in a unique choreography. The rehearsals open to the public also let you glimpse behind the scenes of this atypical institution. The setting, steeped in history, gives even more majesty to these shows that sublimate the ancestral bond between man and horse. A rare experience, both artistic and emotional, that makes the equestrian heritage of Versailles shine.
8. Take a break by the Bièvre
The Bièvre, a discreet river in the Paris region, partly crosses Versailles offering lovely bucolic walks. Its tree-shaded banks provide a restful, green setting, away from the tourist hubbub. You can walk or cycle there, while admiring the rural landscapes and the little bridges spanning the watercourse. Wildlife and plant lovers will be delighted to come across ducks and other waterbirds nesting on the banks. An ideal nature break to recharge, while staying close to the historic town centre and its amenities.
9. Go to the Ferme de Gally with the family
Here is a perfect outing idea that we add to our list of what to do in Versailles besides the château. The Ferme de Gally is a true paradise for families looking for authenticity and education. Located on the outskirts of Versailles, between the Marly forest and the hills of Saint-Cyr-l'École, it offers fun activities around farming and crafts: cooking workshops, picking seasonal fruit and vegetables, discovering farm animals, etc. The youngest will learn how plants grow and how animals are raised, while the older ones will enjoy the gourmet shop and the cheese dairy. In a rural and friendly setting, the Ferme de Gally offers a delightful moment of disconnection just minutes from the town centre.
10. Take the time to explore Saint-Germain-en-Laye
If you're wondering: is there anything to do around Versailles? The answer is yes! We even advise you to extend your stay in the region in order to visit the charming town of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Nestled in the heart of a state forest, it charms with its château-museum, its picturesque shopping streets and its immense terrace designed by Le Nôtre, which offers a unique panorama over the Seine valley and Paris. You can stroll among the shops, take a gourmet break in one of the many cafés or visit the Saint-Germain church, rich in history. The atmosphere there is soothing and family-friendly, making Saint-Germain-en-Laye a perfect getaway to end your trip around Versailles in style.
In short, as you'll have understood, the estate, rich in countless surprises, and the bustle of the royal city have a memorable stay in store for you, between heritage splendours and the sweetness of life. Make the most of it to dive into History, savour the local gastronomy and marvel at the timeless beauty of the places. Enjoy your visit!
