Visiting the Palace of Versailles is a feast of glitz and grandeur—but the experience around it is just as delightful. John le Nôtre’s vast gardens, smaller châteaux, cosy cafés, and hidden markets all lie within easy reach. Whether you're drawn to art, history, nature or local life, there's plenty to discover once you step beyond the palace gates. We’ve curated 20 standout things to do around the Palace of Versailles, perfect for turning a palace trip into a full day of royal discovery.
Stroll through the Gardens of Versailles
Even if you've done the palace tour, don't skip the Gardens of Versailles—they're an experience all on their own. Spanning over 800 hectares, these formal French gardens are a masterpiece of symmetry, fountains, and topiary. Designed by André Le Nôtre, the layout invites wandering: tree-lined alleys, secret groves, and massive reflecting pools lead you from one surprise to the next. In the warmer months, check out the Musical Fountains Show, when the gardens come alive with classical music and choreographed jets of water. Bring good shoes, a bottle of water, and a wide-open schedule—it’s easy to lose track of time here in the best way.
Explore the Grand Trianon
Tucked within the Versailles grounds, the Grand Trianon is a pink marble retreat built by Louis XIV as a break from court life. Compared to the main palace, it’s quieter, breezier, and just as stunning in its own right. The interiors are light-filled and intimate, and the surrounding gardens are smaller but beautifully maintained. With fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere, it’s perfect for a slower pace and a bit of reflection. It feels like stepping into a private royal hideaway—ideal for couples, architecture lovers, or anyone who’s palace-ed out but still craving a touch of luxury.
Visit the Queen’s Hamlet
Hidden away in the Versailles estate lies one of its most charming and unexpected features: The Queen’s Hamlet. Built for Marie Antoinette, this pastoral fantasy village looks straight out of a fairytale, with thatched cottages, winding streams, and a tiny working farm. It was designed as a peaceful escape from royal duties—and it still feels that way today. Visitors often describe it as “weirdly wholesome” and surprisingly relaxing, especially after the grandeur of the main château. Feed the goats, wander through the gardens, and pretend—just for a moment—that you’ve traded royal duties for countryside bliss.
Browse the Versailles Market (Marché Notre-Dame)
Browse the Versailles Market (Marché Notre-Dame)
About a 10-minute walk from the palace, the Marché Notre-Dame is one of the best food markets in the region. Built under Louis XIV and still buzzing centuries later, it’s a feast for the senses—baskets of fresh produce, fragrant cheeses, rotisserie chickens, and flaky pastries are all on display. The square around the market also hosts clothing and antique vendors throughout the week. Grab supplies for a picnic in the gardens, or snack as you go. If you’re into local flavour (literally), this market is where it’s at.
Stop for lunch at La Petite Venise
Tucked within the palace grounds between the Grand Canal and the Petit Trianon, La Petite Venise is a chic yet approachable spot for lunch. Once the boathouse for Venetian gondolas on the Grand Canal (because Versailles, of course), it now serves up refined French-Italian cuisine in a calm, shady garden setting. Try the burrata with tomatoes or the duck confit, paired with a crisp glass of white wine. It’s a relaxing pause between sights—elegant, yes, but not too formal. Bonus: you’ll feel like you’re in on a secret the crowds haven’t found yet.
Row a boat on the Grand Canal
Need to sit down after walking the gardens? Rent a little rowboat on the Grand Canal, the massive man-made waterway that runs through the Versailles estate. It’s surprisingly peaceful out on the water, with birds gliding by and postcard views of the palace in the distance. You don’t need any rowing experience—just a good sense of humour and a sunny afternoon. It’s a fun way to slow the pace, rest your legs, and see the grounds from a new perspective. Couples, take note: it’s one of the most romantic (and underrated) things to do in Versailles.
Visit the Versailles Cathedral
Just a 10-minute walk from the château, the Versailles Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Louis) is a beautiful, lesser-known architectural gem. Built in the 18th century under Louis XV, it blends classical and baroque styles with understated elegance. Inside, the light filters through tall arched windows onto white stone columns and gold-accented detailing. It’s usually quiet, offering a peaceful break from the palace crowds. If you time it right, you might catch the organist rehearsing—always a goosebumps moment. This stop is perfect for history lovers or anyone craving a bit of calm in a day full of splendour.
Discover the Musée Lambinet
About 15 minutes from the palace on foot, the Musée Lambinet is a small but charming museum housed in an 18th-century mansion. It’s packed with decorative arts, personal items from the Revolution, and paintings that trace the history of Versailles beyond the palace walls. You’ll get a feel for what everyday life was like for the nobles, artists, and ordinary citizens who lived in the town. The space itself is lovely—wood floors, fireplaces, and intimate galleries make it feel more like a home than a museum. Definitely worth the short detour if you’re into interiors or local history.
