Psst… Hey you… Move to Versailles.
But really, have you ever considered moving to Versailles?
As someone who made the move from the US to France – and then from the left bank of Paris to finally settling in this royal city – I can tell you that Versailles offers so much more than just a famous palace. It provides a quality of life that’s hard to match, with green spaces, cultural richness, and a community that makes you feel at home.
While Paris undoubtedly holds its charm with world-class museums and iconic landmarks, more and more people are discovering the hidden gem that is Versailles – a perfect blend of historical elegance and modern convenience just 30 minutes from the heart of Paris.
The Real Estate Advantage: More Space, Better Value
One of the most compelling reasons to choose Versailles over Paris is the significant difference in housing costs.
One-Bedroom Apartments:
In Paris, as of February 2025, the average rent for a one-bedroom furnished apartment is approximately €31 per square meter. For a 46-square-meter (500 sq ft) apartment, this equates to around €1,426 per month. In contrast, in Versailles, the average rent for a similar apartment in the city center is about €1,253 per month.
This indicates that renting in Versailles can be approximately 12% less expensive than in Paris.
Resource: seloger.comlivingcost.net
Three-Bedroom Apartments:
The price disparity becomes more pronounced with larger apartments. In Paris, a three-bedroom apartment typically costs significantly more than in Versailles. While specific figures for Paris vary widely depending on the district, in Versailles, a three-bedroom apartment in the city center averages around €2,438 per month. This suggests that families seeking more space may find Versailles to be a more affordable option.
Resource: livingcost.net
Smaller Studios and Outskirts:
For singles or students, there are even more budget-friendly options. A few years ago we rented a cozy studio for our au pair for around €600 per month – try finding that in Paris! And if you’re willing to live just outside the most touristy parts in the center of Versailles (away from St. Louis or Notre Dame districts), prices drop even further while still keeping you in a safe neighborhood close to all the amenities.
Investment Opportunities:
For those considering purchasing property, Versailles presents attractive investment opportunities. Property values have been steadily increasing yet remain about 25% lower than comparable properties in Paris. Neighborhoods like Notre-Dame are particularly sought after, boasting beautiful properties that combine historical charm with modern amenities in the center of it all.
In summary, Versailles offers more affordable rental and purchasing options compared to Paris, along with the added benefits of spacious and quality housing.
Real Estate Resources
Seloger is a popular French real estate website that features a wide selection of apartments and houses for rent and sale
Leboncoin is a French classifieds website that features a section for apartment rentals (A bit like ol’ Craigslist for the French)
PAP is a French real estate website that features apartments and houses for rent and sale
Appartager is a French website that specializes in shared apartments and room rentals
Gens de Confiance is a French online platform that connects people for various services and goods, focusing on trust and reliability. It’s a community-based site where users can find recommendations for things like housing, jobs, and services, all based on verified and personal experiences.
*Never wire money or send payments upfront before seeing the apartment in person. Stick to reputable sources and verified listings to reduce the risk of scams.
Embracing the Green Lifestyle: Parks, Gardens, and Nature
One thing I never anticipated loving so much about Versailles is how green it is. After years of dealing with Paris’s concrete landscape, the abundance of nature in Versailles feels like a breath of fresh air – literally.
The Gardens of Versailles are, of course, the crown jewel of outdoor spaces in the area. Spanning over 800 hectares, these meticulously maintained gardens designed by André Le Nôtre offer more than just a pretty view. You won’t even need a seasonal pass to profit like a local. The gardens are free for a large part of the year, and the part around the Grand Canal is always free!
My morning jogs through these historic grounds, watching the sunrise over the Grand Canal, have become a highlight of my daily routine.
Beyond the palace gardens, Versailles offers easy access to the Chevreuse Valley Regional Nature Park, a paradise for hikers and cyclists. On weekends, I often join local cycling groups for rides through the French countryside – something that would require much more planning from Paris.
The difference in air quality is noticeable too. Without the constant traffic of Paris, Versailles enjoys cleaner air and significantly less noise pollution. For anyone with respiratory issues or young children, this alone can be a decisive factor.
Cultural Life Without the Crowds
A common misconception about moving away from Paris is that you’ll miss out on cultural experiences. Nothing could be further from the truth in Versailles.
The city hosts numerous events throughout the year, including the world-renowned Versailles Festival with classical music performances in historic settings. The summer’s Les Grandes Eaux Nocturnes, where the palace fountains come alive with music and lights, is an experience that I never tire of.
What makes these cultural events special is that you can actually enjoy them without fighting through crowds of tourists. While Paris venues can be packed to capacity, Versailles offers a more civilized way to experience arts and culture.
The local art scene is thriving too, with events like the Salon d’Automne showcasing contemporary works. There are smaller galleries and workshops throughout the city where you can meet local artists and even participate in classes and workshops.
A Foodie’s Paradise: Markets, Restaurants, and Cafés
If you think moving away from Paris means compromising on gastronomy, think again. Versailles has developed its own impressive food scene that rivals many Parisian neighborhoods.
