Visit Versailles Grand Parc differently
Rediscover Versailles Grand Parc beyond the Palace - 10 experiences to discover the area from a new perspective
When we think of Versailles, we immediately imagine the famous Palace and its royal gardens. However, Versailles Grand Parc is full of little-known treasures, unusual experiences and authentic places that allow you to experience the destination in a different way.
From nature and hidden heritage to encounters with artisans, gourmet getaways and local hotspots, here are 10 ideas for visiting Versailles Grand Parc differently, far from the usual tourist routes.
1. Explore the city of Versailles and its historic neighbourhoods
The heart of Versailles is a veritable open-air museum. For a different way to visit the destination, start with a stroll through:
- the Antique Dealers' Quarter, with its charming narrow streets, artisans, second-hand dealers and hidden gems;
- the Saint-Louis district, one of the oldest in the city, with its squares and unique atmosphere;
- the Notre-Dame district, lively and authentic, with its historic market, shops and elegant façades.
For an even more original experience, Favorite Tour offers a historical tour in a vintage car through the heart of Versailles. Two routes are available, including an extension to the Palace Park, allowing you to explore the city and its surroundings in an unusual and elegant way.
An ideal tour for discovering the Versailles of yesterday and today, far from the crowds.
2. Discover secret museums and cultural sites
Versailles Grand Parc is home to fascinating places that are often overlooked:
- the Musée de la Toile de Jouy, dedicated to a world-famous textile heritage,
- the Musée Lambinet, an elegant mansion that has been converted into an art and history museum,
- the Maison Léon Blum and the Maison Berthe Morisot.
These are ideal visits for discovering another side of the destination.
3. Follow in the footsteps of the Impressionists in Bougival
Bougival is one of the birthplaces of Impressionism. It was here, on the peaceful banks of the Seine, that Monet, Renoir, Sisley and Berthe Morisot set up their easels to capture the changing light of the river and the bucolic landscapes of the Coteaux de Seine.
As you stroll along the Impressionists' walk, dotted with reproductions of outdoor paintings, you will find the exact viewpoints painted by the artists. This gentle, cultural and inspiring walk allows you to discover Bougival in a different way, at the pace of nature and art history.
4. Explore the Plaine de Versailles: the natural and rural side of Versailles
On the outskirts of the city, the Plaine de Versailles reveals an unspoilt rural setting where fields, tree-lined avenues and authentic villages provide the ideal backdrop for a break in the countryside. There are peaceful walking trails, hiking routes through the pretty village of Rennemoulin, and numerous cycle routes to explore.
The destination is perfect for a gentle getaway, whether you want to stroll in the countryside, meet local producers or enjoy a family outing.
A perfect getaway for families and slow tourism enthusiasts.
Discover the Plaine de Versailles
5. Taste the wines of the Domaine de la Bouche du Roi
In Davron, in the heart of the Plaine de Versailles, the Domaine de la Bouche du Roi is reviving a wine-growing heritage that dates back to the time of Louis XIV. In a preserved setting, among vineyards, hills and golden light, the estate offers guided tours of the cellars, walks through the vineyards and guided tastings that highlight the renaissance of wine in Île-de-France.
Visitors can learn about winemaking methods, the history of the royal vineyard, the grape varieties grown and the expertise that is reviving a centuries-old tradition. The estate also organises wine workshops and convivial experiences that appeal to both enthusiasts and the curious.
An elegant stopover to discover an authentic, gourmet and little-known side of Versailles.
6. Recharge your batteries in the parks and gardens of Versailles Grand Parc
Versailles Grand Parc is not only worth discovering for its monuments: the destination is also home to remarkable green spaces, true havens of nature and tranquillity.
For a peaceful stroll, a family outing or simply a moment to breathe, several places are worth a visit:
- The Arboretum of Versailles-Chèvreloup, one of the largest in Europe, ideal for an exotic stroll among rare species;
- The King's Kitchen Garden, a living heritage created for Louis XIV, still cultivated today using traditional methods
- The Impressionist Island Park in Bougival.
These parks and gardens offer another way to enjoy Versailles: gentler, more intimate, closer to nature.
7. Enjoy an immersive experience at the Palace
In addition to traditional tours, the Palace of Versailles offers shows and immersive experiences throughout the year, in tune with the seasons. Musical Fountain Shows, royal evenings, enchanted nights, equestrian shows or tour-shows such as Le Parcours du Roi (The King's Journey): so many unique events to experience the monument in a different way.
Whether you are with your partner, friends or family, these timeless moments offer a new, lively and emotional way to discover Versailles, day or night.
8. Take a guided tour with the Tourist Office
To discover Versailles Grand Parc in a different way, there's nothing like letting yourself be guided by the Tourist Office's tour guides. Through themed, historical or unusual itineraries, our tours reveal a little-known side of the destination:
- the historic districts and their surprising anecdotes;
- the city's secret streets and unusual places;
- iconic locations (markets, artisans, cultural sites);
- heritage walks in the surrounding towns;
- family-friendly tours that are fun and suitable for children.
Perfect for a first discovery or to deepen your knowledge of the area, our tours allow you to explore Versailles in a different way, accompanied by a passionate expert.
9. Have fun, investigate, create: activities for everyone, with family or friends
Versailles Grand Parc can also be discovered through fun, immersive or creative experiences, ideal for sharing a unique moment with family or friends — indoors or outdoors, depending on the season.
Outdoors:
- Enquête à Jouy, a family treasure hunt in the heart of Jouy-en-Josas;
- Engrenage – Le Collier de la Reine, an immersive adventure inspired by a famous historical event;
- Trip in Trott, fun electric scooter rides, perfect for friends;
- Barques Astel, bike or buggy rides in the Château Park.
Indoors:
- Atelier Cuisinaire du Roi, learn while having fun;
- Creative workshops at the Lambinet Museum (arts, history, heritage);
- Workshops at the Musée de la Toile de Jouy, focusing on patterns, textiles and design.
- A variety of accessible and lively experiences that allow you to (re)discover Versailles Grand Parc at any time of year.
10. Cruise the Seine with Marin d’Eau Douce
In Bougival, Marin d’Eau Douce offers one of the most exotic experiences in Versailles Grand Parc: an electric boat trip, no licence required, to explore the Seine in complete freedom. From the water, you can enjoy a unique view of the Coteaux de Seine, the Belle Époque villas and the landscapes that inspired many Impressionist painters.
This friendly and accessible activity is a special experience for couples, families or friends. Although navigation is seasonal, it is an outing not to be missed during a future visit: gentle, peaceful and perfect for admiring Bougival in a different way.