Guest Post by Becca Fritz | Sugar Hill, Georgia, USA
If you’ve ever dreamed of walking in the footsteps of royalty, the Palace of Versailles is the ultimate destination. With its sprawling gardens, ornate apartments, and storybook charm, it’s easy to see why millions of travelers make the journey just outside of Paris each year.
Today, I’m thrilled to welcome Becca Fritz, a passionate blogger and traveler from Sugar Hill, Georgia, who shares her firsthand experience of spending one day at Versailles.
From a guided tour of the King’s Apartments to a memorable visit to Marie Antoinette’s personal village, Becca takes us along for the ride—golf cart and all.
Whether you’re planning your own visit to Versailles or just daydreaming from home, her tips and observations, make this a can’t-miss read.
Let’s dive in!
Becca’s One Day at Versailles
Our day at Versailles was ambitious, slightly chaotic, and absolutely magical. I knew we’d never see everything in one visit, but I was determined to hit the highlights—especially Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet. Here’s how our whirlwind day unfolded, including what worked brilliantly and what I’d definitely do differently next time.
9:30 AM: Arrival & Getting Our Bearings
We arrived at Versailles at 9:30 AM for our 1:00 PM timed entry into the King’s Apartments. Even this early, the crowds were already forming. With a few hours to spare before our tour, we decided to rent a golf cart and explore the Versailles Gardens.
11:00 AM: Touring the Versailles Gardens by Golf Cart
After some logistics (and that much-needed cappuccino), we finally set out in our golf cart around 11:00. We’d rented it for two hours, and even though it was early spring (April 2024) and many trees were still bare, the elegance of the gardens was undeniable. My husband, Todd, who’s a huge fan of landscaping, was in heaven!
12:00 PM: Finding Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet
One of my top priorities was seeing the Queen’s Hamlet, so we followed the map provided at the entrance. Quick note: the maps show where landmarks are but not how to access them—which made things a little tricky.
After wandering around for an hour (Todd’s not a fan of “creative shortcuts” like I am 😂), we finally found it—and it was magical. Straight out of a storybook, this village was Marie Antoinette’s personal retreat, complete with cottage gardens and a small farm. Todd joked that it was her 18th-century “Mom’s Club,” and honestly, he’s not wrong.
12:25 PM: Racing Back for the King’s Apartments Tour
After a whirlwind visit to the Hamlet, we had just 25 minutes to get back for our guided tour. Finding the meeting point was confusing—staff weren’t quite sure where to send us. (For future reference: if you’re facing the Palace, the tour entrance is in the building to the far right.)
We eventually found it with the help of a kind staffer and joined the tour just in time!
1:00 PM: A Look Inside the King’s Private World
The King’s Apartments tour was both fascinating and beautiful. Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable, and the highlight was absolutely the Royal Chapel—which isn’t included in the standard self-guided route.
Why You Should Add the King’s Apartments Guided Tour
Here’s why I highly recommend adding the $10 guided tour, even if you already have a timed ticket: Without it, you’ll be waiting in a long line outside (yes, even with timed entry). With the guided tour, we not only skipped that line but also got exclusive access to the Chapel.
After seeing the massive queue when we exited, I was so glad we’d splurged. Totally worth the extra cost if you’re spending one day at Versailles!
The only downside? We hadn’t made a game plan for exploring the rest of the palace—and we were starving.
Lunch Break: Angelina
We headed to Angelina for lunch near the Trianon. It was on our bucket list of places we wanted to try in Paris, but the timing never worked out. Luckily, we got seated right away at the Versailles location, even though the menu was limited.
I had their famous chocolat chaud (even though I was already overheating 😅), a quiche, and sparkling water. Todd had a croque monsieur and we split a salad. Delicious, though I personally prefer Carette’s hot chocolate!
Afternoon: The Hall of Mirrors and Final Highlights
With time ticking and energy restored, we hustled through some of Versailles’ top highlights, including the Gallery of Battles, Empire Rooms, and, of course, the Hall of Mirrors. All were breathtaking, but the palace was packed, and honestly, we were starting to fade.
Sadly, we didn’t get a chance to return to the manicured gardens or see the musical fountain show. Rain was rolling in anyway, so we grabbed a G7 taxi back to Paris. (You can also use a bus service to go directly from Versailles back to the Eiffel Tower in Paris.)
Would I Do It Differently?
Absolutely—but not in a bad way! Here’s what I’d change for next time:
- Start even earlier (like 9:00 AM) to maximize garden time before the palace tour
- Study the map more carefully to avoid getting turned around
- Plan which palace rooms to prioritize after the guided tour
- Check the fountain show schedule in advance
That said, even with the chaos, spending one day at Versailles was unforgettable. The King’s Apartments tour, the magical Hamlet, and that sweeping Hall of Mirrors made every rushed moment worth it.
Versailles Deserves More Time
If I could do it again, I’d spend at least two full days at Versailles.
There’s just so much to see—from the opulent rooms and expansive grounds to secret gems like the Hamlet and boat rentals on the Grand Canal.
Seven hours barely scratched the surface, and even with great planning, one day at Versailles felt rushed. But that just gives us a reason to return!
What do you think of Becca’s Versailles adventure? Have you visited the palace, or is it on your bucket list? Come join in the discussion in our Facebook Group!
More Tips for Planning Your Day at Versailles
Becca’s experience highlights several key considerations when planning your visit to the Palace of Versailles. Here are some additional insights to help you make the most of your day.
