The city of Versailles is very popular among tourists. If you look into the statistics, it is visited even more often than the world capitals. And this is not surprising. The small town resembles a luxurious palace with numerous parks, green alleys, rare monuments and kind inhabitants. This all makes it not only a cultural center, but also a place where you can spend time with benefit.
The Royal Palace at Versailles
The Royal Palace or Palace of Versailles is a famous attraction. It has a centuries-old history and once here, every tourist must visit it.
In the XVI century, Louis XIII decided to build a small hunting lodge in this place. It was built and the building stood until 1670, when his son, Louis XIV, came to power. This is when this modest building found a second life.
Excursion to the Palace of Versailles
Of course, you can explore the famous landmark on your own. But it is better not to waste your time and contact our companyMetropol Voyage.
Our guides speak Russian and will be able to tell you not only the history of Versailles, but also many secrets that you will not read on the Internet. You will walk around the Grand Palace, look into the Small Palace, climb the chapel and spend an unforgettable time in the beautiful park, where every tree and sculpture keeps the secrets of the past.
Louis XIV wanted to move closer to nature. He ordered the residence to be moved to an old hunting lodge. Construction began immediately. For a long time the palace was under construction, and every year new buildings appeared. During the years of his reign, the main building was added to:
- King’s Towers;
- Greenhouse;
- Hall of Mirrors;
- Opera;
- The Grand Trianon.
Later, in 1761, the Petit Trianon began construction. And then the Great French Revolution broke out. The royal family was destroyed and the beautiful palace was turned into a museum.
You can’t help but enjoy a tour of the palace. There is a lot to see here.
The building looks beautiful and at first sight it becomes clear that the architects have worked on the glory, and the kings did not spare money for the construction.
The layout and attractions of the palace
The layout of the palace is as interesting as the exterior. The main building has many bedrooms and houses the main halls. Every fragment screams luxury. Antique paintings hang on the walls, the ceilings are decorated with frescoes, silk carpets with velvet drapery are spread on the floor, sculptures stand everywhere.
- Each room is a hall dedicated to one or another deity. The throne room is very interesting; they decided to dedicate it to Apollo.
- The Hall of Mirrors is no less interesting and beautiful. Each mirror is a work of art, very rare and expensive in those times. There are 17 of them in total.
- The garden that surrounds the palace is also mesmerizing. Over the years, many attempts have been made to copy the park, but no one has succeeded until today. It remains the only one of its kind.
- The Grand Canal runs through the center of the garden. During construction, craftsmen tried to lay it in such a way that the rays of the setting sun would be reflected in the water. Ancient sculptures are placed throughout the park.
- The Small Palace is also beautiful and unusual. The interior decoration is not inferior to the main palace. Everything here is done tastefully and very neatly.
- You can also see the royal chapel. It is made in Baroque style, but if you look closely, you can see some Gothic elements.
- And of course, the Royal Opera House. It is a small space that can accommodate no more than 700 visitors.
It is worth noting that the Royal Palace is located not far from Paris. And if you come to this amazing city for the weekend, you should definitely visit the ancient residence of the kings.
Versailles Attractions
As with any French town, Versailles has tons of attractions.
Museum of French History. It is located in the Palace of Versailles. The history of the museum’s creation is interesting and deserves no less attention than the exhibits presented in it. Once upon a time, King Louis-Philip refused to live in this luxurious castle. He proposed to convert one of the halls into a museum. The most famous architects worked on the design of the museum. When the hall was ready, he named it the Museum of Reconciliation. - Madame Elisabeth ‘s castle is quite an interesting place that deserves attention. It is located almost in the center and it is not difficult to get to the castle. Back in the early 12th century, on the territory of the castle was the estate of Montreuil. Later, in 1375, it was decided to build a castle on its place. It became a royal estate. The castle changed hands, the owners succeeded each other. Today it is a state institution. The building is quite interesting, but the garden that surrounds the castle from all sides deserves attention.
- Montmancier Theater. This place will be interesting for fans of theater art. The theater was built in the 18th century and the initiative in the construction was shown by a famous French actress, in whose honor the temple of art is named. The decoration of the theater is gorgeous. Famous sculptors and architects worked on its decoration. The theater is located within walking distance from the Palace of Versailles, so you can stop here after visiting Versailles.
- Chevreulu Arboretum. The nature park was founded in the early 20th century. Today its area exceeds 200 hectares. Here you can see a variety of plants that grow all over the world. You can walk through the park at any period. It looks beautiful and interesting in any weather.
Museum of French History. 
Madame Elisabeth ‘s castle is quite an interesting place that deserves attention. It is located almost in the center and it is not difficult to get to the castle. Back in the early 12th century, on the territory of the castle was the estate of Montreuil. Later, in 1375, it was decided to build a castle on its place. It became a royal estate. The castle changed hands, the owners succeeded each other. Today it is a state institution. The building is quite interesting, but the garden that surrounds the castle from all sides deserves attention. 
Montmancier Theater. This place will be interesting for fans of theater art. The theater was built in the 18th century and the initiative in the construction was shown by a famous French actress, in whose honor the temple of art is named. The decoration of the theater is gorgeous. Famous sculptors and architects worked on its decoration. The theater is located within walking distance from the Palace of Versailles, so you can stop here after visiting Versailles.
Chevreulu Arboretum. The nature park was founded in the early 20th century. Today its area exceeds 200 hectares. Here you can see a variety of plants that grow all over the world. You can walk through the park at any period. It looks beautiful and interesting in any weather. In general, it will be interesting just to walk around the city. Small streets, beautiful old buildings and many colors make it beautiful and mysterious. Here you can have a good rest both together with your loved one and spend an unforgettable vacation with your children.
While in Versailles, you should definitely check out Paris as well. In order not to get lost in the most romantic city, sign up for a sightseeing tour of Paris. A Russian-speaking guide will show you the most interesting places of the city, tell you its history and interesting facts. Employees of our company have developed a unique route around the French capital. Famous sights will be replaced by quiet streets, and stories about the lives of great people will only enhance the pleasant impressions.
If you think that it is impossible to explore the city in a few hours, you are deeply mistaken. And we will prove it to you.
