Here's why you should spend a full day in Versailles
There's so much more to this regal town than its royal palace.
Hi everyone,
Let’s talk about Versailles!
Last week I had the pleasure of heading to the town of Versailles with Bertrand d’Aleman from My Private Paris. It was part two of our monthly day-trip out of Paris (the first one was Champagne). And today it’s the newest episode of The Earful Tower podcast.
You see, Bertrand was very keen to prove to me that there’s a lot more to Versailles than its famous royal palace. And I learned quickly that the palace is only really scratching the surface of this elegant and historic town.
Bertrand showed me the town’s lesser-known delights, including a vibrant gastronomic culture and a few architectural treats. Listen to the embedded episode below to find out what we saw (and what I recommend you see too!). Or scroll down to read more.
Bertrand had a few recommendations up his sleeve to ensure that any visitor can make the most of their time in the town. The first tip? Of course the palace is interesting and a true historical must-see, but it’s not the only thing to do in Versailles. Instead, make a full day of exploring the town. And when you do, here are some highlights (besides the palace).
1) Explore the covered markets
The market of Notre Dame in Versailles has been serving fresh, local produce for over 300 years. In any of the four indoor markets (which are arranged in a big square) you'll find delicious cheese, bread, fruit and vegetables. And should you be looking for an entire pheasant, this is the place to go, too. For double the culinary delights, try to go on a Tuesday, Friday or Sunday and enjoy the outdoor market, which sets up inside the square.
2) Stop for a local meal
The residents of Versailles take their gastronomy very seriously. Here you’ll find a traditional approach to dinner and Sunday lunch. Why not consider making the short journey for a decadent dinner, at a price lower than you would pay in Paris? Here are some places worth the effort of visiting:
Pierre Hermé Café - both a restaurant for lunch and tearoom for an afternoon pick-me-up. Don’t forget to pick up a box of their famous macarons on your way out.
La Table du Onze - spend a luxurious evening of fine-dining at this Michelin-starred restaurant, situated at the gates of the Palace of Versailles.
Alain Ducasse at Le Grand Contrôle - the only hotel located within the grounds of the palace, Le Grand Contrôle hosts the famed chef Alain Ducasse's top-tier cuisine. Break the bank with their spectacular brunch or afternoon tea à la Marie-Antoinette.
3) See the classic architecture
Did you know that Versailles was the capital of France for around a century? The architecture of the town speaks to this famous history. Bertrand and I visited the famous Salle du Jeu de Paume “tennis” court (where the French Revolution officially started), the Cathedral Saint-Louis and the church of Notre-Dame, designed by the famous Mansart architectural family.
Grandfather Jules Hardouin-Mansart designed the majority of the Palace of Versailles, as well as the Place Vendôme in Paris. And yes, he’s the one responsible for the Mansard roof… And the Town Hall, below, caught my eye too.
4) Do some antique shopping
Any royal town worth its salt must have an impressive antiques market, and Versailles more than hits the spot. In over 50 antique shops, you’ll find art deco furniture, silverware, and porcelain, to name but a few. Even if your budget won’t stretch to a Grecian-style earthenware urn, the picturesque antiquarian quarter is charming enough to visit without making any purchases.
5) See the estate of Versailles
It’s understandable that you’d want to take even the briefest of glances into the palace itself, since you’ve come all this way. But, do remember that it represents merely a fraction of what the estate offers.
The grand canal, Marie-Antoinette’s famous Petit Trianon farm, vast parklands, it really does go on and on. Total transparency - it’s too much to explore on foot, so we recommend visiting on bikes or horseback, which can be organised of course through My Private Paris.
That’s it for this week. Thanks to My Private Paris for taking me to Versailles and partnering up with me this season on the show, opening lots of new doors and adding a new dimension to the show.
If you’re thinking to book some kind of private tour in Paris, Versailles, or beyond, please do it with them. You’re in very safe hands. Here’s their Versailles full day tour - and you can use your imagination to plan any of trip with them here.
Have a great week.
Oliver
I agree with everything, but I'd also heartily recommend staying overnight. Two days in the royal city can be put to good use. Those who enjoy walking -- the park is vast, as you indicate -- could happily stay even longer. I've stayed for up to 2 weeks, myself. That's far too long for the casual visitor, of course, but for enthusiasts of what I call the Versailles Century, i.e. the period 1682-1789, a full week wouldn't be too much.