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Versailles
Things to Do in Versailles
Grand Canal
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Grand Canal

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Grand Canal
4.5
855 reviews
#6 of 89 things to do in Versailles
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
391 within 3 miles
La Petite Venise
468
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • French • European
La Flotille
1,267
500 ft$$ - $$$ • French • European • Vegetarian Friendly
Gordon Ramsay au Trianon
833
0.6 mi$$$$ • French • International • European
La Girandole
236
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • French • Bar • European
La Table du 11
862
0.7 mi$$$$ • French • Healthy
Azuli
116
0.7 mi$$$$ • French
Chez Tiouiche - Au Bon Accueil
663
0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • Moroccan • Mediterranean • Healthy
La Veranda
906
0.6 mi$$$$ • French • European • Vegetarian Friendly
Le Pincemin
354
0.9 mi$$$$ • French • European • Fusion
Laduree
96
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Dessert • French
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Attractions
228 within 6 miles
Bassin d'Apollon
39
0.1 miFountains
Palace of Versailles
26,924
0.6 miHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
L'Orangerie
232
0.4 miNational Parks • Gardens
The Hall of Mirrors
3,246
0.6 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
La Galerie des Batailles
357
0.6 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
The Royal Chapel
530
0.6 miArt Galleries • Historic Sites
The Royal Opera (L'Opera Royal)
371
0.8 miHistoric Sites • Theaters
The Water Parterres
519
0.6 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Temple of Love
403
0.6 miHistoric Sites
Le Hameau de la Reine
292
0.8 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
855 reviews
Excellent
494
Very good
298
Average
55
Poor
8
Terrible
0
IrishRover
Pittsburgh, PA2,800 contributions
Wow
Jun 2022 • Couples
We arrived after closing and just walked the entire Canal Grounds. Truly amazing and to think how long ago this was built. True beauty for everyone to enjoy we ended up walking around 3.5 miles
Written June 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vanessa P
Calgary, Canada1,364 contributions
Ah Le Notre the best in Garden landscape!
Sep 2019
I would suggest buying the ticket in advance, skip the line option and arriving early, really early. We didn't plan the visit. So we bought tickets at the tourism center and we spent around 2 hours and a half in line to get in. Once inside, we rented a golf car to move around and I do not regret. As everywhere is so grand and far away if you want to see a bit of it, a car will be a great help!

It can be a 1 day visit. But the castle is so big that it is impossible to see everything at one. The other option would be stay in Versailles over night and go for a second visit. The town is very charing!

The Gardens of Versailles cover some 800 hectares of land and it was landscaped in the classic French formal style by André Le Nôtre. It was one of the most incredible places I have ever seen. It is a must to see in your lifetime.

The gardens in the castle were intended to illustrate the power of the absolutist monarch Louis XIV. It worked! You can only imaged how powerful he must be on his time.
Written August 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dimitris L
Sydney, Australia42,596 contributions
Magnificent sight
Nov 2019
The Grand Canal is a magnificent part of the Versailles Palace. The sheer size of it and the volumes of water needed to make it work are just mind boggling. A great place to walk around.
Written October 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Katerina 💎
Patras, Greece416 contributions
Just ok
Nov 2019 • Couples
It doesn' add any value to the palace and the gardens. It is just an add to everything else. I just looked at it and said ok!
Written November 17, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
B1714D
Belgrade, Serbia16,212 contributions
Cross shaped lake
Jan 2022
Grand canal is a pretty big man made lake you can see from the gardens of Versailles - that's its longer hand.
However, if walking along it you'll notice at the center it has two more hands making it look like a cross.
Written February 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sohail Ahmed S
Essen, Germany285 contributions
Quite and enjoyable walk tro Château to Marie-Antoinette's Estate
Mar 2019 • Couples
Impressive how the swamp was cleared and instead now there are fountains and water canal, where you can rent small paddle boats and enjoy the time with your loved one. Grand Canal also have a few eating places some better than others. Wonderful to walk along the grand canal from Château to Marie-Antoinette's Estate
Written April 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ExplorerXYZ
Philadelphia, PA1,118 contributions
Timing of the Season Changes Your Impression and Activity.
Apr 2013 • Solo
This is a large garden area. Please note that a 1/2 day can be easily spent here after the Chateau.

The canals have rowboats and it is very pleasant to either take part in the rowing or simply sit on the sides of the water and watch the activity. Bicycles can also be rented and the paths around the water taken.

There are also some vendors selling juices and ice cream as well as some cafes and restaurants that provide the replenishment you'll need after all the activity of the day. There are large sections of grass with some not to be used and some that serve as an area for picnics and absorbing the sun. Bring a blanket there are no picnic tables.

There are ducks in the water. If you have children you may want to bring some bread to feed the ducks. Pick you time of visit with some forethought as during the good weather and tourist season these gardens are extremely full. Shoulder seasons are best at the break of Spring or Autumn.

Entry to this part of the garden does not have a fee. Bathroom are available.
Written May 14, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TraLonW
London/Worcs412 contributions
Beautiful gardens
Aug 2012 • Friends
This time we did not visit the interior of the Chateaux but rather spent several hours in the gardens and parkland. A small electric car (similar to a golf truck) can be hired at the entrance of the gardens - minimum one hour. Drivers licence is required. Holders of an official Disabled Card receive 40% discount. The fountains are stunning and totally transform the gardens when they are switched on. It is possible to walk the whole 5.5kms loop around the Grand Canal which really brings to life the sheer size of the grounds. Boats can also be hired by the hour. Versailles is easy to reach - RER C to Rive Gauche and then a 8 minute walk.
Written August 20, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helen C
11 contributions
Cycling
Jul 2020 • Family
Huge fun sharing around here on bikes. Bike hire simple and sensibly done by paying at the end. Top thing to do
Written July 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TravelNGFam
Hong Kong, China107 contributions
Beautiful park to explore with children
Jul 2019
We enjoyed it here. Our children liked the marble statues, the swans, the paddleboats and of course the ice-cream stalls. A really enjoyable visit to the parks after our visit to the castle itself.
Written September 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Grand Canal (Versailles) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Grand Canal
We recommend booking Grand Canal tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 16 Grand Canal tours on Tripadvisor