Discover Versailles

Royal tour of the palace of versailles

The Palace of Versailles promises its visitors an enchanted escape. This former holiday spot adored by kings and queens is now inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List and is one of the most popular attractions in all of France.

Succumb to the charms of the palace of versailles

A symbol of King Louis XIV, the Palace of Versailles is one of the largest and most sumptuous in the world. Erected in 1623, this architectural work of art takes visitors on a historical journey back to the days of the Court of the Sun King. The only things missing are the costumes!

With its 357 mirrors, the Hall of Mirrors is the most emblematic part of the palace, with its big windows and its unique light. You will surely tour the Royal Chapel with eyes turned upwards as you contemplate its immense glass windows and its vault dedicated to the Holy Trinity. Another place you won’t want to miss here is the Royal Opera House, a unique venue which regularly hosts the greatest operatic singers in the world. You can then enter the intimate world of the king and queen as you explore their private apartments, bedecked with gilding and artwork.

The park and formal gardens offer a captivating stroll, alternating between magical viewpoints, geometric flower beds and majestic statues. And, from April to October, you will have the pleasure of watching the Musical Fountains Show. A few steps from the palace, the Trianon estate and the “Queen’s Hamlet” were a haven of peace for Queen Marie-Antoinette.

Visit the saint louis district

Exploring the Saint Louis District is like a brief interlude through time. This part of Versailles, little-known to tourists, has preserved its 18th century architecture. In reality, it is two separate districts: Saint Louis District itself and Old Versailles, the historical heart of the city. Today, the area is full of passionate artisans, including cabinetmakers, costume designers and ceramicists, but also restorers, watchmakers and wood sculptors who have inherited expertise which has been passed down through the centuries.

Walk through the Saint-Louis district

As you stroll through the narrow streets of Old Versailles, you will undoubtedly fall for the undeniable charms of the neighbourhood’s old houses. The homes here were built in the very centre of the old village of Versailles acquired by King Louis XIII. As you wander around, you may come across the Recollects Convent, the Grand Commun built under Louis XIV or the old Office of Foreign Affairs. But the most symbolic place in Old Versailles remains the Real Tennis Room, where the Tennis Court Oath was sworn during the French Revolution which led to the abolition of the monarchy.

The Saint Louis District is home to the “Carrés Saint Louis”. These small houses were erected under the reign of Louis XV but were in reality a marketplace. Two decades later, a mansard roof was added to the tops of them. This picturesque location is now a protected Historical Monument and has gradually been restored to its original appearance.

A little further along, on Rue de l’Indépendance Américaine, you will discover the Cité Administrative, whose mission it is to preserve the memory of the public services under the monarchy. Lastly, the splendid Saint Louis Cathedral, built between 1743 and 1754, is a veritable masterpiece within majestic façades.

Golf courses near the hotel Versailles Chantiers

Whilst staying at the Hotel Versailles Chantiers, avid golfers will be able to perfect their swings on two well-known courses: Golf de la Boulie in Versailles and Golf National de Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines in Guyancourt.

Two renowned golf courses

Created in 1901, Golf de la Boulie has belonged to the Golf Racing Club of France since 1951. Nestled in the heart of an immense forest spanning more than 100 hectares, this golf complex offers two 18-hole courses, La vallée (“The Valley”) and La Forêt (“The Forest”), as well as a 9-hole course, Les Coteaux (“The Hillside”). In recent decades, La Vallée has seen the world’s greatest golfers teeing off against one another, including Jack Nicklaus, Arnaud Massy and Arnold Palmer. Golf de la Boulie has the best record in Europe with its many titles and medals. It is open to visitors during the week and by invitation only on weekends.

Located in Guyancourt, 10 kilometres from Versailles, the Golf National de Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines hosts the French Open each year. And, for the first time in September 2018, it was the scene of the Ryder Cup, the most prestigious golfing competition in the world. It has three courses: L’Oiselet, great for working on technique; L’Aigle, accessible to players of all levels; and L’Albatros, known to be one of the most beautiful – and the most difficult – courses in the Ile-de-France region.

Explore Versailles Chantiers

The new Versailles Chantiers District is the living proof that past and present, old and contemporary architecture, can cohabitate in perfect harmony. In fact, for nearly 10 years, the City has been working towards the area’s renovation, encouraging young architects to propose innovative, eco-responsible projects.

Versailles Chantiers : a new district for Versailles

The new Versailles Chantiers District is an urban project designed to be a natural setting within the city. With plants aplenty and low-rise buildings, the space here is airy and pleasant for strolling. The plan was to breathe new life into the Versailles Chantiers District whilst preserving its ancestral identity.

Renovated in 2016, the train station has retained its original clock and 1930s façade. The old freight depot has become the new head offices for the chain Nature & Découvertes are will also include a shop. Faithful to its philosophy, the brand will install solar panels on its roof, and a permaculture site will be created on the Long Pond, in partnership with the Palace of Versailles. A large-scale project which places the environment at the forefront.

The Etangs Gobert public garden was designed by Michel Desvigne and Inessa Hansch, who took care to preserve the palace’s old water tanks. This park includes an upper walkway, a steel footbridge and landscaping over 6,500 m² which will lead you to the St Louis District.

This area feels like a “nature town” and is located just 12 minutes from Paris Montparnasse Train Station, 8 minutes from La Défense and a short walk from the Palace of Versailles. By 2030, Versailles Chantiers Train Station will be linked to the rest of Greater Paris, including Orly Airport, by Metro Line 18, allowing you to reach the aiport in just 30 minutes.