Palace Adventures | Exploring Versailles with Kids

On our recent adventure through France, one stop stood out as especially grand and unforgettable: the Palace of Versailles. Visiting Versailles with kids might sound ambitious, but it turned out to be one of the most memorable days of our trip! With its sweeping architecture, gilded ceilings, and expansive gardens, Versailles is a place where history comes to life!

We arrived early, tickets in hand (a must — more on that later), ready for a full day of exploration. Even as we approached the gates, we immediately noticed the sheer size and beauty of the palace. I think we were all impressed as we looked up at the golden accents gleaming in the sunlight. Visiting the Palace of Versailles felt like stepping into a fairy tale — or maybe a history book that came to life.

Touring the Palace

Inside the Palace of Versailles, the rooms seemed to stretch on forever. Ornate chandeliers hung from painted ceilings, and intricate details adorned every corner. Each room told a story, and it was fun to imagine the bustling life that once filled these halls. I especially enjoyed watching our kids’ reactions as they explored the grand rooms. Furthermore, it was a challenge to keep up with all the fascinating history!

One enormous painting caught all of our attention: a dramatic scene of a woman being crowned. The painting depicts the coronation of Empress Joséphine, Napoleon Bonaparte’s first wife, in the Notre-Dame Cathedral. What’s remarkable is that Napoleon is shown crowning her himself, breaking tradition and signaling his absolute power. Viewing this painting in the Coronation Room at Versailles is a good opportunity to talk to kids about how art can reflect power, pride, and ambition.

Painting in the Coronation Room of the coronation of Empress Joséphine.

Apartment of the Dauphin and the Dauphine

Royal apartment at the Palace of Versailles

Versailles is so layered with history. The palace was originally a hunting lodge built by Louis XIII, but it was transformed by his son, Louis XIV, into the grand estate we see today. The architecture reflects the height of French classical style — symmetry, opulence, and pure extravagance. And of course, Napoleon lived here during the early 1800s, reinforcing his own image as France’s ultimate ruler. There’s something surreal about walking through halls once occupied by kings and emperors, with our kids leading the way.

Exploring the Grounds

After our palace tour, we stepped outside into the fresh air and found ourselves in an enchanting landscape. Versailles’ gardens are just as impressive as the interior. Paths stretch as far as the eye can see, trimmed hedges lead toward hidden fountains, and wide lawns invite kids to run freely. We got lunch at a small cafe and found a shady spot to rest and take it all in.

One of the highlights of the afternoon was searching for Marie Antoinette’s estate. Tucked away from the main palace, our walk along grassy pathways to the Queen’s Hamlet felt like a treasure hunt. Marie Antoinette attempted to escape court life while living in her home. The estate was designed to look like a rustic village, complete with cottages, gardens, and a little farm.

Marie Antoinette’s home, the Queen’s Hamlet

We tried to answer our kids questions as best as we could. Before visiting Versailles with kids, we also watched a few YouTube videos on the history and important characters. We learned Marie Antoinette was a young Austrian princess who became Queen of France, and how her life was filled with luxury and pressure. Overall our kids were very excited to explore — always a good sign on a learning adventure. Watch our videos on YouTube to see more of our adventures visiting Versailles with kids!

The One Thing We Missed…

Despite all our exploring, we forgot to visit the Hall of Mirrors! Yes, the most famous room in Versailles. I think this is because we took a turn along the one-way tour of the palace and we couldn’t retrace our steps. But the beauty of travel, especially with kids, is that it teaches us flexibility. We simply added it to our “next time” list.

So, learn from us — check the palace map early and make a note of the rooms you don’t want to miss!

The gilded front gate at Palace of Versailles

Tips for Visiting Versailles with Kids

If you’re planning your own family adventure to Versailles, here are a few tips that helped us:

Wear good walking shoes. The palace is huge, and the gardens stretch for miles. Our feet were tired by the end, but comfy shoes made all the difference.

Bring water and snacks. Especially if you plan to explore the grounds, drink and snacks are fuel for your adventures.

Buy tickets in advance. This saved us from waiting in a long line and helped our day start smoothly. You can book a time slot for palace entry, which helps avoid the biggest crowds.

Make it fun! Let the kids lead for a while, ask them questions about what they see, and allow time for play. Versailles doesn’t have to be a quiet museum visit — it’s a living storybook if you let it be.

Gardens outside of the Queen’s Hamlet

Why You Should Go

Visiting Versailles with kids isn’t just doable — it’s absolutely worth it. The grandeur of the palace, the beauty of the grounds, and the richness of the stories make it an experience your family will never forget. It sparked so many great conversations in our family about history, imagination, and beauty.

So if you’re heading to France with your crew, be sure to add the Palace of Versailles to your itinerary. It’s more than a tourist stop — it’s a doorway into the past! You will absolutely love experiencing the grandeur of this French destination.