Guest Post by Sarah Jones | Narrabeen, NSW, Australia
I’m thrilled to feature a guest post by Sarah Jones, a talented writer and avid traveler from Narrabeen, near Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Through her blog, Words by Sarah Jones, Sarah shares thoughtful, humorous, and heartfelt reflections on her family’s European adventures.
In today’s story, she takes us along as she explores one of France’s most iconic landmarks—visiting Versailles with her husband and son. With her signature warmth and wit, Sarah brings to life the grandeur, history, and hidden gems of the palace and its sprawling gardens. Whether you’re planning your own trip or simply love armchair travel, this post is sure to inspire.
Fuelled by Crepes and Curiosity
We kicked off the morning the Parisian way—with fresh, hot street crepes generously filled with Nutella. Trust me, there’s no better fuel when you’re planning a full day visiting Versailles, especially with kilometers of palace corridors and sprawling gardens ahead.
Just a quick 30-minute train ride from Paris, getting to Versailles was a breeze. My husband Ross had mastered the metro the night before and confidently led us through the tunnels, even ordering our tickets in French. From that point forward, he earned the title of Metro Maestro.
A fun surprise—each Paris train had a name displayed across the front. Ours was Nick, and we just missed Nora. We also spotted Sara and Natalie, and joked that maybe one day they’d cross the Channel to hang out with Thomas and Percy.
First Glimpses of Grandeur
Arriving at the Versailles train station, we weren’t quite sure where to go—until we rounded a corner and stopped dead in our tracks. You couldn’t miss it. Before us stood the most extravagant building we’d ever seen, crowned with shimmering golden gates at the end of a dramatically long driveway. We joked that the royal family probably needed a torch and packed lunch just to check the letterbox.
Inside the Palace of Versailles
We chose the self-paced, audio-only tour, which allowed us to explore on our own terms. The moment we stepped into the courtyard, the scale and splendour hit us like a wave. Visiting Versailles is like stepping into another world—a world where no amount of gold is ever enough, and “understated” isn’t in the vocabulary.
The palace was originally built by Louis XIV in 1664, and subsequent kings (mostly also named Louis) couldn’t resist adding their own touch. The result is a jaw-dropping blend of marble, mirrors, tapestries, chandeliers, and gilded everything. Clearly, the interior designers of Versailles believed that more was more.
We even stood in the exact room where the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919—an absolutely surreal experience.
Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet: A Royal Escape
While visiting Versailles, we also discovered a softer, more whimsical side of royal life. Marie Antoinette, often remembered for the infamous line “Let them eat cake” (which she probably never said), had her own private retreat on the estate: a charming English-style Hamlet.
It was everything you’d expect from a queen craving a pastoral escape—quaint thatched-roof cottages, willow trees, rustic bridges, ducks gliding across peaceful streams, and even a couple of cheeky water rats lounging beneath the willows. The whole place felt like a living storybook or a film set.
Most of the buildings were constructed in the early 1780s, and yet they remain as picturesque and serene as ever. It was one of the most peaceful parts of visiting Versailles, and a real hidden gem within the estate.
The Grand Gardens of Versailles
Step out the back of the palace and you’re greeted by one of the most awe-inspiring gardens on Earth. Calling them “gardens” feels like an understatement—they’re more like a royal kingdom of greenery.
The Grand Canal stretched out before us like a runway of water, perfectly aligned with the palace. It looked like the world’s most extravagant cricket pitch (and with Louis XIV’s 17 children running around—many of whom weren’t his wife’s—they probably used it as one!).
We spent hours wandering through symmetrical rows of trees, trickling fountains, intricate hedge mazes, and elaborate topiary—yet barely scratched the surface. If you’re visiting Versailles, wear comfortable shoes and prepare to be amazed. The gardens alone are worth the trip.
Petite Palaces & Royal Hideaways
It turns out the royals needed some personal space, too. Both Louis XIV and Louis XV built themselves “man caves,” known as Petite Trianons, though there was nothing particularly petite about them.
Marie had her own petite palace as well, tucked not far from her Hamlet. With the king in his retreat, the queen in hers, and the children running amok across the estate, I suspect the royal family might have gone days—if not weeks—without crossing paths.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Versailles
Visiting Versailles was easily one of the highlights of our time in France. From the rich historical context to the sheer beauty of its architecture and gardens, it’s an experience I’ll never forget. Every corner tells a story, every room dazzles, and every garden path invites you to wander a little further.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Paris, make sure visiting Versailles is high on your list. It’s grand, it’s glorious, and it’s absolutely unforgettable.
