The Best Things To Do In Chateau De Versailles

Versailles Palace is among the most well-known and treasured attractions in France that receives millions of visitors each year. The palace was built in 1623, and it was later expanded and transformed by Louis XIV. It was considered as the epicentre of power during the famous French revolution. Today, a visit to France is incomplete without checking out some of the best things to do in Chateau de Versailles.

The Hall of Mirrors

Completed at the end of the 16th century, the Hall of Mirrors features stunning views of the garden through 17 ornate windows. The mirrors are strategically placed on the opposite side of the windows to easily reflect the light. In addition, the hall also features several sparkling chandeliers across the ceilings. A visit to this room is among the top things to do in Chateau de Versailles. The grand silver furniture that was once here did not survive the various wars over Versailles Palace.

Water Fall Chateau de Versailles

The Water Fall Chateau de Versailles is one of the latest additions to Versailles Palace. It is a soaring waterfall located high above the Grand Canal. The impressive installation looks like a gush of water that does not have any obvious source, especially when seen from the palace’s front steps. Since its recent installation, the Water Fall Chateau de Versailles has become a very popular attraction in this palace. It is the latest work of Olafur Eliasson, a Danish artist whose large-scale works explore perception, environmental issues, and light.

The Queen’s Chamber

This grand apartment was the main place where the Queen held an audience. As you can expect, the space is quite extravagant in terms of the décor and materials used to set up the room. Among the top things to do in Chateau de Versailles is to simply check out the stunning décor of these regal apartments. While the King’s chamber focuses on political wins and military history and is much more subdued, the Queen’s apartment is more opulent, and it was used by Marie Antoinette.

The Grand Trianon

Louis XIV created the Grand Trianon as a place where he could meet his mistress discreetly without all the etiquettes and formalities of the royal court. While construction was completed in the 17th century, the site has been restored multiple times since then. The architecture here is quite unique, especially compared other parts of the Versailles Palace. Rather than showcasing artistic freedom, you will clearly see that the design is well organised with straight lines found everywhere.

The Queen’s Hamlet

The Queen’s Hamlet located inside the Versailles Palace was designed as a retreat for Queen Marie Antoinette. She wanted a secluded place away from the main palace where she could relax and have some fun. This is because the palace required lots of formality and protocols, while the Hamlet would offer a much more relaxed setting for her and her friends.

The Versailles Palace remains one of the most extravagant sites in both France and Europe at large. Make sure you visit the palace and experience all the above special features for yourself.