unlocking versailles

Outdoor markets and picnics. Quintessential French experiences that join food, fellowship, and nature. Versailles is lucky to have some of the best farmers’ markets in the greater Paris area. So why not take advantage of the abundance and pair a morning market visit with a picnic lunch?

Marketing and picnicking require some forethought. First, check the weather forecast to assure that your picnic won’t be spoiled by rain. Then, think about supplies. I always travel with bamboo cutlery and a few tea towels, so I’m close to picnic-ready in Versailles. Another option is to drop by a local supermarket to pick up disposable cutlery, napkins, and plates.

Outdoor markets don’t take place every day, and they usually shut down in the early afternoon. Versailles’ main market, the Marché Notre-Dame, has distinct sections and schedules: the indoor part operates every day except Monday. The outdoor part runs on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Sunday is undoubtedly the most beautiful market day, with the most vendors selling their produce. The Marché Notre-Dame is a few minutes’ walk from the Château.

The Marché Saint-Louis, held in front of the Cathedral on Thursday and Saturday mornings, is a vibrant part of the Saint-Louis neighborhood, a 10-15 minute stroll from the Château. Although both this market and the Marché Notre-Dame are frequented by locals, I have noticed that the Marché Saint-Louis is more quaint and less crowded.

Once you’ve equipped yourself for a picnic, you’ll need to select your ideal picnic spot. On the Château property, there is dedicated picnic space on the Plaine Saint Antoine, between the Château and Trianon Palaces. Picnicking is also allowed along the lower part of the Grand Canal, closest to the Château. Please note that glass bottles are not permitted in the Park, so all wine bottles will be confiscated at the security points as you enter. Access to the gardens and the picnic area is free of charge, except on Musical Fountains Shows and Musical Gardens Days. Make sure you check the schedule beforehand!

Another picnic option outside of the Estate is the Lake of the Swiss Guards, accessible from the rue de l’Indépendance Américaine.

Versailles Markets

Marché Notre-Dame, Place du Marché Notre-Dame

Indoor market—Les Halles
Tuesday-Saturday: 7:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
Sunday: 7:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m.

Outdoor market—Les Carrés Notre-Dame
Tuesday, Friday & Sunday—7:00 a.m.-2 :00 p.m.

Marché Saint-Louis—In front of the cathedral, Place Saint-Louis

Thursday & Saturday: 7:30 a.m.—1:30 p.m.

Flower Market—Avenue de Saint Cloud, across from carousel

Tuesday, Friday, Saturday: 8:00 a.m.—7:00 p.m.
Sunday: Morning

Photo Courtesy Yann Prigent

With so much to see in Paris, it’s easy to shortchange Versailles. Over the years, I made a number of half-day trips to Versailles, dreading the lines I’d face waiting to visit the Château and bracing myself for the crowds of fellow tourists.

Recently, though, I’ve come to embrace Versailles as a destination unto itself rather than a simple daytrip from Paris. The more time I spend in Versailles, the more I grow to appreciate its splendor, history, and dynamism.

Every year, millions of people visit Versailles’ Château, gardens, and Trianon Palaces, and each year the crowds grow! I have learned how to navigate the swelling crowds of Versailles, and I am setting out to create a guide to the Château, its grounds, and the city of Versailles. My French co-authors are Art Historian Stéphane Ceccaldi and Professor Yann Prigent. As we research, write, and photograph, I will share some of my Versailles secrets with you on Creative Sanctuary. Collected in the My Versailles category of the blog, the brief posts “unlock” Versailles with personal tips and tricks for avoiding long lines at the Château. I’ll share favorite restaurants at all price points and highlight local hotspots often overlooked by tourists. Please send questions and inquiries to unlockingversailles@gmail.com.

Markets and Picnics in Versailles

Unlocking Versailles