Disappointing photos show what it's like to visit Versailles during the hottest, busiest time of the year

Jordan Parker ErbAug 27, 2023, 23:03 IST

Versailles can be busier than anticipated, Insider's reporter writes.Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images, Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

I visited Versailles in France in July, one of the hottest, busiest months of the year.
Because the summer months are tourism's high season, I expected the estate to be packed.

In July, I did something I'd long been eager to do: I visited Versailles, the sprawling, gilded estate outside of Paris.

I'd seen it in films and on social media, where it's upheld as one of France's most beautiful places to visit. Going in, I knew it would be busy with tourists like myself, all dying to get a look at the architecture and artwork. But I wasn't prepared for just how overwhelming it would be.

While I loved plodding around the gardens, where there's ample free space, I couldn't wait to get out of the Palace of Versailles — despite how awe-inspiring it was.

From start to finish, here's what it's like to visit Versailles.

The lines to get into the palace were long, but quicker to get through than I anticipated.

People walking around outside the Palace of Versailles.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

Inside the palace was equally as busy — even the line for the bathroom was long.

People waiting in line for the bathroom at the Palace of Versailles.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

The line heading toward the Hall of Mirrors, one of the palace's most famous rooms.

The line moving through the Palace of Versailles.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

There was only one path toward the great hall, so all visitors moved together through each room, slowly and sweatily creeping from exhibit to exhibit.

Tourists stand in a room in the Palace of Versailles.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

The art truly was awe-inspiring...

The ceiling of a room in Versailles' palace.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

But I found it hard to enjoy while bumping up against other people.

Another busy room in the Palace of Versailles.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

The Hall of Mirrors, what I was most excited to see, was still packed, but at least big enough for everyone to spread out more.

Crowds walking through the Palace of Versailles.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

I was disappointed by how eager I was to get out of the palace.

Visitors moving out of the Hall of Mirrors.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

When I headed to the gardens, I found that every English-language pamphlet was already gone. Luckily, there was a PDF version to download.

An empty pamphlet station in Versailles.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

Immediately outside was still busy, but people were able to fan out across the estate.

A view of the garden at Versailles.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

As visitors began to disperse, I felt I could finally begin to enjoy Versailles.

The gardens at Versailles.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

There were corners of the gardens where I found respite from other people; Even so, I won't be rushing back to Versailles any time soon.

A fountain in the garden of Versailles, nearly free of people.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

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