If you are planning a visit to Versailles, you will want to explore the Palace of Versailles, the former royal residence of King Louis XIV. The palace is located about 12 miles west of Paris. The palace features beautiful gardens, a theater where you can see a play written by Marie-Antoinette, and a museum with a collection of Marie-Antoinette’s paintings.
The Grand Trianon
The Trianon is a single-story building divided into two sections by an Italian-style colonnade. The building’s design was dictated by Louis XIV, and includes floor-to-ceiling windows that are now known as French doors. Every room looks out over a lush garden. Over the years, this beautiful home has been home to several branches of the Louis XV family, as well as the Bonaparte and Restoration families.
The Grand Trianon is located in the northwestern portion of the Domain of Versailles. The building is one of the most refined architectural ensembles in Versailles. It was built at the request of King Louis XIV, who was known as the “Sun King.” The king and his mistress, the Marquise de Montespan, commissioned Jules Hardouin-Mansart to design the building in 1668, and it was finished by 1687. King Louis XIV personally commissioned the Peristyle, which is the central feature of this building.
The Petit Trianon
The Petit Trianon is located in the attic of the palace and was once home to Madame Royale. This room was once equipped with a private staircase that allowed Louis XV to reach the mezzanine above. This staircase was removed by Marie-Antoinette when she moved into her bedroom. The room’s decor features elaborate wood panels and wainscoting as well as movable mirrors. The furniture was made by the renowned upholsterer Darrac, whose fabric featured a medallion pattern on a green background.
The Petit Trianon is a perfect example of Neoclassical style. It was built between 1762 and 1768 after the French Garden was established. Louis XV commissioned the building after the death of Madame de Pompadour, who wanted to create a structure to separate the royal garden from the botanical garden. However, the queen died four years before the completion of the building was later occupied by Madame du Barry.
Marie-Antoinette’s Hamlet
Located in the park of the Château de Versailles, Marie-Antoinette’s Hameau de la Reine is a charming, rustic retreat. It served as a private meeting place of leisure for the Queen. Today, it is one of the most visited historic sites in France.
The estate is made up of several charming buildings and small rivers. There’s also a farm that you can visit and walk through. The whole property is a beautiful place for families and children. If you’re not a history buff, you can still enjoy the beautiful gardens and park that surround the estate.
The hamlet was the residence of the queen and her family. She used to spend her time there, walking around and observing the activities. The hamlet was also a working farm, with a working dairy, barn, and other useful buildings.
The Flower Market
When you are in the vicinity of Versailles, you should definitely take some time to stop by the Flower Market in Versailles. You can find fresh flowers all year round, as well as lovely Christmas trees. The market is located on the sidewalks and spills over onto the nearby rue Georges Clemenceau. It’s also a short walk from the palace and museum.
The UNESCO-listed Potager du Roi
The Potager du roi, located near the Palace of Versailles, was a place where Louis XIV grew fresh vegetables and fruits to feed his court. It was established between 1678 and 1683 by Jean-Baptiste de La Quintinie, the director of the royal fruit and vegetable gardens.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Potager du Roi produces over 30 tons of fruit and twenty tons of vegetables every year. These products are available to visitors throughout the year. The potager was built over five years, and it was the responsibility of Jean-Baptiste La Quintinye to ensure the quality of the food served to the royal table.
Today, the Potager du Roi is a working garden that uses organic methods to grow food. The potager has over 40 different fruitieres. The garden was closed during the French Revolution, but it was reopened to the public in 1991. It has since become a popular educational space and is now part of the UNESCO-listed Versailles site.
The Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is located in Paris, France. It is one of the most magnificent buildings in the world. It has stunning royal gardens, which you can tour during your visit. The palace is open to visitors every day, except Mondays and December 25 and January 1, 8 am to 6 pm. The best time to visit the palace is during the spring or summer months, although weekends are usually busier.
The Palace of Versailles was originally home to 350 separate living units, which varied in size and style. The crown prince had a large, multi-room apartment on the ground floor, while the servants lived in an apartment on the attic or a makeshift room behind the staircase.
Claude Monet’s gardens in Giverny
If you’re interested in art, the gardens at Claude Monet’s Giverny house should be on your list of things to see when in the area. The artist spent 43 years in the village with his second wife and their eight children, and the gardens there were one of his greatest sources of inspiration. During his time in Giverny, he created some of his most famous works of art.
Monet’s Giverny garden contains more than one hundred thousand annual and perennial plants, including roses and rhododendrons. While you’re there, you can also visit Monet’s house, where you can see many of his favorite works of art and learn about his life. The gardens are just 50 miles outside of the heart of Paris, so you can easily make the trip there.
The Musical Fountains Show
If you love fountains, the Musical Fountains Show is a must-see event. During the Show, fountains erupt in a beautiful show with music from famous composers including Rameau, Lully, and Gluck. The Musical Fountains are held every weekend and can be a breathtaking experience. The show is a highlight for tourists and families.
The Musical Fountains Show is a spectacular show that can be experienced by purchasing an independent Garden of Versailles ticket. Depending on when you visit, the show runs in the morning between 11am and 12pm and in the afternoon from 3:30pm to 5pm. It is also held on some Tuesdays during the summer. During the show, water shoots from a multitude of jets as high as 27 feet (8 meters) in the air. The fountains play to the music of Jean-Baptiste Lully, who was a court composer for Louis XIV. The show takes place in the Bassin de Neptune, which is considered to be the palace’s best fountain.
For a romantic evening, the palace gardens are the perfect venue for the Musical Fountains Show. The water fountains and their accompanying music are illuminated by colorful lights in the gardens. The show is accompanied by baroque music. The show takes place in the Gardens of the Palace of Versailles, which are open to the public.
The Night Fountains Show
The Night Fountains Show in Versailles is a spectacular nighttime spectacle set in the lush gardens of the Palace of Versailles. Featuring a spectacular array of fountains and lighting, the event is a modern take on the candlelit parties of Louis XIV. The fountains themselves are lit up with LEDs that mimic candlelight and soften the foliage with warm hues.
While the Night Fountains Show is not open every night, the best time to catch it is at dusk or early in the morning. Depending on the time of year, the show is best viewed from the gardens, rather than the main palace. You must purchase tickets in advance or on site to see it, as the show is only held at specific times. Tickets are 30 EUR at full rate and 26 EUR at the reduced rate.