Hello, everyone! I’m so excited to share with you my experience of visiting Versailles, one of the most beautiful and historic places in France. Versailles was the royal residence of the kings of France from 1682 to 1789, and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is also a huge complex that includes the palace, the gardens, the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon, and the Queen’s Hamlet. There is so much to see and do there, and I had a blast exploring it all. Here is how I spent my day at Versailles:
The Palace
The palace was absolutely stunning. I was amazed by the architecture, the decoration, and the history of each room. I especially loved the Hall of Mirrors, where I felt like a royalty walking among the chandeliers and the paintings. The hall was also the place where the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919, which ended World War I. I also enjoyed the King’s and the Queen’s Apartments, where I saw the lavish bedrooms, the dining rooms, and the private chapels. The palace was very crowded, but I managed to take some nice photos and admire the details.
The Gardens
After touring the palace, I headed to the gardens, which were equally impressive. The gardens were huge and had many fountains, statues, flowers, and trees. I rented a bike for 8 euros and rode around the paths, enjoying the fresh air and the scenery. I also watched the musical fountain show, which was a spectacle of water and music. The show was on every 15 minutes, and it was worth the extra 8 euros that I paid for the ticket. I felt like I was in a fairy tale.
The Grand Trianon and the Petit Trianon
Next, I visited the Grand Trianon and the Petit Trianon, which were smaller palaces that the kings and queens used as their retreats from the court life. The Grand Trianon was built by Louis XIV for his mistress, Madame de Maintenon, and it had a pink marble facade and a classical style. The Petit Trianon was built by Louis XV for his mistress, Madame de Pompadour, and it had a neoclassical style and a more intimate atmosphere. I liked the contrast between the two palaces, and I learned more about the personal lives of the royals.
The Queen’s Hamlet
Finally, I visited the Queen’s Hamlet. It was a rustic village that Marie Antoinette created to escape from the palace and to enjoy the simple pleasures of the countryside. It had a farm, a mill, a dairy, a pond, and several cottages. It was so charming and peaceful, and I felt like I was in a different world. I also saw some animals, like sheep, goats, ducks, and chickens. It was the perfect way to end my day at Versailles.
Conclusion
I had an amazing day at Versailles, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves history, culture, and nature. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I will never forget it. If you are planning to visit Versailles, here are some tips that I found useful:
- Book your tickets online and go early to avoid the crowds
- Use the Versailles app or rent an audio guide to learn more about the site
- Rent a bike or a golf cart to explore the gardens and the estate
- Watch the musical fountain show and the musical gardens show
- Bring a picnic or eat at one of the restaurants or cafes on site
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, and bring sunscreen, water, and snacks
I hope you enjoyed reading my travel diary, and I hope you get to visit Versailles someday. It is truly a magical place. Thank you for reading, and stay tuned for more of my adventures in France. Au revoir!