Versailles

The Royal Opera of Versailles was inaugurated in 1770 for the wedding of the future Louis XVI to Marie-Antoinette. It was designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel. The interior is almost entirely made of wood, painted to resemble marble, ensuring excellent acoustics. Elaborate mechanics allowed the hall to be transformed from a theatre into a ballroom. The central ceiling painting by Louis-Jean-Jacques Durameau depicts Apollo and the Muses. Historically, the opera is also known as the setting for the banquet of the royal bodyguard on October 1, 1789, just days before the Women's March on Versailles. Our Tip: The opera is only accessible during guided tours or performances; book in advance. Those who attend a performance experience the hall as it was originally intended.

The Rocher and the Belvédère are situated in the English Garden of the Petit Trianon, which Marie-Antoinette commissioned Richard Mique to create from 1777. The Belvédère, an octagonal pavilion in Neoclassical style, served the Queen as a music salon and overlooks a small artificial lake. The Rocher is an artificially constructed rock formation with a grotto, designed to create the impression of a natural landscape. Very close by is the Hameau de la Reine, which Mique built between 1783 and 1787. Our tip: It's quietest here in the early morning. You get the best view of the pavilion from the opposite shore of the lake.

The Gardens of Versailles were created in the 17th century by André Le Nôtre for Louis XIV. They are considered the pinnacle of the French Baroque garden and reflect the absolutist ambition of the Sun King. The actual gardens cover approximately 90 hectares, while the entire palace estate, including the park and Trianons, spans around 800 hectares. You can expect parterres, bosquets, hundreds of statues, and numerous fountains. The palace and park have been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979. On certain days between April and October, the musical fountain shows of the Grandes Eaux Musicales and the Jardins Musicaux take place; garden entry is then subject to a fee. Our Tip: It's quietest in the morning, right at opening, or in the late afternoon. A stroll along the Grand Canal offers excellent photo opportunities with the palace in the background.

The Apollo Fountain in the Gardens of Versailles is a central masterpiece that marks the transition from the main garden to the Grand Canal. It was created between 1668 and 1670 by Jean-Baptiste Tuby based on designs by Charles Le Brun, symbolizing the Sun King Louis XIV himself by depicting the sun god Apollo rising from the sea in his chariot. Surrounded by dynamic sea creatures and Tritons, the sculptural group embodies Baroque splendor and the mythological glorification of the king. You'll find the fountain at the end of the 'Tapis Vert,' from where an impressive vista of the Grand Canal unfolds. Our Tip: Visit the fountain in the early morning or late afternoon to capture the best light for photos and avoid the largest crowds. The view from the banks of the Grand Canal back towards the fountain also offers an excellent photo opportunity.

The Hall of Mirrors in Versailles is a central masterpiece of European Baroque and a highlight of your visit. It was designed under the reign of Louis XIV by Jules Hardouin-Mansart and adorned by Charles Le Brun with opulent ceiling paintings that glorify the king's military and political successes. The 73-meter-long hall impresses with 17 grand arched windows that offer views of the gardens. Opposite them are 17 mirror-clad arches with a total of 357 mirrors, which reflect the light and visually expand the room. At the time of its construction, these mirrors were a luxury item and demonstrated France's economic strength. Historically significant, the Hall of Mirrors is also the site where the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919. Our Tip: To avoid the crowds and calmly admire the details of the artworks, visit the hall directly after the palace opens or in the last hours before closing. This is the best opportunity for an undisturbed photo of the hall's entire length.