Paris 3-day itinerary
France
Where to go and what to see in Paris – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Anna Brooke.
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Overview >Bucket list experience:
Palace of Versailles
Last updated: 02 March, 2023
The vast, opulent Chateaux de Versailles began life as a hunting lodge, built in 1623 for King Louis XIII, before being expanded and developed over a period of fifty years by King Louis XIV. In 1682, he moved the royal household from Paris to the palace, making Versaille the de facto capital of France.
It remains a brilliantly over-the-top ode to the power of Louis XIV, with lavish Baroque rooms and sparkling mirrors lining the heavily-gilded Galerie des Glaces.
The opulent interiors are the main event, but a splendid park and gardens have plenty to keep visitors busy, too – with two further (Grand and Petit Trianon) palaces, a sheep farm, a Grand Canal and Marie Antoinette’s private hameau (hamlet or mini-village).
Don’t miss
Louis XIV’s Grand Apartments, Chamber and Hall of Mirrors – there are seven rooms in the ‘Sun King’s’ former private apartments, all astonishingly opulent. Look out for the two platforms next to the billiard table in the Salon de Diane – two ladies would stand while he played, applauding every shot.
L’Opera Royal – built to celebrate the marriage of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, when completed it was Europe’s largest theatre, constructed entirely from wood.
Le Petit Trianon – separate from the main chateau, this Greek-style building was Marie Antoinette’s hideaway, famed for its grand staircase and beautiful marble-floored hall.
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Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
Paris 6-day itinerary
France
Where to go and what to see in Paris – a 6-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Anna Brooke.
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Overview >Price from: £18
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
The easiest way to reach Versailles from Paris is by the RER line C to Versailles Rive-Gauche, followed by a five-minute walk. A taxi from the centre of Paris should take approximately 45 minutes.
A half a day is usually sufficient, but you’ll need a whole day if you want to visit the secondary palaces, too. Tickets must be booked online in advance. You can’t just turn up. Free audio guides are available, but better to download the free app before you go to avoid queuing at the audio guide desk.
Guided tours (usually 1-2 hours) are also available but must be booked online in advance. See the website for listings of what tours are available on the date you want to go.
There’s a café inside the château, as well as several cafés and ice-cream stalls around the grounds; in summer the best option is to pack a picnic.
The easiest way to reach Versailles from Paris is by the RER line C to Versailles Rive-Gauche, followed by a five-minute walk. A taxi from the centre of Paris should take approximately 45 minutes.
When to do it
The palace is are open all year round, Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Monday. The gardens and park area open every day. It’s always crowded, so get there at opening time to avoid the worst of the crowds.
You could also time your visit for one of the Musical Gardens (weekdays) or the Musical Fountains (weekends) shows in the gardens.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Versailles Palace Skip-the-line Classic Guided Tour
Versailles
Discover the Palace of Versailles and skip the long lines at the entrance with this 90-minute guided tour. Choose the time that better suits...
€55 | Rating 4.47 / 5 [892 ratings]
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Tour supplied by:
Versailles Palace Skip the Line Small Group Guided Tour
Versailles
Meet your guide in Versailles at the foot of the Equestrian Statue of the Sun King, Louis the 14th. After been welcome by your guide you wil...
€60 | Rating 4.48 / 5 [52 ratings]
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Tour supplied by:
Golden Versailles Palace and Garden Tour
Paris
Skip the hassle of planning and join us on a day trip from Paris to the Palace of Versailles. We handle the round-trip train tickets, skip t...
€90 | Rating 4.47 / 5 [63 ratings]
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Tour supplied by:
Versailles Palace and Gardens Tour by Train from Paris with Skip-the-Line
Paris
Join this half-day tour to the prestigious Palace of Versailles and Gardens. Walk in the footsteps of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. S...
€91 | Rating 4.65 / 5 [102 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
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Soak up the buzz at design legend Philippe Starck’s gloriously decadent take on a grand palace hotel – in a very convenient location for seeing the sights.
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Best for ages: 18+ | Free
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