Enjoy pastries at Angelina Versailles
Located just inside the palace grounds, Angelina Versailles brings all the indulgence of the original Paris tearoom to the royal setting. Known for its famously rich hot chocolate and Mont-Blanc pastries, this café feels both regal and relaxed. Sink into a velvet chair, order a flaky croissant or mille-feuille, and enjoy some air-conditioned luxury if you’re visiting in summer. Whether you’re fuelling up for more exploring or capping off your day, this is the spot for a sweet royal treat.
Walk the Rue de Satory
Walk the Rue de Satory
If you’re ready to escape the palace crowds but still want atmosphere, head to Rue de Satory—a lively pedestrian street just south of the palace. It’s lined with cafés, bistros, creperies, and boutique shops, making it ideal for a laid-back lunch or afternoon wander. There’s a local vibe here that contrasts nicely with the formality of the château—think flower boxes, café terraces, and plenty of Parisians on their day off. It’s a great place to grab a crêpe, browse some books, or enjoy a glass of wine while watching the world go by.
See the Royal Stables (Galerie des Carrosses)
Located just across the Place d’Armes from the palace, the Galerie des Carrosses is one of those hidden gems that impresses more than you’d expect. This free museum showcases royal carriages, ornate sleighs, and equestrian equipment used by French kings and queens. The scale and craftsmanship are stunning—gold-trimmed wheels, velvet interiors, and over-the-top detailing that would make even Cinderella do a double take. It’s small, uncrowded, and surprisingly fun to explore, especially if you want a peek into royal life beyond the throne room.
Catch an equestrian show at the Academy of Equestrian Arts
If you’re lucky with timing, head to the Académie Équestre de Versailles, located in the royal stables, to catch a baroque equestrian performance. These shows blend dressage, fencing, dance, and music in a beautifully choreographed tribute to classical riding. The horses are expertly trained, the costumes are period-inspired, and the setting—a restored 17th-century riding arena—is spectacular. It’s not just for horse lovers; it’s for anyone who appreciates elegance and a little drama. Shows run on select weekends, so check the schedule in advance.
Have a drink at L’Alcôve
Just a stone’s throw from the château, L’Alcôve offers an intimate, modern twist on the classic French brasserie. With its soft lighting, deep velvet chairs, and friendly service, it’s ideal for unwinding with a drink or a light meal after a long day of exploring. The cocktail list is inventive (try the lavender gin fizz), and the wine selection leans French and excellent. It’s stylish without being stuffy, and the outdoor terrace is perfect in warmer months. Come for a pre-dinner apéritif or stay for dessert and call it a night.
Explore the Potager du Roi
Garden fans, this one’s for you. The Potager du Roi (King’s Kitchen Garden) is just a short walk from the palace and was created in the 17th century to supply fruit and vegetables to the royal table. Today, it's still a working garden and also a horticultural school, where students grow apples, pears, figs, and heritage vegetables using traditional methods. It’s beautiful in a completely different way from the palace gardens—less formal, more functional, and full of surprises depending on the season. If you’re curious about how kings ate (and farmed), this is a must-see.
Take a break at Le Bistrot du 11
Tucked away near the cathedral, Le Bistrot du 11 serves seasonal dishes with a creative edge in a warm, modern space. The chef, trained at Michelin-starred kitchens, brings flair to every plate—without the white-tablecloth stuffiness. Menus change daily, but expect elegant versions of French staples with inventive sides and sauces. It’s popular with locals and foodies alike, so book ahead. Perfect for a relaxed lunch or low-key dinner after all that royal sightseeing.
Snap a photo at Place d’Armes
Snap a photo at Place d’Armes
Before you leave, don’t forget to soak in the grandeur of Place d’Armes, the massive forecourt of the palace. With its perfect symmetry, cobblestones, and dramatic gates leading to the château, it’s a picture-perfect finale to your visit. From here, you can see the main palace, the stables, and the start of the grand garden axis—all framed by the tricolour flying high. Whether you’re arriving or leaving, this view is the “yes, I’m really here” moment of your trip.
Take the scenic train back to Paris
Finally, the RER Line C or the Versailles Rive Droite line makes the journey back to Paris feel like a gentle fade-out. Depending on the season, you’ll pass through leafy suburbs, catch glimpses of gardens and rooftops, and maybe even spot a few palace views from the windows. It’s not a flashy attraction, but it is a moment to reflect, scroll through your photos, and start planning what you want to explore next in Paris.
There’s no shortage of splendour inside the Palace of Versailles—but the area surrounding it offers just as much richness in charm, culture, and quiet surprise. Whether you're wandering peaceful gardens, feasting on local cuisine, or discovering royal history in unexpected corners, every step adds depth to the Versailles experience. So don’t just stop at the château gates—step out, explore, and let the rest of this remarkable area show you its royal secrets.
In the mood for love? Check out this blog on the most romantic things to do in Paris.
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