Things to do — Versailles

The main palace is the heart of the visit: King's apartments (King's Chamber, Mercury Salon), Queen's apartments (Queen's Chamber, Peace Salon), Hall of Mirrors (the highlight: 73 m long, 357 mirrors, frescoes by Charles Le Brun telling Louis XIV's reign), Royal Chapel (masterpiece by Jules Hardouin-Mansart), Royal Opera (separate guided tours). Mandatory route of approximately 2h with audioguide included.

The Le Nôtre gardens (815 hectares, 200,000 trees, 50 fountains) are the manifesto of French topiary art — classical order applied to nature. Cross-shaped plan with infinite perspective: from the palace terrace, view of the Grand Canal (1.7 km) to the horizon. Essential sites: Apollo Fountain (the most emblematic sculpture), Green Carpet (central lawn), Latona Fountain (at the foot of the palace staircase), Ballroom Grove (rocaille cascade), Orangery (1,200 fruit trees). Electric buggy (€35/hour) or bike rental (€8/hour) to cover the distances. Panoramic electric train: €8.50 round trip palace-Trianons.

The Petit Trianon and Queen's Hamlet (1.5 km from the main palace, accessible via the Green Carpet) form Marie-Antoinette's private universe. The Petit Trianon (1762) was given to her by Louis XVI in 1774 — elegant neoclassical palace, preserved interiors. The Queen's Hamlet (1783) is an idealised rustic village built to escape court etiquette: half-timbered houses, farm with animals (cows, sheep), mill, pond. Unique ensemble in Europe, perfectly preserved. Access via the Passport (€27). Far less frequented than the main palace — quiet visit even in high season.

The Grand Trianon (also 1.5 km away) is Louis XIV's former retreat from the court, palace in pink marble with sober decoration. Shorter visit (45 min). Access via the Passport.

The town of Versailles deserves a few hours: Notre-Dame market (Tuesdays, Fridays, Sundays morning, one of the most authentic in Île-de-France), Saint-Louis Cathedral (18th century, classical architecture), King's Vegetable Garden (created by La Quintinie for Louis XIV, paid access), Lambinet Museum (Versailles history, free). Luxury boutiques on Boulevard de la Reine, historic bistros (Le Sept, Le Bélier, La Tour des Lumières) near the palace.

Specific events to anticipate: Musical Fountain Shows (Saturdays/Tuesdays April-October, fountains + Baroque music), Night Fountain Shows (Saturday evenings June-September, illuminated gardens + fireworks), equestrian shows at the Royal Stables, temporary exhibitions (the last big one: Marie-Antoinette in 2024).