The Marché Notre-Dame is one of my favorite spots in the city – a traditional French market where you can find everything from fresh produce to artisanal cheeses and locally produced honey. Shopping here has become a weekend ritual, chatting with the vendors who now know me by name and save special items they know I’ll like.
For dining out, Versailles offers options ranging from casual bistros to fine dining establishments. The Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Trianon Palace houses Gordon Ramsay’s Michelin-starred Au Trianon, where I’ve splurged on special occasions. But there are plenty of more affordable gems tucked away in the city’s charming streets.
What I particularly love about the café culture in Versailles is how relaxed it is. Unlike in Paris, where waiters might rush you to free up a table, here you can linger for hours over a coffee, reading or catching up with friends without feeling pressured to leave.
Family-Friendly Environment and Education
For families, Versailles offers significant advantages over Paris. The city has excellent schools, including several bilingual and international options for expat families. The safe streets and numerous parks make it an ideal place for children to grow up with a degree of freedom that would be unthinkable in Paris.
The community here is also incredibly supportive of families. There are numerous activities for children, from sports clubs to art classes. During school holidays (which are for two weeks, every 6 weeks of school), the city offers special programs to keep children engaged and entertained.
The Commuter’s Dream: Easy Access to Paris
Perhaps the most practical advantage of Versailles is its excellent transportation links to Paris. The RER C train line connects Versailles to central Paris in just 30 minutes, making it entirely feasible to work in the capital while enjoying the benefits of suburban living.
For those who prefer to drive, major highways provide direct access to Paris and beyond. However, many residents find they can manage perfectly well without a car, using a combination of trains, buses, and bicycles to get around. The city’s bicycle share program makes cycling a convenient option for local trips.
I’ve found that the commute actually improves my work-life balance. The train journey provides a clear boundary between work and home, giving me time to read, catch up on podcasts, or simply decompress before arriving home.
Building Community: Social Life in Versailles
One of my initial concerns about moving to Versailles was whether I’d find it difficult to build a social network outside the bustling environment of Paris, especially with other people who spoke English. Those fears proved completely unfounded.
Versailles has a warm, welcoming community with a mix of long-time residents and newcomers from around the world. There are numerous clubs and associations catering to various interests, from sports to cultural activities, making it easy to meet like-minded people.
The expat community is particularly active, with regular meet-ups and events where you can connect with others who understand the unique challenges and joys of relocating to France. Two of the Facebook groups I’m actively involved in are the English Speaking Moms / Ladies Around Versailles and the Versailles Advice Corner
I’ve really appreciated the strong sense of community here in Versailles. It’s been wonderful to feel so connected to my neighbors, and it’s made this place feel like home.
Practical Considerations for Moving to Versailles
If you’re seriously considering a move to Versailles, there are some practical aspects to keep in mind:
- Housing Search: Websites like Seloger, Leboncoin, and PAP are excellent resources for finding rental properties. For shared accommodations, Appartager specializes in roommate situations.
- Neighborhood Selection: Versailles has several distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character. Notre-Dame is popular for its historic charm and central location, while areas on the outskirts offer more affordable options with excellent transportation links.
- Shopping and Amenities: Besides the charming boutiques in the town center, Versailles has practical shopping options, including the Parly 2 shopping mall just north of town, which houses major brands, restaurants, and a cinema.
- Banking and Administration: Setting up bank accounts and navigating French bureaucracy can be challenging. It’s worth connecting with expat groups who can provide guidance based on recent experience.
Is Versailles Right for You?
After living in both Paris and Versailles, I can confidently say that Versailles offers an exceptional quality of life for those who want to experience French culture without the daily stresses of big-city living. It’s particularly well-suited for:
- Professionals who work in Paris but prefer a calmer home environment
- Families looking for safe neighborhoods and excellent schools
- History and culture enthusiasts who appreciate living near a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Anyone seeking a better balance between urban amenities and access to nature
- Those looking for better value in real estate, whether renting or buying
The transition from Paris to Versailles was one of the best decisions we made. While I still enjoy frequent visits into the city specific events or shopping trips, returning to the elegant calm of Versailles always feels like coming home.
Whether you’re relocating from abroad or simply looking for an alternative to life in Paris, Versailles offers a unique combination of historical grandeur and modern convenience that’s hard to match anywhere else in France. It truly is possible to live like royalty – or at least enjoy a royal quality of life – just 30 minutes from the heart of Paris.
Your Royal Life Awaits
Moving to a new city is always a significant decision, but Versailles makes the transition as smooth and rewarding as possible. With its perfect balance of historical charm and modern convenience, lower cost of living compared to Paris, and easy access to both urban amenities and natural beauty, it’s no wonder that more people are choosing to call this royal city home.
If you’re considering making the move, I encourage you to visit Versailles for more than just a day trip to the palace. Spend time wandering the town’s streets, sitting in its cafés, and imagining what your life could be like in this exceptional place. Chances are, like so many before you, you’ll fall under its spell and find yourself planning your royal relocation sooner rather than later.Have you visited or lived in Versailles? Share your experiences in the comments below and join the conversation about this gem of a city just outside Paris!
