The Estate of Versailles, a Self-Guided Paris Walk
Half day. 3.7 miles. From Château de Versailles to Queen's Hamlet / Trianon.
A full day at the palace of the Sun King, done the smart way: the state apartments and Hall of Mirrors, then out into the vast gardens most day-trippers barely reach, to the Trianon palaces and Marie-Antoinette's storybook farm.
The local move
Do the palace early, then spend the afternoon in the far gardens. Rent a bike or a golf cart, or take the little train, to the Trianon and the Hamlet. Ninety percent of visitors never get past the fountains; that's where Versailles gets peaceful and magical.
Best time to go
Arrive at opening. Tuesday to Sunday; the fountains 'dance' on certain weekends (musical fountain days), worth checking.
When to avoid it
Mondays, when the palace is closed. Midday summer crowds in the Hall of Mirrors are intense; go first thing.
The stops
Château de Versailles
The palace of Louis XIV, the grandest royal residence in Europe, all gilt, marble and mirrors.
Tip: Book a timed ticket and go straight in at opening. The Hall of Mirrors is calmest in the first hour.
Galerie des Glaces
The Hall of Mirrors, 357 mirrors facing the gardens, where kings were crowned and treaties signed.
Tip: Arrive early to see it without a wall of people. Look out the windows to plan your garden route.
Jardins de Versailles
Andre Le Notre's vast formal gardens, geometric parterres, fountains and endless green perspectives.
Tip: Walk down the central axis to the Grand Canal. The gardens are free except on fountain-show days.
Grand Trianon
A pink-marble retreat where the king escaped court formality.
Tip: A long walk or a short bike ride from the palace; far quieter and just as beautiful.
Petit Trianon
Marie-Antoinette's private palace, elegant and intimate compared to the main château.
Tip: Her personal domain, where court etiquette was banned. The gardens around it are romantic and calm.
Hameau de la Reine
The queen's mock farming village, a cluster of thatched cottages around a lake where she played at country life.
Tip: The magical, storybook end of the day. Working gardens and animals; the furthest and most peaceful corner.
About these walks
This is one of the free self-guided Paris walks written by the Chic Trip team, locals who plan and book full Paris trips for American travelers. Get our free insider Paris guide at chic-trip.com/free-paris-guide, or have us plan your whole trip at chic-trip.com/paris-travel-planner.
