A Beautiful Train Journey in Paris: The Palace of Versailles! A Time Travel in the Shadows of Kings
- yunusemredumlu2506
- May 4
- 3 min read
Versailles was originally a modest hunting lodge. That is, until King Louis XIV, the Sun King, decided to move the heart of France here. The king wanted to solidify his power, keep the nobility under his watch, and display his authority through architecture. The result? A massive complex with 700 rooms and over 2,300 windows.
This is not a place for a simple "let's go and have a quick look" visit; prepare your eyes, your time, and your imagination. My advice? Go early, spend plenty of time there, walk through the gardens, and take a break to sip a coffee in the café.
One of the first places that comes to mind when thinking of Versailles is the Galerie des Glaces, or the Hall of Mirrors. With 357 mirrors, massive crystal chandeliers, and gold leaf decorations... it’s like a dance of light! The balls, ceremonies, and agreements held here shaped not only French history but also European politics.
And yes, in 1919, the Treaty of Versailles, which officially ended World War I, was signed right in this very gallery.
Gardens: Symmetry, Art, and Eternity
The gardens of the palace, designed by André Le Nôtre, are considered the pinnacle of French garden art. Lush green lawns, geometric mazes, ornamental ponds, sculptures…
You’re not just walking, you’re practically touring an art gallery created by nature itself.
A mini tip: If you have the time, be sure to visit Marie Antoinette’s village by the lake. The pastoral cottages, reflecting the queen’s longing for a simple life, form a perfect contrast to the grandeur of the palace.
Tips for Visiting and Experience Suggestions
Get an audio guide or app: Wandering around the palace without knowing its history is like reading a poem without understanding it.
Go early in the morning: A quiet Versailles experience, away from the crowds, is priceless.
Have a picnic by the lake: Follow in the footsteps of kings by laying down a blanket and enjoying the day.
Musical fountain shows: Watch these shows in the gardens during spring and summer. It’s both a relaxing and delightful break!
How to Get to the Palace of Versailles from Paris by Train?
One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to get to Versailles is by train. Plus, it’s only about a 1-hour journey from central Paris. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Use the RER C Line
The most common route to Versailles from Paris is the RER C suburban train.
This line, marked in yellow on the map, runs along the Seine River and passes by tourist sites.
Choose the Right Station
You can board the RER C line at several stations in Paris, including: Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame, Invalides, Musée d'Orsay, and Champs de Mars – Tour Eiffel.
Your destination stop: Versailles Château – Rive Gauche (the closest station to the palace,
only a 10-minute walk away!).
Be Careful When Buying Your Ticket!
The regular Paris metro ticket is not valid. Since this is an out-of-town trip, you must buy a special suburban ticket that says "Versailles Rive Gauche". (If you buy a round-trip ticket,
you won’t have to wait in line for the return trip.)
Journey Duration
The trip takes about 35-45 minutes.
Trains typically run every 15-20 minutes.
What to Do Once You Arrive?
Once you exit the station, follow the signage. With a short 10-minute walk, you'll reach the magnificent entrance to the palace.
A little tip: If you go early in the morning, you’ll escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful walk through the gardens.
Bon voyage! Versailles awaits you for a day full of history and grandeur!
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