Palace of Versailles

I thought it was a little run down. Based on things I heard before visiting, the size of the palace and the gardens were what I expected. I thought the interior of the palace would be fancier, but maybe I’ve just been to enough palaces in Europe that I’m not so impressed anymore.
What I didn’t expect was that large pool after the gardens. We walked all the way to it through the gardens from the palace, and rented a rowboat for a half hour. It was a nice way to relax after being on our feet for such a long time. The only thing I was afraid of was the boat tipping and falling into that water. It looked kind of murky and I wasn’t sure what might be in there.

I wish I would have been there in Spring to see the beauty of the gardens and fountains, but then again, the lines and crowds were much easier in January…

You should go see this palace! Wow!

Unfortunately when my wife and I visited the Palace it was closed!! Still, we had a nice time walking around the gardens…

...to be honest, probably because I visited it after having seen the chateaux of the Loire. I also made the mistake of choosing the chateau over the gardens (it’s not really possible to see both in one day) – my friend who visited the gardens said Marie Antionnette’s village was the best part of her visit. I suppose it’s worth doing if you have the time, but if you’re only in Paris for a few days, I think there are better things to see and do.

I was in Paris for a week 2 years ago and had so much to see in Paris that I didn’t make it out to Versailles! C’est dommage! So next time I’m anywhere near Paris, I’m headin to Versailles to explore the gardens, palace, and whatever else I can find

Of course this isn’t worth missing. If I remember correctly it’s about 20 minute outside of Paris and I believe you can take the “C” train straight there, as I did to save money.

Try to go more toward the end of the day before closing and there will be less people and more chances of you to take picture on the grounds with no one in them – Looking like the Chateau is your very own! When I was there there was like a little mini-tram that took us all around the grounds, (I believe it was free – not totally sure though.) The Grounds of Versailles are lovely serene. However I remember there was a lot of work being done on the gardens when I was there and so I missed out on seeing that splendor. The Grand or Petite Trianon was a pretty pink. (I believe that was the house built for Marie Antoinette or on of the Louis’ wives (I can’t remember don’t quote me on it.). Definitely go though! There’s enough to do in Paris of course but this is a nice side trip.

Extraorinarily Wonderful. Do visit during low season though so you get to see everything without having to wait in lines.

Go early! The gardens are free, and open very early in the summer (I think it was 7 am)... I had the place to myself!

Les jardins sont magnifiques!