The Grand Canal
Presentation
Set around the majestic Grand Canal, the park of the Palace of Versailles stretches over several hectares and is open free of charge all year round.
Designed between 1668 and 1679, the Grand Canal is one of the most remarkable creations of André Le Nôtre, King Louis XIV’s landscape gardener.
Covering 23 hectares, 60 meters in width, 1,700 meters east to west, and 1,000 meters north to south, the Grand Canal offers an exceptional perspective, carefully designed to highlight the beauty and grandeur of the royal estate.
Whether on foot, by bike, or on rollerblades, the Palace park invites you to enjoy a refreshing walk in an extraordinary setting. The full loop around the Grand Canal stretches 5.5 km and can be covered in:
- 1h00 to 1h15 on foot,
- 25 to 30 minutes by bike,
- 35 to 40 minutes on rollerblades.
The paved, relatively flat path is wheelchair accessible, allowing everyone to fully enjoy this remarkable natural landscape.
A masterpiece of landscape design and nature
The Grand Canal forms the main east-west axis of the Versailles gardens. Once a wetland, this part of the park was transformed by Le Nôtre into a vast water reservoir that now serves as an essential decorative element, reflecting changing light through the seasons. Whether you visit the gardens in summer, autumn, or winter, the natural spectacle is breathtaking.
Practical information
Access to the park is free and can be made through several entrances, notably Boulevard de la Reine or directly from the Palace entrance. Please note, however, that entry to the gardens (the area near the Palace with the groves) is ticketed during the *Grandes Eaux Musicales* in high season.
On site, you’ll find several restaurants and tea rooms for refreshments. You can also rent rowboats, bikes, or segways to explore the park in a different way.
A unique experience on the water: rowboat rental
The Grand Canal, this majestic cross-shaped basin, invites relaxation and contemplation. Renting a rowboat gives you access to an exceptional vantage point over the estate: the groves, fountains, royal perspectives, and the Palace reveal themselves in a peaceful, bucolic setting.
This activity is perfect for couples seeking romance, families out for a stroll, or friends in search of something original.
Rental hours : daily from 10 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. (last departure at 6:15 p.m.), closed annually in December, January, and February.
Rates: available by the half-hour or by the hour, depending on your preference.
Let yourself be lulled by the calm of the water, watch swans glide by, and take in the changing light of the park. A timeless experience, not to be missed during your visit to the Versailles estate.
Covering 23 hectares, 60 meters in width, 1,700 meters east to west, and 1,000 meters north to south, the Grand Canal offers an exceptional perspective, carefully designed to highlight the beauty and grandeur of the royal estate.
Whether on foot, by bike, or on rollerblades, the Palace park invites you to enjoy a refreshing walk in an extraordinary setting. The full loop around the Grand Canal stretches 5.5 km and can be covered in:
- 1h00 to 1h15 on foot,
- 25 to 30 minutes by bike,
- 35 to 40 minutes on rollerblades.
The paved, relatively flat path is wheelchair accessible, allowing everyone to fully enjoy this remarkable natural landscape.
A masterpiece of landscape design and nature
The Grand Canal forms the main east-west axis of the Versailles gardens. Once a wetland, this part of the park was transformed by Le Nôtre into a vast water reservoir that now serves as an essential decorative element, reflecting changing light through the seasons. Whether you visit the gardens in summer, autumn, or winter, the natural spectacle is breathtaking.
Practical information
Access to the park is free and can be made through several entrances, notably Boulevard de la Reine or directly from the Palace entrance. Please note, however, that entry to the gardens (the area near the Palace with the groves) is ticketed during the *Grandes Eaux Musicales* in high season.
On site, you’ll find several restaurants and tea rooms for refreshments. You can also rent rowboats, bikes, or segways to explore the park in a different way.
A unique experience on the water: rowboat rental
The Grand Canal, this majestic cross-shaped basin, invites relaxation and contemplation. Renting a rowboat gives you access to an exceptional vantage point over the estate: the groves, fountains, royal perspectives, and the Palace reveal themselves in a peaceful, bucolic setting.
This activity is perfect for couples seeking romance, families out for a stroll, or friends in search of something original.
Rental hours : daily from 10 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. (last departure at 6:15 p.m.), closed annually in December, January, and February.
Rates: available by the half-hour or by the hour, depending on your preference.
Let yourself be lulled by the calm of the water, watch swans glide by, and take in the changing light of the park. A timeless experience, not to be missed during your visit to the Versailles estate.
Opening day(s)
All year long 2025
Every day
General information
- Type of culturel patrimony :
- Park and garden
Prices
| Prices | Min | Max |
|---|---|---|
| Free | ||
Contact
The Grand Canal
Château de Versailles
78000
Versailles
Phone : +33 139248888
- Spoken language(s) :
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