First time in Versailles: exciting and fascinating, but crowded, want to leave.

In July, I visited Versailles in France for the first time. I quickly regretted not going somewhere else. The palace and the surrounding grounds are impressive, but they were so overcrowded that I found it hard to enjoy my visit. Next time, I will listen to the locals' advice and check out other attractions.

Location of the Palace of Versailles

Located about an hour's train ride from Paris, the Palace of Versailles is often one of the most visited tourist attractions in France, according to Statista. It's easy to see why: the palace, which once housed generations of French royal families, is an expansive, gilded monument to human artistry. Described as "one of the greatest achievements of French art in the 17th century," I cannot dispute this characterization. From all accounts, Versailles is one of the most spectacular displays of art and architecture I have encountered during my travels. However, during my visit in early July, I regretted spending a day here that could have been spent on something else.

Mass tourism in Versailles

As soon as I entered the palace, I was ready to leave. I had bought my ticket in advance, which made entering the palace easy. There was a small queue for ticket holders, and I quickly passed through security. I wondered if it would be the same in the rest of the museum. As you might guess, it wasn't. I joined the mass of other tourists heading to the palace's most famous room - the Hall of Mirrors. Apparently, there was only one route to get there. Unlike other museums where tourists can step aside and explore, visitors were restricted in their movement, all heading towards one goal. I realized this a few minutes after entering and began to feel cramped and uncomfortable among the crowd. I understood that the only way out was to keep moving forward, and I tried to move as quickly as possible, which was difficult due to the throngs of people. I had never felt such anxiety in a museum as I did in Versailles. Every room the crowd moved through was filled with visitors, making it hard to appreciate the luxurious art. Tourist groups would stop and listen to explanations about the artworks, which made it difficult for individual visitors to pass through.

Alternative attractions in Paris

The crowds at Versailles reflect the post-pandemic tourist boom and shouldn't come as a surprise. As Insider reported earlier, Europe has been flooded with tourists this summer. Summer is the peak tourist season in France, and I had already visited the Louvre to see its crowds, so I expected Versailles to be just as busy. Even though I was prepared for the masses of people, I was overwhelmed and couldn't fully enjoy my experience. After nearly an hour of walking through the palace halls, I finally reached the exit and couldn't have been happier. However, I found solace in the expansive gardens of the estate. Versailles is not just about the palace; it spans nearly 2,000 acres, featuring manicured lawns, walking paths, and maze-like hedges. In its spacious gardens, the crowds disperse—2,000 acres is plenty of room for everyone to spread out. There were so many places where I could stroll without encountering other people. The most enjoyable part of my midday visit was being outdoors. I spent most of my time wandering through the gardens, stumbling upon hidden sculptures and fountains, and relishing the tranquility away from the palace's hustle and bustle. Next time, I would visit a different place in Paris.

Other recommendations from local residents

During my trip, I spoke with locals, and several different attractions came up multiple times in our conversations. For example, I was recommended the Louis Vuitton Foundation several times. The museum, housed in an elegant modern building, features a collection of contemporary and historical art, according to its website. Other places that were frequently recommended include the Petit Palais, where you can also see a beautiful collection of art, and the Gustave Moreau Museum, a house-museum that holds a collection of paintings by Gustave Moreau. Of course, these places won't be immune to the crowds of interested visitors either. Nevertheless, next time I will skip the crowded halls of Versailles and choose something else.