While tour buses line up at the palace gates and visitors join the long queue, locals in Versailles are settling into their favorite brunch spots just minutes away. Whether you’re planning a day trip from Paris, need a place to recharge after an early morning wakeup and exploring the royal chambers, or simply want to wait out the morning crowds, these five authentic cafés and restaurants offer the perfect respite.
As someone who’s called Versailles home for years, I’ve tested most every croissant and coffee in town to bring you the spots where you’ll find yourself dining alongside residents rather than tourists.
From hidden gems with garden views to surprisingly affordable options steps from the palace, here’s where locals actually eat when brunch calls in the royal city.
Best Brunch in Versailles
1. Oré – Ducasse au Château de Versailles
I’ll never forget the first time I stumbled upon Oré while giving a friend a palace tour. We were absolutely famished after walking through the Hall of Mirrors, and I figured we’d grab a quick bite. Boy, was I in for a surprise!
Located right inside the Palace of Versailles in the Pavillon Dufour, this elegant eatery is run by none other than the legendary Alain Ducasse. The moment you step in, you’re transported to a world of luxury that matches the grandeur outside. The place has these stunning tall windows that flood the space with natural light, making the whole experience feel magical.
I usually go for their “Petit-déjeuner Versailles” which includes the fluffiest scrambled eggs I’ve ever tasted, paired with smoked salmon that melts in your mouth. Their freshly baked pastries are to die for – especially the pain au chocolat which has just the right balance of buttery layers and rich chocolate.
One time, I made the rookie mistake of showing up without a reservation on a Saturday. Big mistake! We had to wait nearly an hour for a table. Trust me, you’ll want to book this place at least a week in advance, especially during tourist season.
The pricing is definitely on the higher side – you’re looking at about €35-45 per person for brunch. But considering you’re dining in literal royal surroundings with food prepared under the guidance of one of France’s most celebrated chefs, it’s worth every euro for a special occasion.
Address: Château De Versailles, Pavillon Dufour, 78000 Versailles
2. La Véranda at Waldorf Astoria Versailles
Last year, my sister was visiting from the States, and I wanted to really impress her with something special. La Véranda at the Waldorf Astoria was absolutely perfect! The restaurant is housed in what used to be the residence of Louis XIV’s finance minister – talk about dining with history!
The Sunday brunch here is nothing short of spectacular. It’s served in this gorgeous sun-drenched room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the hotel’s manicured gardens. The vibe is sophisticated but not stuffy – you know what I mean?
Their brunch buffet is extensive and changes seasonally, but always includes both traditional French options and international favorites. I’m particularly fond of their eggs Benedict with truffle hollandaise – a little indulgent, but hey, that’s what brunch is for, right? Their selection of artisanal cheeses is impressive, and the charcuterie board features some local specialties that you might not find elsewhere.
The dessert station deserves its own paragraph! Seriously, the pastry chef here creates these miniature works of art that are almost too pretty to eat. Almost. The lemon tart has this perfect balance of sweet and tangy, and their chocolate éclairs are filled with a praline cream that I still dream about.
At around €75 per person (including a glass of champagne), it’s definitely a splurge. But the elegant atmosphere, impeccable service, and extraordinary food make it worth saving up for.
Pro tip: ask for a table by the window for the best views.
Address: 1 Bd de la Reine, 78000 Versailles
3. Monument Café
Sometimes you just want a good, hearty brunch without all the fancy frills, ya know? That’s when I head to Monument Café. It’s become my go-to spot when showing friends around Versailles who don’t want to break the bank.
Located just a stone’s throw from the palace gates, this place has saved me many times when dealing with hangry tourists! The café has this cool, laid-back vibe with an industrial-chic décor – exposed pipes, communal tables, that whole deal. It’s usually bustling with a mix of locals and visitors, which I love.
Their weekend brunch buffet is amazing value at around €25. They’ve got all the classics – fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, pancakes with real maple syrup (not that fake stuff), fresh fruit, yogurt, and a selection of pastries that would make any French grandmother proud.
I had a funny experience here last summer when I brought my vegetarian friend Jackie. I was worried there wouldn’t be enough options for her, but the staff was super accommodating and pointed out all the veggie-friendly dishes. She ended up eating more than I did!
The coffee here deserves special mention – they serve this really rich, flavorful blend that gives you just the right caffeine kick to continue your Versailles adventures. And unlike some touristy spots, they’ll happily give you refills!