Best Time to Visit Versailles
The palace is open Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays) and tends to be least crowded on weekday mornings, especially Tuesday and Wednesday. If you’re visiting during peak summer months (June-August), arrive as early as possible—the gates open at 9:00 AM. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer milder weather and slightly smaller crowds, as Becca experienced in April.
Versailles Ticket Options Explained
Understanding your ticket options can save you time and enhance your experience:
- Palace Ticket: Access to the King and Queen’s State Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, and temporary exhibitions
- Passport Ticket: Includes the Palace, Marie Antoinette’s Estate (Trianon palaces and the Hamlet), and the Gardens
- Guided Tour: As Becca discovered, guided tour of the King’s Apartments includes skip-the-line access and the Royal Chapel
- Musical Fountains Show: On weekends from April to October, the gardens come alive with choreographed fountain displays set to Baroque music (separate ticket required)
- Musical Gardens: A more budget-friendly option on select weekdays with music in the gardens
Getting to Versailles from Paris
The palace is located about 12 miles southwest of central Paris. Here are your main transportation options:
- RER C Train: The most economical option (about €7 roundtrip), taking 30-40 minutes from central Paris to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station
- SNCF Train: Faster service from Paris Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers (20 minutes), then a 15-minute walk
- Organized Bus Tours: Direct service from Paris, often including skip-the-line access
- G7 Taxi or Uber: As Becca used for her return trip, convenient but more expensive (€50-70)
- Private Tours: Include transportation and often combine Versailles with other attractions
Exploring Marie Antoinette’s Estate
The Queen’s Hamlet deserves special attention in your planning. This rustic retreat, built between 1783-1786, allowed Marie Antoinette to escape the formality of court life. The estate also includes:
- The Grand Trianon: A pink marble palace built by Louis XIV as his private retreat
- The Petit Trianon: Marie Antoinette’s neoclassical château, gifted to her by Louis XVI
- The Queen’s Theater: Where Marie Antoinette performed in private productions
- English Gardens: Designed in the informal English style, a stark contrast to the formal French gardens
As Becca mentioned, navigating to the Hamlet can be tricky. The estate is about a 20-minute walk from the main palace, or you can take the petit train (small tourist train) or rent a golf cart.
Versailles Gardens: What You Need to Know
The gardens at Versailles span over 2,000 acres, making comfortable shoes essential. Key areas include:
- The Grand Canal: Perfect for a leisurely stroll or boat rental
- The Orangerie/Orangery: Home to over 1,000 trees, including orange, lemon, and pomegranate
- The Neptune Fountain: One of the largest and most spectacular fountains
- The Apollo Fountain: Depicts the sun god rising from the water in his chariot
Golf cart rentals (as Becca used) cost around €34 for one hour or €40 for 45 minutes for a 4-person cart, and are available near the Grand Canal. Bicycle rentals are also available for those who prefer pedaling.
Dining Options at Versailles
Beyond Angelina (where Becca had lunch), the estate offers several dining options:
- Ore – Ducasse au Château de Versailles: Upscale dining by chef Alain Ducasse, located in the Dufour Pavilion
- La Petite Venise: Casual dining near the Grand Canal
- La Flottille: Waterfront restaurant offering crêpes, sandwiches, and drinks
- Café Giverny: Quick bites and coffee in the gardens
- Bring Your Own: Picnicking is allowed in certain areas of the gardens, and will definitely help you feel like a local
How Much Time Do You Need at Versailles?
Based on Becca’s experience and typical visitor patterns:
- Minimum Visit (3-4 hours): Palace State Apartments and Hall of Mirrors only
- Half Day (4-6 hours): Palace plus gardens, as Becca attempted
- Full Day (6-8 hours): Palace, gardens, Marie Antoinette’s Estate, and Musical Fountains Show
- Leisurely Visit (8+ hours): Everything above plus time for lunch, rest breaks, and unhurried exploration
Most first-time visitors find that 5-7 hours gives them enough time to see the major highlights without feeling too rushed. Ideally it would be great to come for two days to really take it all in – one day for the castle, and another to explore the gardens and the Trianons/Hamlet.
What to Bring to Versailles
Learn from Becca’s experience and come prepared:
- Comfortable walking shoes: You’ll walk several miles, even with a golf cart
- Water bottle: Refill stations are available throughout the estate
- Snacks: Lines at cafés can be long during peak times
- Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (limited shade in the gardens)
- Layers: Interior palace rooms can be cool, while gardens get hot in summer
- Fully charged phone: For photos, maps, and the free Versailles app
- Small bag: Large bags require check-in at the entrance
Versailles with Kids
While Becca visited as a couple, families should note:
- Children under 18 enter free (with proof of age)
- Strollers are not allowed
- Audio guides are available in multiple languages, can be fun for kids
- The gardens and Hamlet are usually the biggest hit with children
- Plan for shorter attention spans—the palace can feel overwhelming for young kids
Beyond the Palace: Versailles Town
The town of Versailles itself is worth exploring if you have extra time:
- Notre-Dame Market: A beautiful covered market operating Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday mornings
- Versailles Cathedral: An impressive 18th-century baroque church
- Jeu de Paume: The royal tennis court where the French Revolution took a pivotal turn
- Antique shops and boutiques: Along Rue de la Paroisse and surrounding streets
Final Thoughts
Becca’s experience perfectly captures what makes Versailles both exhilarating and exhausting. The sheer scale of the estate means you’ll always leave wanting to see more—which is why so many visitors, like Becca, are already planning their return trip.
Whether you follow Becca’s path with a golf cart adventure and guided tour, or create your own itinerary, remember that there’s no single “right” way to experience Versailles. The palace has captivated visitors for over 300 years, and it will be there waiting whenever you’re ready to return.
