Grand Canal

Overview

The Grand Canal at the Palace of Versailles is a stunning water feature spanning 1.6 kilometers in length. It offers picturesque views, boating opportunities, and a serene setting within the expansive gardens designed by André Le Nôtre.

The Grand Canal is an integral part of the Versailles Estate, showcasing the grandeur of French landscape architecture and serving as a recreational spot for visitors.

Water Feature Historic Site

Location

Address

Parc de Versailles, Versailles, Île-de-France

Neighborhood: Versailles Palace Area

Coordinates

48.802900, 2.129100

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

thursday 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

friday 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

saturday 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM

sunday 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM

Admission

Adults

€20 (full estate), €12 (gardens only)

Children

Free for under 18, €12 (gardens only for 18-25)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

April-October

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds, better lighting for photos

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

3-4 hours

Full Experience

full day with garden exploration

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild to warm

• tulips in bloom
• fountains operating

summer

hot

• extended daylight hours
• musical fountain shows

autumn

cool and crisp

• fall foliage
• harvest displays

winter

cold, possibly icy

• holiday lights
• festive decorations

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book tickets in advance
Bring valid ID
Check weather forecast

What to Bring

essential

ID water bottle comfortable shoes sunscreen

seasonal

jacket (spring/fall) umbrella (spring) warm coat (winter)

not allowed

large bags drones pets (unless service animals)

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: moderate (extensive walking)

• hydration needed in summer
• uneven surfaces

Medical facilities: first aid available at visitor center

Payment Information

Accepted

credit cards, debit cards, cash (Euro)

Currency

Euro

Typical Costs

entry €18 (gardens only)

boat rental €15

food €10-20

souvenirs €5-50

Dress Code

casual, comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, closed-toe shoes recommended, inappropriate or revealing clothing

Booking Tips

• at least a week in advance for peak season
• official Palace of Versailles website
• 48 hours for full refund
• available with online tickets

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Food trucks

Digital Services

Mobile App

Château de Versailles

Size: 80 MB

Features: Interactive map, Audio guide, Ticket booking, Event calendar

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafés, Near major landmarks

Charging Stations: Visitor center, cafes

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

Distance: 45 km

Travel Time: 45-60 minutes

taxi

€60-80 45 min

public_transport

€12-15 60-75 min

From City Center

Distance: 17 km from Paris

metro

€3.60 35-40 min

bus

€2.10 45-50 min

taxi

€30-40 25-30 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Historic and cultural significance, beautiful gardens, and a peaceful escape from the city

Historical Significance: The Grand Canal was designed to impress and showcase the power of King Louis XIV, and it remains a symbol of French landscape architecture.

Insider Tips

Free entry to the gardens on certain days (check official schedule)
Best photo spots are less crowded early in the morning
Local cafes offer better prices than those inside the park

Local Recommendations

• Try the local crêpes from nearby vendors
• Visit the nearby Potager du Roi (King's Kitchen Garden)
• Have coffee at the La Flottille café on the Grand Canal

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Bonjour

thank_you Merci

where_is Où est

how_much Combien

beautiful Magnifique

ticket Billet

Guide Languages: French, English, Spanish

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Grand Canal viewpoint

Best Time: Golden hour (sunset)

Tips: Wide-angle shots to capture the entire canal

Result: Breathtaking photos of the canal with palace reflections

#GrandCanal #Versailles #FranceTravel

Near the Latona Fountain

Best Time: Early morning

Tips: Low angle for dramatic fountain shots

Result: Stunning fountain and garden views

#VersaillesGardens #WaterFeatures

Photography Rules

allowed areas All outdoor areas

prohibited areas Indoor exhibitions without permission

flash photography not allowed in indoor spaces

commercial photography permit needed for professional shoots

drone policy prohibited without special permit

tripod policy allowed in designated areas, restricted during peak hours

selfie sticks allowed but be mindful of other visitors

Nearby Attractions

Palace of Versailles

Distance: 200m

Walking: 3 min

Type: Palace/Museum

Marie Antoinette's Estate (Domaine de Marie-Antoinette)

Distance: 2km

Walking: 25 min

Type: Historic Site

Notre-Dame de Versailles

Distance: 1km

Walking: 12 min

Type: Church

Reviews

4.7

Based on 15,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Arrive early to avoid crowds"
"Bring a hat and sunscreen"
"Don't miss the musical fountain shows"
"Comfortable shoes are a must"

Contact Information

+33 1 30 83 78 00

info@versailles.fr

www.chateauversailles.fr

Social Media

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