Paris to Versailles: Louis XIV's France - 7 Day Itinerary
Day 1-2: Paris
We're kicking things off in the heart of Paris. You'll be strutting through the Louvre like you own the place (just like Louis did). Check out the Apollo Gallery - that's where the king showed off his sweet ballet moves. Later, we're hitting up the Tuileries Garden for some fresh air and royal vibes. Cap off the night with a stroll around Place Vendôme. Fancy dinner? You bet!
🛏️ Lodging: Stay at Le Meurice, a palace hotel with views of the Tuileries Garden.
Day 1: Paris - The Louvre and Royal Sites
Listen up, art lovers! The Louvre is massive, so don't try to see it all. Zero in on the Louis XIV stuff – trust me, it's worth it. Oh, and here's a pro tip: skip the pyramid entrance and head for the Carrousel. Way shorter lines! When you hit the Tuileries, keep your eyes peeled for cool art installations. They change 'em up all the time, so you never know what you'll find!
🌤️ Day 1 - Morning: Visit the Louvre Palace, former royal residence Focus on the Apollo Gallery and Louis XIV's apartments
🎫 Recommended Tickets & Tours:
🍽️ Lunch: Café Marly at the Louvre
☀️ Day 1 - Afternoon: Explore the Tuileries Garden
🎫 Recommended Tickets & Tours:
🌙 Day 1 - Evening: Stroll along Place Vendôme, commissioned by Louis XIV
🎫 Recommended Tickets & Tours:
🍷 Dinner: Le Grand Véfour, a restaurant with roots in the Sun King's era
Day 2: Paris - Art and Architecture
Les Invalides is a gold-dome paradise for history buffs. Don't cheap out on the audioguide – it's packed with juicy details. Heading to Vincennes later? Pack some snacks, 'cause the food options are pretty meh. Now, for the opera – even if you're not into the show, the building itself is jaw-dropping. Take a day tour and then glam up for an evening performance. Two totally different vibes!
🌤️ Day 2 - Morning: Visit Les Invalides, built under Louis XIV's reign
🎫 Recommended Tickets & Tours:
☀️ Day 2 - Afternoon: Tour the Château de Vincennes, where young Louis XIV lived
🎫 Recommended Tickets & Tours:
🌙 Day 2 - Evening: Attend a performance at the Opéra Garnier (while built later, it embodies the grandeur of French opera patronized by Louis XIV)
🎫 Recommended Tickets & Tours:
🍷 Dinner: L'Abeille at the Shangri-La Hotel, with views of the Eiffel Tower
Day 3-5: Versailles
🚆 Transportation: Take the RER C from Paris to Versailles Rive Gauche (about 40 minutes). The most common and easy way to get to Versailles is to take the RER C train that will take you to Chateau rive Gauche train station at Versailles.
Where to get the RER C train? This train crosses Paris from East to West and follows the famous Seine River that divides Paris into 2 parts. Each station is located 10 minutes from each other. The train comes every 15minutes. If you are not in a hurry, that’s correct. It will take you about 1 hour to 90 minutes to get to Versailles depending on your exact location.
🛏️ Lodging: Stay at Hôtel Le Louis Versailles Château for three nights
Day 3: Versailles - The Palace
Okay, real talk: Versailles gets crazy busy. Book a skip-the-line ticket or you'll be waiting for ages. The Hall of Mirrors is stunning but can feel like a sardine can. Try to hit it early or late. Oh, and pack a picnic for the gardens. There's nothing like munching on a baguette next to a 300-year-old fountain!
Full day: Explore the Palace of Versailles Focus on the Hall of Mirrors, King's and Queen's State Apartments, and Royal Chapel.
🎫 Recommended Tickets & Tours:
🍽️ Lunch: La Flottille in the palace gardens
🍷 Dinner: Gordon Ramsay au Trianon at the Waldorf Astoria Versailles
Day 4: Versailles - The Gardens and Trianon Palaces
The gardens are huge, so save your feet and rent a bike. It's way more fun anyway! If you're visiting in summer, don't forget bug spray. Those royal mosquitoes are no joke! The Petit Trianon is a hike, so hop on the little train if you're short on time or energy.
