The Notre-Dame district is the oldest in Versailles… and perhaps the most endearing ! Imagined by Louis XIV to embellish the surroundings of his majestic palace, it still reflects the visionary genius of the Sun King.
Starting in 1671, the first residents began settling here and building their homes according to strict regulations. Its streets, wide and straight, form a remarkably modern geometric layout for the time, a reflection of the monarch’s urban ambition.
History is tangible in every corner. Admire the Church of Notre-Dame, former royal parish, and wander around the Hôtel du Bailliage, once a courthouse under the Ancien Régime, now the soul of the picturesque antique dealers’ district where time seems to stand still.
Don’t miss the Carrés Notre-Dame, especially lively on Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday mornings. This market, considered one of the most beautiful in the region, is a true sensory feast with irresistible aromas, colors, and flavors.
Just a few steps away, the Montansier Theater, inaugurated in 1777, continues to welcome live performance enthusiasts in a setting full of charm. Nearby, Place Hoche (formerly Place Dauphine) stands out for its octagonal shape, the first of its kind in France.
To complete your visit, step inside the Lambinet Museum, located in a beautiful 18th-century mansion. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a noble residence of the period, or explore its collections dedicated to the history of Versailles and the French Revolution, surrounded by precious objects, paintings, and memories of the past.
