The Paris Traveler

A Visit To Versailles

by Kim on March 12th, 2008

OK people, we need to get a bit of an early start as today we are going to Versailles.  Right out of the gate I need to let you know that I,  in no way, shape or form will profess to be all knowledgeable about this incredible destination.  I have been there more times than I can tell you and still have not seen the entire thing.  My job is merely to make sure that you are not all wishy-washy about going but actually put it on your list of things to do while in Paris.  First, we need to get you there.  Easy enough really.  What you see in the photo is my most recent train ticket to Versailles and entry pass into the chateau.  I bought this ahead of time at the train station at Invalids.  Not the metro stop, the RER station. Same place, you just have to walk a bit to get to the train.  There is a big sign which you can’t miss advertising this little package for 19€.  Incredibly brilliant on the part of the French.  You have a round trip train ticket and entry pass into the chateau that you can buy at any point in your trip and use within a certain amount of time.  A few things to point out.  DO NOT lose your train ticket.  You need it to get on the train, off the train, back on the train and back off the train.  Otherwise, you will have to jump over the little turn style thing which is illegal and some of us couldn’t if we wanted to, so hold onto that ticket.  Second, with entry pass in hand, you will be laughing all the way to the front of the line to get in.  Honestly, the day I went was jammed and i walked right by everyone.  Tee hee!  It doesn’t allow you into all parts of the chateau but is a good starting point.  For those of you wanting a more in-depth visit, I urge you to visit the Versailles website.  It’s amazing.

Once inside, you are going to have to keep pinching yourself over the fact that people actually lived here.  The over-the-top opulence is crazy.  I happened to be around a group of French tourists seeing it for the first time and each room illicited a huge “oh la la” from them.  It was quite funny to hear their reaction to this very “rich” part of their history.   Above is the Hall of Mirrors, most likely the highlight to the tour.  It has been going through a major restoration over the last few years and just recently re-opened in all its cleaned up, sparkly splendor.  

 The grounds are equally beautiful, however on the day I was there with gusting winds, sleet and rain, I looked out at them through the windows, wishing for some sun.  

 In the warmer months, the gardens themselves are worth the price of admission.  Beautiful statuary, hedges, fountains and uninterrupted vistas make this as magnificent as the interior.  Plan to pack a picnic lunch or grab a bite at their outdoor café which is hidden amongst huge bushes–well worth the search.

 As I was leaving I had to take this photo to share with you.  This is one of the side courtyards that is undergoing some re-hab.  The French have a wonderful way of working on things and making them look aesthetically pleasing in the process.  You will see “covers”  like this all over Paris as they work on construction sites.  They can be as much fun as the finished product.

On a final note, your trip to Versailles can be as short or as long as you like.  There is enough here to take up a full day or you can get an early start and be back in the city by mid-afternoon and still have time to take in other things. Bottom line:  do it! 

Additional information:  

•  Chateau Versailles
•  Office of Tourism-Versailles:  Great news!!  If you are there on March  22nd, you can take in a tribute to Earth, Wind and Fire.  Tight shiny  pants  and Boogie  Wonderland forever!!
•  Marie Antoinette:  Rent this 2006 movie filmed on the grounds of  Versailles to get a feel for what you are going to see.

 Total last minute addition:  This is the Gallery at the Trianon Palace & Spa, a Westin property,  located a stone’s throw from the chateau.  It was once the honeymoon destination for the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and has been restored to 5-star splendor by René Sergent who designed Plaza Athénée in Paris.  Bad boy chef,  Gordon Ramsey has just recently opened his first restaurant in France here as well.  So now you have someplace to wear your shiny, tight pants!  Oh la la! 

 Photos:  Personal collection, Trianon Palace website

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