Hey, it’s Wes and Chanda! We recently ventured to the Palace of Versailles, just a 30-35 minute train ride from Paris, and let me tell you, it was quite an experience. We had pre-purchased tickets through Klook for around $60 each, which included a guided tour. While the tour group seemed pleasant enough, we quickly realized we’re not “tour group” people and decided to explore at our own pace. If tours are your thing, though, this one was small and intimate, with about 10 people. Just keep in mind, the tickets didn’t cover transportation, so you’ll need a separate train ticket unless you have a metro pass that covers Zone 5, like we did.
Our timed entry was at 1:30 PM, but we arrived around 10:30 AM, following the tour schedule. It was pouring rain, so we decided to ditch the gardens for a cozy Italian restaurant in town. A quick 10-minute walk from the train station brought us to a charming spot where we enjoyed fresh pasta, salad, wine, and beer for around $70 total. If your ticket time is later in the day, I highly recommend grabbing food in town—much better than the overpriced options on-site.
Once inside, the experience was a mixed bag. The timed entry system was poorly managed, with long lines and bottlenecks at security. By the time we got in, it was an hour past our ticket time, which was frustrating. The palace itself is stunning but overcrowded. Rooms like the Hall of Mirrors are breathtaking, but the sheer number of people made it hard to fully appreciate. If you’re not a fan of packed spaces, this might not be the experience for you.
The highlight for us was the gardens. They’re absolutely massive and far more relaxing than the palace interiors. With a morning walking route that takes about 90 minutes and an afternoon route lasting 2.5 hours, there’s plenty to explore. For just $12, you can access the gardens without a palace ticket—a fantastic option if you want to skip the crowds inside. The sprawling grounds, fountains, and endless greenery were worth the visit alone.
If you’re planning to visit, consider researching less busy times of the year. While the Palace of Versailles is undeniably beautiful, the overcrowding and logistical issues made it a one-and-done experience for us. However, the gardens left a lasting impression and were the perfect way to wrap up our day. Remember, as always, whatever you decide to do, just get out there and do it!
Website: https://www.chateauversailles.fr/
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