The Palace of Versailles dazzles with gold, grandeur, and gardens you could get lost in for days. But why stop at royalty? Just a short walk, pedal, or ride away, the area around Versailles opens up all kinds of possibilities for culture, cuisine, and classic Parisian fun. Whether you’ve got a serious art itch, a soft spot for chocolate, or love the idea of a sunset atop a Paris skyscraper, we’ve found nearby experiences that will keep your royal adventure rolling. Here are our favorite things to do near the Palace of Versailles—making your trip more memorable, one brilliant pit stop at a time.
Our top things to do near the Palace of Versailles include:
- Stroll the Gardens of Versailles
- Discover the Orangerie Museum
- Savor a Parisian Wine Tasting at Ô Chateau
- Dive into History at Musée d'Orsay
- Sample Gourmet Treats at the Gourmet Chocolate Museum
- See it All from the Tour Montparnasse Observatory
- Cruise Down the Seine with Bateaux Parisiens
- Step into Modern Art at Centre Pompidou
- Explore Notre Dame’s Stunning Surrounds
- Reach for the Stars at the Paris Science Museum
Gardens of Versailles: A Royal Stroll Without the Crowds
Once you’ve finished gawping at the palace interiors, step outside to discover Versailles’ true wow factor—the Gardens. You’ll find endless paths to wander, dotted with perfectly trimmed hedges, elegant statues, and fountains (which, if timed right, put on an impressive musical show). It's the very picture of French formal garden design, but also a playground for wanderers. Feel free to rent a bike or boat for a totally different perspective, or just find a shady bench for prime people-watching. The further you walk from the main palace, the quieter and more tranquil the gardens become. Royal vibes without the selfie sticks—what’s not to love?
Orangerie Museum: Monet’s Water Lilies and More
Hop on the RER train and you’ll reach the Orangerie Museum in Paris in about 35 minutes—an easy next stop after a palace morning. The ambience is serene, the building is elegant, and the luminous oval rooms are filled with Monet’s legendary Water Lilies (Nymphéas). There’s something soothing about drifting between these enormous paintings, soaking up all those dreamy blues and greens. Downstairs, the Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume collections deliver a who’s who of late-19th and early-20th-century art, including Modigliani, Matisse, and Picasso. This hidden gem offers a perfect hit of art without the crowds.
Ô Chateau: Wine and Cheese Tasting
Ô Chateau: Wine and Cheese Tasting
If wandering royal hallways sparks your inner sommelier, make time for wine tasting at Ô Chateau back in Paris. It’s a delightful way to blend culture, education, and a little indulgence. Their signature tastings—led in perfect English—walk you through carefully curated flights of French wines, each paired with a story and a smile. You’ll leave knowing your Bordeaux from your Beaujolais, and you might even spot locals picking up bottles in the shop. The ambience is pure Parisian wine bar: warm, inviting, and a little bit fancy (without any snobbery). Charcuterie plates and clever cheese pairings finish the experience. Cheers!
Musée d'Orsay: Impressionist Masterpieces in a Stunning Setting
A trip to the Musée d’Orsay transforms any day trip into an art lover’s dream. Housed in a former Beaux-Arts railway station, its soaring clocks and cast-iron architecture are stars all on their own. But let’s be honest—you’re here for the Impressionists, and this place delivers, from vast Monet landscapes to Degas’ famous ballerinas. Wandering these galleries is like flipping through the greatest hits of French art: Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Caillebotte’s rainy streets, Renoir’s joy-filled scenes. The café inside offers up artfully frothed coffee with a grand view, making this a destination you’ll want to linger in.
Gourmet Chocolate Museum: A Sweet Detour
What could possibly follow up Versailles’ indulgence? Chocolate. The Gourmet Chocolate Museum (Musée Gourmand du Chocolat) in central Paris invites you to dive into the delicious—and deliciously French—history of chocolate. The museum is wonderfully interactive, from tasting sessions to demonstrations where master chocolatiers pour, temper, and sculpt truffles right before your eyes. Discover how cocoa was once fit only for kings, then sample fragrant bars, pralines, and even the occasional spicy Aztec recipe. The vibe is playful and hands-on—perfect for families, foodies, and anyone with a sweet tooth dreaming of souvenirs that won’t last long.
Tour Montparnasse: Paris’ Best Panoramic Views
Want a view over Paris fit for a king? After your Versailles adventure, rocket up to the 56th floor of Tour Montparnasse. As soon as you step out onto the observation terrace, you’ll catch sight of the Eiffel Tower, the Seine, Montmartre—and on clear days, all the way back to Versailles. The glassy, modern space is a fun counterpoint to the palace’s old-world glamour, and there’s a champagne bar for bonus sparkle. We love timing a visit for sunset, when the city bathes in golden light and the twinkling streetlights start to glow. There’s no spot quite like it!
Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise: Parisian Sights by Water
For a truly relaxing end to a busy day, board a Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise. These boats glide past some of Paris’ most celebrated monuments: Notre Dame, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and more—all lit up like a dream after dark. The audio guides are peppered with the kind of curious stories and fun facts you’ll actually remember. With options for lunch or dinner on board (book in advance for a table at the front!), you can pair your sightseeing with classic French fare. Watching the city drift by with a glass of wine in hand? Très chic.
Centre Pompidou: Modern Art and Rooftop Views
Craving bold architecture and even bolder art? Swing by the Centre Pompidou after your Versailles journey. Inside this futuristic structure, you’ll find one of the world’s most exuberant collections of modern and contemporary art—think Picasso, Kandinsky, Dali and more, plus ever-changing exhibitions that keep things fresh and surprising. The building’s see-through tubes and colorful pipes add a playful edge, and a ride up the glass escalator hands you a knockout view of the Paris rooftops. Even the bookstore and café have a creative energy. Come for the art, stay for the scene.
Notre Dame & Île de la Cité: A Slice of Medieval Paris
Notre Dame & Île de la Cité: A Slice of Medieval Paris
No Paris itinerary is complete without a stop by Notre Dame, just under an hour’s train ride from Versailles. The cathedral’s towers and intricate façade are as striking as ever, but what truly makes this neighborhood sing are its charming streets and river views. Stroll along the Seine, dip into tiny bookshops, or nibble pastries from a bakery with a view of soaring spires. Sunday markets, leafy squares, and the vibrant buzz of nearby cafes make this an endearing, can’t-miss slice of the city.
Paris Science Museum: Hands-On Fun for All Ages
Traveling with curious kids—or just young at heart? Add the Paris Science Museum (Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie) to your post-Versailles itinerary. Interactive, fascinating, and packed with clever exhibits, this is science with a side of pure play. Step into a planetarium, try out hands-on experiments, or wander colorful pavilions dedicated to space, transport, and the human brain. The vibrant energy sparks curiosity in visitors of any age. Best of all, the museum’s sprawling La Villette park outside is perfect for a wander or a fresh-air picnic—you’ll forget you’re right in the heart of Paris.
Ready to make your next stop after Versailles just as memorable as the palace itself? Beyond the golden gates lies a world full of charm, from panoramic viewpoints to wine tastings and scenic boat cruises, all waiting to be enjoyed. Whether you’re after culture, adventure, or simply a new perspective on Versailles, there’s plenty to keep your journey rolling long after your palace tour ends.
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