A Perfect Family Day Trip to Versailles from Paris
When your family is visiting Paris, you might be tempted to spend every moment exploring the city’s museums, cafés, and iconic landmarks. But just 45 minutes away lies a completely different world — the Palace of Versailles. This day trip from Paris is an easy, unforgettable experience that combines history, architecture, and wide-open gardens where kids can roam and explore.
Why Visit Versailles with Kids
Originally built as a hunting lodge, Versailles became the royal residence of King Louis XIV in the late 1600s and a symbol of French grandeur. Today, it’s one of the most famous family-friendly attractions near Paris. The palace is famous for its glittering Hall of Mirrors (where the treaty ending World War I was signed), ornate royal apartments, and beautifully landscaped Versailles gardens. While it’s a major historical site, Versailles can also be surprisingly family-friendly if you pace the day well.
For parents, visiting Versailles with kids offers a nice balance: the cultural richness of the palace in the morning, followed by plenty of fresh air and open space in the afternoon.
Getting to Versailles from Paris
One of the reasons this is one of the best day trips from Paris is how simple it is to get there:
- By Train: Take the RER C train from central Paris to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station. The ride takes about 45 minutes.
- From the Station: It’s about a 15-minute walk to the palace gates. If you prefer, you can take a short cab or rideshare instead.
Arriving early in the morning helps you avoid the largest crowds inside the palace.
How to Spend the Day
For the morning, start with the palace itself. Highlights for families include:
Hall of Mirrors
Kids are often amazed by the sparkle and size.
Royal Apartments
Beautiful rooms filled with art, gold leaf, and centuries of history
In the afternoon, head outside to the sprawling gardens. You can:
- Wander the formal pathways and see the fountains (active on select days).
- Rent a bike or golf cart for more exploring.
- For a relaxing lunch on the ground, pack a picnic or grab food from to-go eateries on site. There are sit-down café options as well.
With good pacing, you can visit Versailles Palace and gardens in one day without feeling rushed.
Tips for Visiting Versailles with Children
- Book tickets in advance to skip the ticket line.
- Bring snacks and water, especially for kids.
- Consider a guided tour to make the history engaging and easy to understand.
Adding Versailles to Your Paris Family Vacation
A family trip to Versailles isn’t just about checking a famous site off your list. It’s about giving your family a change of pace, new surroundings, and a shared memory that blends beauty and history.
If you’re dreaming of a Paris family vacation that’s rich in culture but designed with your kids’ needs in mind, I’ll create a custom plan that makes every day enjoyable — including the perfect Versailles day trip.