🌤️ Day 4 - Morning: Explore the extensive Gardens of Versailles
🎫 Recommended Tickets & Tours:
🍽️ Lunch: La Petite Venise in the palace gardens
☀️ Day 4 - Afternoon: Visit the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon
🎫 Recommended Tickets & Tours:
🌙 Day 4 - Evening: Take a guided tour of the King's Private Apartments (requires advance booking)
🍷 Dinner: L'Orangerie at Château de Versailles
Day 5: Versailles - The Town and More
Last day in Versailles, let's make it count! We're starting with the Royal Stables - these horses lived better than most people back then. Then we're exploring the town of Versailles itself. It's not all about the palace, you know! We'll cap off our Versailles adventure with a concert at the Royal Opera. Feeling like royalty yet?
🌤️ Day 5 - Morning: Visit the Royal Stables and the Academy of Equestrian Arts
🎫 Recommended Tickets & Tours:
☀️ Day 5 - Afternoon: Explore the town of Versailles, including the Versailles Cathedral
🍽️ Lunch: La Table du 11, a Michelin-starred restaurant in town
🌙 Day 5 - Evening: Attend a concert or event at the Royal Opera of Versailles
🍷 Dinner: Le Paris in Central Versailles
Day 6: Vaux-le-Vicomte
Pack your bags, we're off to Vaux-le-Vicomte! This place was so awesome it made Louis XIV green with envy. Seriously, he basically said, "I want that, but bigger!" and boom - Versailles was born. Stick around for the evening candlelit tour. It's like stepping into a time machine, but with better plumbing.
🚆 Transportation: Take a train from Versailles to Melun, then a shuttle to the château (about 2 hours total).
🛏️ Lodging: Return to Paris, stay at Le Bristol Paris
Full day: Explore Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, which inspired Versailles Tour the château, gardens, and carriage museum
🎫 Recommended Tickets & Tours:
🌙 Day 6 - Evening: Experience the candlelit evenings at the château (if in season)
🍽️ Lunch: L'Écureuil at the château
🍷 Dinner: Late dinner at L'Orangerie at Le Bristol upon return to Paris
Day 7: Marly and Saint-Germain-en-Laye
Last day, but we're going out with a bang! First stop: Marly, Louis' private party pad. Then we're hitting Saint-Germain-en-Laye, where little Louis took his first royal breaths. We'll head back to Paris for a final feast fit for, well, a king! And there you have it! Seven days of living like Louis XIV. You'll be saying "L'état, c'est moi" in no time. Ready to channel your inner Sun King?
🚆 Transportation: Take the train from Paris to Saint-Germain-en-Laye (about 40 minutes).
🌤️ Day 7 - Morning: Visit the Domaine of Marly, Louis XIV's private retreat
☀️ Day 7 - Afternoon: Explore Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Louis XIV's birthplace
🍽️ Lunch: La Terrasse de Marly in Marly-le-Roi
🌙 Day 7 - Evening: Return to Paris for final dinner
🍷 Dinner: Pavillon Ledoyen in Paris for a grand finale
Itinerary Tips:
1. Purchase the Palace of Versailles Passport for access to all areas over multiple days.
2. Book guided tours and special access visits well in advance, especially for Versailles.
3. Check the schedule for special events, concerts, and shows at Versailles and other châteaux.
4. Consider the Paris Museum Pass for sites in Paris
5. WiFi can be spotty in old buildings - download maps and audioguides in advance
6. French mealtimes are strict - lunch is 12-2, dinner starts at 7:30. Plan accordingly
7. Tipping is not required but appreciated for good service - 5-10% is standard
General Tips:
1. Always carry your passport - some sites offer discounts for EU citizens
2. Many historic sites have limited accessibility - check in advance if you have mobility concerns.
3. Photography is often restricted indoors - always ask before taking pictures
4. Summer months can be very busy and hot - consider a spring or fall visit for a more comfortable experience.
5. Public transportation is efficient but can be crowded - allow extra time during peak hours.
6. Learn a few basic French phrases - a little effort goes a long way in customer service
The home for unique & authentic travel