Just a heads up though – this place gets PACKED around 11:30am-1pm. I’ve found that either arriving right when they open at 10am or waiting until after 1:30pm works best if you want to avoid waiting.
Address: 1 Rue du Maréchal Joffre, 78000 Versailles
4. Sister’s Café
If you’re looking for something a bit different from traditional French fare, Sister’s Café is your spot. Located on a charming side street about a 10-minute walk from the palace, this place brings American brunch vibes to Versailles, with a French twist of course!
I discovered this gem completely by accident about two years ago when I got caught in a sudden downpour while showing my parents around town. We ducked in to escape the rain, and I’ve been a regular ever since.
The café is run by two sisters (hence the name) who spent several years living in New York, and they’ve brought back some serious brunch inspiration. The space is cozy and inviting – think exposed brick walls, vintage furniture, and these adorable mismatched china cups that make every Instagram photo pop.
Their avocado toast is hands-down the best in Versailles – sourdough bread (baked in-house!) topped with perfectly ripe avocado, poached eggs, and this amazing dukkah spice blend that adds just the right amount of crunch and flavor. On weekends they serve these incredible buttermilk pancakes with bourbon maple syrup that’ll make you forget you’re in France!
I once brought my traditional French uncle here, and he was skeptical about this “American breakfast nonsense.” By the end of the meal, he was asking the sisters for their pancake recipe! That’s how good it is, folks.
Prices are reasonable – most brunch plates range from €12-18. The coffee is excellent too, though I usually splurge on their fresh-pressed juices. The “Green Machine” with apple, cucumber, spinach and ginger gives me life after a night of too much wine!
The only downside is that the place is pretty small, so you might have to wait for a table on weekends. They don’t take reservations, so I’d recommend going early (they open at 9am) or during the week if possible.
Address: 15 Rue des Réservoirs, 78000 Versailles
5. Mé Lo Di
Sometimes you need a healthier option after days of indulging in French pastries and cheese, am I right? That’s when I head to Mé Lo Di, this cute little café tucked away on a quiet street about a 15-minute walk from the palace.
I actually found this place when I was training for a half-marathon last year and needed something nutritious but filling before my long runs. The owner, Melody (clever name, right?), is this super passionate nutritionist who wanted to bring healthy, delicious options to Versailles.
The space is bright and airy with lots of plants hanging from the ceiling and these gorgeous tile floors that I’m pretty sure date back to the 19th century. There’s usually some chill indie music playing in the background – not too loud, just enough to create a relaxed atmosphere.
Their açaí bowls are to die for – topped with fresh berries, homemade granola, and a drizzle of local honey. If you’re feeling something savory, their breakfast bowl with quinoa, roasted veggies, avocado and a perfectly poached egg hits the spot. Everything is made with seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible.
What I really appreciate about Mé Lo Di is that they cater to all dietary preferences. I brought my gluten-intolerant friend here once, and she nearly cried when she saw all the GF options available. Their almond flour pancakes are actually better than regular ones – I’m not even kidding!
The fresh juices and smoothies are a bit pricey (around €7-9) but worth it. My favorite is the “Royal Flush” – beetroot, apple, ginger, and lemon. It’s vibrant purple and makes you feel like you’re drinking liquid health!
Fair warning though – seating is pretty limited (maybe 20 seats total), and they don’t take reservations. I’ve found that arriving right at 9:30am when they open on weekends usually guarantees a spot. Plus, the early morning light streaming through those big windows makes for perfect photos!
Address: 6 Pl. Saint-Symphorien, 78000 Versailles
Best Brunch in Versailles: A Summary
From dining like royalty at Oré to enjoying healthy, Instagram-worthy bowls at Mé Lo Di, Versailles offers a surprising variety of brunch options to fuel your palace adventures. Whether you’re a tourist visiting for the day or a local looking for your new weekend spot, these five establishments represent the best of what this historic city has to offer morning diners.
Remember to make reservations where possible, especially for the more upscale options like Oré and La Véranda. For casual spots like Monument Café and Sister’s Café, going early or during weekdays will help you avoid the crowds.
And if you’re planning a visit to Versailles soon, don’t forget that most of these spots are within walking distance of the palace, making them perfect for a pre-tour energy boost or a post-palace relaxation session.
Happy brunching!
