Favourite Foto Friday: Versailles

This week's Favourite Foto Friday is taken at Versailles, the former hunting lodge of Louis XIV's father. The 'Sun King' had the lodge transformed into a huge and opulent palace in the mid-17th Century, and it makes a fantastic day trip from Paris.

I've visited Versailles on two occasions and it never fails to impress. The palace has 700 rooms under a massive 28 acres of roof, whilst the extensive manicured gardens are no less impressive. This photo was taken in front of the palace looking back towards the main wing.

Day trips to Versailles by coach are available from Paris or you can do as we did and take the RER train (around 40 minutes from central Paris). A short walk from the railway station has you at the Palace. Entry to the palace and gardens is around 15 to 25 euros per person. Entry is included for holders of the Paris Pass or Paris Musuem Pass (included in Paris Pass).

The sheer size and grandeur of Versailles will take your breath away, but it is a hugely popular attraction so if you plan on visiting, particularly during the summer months, allow plenty of time to purchase your ticket when you arrive or, better still, buy the Paris Pass or Paris Museum Pass in advance and take advantage of the 'Skip the Line' entry.

See more photos of Versailles on the blog of our visit

Palace of Versailles