Mary Antoinette’s stomping grounds, Palace of Versailles, is a must-see if you ever travel to Paris. After a short train ride, nothing could prepare me for what lay right around the corner. It was more sumptuous, grand, and had more gold gilt and marble than I had imagined.
Truly humbled by the massive palace, Danny, our daughter, Courtney, and I waited in line. Since it was Father’s Day, we wouldn’t face the crowds like in the Louvre. We lucked out!
Even the hallways are extraordinary.
A room fit for a queen and lots of maids in waiting with brushes, makeup, and the outfit of the day in hand.
An amazing historical art gallery under a ceiling of skylights.
Back out into the hall where rose marble lined the walls. I found pieces of that special colored rock all over the gardens.
And last but not least the Hall of Mirrors.
Look at all that space! Some families must have opted for sporting events, brunch, or other outdoor activities in honor of Dad’s day.
We strode from one gold room to another until they soon became a blur.
We were ready for snack time. I would recommend the restaurant in the palace. There was a line but we feasted our eyes on the dessert case while waiting.
Then we stepped outside for a tour of the magnificent gardens.
We would have to wait for the fountain to start. The birds had formed a line.
A few tourists sought shelter from the sun while exploring the vast estate grounds.
There’s nothing like dancing at Versailles. It’s just like back in the day only without the pomp, the circumstance, or wigs.
We discovered several summer houses with much less gold but with pretty formal decor nonetheless.
Cards Against Humanity anyone?
We walked all the way to the farthest corner of the estate, but it was closed. We peeked through the garden gate under the trellised roses to the cute cottage.
On our way back toward Versailles Palace, the fountains turned on and classical music poured through hidden speakers. It was breathtaking.
A couple of travel tips:
It was a long day of walking, but I loved every minute of it. Next time, I’ll find out where to rent bikes.
Tickets can be bought in advance but go into the ticket office (on the far left side) and trade them in for hard copies before getting in line.
We went to the restaurant instead of the cafeteria. It was worth the wait to be waited on just like Marie Antoinette, or any other restaurant customer.
I hope you enjoyed this travel adventure!
Have you ever been to Versailles? Is it on your bucket list?
Click for more travel, inspiration, or Wild misadventures.
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Wow! Such opulence. Can you imagine living in a time and place when that was expected? I’m afraid the thatched cottage is more my style but I’d love to see this in person. Thanks for letting me see it through your eyes.
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Thanks so much for reading, Michelle!
I’m a rule follower but would have constantly worried I was doing something wrong. I have been known to trip on linoleum floors!
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Beautiful pictures of my Versailles now away in Brittany but my living town of many years. It is more than a castle ….Salut!
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Wow! You live in a spectacular part of the world with so much history. I would love to visit Brittany some day too.
Thanks so much, Pedmat
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Auto correct error. Pedmar!
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Merci
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Awesome pics, Susie! This looks like it was an amazing trip!
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Thank you, Lisa. It was spectacular! 🙂
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Hey thank you for sharing this article with us it’s really very helpful and informative article.
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Be a little more specific or I’ll have to mark you as spam!
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I would LOVE to visit. Your photos are stunning!!
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Thanks so much, Josy! It really is a remarkable place. 🙂
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Amazing !!! Lovely clicks. Is photography allowed inside??? Missed this place in my last visit. Actually there is so much to see in Paris. One tour is not enough. Inspires me for another visit.
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Thank you, Reena!
Yes, photography is allowed. I’ve been to Paris three times and I still haven’t scratched the surface!
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I traveled only once last May. There are so much so much,,,,,,,
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Man those fountains and gardens were amazing! Those pics looked beautiful! I hadn’t planned on going there, Spain and Italy have always been at the top of the list, but man those pics are definitely inspiring a passport stamp. Thanks for sharing your trip!!!
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Thanks so much, Guat! Great to see you!
It was fun to go through all the photos from that trip. I’d love to go back soon! There’s so much to see and do in and around Paris!
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WOW -those photos are amazing! It wasnt on my bucket list but it is now
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It’s so close to you too, Lucy! I’d travel every other weekend! Versailles is magical. It’s so “over the top” you have to see it to believe it!
Nice to “see” you!
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