Exploration at it's best

My recent visit to the Palace of Versailles was an unparalleled journey into the opulent grandeur of French history and artistry. From the moment I stepped through the majestic gates, I was enveloped in the sheer magnificence of the palace’s architecture and its sprawling gardens.
The interior of the palace is a testament to the extravagance of the French monarchy, with its lavish halls adorned with intricate frescoes, ornate furnishings, and shimmering chandeliers. Walking through the Hall of Mirrors was a highlight, as the gilded mirrors and glittering crystal created an atmosphere of unparalleled splendor.

The palace of Versailles is very interesting to look at. Its baroque style and collection of various paintings, sculptures, decoration, and gardens make it a truly rich space, knowing the history behind this artistic treasure makes it even more interesting. The French Revolution, the peace treaty of 1919, and the people who lived here centuries ago, all of this is worth observing at least once in our lives. It is highly impressive but the crowds certainly took away from this being a highlight. They seemed to come in waves, however I still highly recommend seeing this palace. Even in winter the gardens were relaxing and if you walk far enough there are ponds and places to soak it all in.

We booked our 1:30 pm time from here. Thanks for their booking service and the guidelines. Got there at 1 pm and they began letting us in at 1:30 pm. It took about 30 minutes to move through the security and then into the palace. The rooms were so packed we could hardly move. Very claustrophobic! I was never so glad to get out of a palace. It is quite elaborate and glad we saw it, but disappointed that the palace was allowed to be so packed!

I am grateful that I was able to go and see it in person. I think if you have a similar familiarity with the history of the place, even only a little about why it is so significant, you will really get something out of visiting it.The artwork is beautiful and learning about how the artists were cared for, but the rooms themselves feel a tad unloved in areas. The first series of rooms you walk through looks really modern. I can appreciate that historical features may not survive, but I think a better effort needs to be made to recreate the feeling of the place in the time periods being discussed. We opted to just visit the palace without entry to the gardens. If you are interested in the gardens and the fountain show you will not be disappointed, they are beautiful.Lastly, I’ll suggest book tickets in advance! I held off to see what the weather was like but on reflection, I should have just booked. I was lucky to get a 4pm slot booking from this platform the day before we visited. But in the summer you may not be so lucky.

My visit was a mixed experience. While I was in awe of the grandeur and beauty of the palace, the crowds made it difficult to fully appreciate the surroundings. The gardens were a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle inside, offering a peaceful oasis amidst the chaos. Despite the challenges, I found the experience to be deeply rewarding. If you’re planning a visit, I recommend arriving early to avoid the crowds and make the most of your time at this historic site.

Visiting the Palace of Versailles was like stepping back in time to an era of opulence and grandeur. The sprawling gardens and ornate architecture left me in awe of the French monarchy’s extravagant lifestyle. The Hall of Mirrors was undoubtedly the highlight of the tour, with its breathtaking beauty and historical significance. However, I couldn’t help but feel that some parts of the palace lacked the attention to detail they deserved. Despite this, I found the experience deeply enriching, especially as someone who had learned about Versailles in school. If you’re interested in European royalty and Baroque design, this is a must-see destination.