Discover Versailles
Located just a short 30 minute train ride from Paris, Versailles is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful gardens. With a population of around 85,000, it’s the perfect size for those who want a laid-back studentlifestyle with a small town feel and all Paris has to offer still on your doorstep.
Versailles is known for its rich history and culture, dating back to the 17th century when Louis XIV moved his court to the Palace of Versailles. The town still exudes an air of sophistication, with many cultural events and attractions throughout the year. The town has a unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities, offering a variety of leisure activities, cultural events, and excellent dining options. From the ornate palace gardens to the quaint cobblestone streets of the town center, Versailles is a truly enchanting destination.
Top 5 things to do in Versailles
If you enjoy the outdoors and keeping fit, then jogging in and around the Palace of Versailles gardens can be a truly magical experience. The gardens are vast and impeccably manicured, making them the perfect setting for a morning or evening run. Jogging in the gardens can be a peaceful and meditative experience, allowing you to clear your mind and connect with nature. The Gardens of Versailles are one of most spectacular examples of French formal garden design and were created in the 17th century under the direction of King Louis XIV‘s chief gardener, the famous French landscape architect André Le Nôtre, and cover an area of over 800 hectares.
Twice a week don’t miss the fantastic Versailles market. Marché Notre Dame was created in 1600s and it is the second largest food market in France. Open everyday except on Mondays you will find there fruits and vegetables, spices, cooked chickens and fantastic street food. Go trough the historic pavilions which serve indoor markets surrounded by little squares lined with cafés full of locals.
The Pièce d'Eau des Suisses is located at the far end of rue de l'Indépendance Americaine, bordering the neighbourhood of Saint Louis, 10 minutes walk from the school. Set in a promenade area, this water feature whose surface area spans more than 15 hectares was excavated between 1679 and 1682 by the Swiss Guards regiment it takes its name from.
Intended to add beauty to the South aspect of the palace, as an extension of the Orangerie, it also allowed to dry up the land intended for the Potager du Roi (Kitchen Garden of the King) created at the same time. Today the Ecole Nationale Supérieure du Paysage stands in the Potager du roi and many locals as students love to run or walk around the promenade or just have picnic or evening time near by the water.
Whether you're a Sunday walker or a seasoned rambler, you can follow the signposted paths or take a tour through the garden city! There are plenty of walks and hiking trails for you to enjoy in Versailles and around to discover its beautiful and preserved nature and environment.
For those who enjoy cycling, there are plenty of cycling paths accessible from Versailles to explore the French countryside and nearby areas such as Chevreuse Valley Regional Nature Park. The town also runs a bicycle share program that makes getting around town on two wheels easy. It is also possible to bicycle from Versailles to Paris. One popular route is to follow the Avenue de Paris, which runs straight from Versailles to Paris, with bike lanes for most of the way. This route will take you through the town of Boulogne-Billancourt, along the Seine River, and eventually into the heart of Paris.
Although Paris is right on your doorstep, there are plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants if you just want to hang close to home. There is a large shopping mall a couple of miles north of town called Parly 2 that has all the large brands, fast food restaurants, and cinema on hand. In town, there are many boutiques, a lot of very good antiques shops and an excellent selection of restaurants.
More ideas
Versailles Festival – This annual festival of classical music takes place throughout the summer in various venues around Versailles, including the Palace of Versailles itself. The festival features performances by world-renowned musicians and orchestra
Fête de la Musique – Held every year on the summer solstice (June 21), this music festival takes over the streets of Versailles with free concerts and performances of all kinds of music.
Mois Molière marks the start of the festival season. Every year the event sees comedians flock to Versailles. For many companies, it's a real warm-up before the Off d'Avignon. A talent incubator since 1996, Mois Molière transforms Versailles into a large open-air stage.
Les Grandes Eaux Nocturnes – During the summer months, visitors to the Palace of Versailles can enjoy a special evening event where the fountains and gardens are illuminated with lights and music.
European Heritage Days – This annual event takes place in September and allows visitors to explore some of Versailles’s most historic buildings, including the Palace of Versailles and the Royal Opera.
Salon d’Automne – This art exhibition takes place every fall and showcases contemporary art from around the world.
