Grand Canal
Grand Canal
4.5
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4.5
851 reviews
Excellent
493
Very good
297
Average
53
Poor
8
Terrible
0
Katerina 💎
Patras, Greece535 contributions
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 17 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dimitris L
Sydney, Australia50,924 contributions
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 15 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia19,452 contributions
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.
However, if walking along it you'll notice at the center it has two more hands making it look like a cross.
Written 16 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sohail Ahmed S
Essen, Germany306 contributions
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 7 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ExplorerXYZ
Philadelphia, PA1,090 contributions
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.
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 14 May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TraLonW
London/Worcs373 contributions
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 20 August 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helen C
11 contributions
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 22 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelNGFam
Hong Kong, China118 contributions
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 13 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brenda S
Roanoke, VA79 contributions
Aug 2019
It's amazing that this was dug for no other reason than to please the king. There were people out on the water, but we just observed it's awe. It's much bigger than I imagined it.
Written 31 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JAYDenver
Denver524 contributions
Sept 2018 • Business
If you are going to Versailles make sure you explore Parc du Château de Versailles and the Grand Canal. The first time I visited the Grand Canal was during my first trip to Paris in 2005. I remember it like it was yesterday...I met a grandfather and his grandson by the boats at the canal. They were feeding the ducks and swans. We talked for about 15 minutes about learning about each other. They allowed me the chance to photograph the two of them and gave me suggestions on what I should explore that day in Versailles. I also remember seeing scullers practicing on the Grand Canal.
This year I took my small group to Parc du Château de Versailles to see the Grand Canal. Many people were enjoying the warm and sunny day. It is great to watch people enjoying the canal rowing by boats or canoes or sitting along the shore. One of these days I will have to rent a boat or canoe cruise down the canal.
This year I took my small group to Parc du Château de Versailles to see the Grand Canal. Many people were enjoying the warm and sunny day. It is great to watch people enjoying the canal rowing by boats or canoes or sitting along the shore. One of these days I will have to rent a boat or canoe cruise down the canal.
Written 19 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
do i need a ticket to versailles palace grounds to rent a row boat on the canal - where do i find the schedule for the musical fountains
Written 15 March 2017
I cannot say on the canal tickets for Versailles. As for the fountains: the times (I was told) vary by season. We did not see them on our visit. On a return visit I would skip the palace and just tour the grounds, especially if you have seen any other chateaux in France. The crowds in September were overwhelming. The grounds were much less crowded. Good trip.
Written 17 March 2017
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