Join me as I step into French history with a full-day trip from Paris to Versailles — from the Hall of Mirrors to Marie Antoinette’s secret Hamlet and the breathtaking royal gardens.
A Journey Through Time
No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to Versailles — the crown jewel of France’s royal heritage. Just 45 minutes from Paris, it feels like entering another world — a place of golden halls, marble staircases, and lush gardens that seem endless.
After a bit of a chaotic start, sorting out train cancellations and delays & nearly missing the only train from Malakoff to Versailles; we arrived early enough to beat the crowds and made it in time for our pre-purchased timed entry. Our day began with a self-guided audio tour that led us through the main palace, where every corridor whispered stories of kings and queens and filled us with awe and wonder. The Hall of Mirrors was as breathtaking as ever — light reflecting from crystal chandeliers, cascading over gold leaf and frescoes.
One of our favorite areas was the Royal Chapel, completed in 1710 at the end of the reign of Louis XIV. It was the fifth – and final – chapel built in the Palace since the reign of Louis XIII. We also loved visiting the Kings State Apartments, the Apollo room which was originally the throne room showcases a unique portrait of Louis XIV. The painter made the original portrait in 1701 upon a personal request by the king, who wanted to give it to his grandson who had recently become king of Spain. However, Louis XIV kept the original for himself and commissioned copies from the artist. One of the copies hangs in Versailles and was made in 1702. The original painting hangs in the Musée du Louvre.
Wandering through each elegant room filled with opulance and intricate details, it’s an incredible feast for the eyes and impossible not to feel the weight of history here. This was where treaties were signed, where revolutions were sparked, and where luxury reached unimaginable heights.
The Gardens of Versailles
Stepping into the gardens felt like walking into a painting. Perfectly manicured lawns, dancing fountains, and fragrant blooms stretched as far as the eye could see. As we walked we were serenaded by beautiful classical music filling the air (Handels Messiah & God Save the King), we sat to enjoy a lite lunch in La Girandole Cafe in the gardens before making our way towards the Grand Trianon & Petite Palais. The paths were lined with marble statues, and gorgeous trees all begining to show their fall colors.
We were all in awe of the grandeour of the palace and the exquisite details all around us. The symmetry, the scale, the artistry — it all left us speechless. Every turn revealed a new perspective, each more beautiful than the last.
Ornate Architecture & Exquisite Details
What struck me most throughout the estate — beyond the grandeur and scale — were the intricate architectural details that seemed to whisper centuries of artistry and imagination. At the Grand Trianon, soft rose-hued marble columns framed sweeping gardens, while gilded accents and delicate carvings revealed the refined elegance favored by Louis XIV. Every ceiling, doorway, and carefully placed floral motif felt intentional and poetic. And tucked within the grounds, the Petit Trianon offered an equally exquisite yet more intimate expression of French craftsmanship — ornate plaster work, curved balconies, and decorative flourishes evoking a romantic, almost dream-like charm. Wandering these spaces felt like stepping into the brushstrokes of a Rococo painting, where beauty lives in every detail, from floor to fresco.
Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet
One of our favorite moments came later in the day when we wandered into the Queen’s Hamlet — Marie Antoinette’s private escape. This little pastoral village, hidden away from palace formalities, looked like a scene from a fairytale — thatched cottages, a tranquil pond, and gardens bursting with color.
It was easy to imagine her here — trading gowns for linen dresses, tending to her animals, and enjoying moments of peace away from royal life. The Hamlet radiates an innocence and charm that contrasts beautifully with the grandeur of the main palace.
💡 Pro Tips
- Book skip-the-line tickets in advance with @GetYourGuide and reserve the first time slot of the day to skip the crowds!
- Bring snacks and water — exploring the palace & gardens takes time!
- Rent a golf cart, bike or ride the little train to see more of the grounds.
- Another fun option is to rent a boat to row around the Grand Canal and see the park from a whole new perspective!
Our day at Versailles wasn’t just a visit — it was a step into a living story, one where history, art, opulence, and nature blend into a masterpiece that still stirs the soul centuries later. Whether you spend hours wandering gilded halls, catching your breath in mirrored light, or strolling through gardens that seem to stretch into forever, Versailles is a reminder of the beauty humans are capable of creating — and the importance of pausing long enough to truly take it in.
If this journey through Versailles inspired you, make sure to subscribe for more travel stories, tips, and photo guides — and explore the links below to plan your own unforgettable visit. Trust me, this is a destination you’ll carry with you long after you’ve returned home. ✨🏰🌷
~Krista
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