U.S. News Insider Tip: In summer, the palace hosts weekend fountain shows in the gardens, featuring music and special effects; come on a Saturday night to see the best, with grounds lit up to magical effect and a firework display at the end. – Laura French

The Château de Versailles, the sprawling palace and former seat of power, is located 10 miles southwest of Paris in Versailles. Every year, nearly 10 million travelers make the trek from Paris to bear witness to the chateau's world-famous grandeur in person. But between all of the gold figurines, dramatic frescoes and cascading crystal chandeliers you'll no doubt find in bulk throughout the chateau, you might be surprised to learn that King Louis XIV's extravagant former residence had pretty humble-ish beginnings.

History

His father, King Louis XIII favored the site for its hunting potential and built a brick and stone lodge there so modest, one of his advisors remarked that "a mere gentleman would not have been overly proud of the construction" about the place. Louis XIII eventually decided to expand, building two small palaces, but it wasn't until Louis XIV came along that the chateau we see today started to come to fruition. Louis XIV moved the French government and court here and is credited with implementing numerous additions, including the palace's most popular attraction, the Hall of Mirrors. The Royal Opera House was added under Louis XV, who rarely resided in the chateau, and became the venue where Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette got married. After Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were forced out of the chateau during the French Revolution, the government left, and Versailles was practically abandoned. It was eventually brought back to life, turned into a museum, and in the 20th century, served as the site where the World War I peace treaty, or the Treaty of Versailles, was signed.

Tickets

There are a variety of ticket options to choose from. If you'd like to see the palace, the gardens, the temporary exhibitions, the park and more, you should purchase the passport ticket, which starts at 24 euros (around $26). Meanwhile, a palace-only ticket will set you back 21 euros (around $23).

Tips for visiting

Recent travelers loved Versailles, but stressed to plan when you arrive wisely. Some tourists recommended coming really early in the morning, while others said arriving later in the afternoon was the trick to avoid heavy crowds. Even those arrived early or late and purchased tickets in advance online said they waited an hour, some even two, to get in the door. Even with the wait, travelers were in complete awe of Versailles' over-the-top magnificence, with many saying they could easily spend all day exploring the ins and outs of the palace, its perfectly manicured grounds and learning all of the fascinating history behind it. And you might want some help in exploring that history. Whatever ticket you decide to get, make sure to bring comfortable shoes, as travelers say you'll be on your feet for hours. Guided bike tours of the estate are another popular option and are featured on our list of the best Paris tours.

Versailles palace is open every day except for Mondays from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Estate of Trianon has its own hours (noon to 5:30 p.m.) and is closed on Mondays too. The gardens have extended hours (8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.) and as such, past travelers suggest making sure to see all the buildings first on your tour, then the gardens. Hours may be reduced during low season. The best way to get to Versailles is to take the RER C train to Versailles Chateau Rive Gauche from Saint-Michel or Champs de Mars stations. For more information on Versailles, visit the official website.