This post of about day trip to Versailles in winter. During one of our winter trips to Paris we decided to do a day trip to Versailles and it turned out to be the best day trip from Paris. We took early morning train from Paris to Versailles, after a short walk we got the Palace gate and got inside. To our big surprise the palace was almost empty and we had the place to ourselves for the first couple of hours. So, here is how to plan you visit to Versailles from Paris in winter and what to see and do during your
Day trip to Versailes How to get to Versailles from Paris
To get to Versailles from Paris, you can take a train from Gare Montparnasse or Gare Saint Lazare. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes and trains run frequently throughout the day. Once you arrive at the Versailles station, you can either walk to the Palace of Versailles, which is about a 10-15 minute walk, or take a bus or taxi.
What to see in Versailles
Gate or Honor
The Versailles Gate refers to one of the main entrances to the Palace of Versailles in France. It is also known as the “Gate of Honor” because it was reserved for the most important guests of the King of France, who were received with great pomp and ceremony. The gate is located at the end of the Avenue de Paris, which runs for over 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the town of Versailles to the palace.
The gate was originally built in 1680 by the architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart, who also designed many of the other buildings and structures at Versailles. It was rebuilt in 2008-2009, after years of wear and tear had taken their toll on the original structure.
Versailles Gardens
The garden covers approximately 800 hectares and was designed by the landscape architect André Le Nôtre in the 17th century.
The garden is known for its unique design and features a number of fountains, sculptures, and ornamental lakes. It also includes several smaller gardens, such as the Orangerie Garden, the Parterre du Midi, and the Salle des Festins Garden.
The garden is open to the public and is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the many walking paths, enjoy a picnic on the lawns, and take in the impressive views of the palace from various vantage points throughout the garden. The garden also hosts a number of events and concerts throughout the year.
Château de Versailles
The Palace of Versailles, also called Château de Versailles, is a grand royal palace located in Versailles, France, just outside of Paris. It was the principal residence of the Kings of France from the reign of Louis XIV in 1682 until the French Revolution in 1789.
The palace is renowned for its stunning architecture, grandeur, and historical significance. The interior is decorated with intricate frescoes, gilded moldings, and ornate furnishings. One of the most famous rooms in the palace is the Hall of Mirrors, which features 17 mirrors on one wall and 17 windows on the opposite wall, and was the site of many important events in French history
Hall of Mirrors
It is a long and grand gallery that stretches for 73 meters (240 feet) and features 17 large mirrors on one side of the room, reflecting the light from the windows on the opposite side.
The Hall of Mirrors was built in the 17th century during the reign of King Louis XIV as part of a major expansion of the palace. It was designed by the architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart and decorated by the artist Charles Le Brun. The room was used for a variety of ceremonial and state functions, including receptions, diplomatic meetings, and royal weddings.
The Hall of Mirrors played a significant role in French history. In 1919, the Treaty of Versailles was signed in the room, ending World War I. The Hall of Mirrors was also the site of the proclamation of the German Empire in 1871, following the defeat of France in the Franco-Prussian War.
Similar to gardens, this place was almost empty when we got there.
The Versailles Cathedral
It was built in the 18th century and features impressive stained glass windows and ornate decorations. The Chateau de Versailles, located in the heart of the city, is also worth a visit. This historic castle was once the home of the French monarchy and is now a popular tourist destination.
Trianon Estates
The Trianon Estates include a number of smaller buildings and gardens located within the grounds of the Palace of Versailles. You can explore the Queen’s Hamlet, a collection of small buildings designed to look like a rustic village, as well as the Temple of Love, a small pavilion that was built as a romantic gesture by Louis XV.
The Petit Trianon, Grand Trianon, and Trianon Estates are located within the grounds of the Palace of Versailles, and are open to visitors who want to explore these beautiful and historic buildings.
The Petit Trianon is a small chateau that was built in the late 18th century for Queen Marie Antoinette. The building and its gardens were designed as a private retreat for the queen, and visitors can explore the beautifully landscaped gardens, the ornate interior of the chateau, and the Queen’s Theatre, where Marie Antoinette often performed plays with her friends.
The Grand Trianon is a larger chateau that was built in the late 17th century as a retreat for King Louis XIV. Visitors can explore the beautifully landscaped gardens and the ornate interior of the chateau, which was used by many subsequent French monarchs as a place to relax and entertain guests.
Queen’s Hamlet
Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet, also known as the Queen’s Hamlet, is a small, rustic village located on the grounds of the Palace of Versailles in France. The hamlet was built in the late 18th century as a private retreat for Queen Marie Antoinette, who was known for her love of rural life and the countryside.
The Queen’s Hamlet was designed to look like a traditional French farming village, complete with a mill, a dairy, a farmhouse, and a vineyard. The buildings were constructed from stone and thatch, and were decorated with flower gardens, orchards, and farm animals.
Marie Antoinette used the hamlet as a place to escape the formality and pressures of court life, and would often dress up in peasant clothing and participate in pretend farm activities with her friends and family.
Queens Hamlet located about 20 minutes’ walk from the Versailles Palace. There is a shuttle service, but it does not operate in winter, so be prepared to walks and wear comfortable shoes. We almost decided not to walk to Trianon estates because of heavy rain, but I’m glad we did. This area of the park is very special and unique compared to the Versailles Garden and Palace.
Tips for visiting Versailles in Winter
If you’re planning a visit to Versailles in the winter, like us, here’s a plan that can help you make the most of your trip:
Choose a suitable date: Winter is generally considered the low season for tourism in Versailles, so you’ll likely have fewer crowds to contend with. However, keep in mind that some of the outdoor attractions may be closed or inaccessible due to inclement weather. Check the weather forecast and the opening hours of the palace and gardens in advance.
Book your tickets: Purchase your tickets online in advance to avoid long lines at the ticket office. You can buy tickets for the palace and the gardens separately or purchase a combined ticket that includes access to both.
Dress appropriately: Versailles can get quite cold in the winter, so make sure to dress in warm layers and wear comfortable shoes. You may also want to bring an umbrella or raincoat in case of rain or snow.
Why day trip to Versailles in winter is a great idea
Visiting Versailles in winter can be a great idea because you can avoid the large crowds that are present during the peak summer months. The Palace and gardens are still stunning even without the colorful blooms of spring and summer. Plus, the cooler weather can make it easier to explore the Palace’s many rooms and attractions without feeling overheated.
Overall, we really enjoyed visiting Versailles. The Palace of Versailles is an incredible historical landmark with a rich and fascinating history. The gardens are also stunning and provide a beautiful backdrop for a relaxing stroll. I hope you will enjoy your visit and will be able to fully appreciate all that the palace and its grounds have to offer!
