How to visit the Palace of Versailles ?
The Palace of Versailles is a marvel of French architectural and cultural heritage. The residence of Louis XIV and Louis XVI is now accessible to the public every day and is the subject of magical celebrations during the summer. But then how to get to the Palace of Versailles to discover all its aspects ?
The Palace of Versailles by car
The easiest and probably the most popular way for visitors to get to Versailles is probably by car. Indeed, the castle is quite well announced by the surrounding panels, and well served by the roads. Versailles being located on the outskirts of Paris, it is not necessary to really pass through the capital where driving is sometimes scary.
To go to Versailles by car, just take the A13 motorway if you are coming from the North of Paris or the A86 motorway if you are coming from the North of Paris. Once there, the Place d’Armes car park awaits you at the foot of the historic castle, an open-air car park for light vehicles and/or coaches which is however chargeable. Around the castle you will also find some underground Vinci car parks also paying but which will save you traffic jams when the castle or gardens close.
The disadvantage of the Palace of Versailles car park is first of all its cost, which remains to be taken into account, but also the heavy traffic jam of vehicles which is created especially in summer after the musical water and fountain ceremonies in summer. Moreover, the city of Versailles is very pretty and authentic but quickly overcrowded and the behavior to adopt could scare people from far away who are not necessarily used to it.
Go to the Palace of Versailles by taxi or VTC
The ideal way to avoid certain inconveniences is to use a contracted taxi to get to the Palace of Versailles. A way to serenely enjoy your day at the Palace of Versailles without worrying about your vehicle, what could happen to it and without thinking about the stress of getting back on the road once the day is over.
Before your day of visit, you have the possibility of reserving your taxi to prepare you in all serenity. In addition, your driver may be able to advise you on the best times to hit the road and take faster and/or less oppressive routes. You will also save on the price of parking which may offset the price of the race. During my last visit, I’I made the decision to book a contracted taxi in Melun and I went to Versailles in less than’an hour and without having to worry about traffic.
J’have d’elsewhere been able to post and retouch my photos directly in the return taxi.
In addition, Versailles is very accessible for pedestrians. Once you arrive at the Palace of Versailles, you can easily walk around the historic quarter of the city on foot, especially to find a nice restaurant or have lunch.
Public transport to go to the Palace of Versailles
If you are passing through Paris or are from the Ile-de-France and have a Navigo pass, you will probably want to go to the Palace of Versailles by public transport. A way to save money and take better care of the planet but also to remedy a lack of personal vehicles.
The Palace of Versailles is located not far from the Versailles-Château-Rive-Gauche RER station which is served by the RER C. The RER C thus passes through Paris and will allow you to directly connect the capital and the mythical castle. In addition, you can also combine metro and bus to get to the Palace of Versailles from Paris by taking metro line 9 to the Pont de Sèvres terminus, then take bus 171 which will drop you off just at the foot of the Palace of Versailles (terminus ). This duo is simpler than the RER C scenario which has many branches in the heart of which it is easy to get lost.
Then, if you are on a tourist visit to the capital and its surroundings, a bus can provide the route between the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles. A transportation method that is more aimed at tourists given the pick-up and drop-off locations.