Versailles Palace: A Majestic Experience Worth Every Moment

Versailles Palace is undoubtedly one of the world's top five palaces, alongside China's Forbidden City, the UK's Buckingham Palace, Russia's Kremlin, and the US White House. Despite being a bit far from the city center, requiring about two hours of commuting, and facing some fines from Paris traffic, visiting Versailles is truly a worthwhile experience. Located at Château du Versailles Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles, you can reach it by taking the RER C to Versailles - Rive Gauche station and walking for about 10 minutes. It's essential to purchase tickets from the official website (chateauversailles.fr) and book your visit time in advance, as the queues can be quite long. The palace is closed on Mondays, and Tuesdays can be crowded due to other Paris museums being closed. Visiting during non-peak seasons is recommended. A thorough exploration requires at least five to six hours, covering the palace, gardens, Trianon estate, park, and Marie Antoinette's estate, along with the gallery. Tickets are needed for the palace, gardens, and estates, while other areas are free, but check the opening times beforehand. Renting an audio guide is highly recommended to learn about the rich history, or you can download the Versailles Palace app. Bringing wired earphones is advisable to avoid holding your phone constantly. The grandeur of Louis XIV's era is palpable with 2,300 rooms, and even visiting a portion can be exhausting. The palace houses over 5,000 pieces of furniture, though many are displayed at the Louvre. The audio guide mentions a clock that took ten years to complete, showcasing the extravagance of the architecture, sculptures, and artworks. The French gardens are a personal favorite, requiring a separate ticket, available at a nearby kiosk, with discounts for EU students. The gardens are a delightful retreat, especially with the music fountain on specific dates and the pleasant autumn weather. If time allows, exploring the gardens is highly recommended. You can buy tickets for the mini train or rent a golf cart, requiring a driver's license deposit. Walking the entire day can be exhausting, but the gardens offer charming swans, extravagant designs, and a relaxing atmosphere, making it a fulfilling day.