Getting to Know the Sun King and Louis the Last

Paris is France's capital and one of the world's most influential and prominent cities. In terms of tourism, Paris is Europe's second most visited city, after London UK.

You'll begin your day saying goodbye to Paris for a while, as you head out to discover another destination in Île-de-France: Versailles.
Versailles is more than just a French château: it is an 800-hectare estate where nature and culture blend together.

When you visit the place and walk through the sumptuous interior or wander through the gardens, you understand why this huge palace was the glory of the Sun King's reign. Starting with his father's small hunting lodge in 1668, Louis XIV created Europe's greatest palace, big enough to host 20,000 people at a time. The gardens are carefully designed with walks and woods, hedges and flower beds, pools of water, and fountains.
The sparkling luxury of Louis XIV and his court at Versailles was a staple of the 17th century in France, otherwise known as Le Grand Siècle. Imposing structures, squares, theaters, and aristocratic mansions were built all over Paris during his reign. Unfortunately, the cost of this luxury and constant conflict with France's neighbors contributed to the monarchy's downfall.
One of the world's most visited historic monuments today, the Palace of Versailles has the disadvantages of crowds and long lines at the entrance. If you want to skip the line, you need to book a special ticket called Passport with Timed Entry (Billet Passeport avec réservation horaire). You select a thirty-minute time slot to begin your visit and you show up as scheduled at entrance A of the Dufour Pavilion, without having to stay in line.
The Passport ticket gives you access to the entire Versailles estate. Book your Passport ticket in advance here.
On the day of your visit, access this map with everything there is to see in the Versailles Palace. And on this map you can discover the garden attractions and features.
The Palace of Versailles is open from Tuesday to Sunday, between 9 am and 6.30 pm in April-October OR 5.30 pm in November-March. Closed on Mondays.

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Alternative visit to the Trianon Palace and estate If for some reason you didn’t manage to book your skip-the-line ticket in time or would rather visit a less-crowded castle in Versailles, I recommend you head towards the Domaine de Trianon with Madame de Pompadour’s beloved Petit Trianon castle. You will queue for less than 15 minutes to get a ticket on the spot, and then you can take your time to admire all the details and walk through the gardens.
You can also book your Estate of Trianon ticket in advance here.
On the day of your visit, access this map with everything there is to see at the Petit Trianon.
Between April and October, the Domaine de Trianon is open from 12 pm to 6.30 pm, and its gardens are open until 7.30 pm. And, between November and March, the domain is open from 12 pm to 5.30 pm, with its gardens open only until 6 pm.

Le Basilic prepares fresh food in a timely manner, which is good because there's still plenty to do until the evening!
Their best dishes are the raviole soup, caramel pork, Beijing dumplings, crispy chicken, and banana flambé in rice alcohol.
Le Basilic opens from Tuesday to Saturday at 11.30 am and on Sundays at 11.15 am. On Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday, it stays open until 10 pm, on Friday until 10.30 pm, and on Sundays until 9.45 pm. Closed all day on Mondays.

In Rambouillet the main attractions are the Château de Rambouillet and its grounds, which you will soon get the chance to visit. However, if you don't feel like visiting another castle after Versailles, you can spend the rest of the afternoon in: • Espace Rambouillet, an animal park that allows you to admire the local fauna in a natural environment. • Forêt de l’Yveline, the Rambouillet Forest, with several paths of different difficulties for you to explore.

The Château de Rambouillet was raised in 1368 by the royal family and it had several historic figures as owners over the years.
One of his most famous owners was Louis XVI or Louis the Last. He bought the château principally for its hunting grounds and then built the Laiterie de la Reine on the grounds for his wife Marie Antoinette.
It was later used by Napoleon Bonaparte, many dukes, and, most recently, even as a summer residence for French presidents until 2009 when it became a national monument and museum.
A ticket for visiting the entire domain includes access to the castle, the Laiterie de la Reine, and the Chaumiere aux Coquillages. You can book your ticket in advance here
Château de Rambouillet is open every day except for Tuesdays between 10 am and 12 pm, then between 2 pm and 5 pm. Between April and September, it closes later in the evenings, at 7 pm.

You have some time to relax before dinner after such a long day. If you're feeling really tired, find a spot in the park of the Rambouillet Castle to sit down and enjoy the pleasant views in tranquility.
If you're more into active resting, you can rent a rowing boat to explore the lake. And don't worry if water activities aren't your thing: there are bikes, karts, and other vehicles on wheels for rent, too.
You can go to Les Barques du Château on weekdays between 1 and 8 pm, and on weekends between 10.30 am and 8 pm. A full list of prices and availabilities can be found here

La Maison du Bœuf is well known in the area for its beef meat and everyone loves the steaks and Le Burger du Chef, in particular. But all the menu looks great and all their dishes are home-made. Besides the food, you'll enjoy the overall atmosphere and how friendly the staff is.
La Maison du Bœuf is open every weekday except Monday between 12 and 2.30 pm and between 7 and 11 pm. On Saturday, it's open only between 7 and 11 pm, and on Sunday it's open between 12 and 2.30 pm.
Book a table in advance at 0130594889.

After a copious meal (especially if you also had a dessert), it's time to head to Hôtel Mercure Rambouillet Relays du Château. You'll be only a few minutes from the castle, in what was once a 16th-century coaching inn.
There are also several bars within walking distance, in case you want a night cap ;)