3 Off-the-Beaten-Path Things to Do in Versailles Town
If you’re planning a trip to Versailles, you probably already have a visit to the Château de Versailles on your to-do list. But there are so many unique, off-the-beaten-path things to do in Versailles town you can add to your trip.
I love the Palace of Versailles. As a resident of the town of Versailles, I visit the palace grounds as often as I can. But I’ve also gotten to properly explore the area over the last few years and I’ve realized that some of my favorite places are the ones that are less well-known and less popular with tourists.
So if you want to explore the town like a local, keep reading to learn more about three of my favorite things to do around Versailles (other than the palace).
3 Unique Things to Do in Versailles
One of my best Versailles travel tips is simple: explore some lesser-known places. Whenever I travel I love to hear from locals what their favorite places to visit are. So today, I’m sharing some of my favorites with you.
Versailles Carriage Museum
The Versailles Carriage Museum, also known as the Gallery of Coaches, is located directly across the boulevard from the main entrance of the Palace of Versailles. It’s a great place to visit on the way back from the palace to the train station since it’s right on the way.
The museum is part of the Great Stables and showcases lavishly decorated carriages with gold detailing and other unique designs.
The museum is a great place to learn more about the history of the French monarchy’s opulent and extravagant transportation methods. I’m always amazed by the intricate and over-the-top designs.
If you’re visiting the Chateau de Versailles, make sure to save some time for the Carriage Museum. It is exceedingly well done and did I mention it’s totally free?! One important note: it’s only open on weekend afternoons, so plan accordingly.
Learn more about visiting the Versailles Carriage Museum.
Versailles Sculptures and Moulding Gallery
The Versailles Sculptures and Moulding Gallery is part museum and part sculpture restoration workshop. Just like the Carriage Museum, this is housed in what used to be the palace stables, across the street from the main entrance to the palace. The area that holds the galleries was originally used as stalls for horses.
This museum is one of the finest sculpture storehouses, featuring copies of ancient Greek and Roman statues, original sculptures from the gardens of Versailles and even casts of pieces displayed at the Louvre.
Just like the carriage museum, the sculpture museum is only open on the weekends in the afternoon, and it’s free! Either way, it’s worth the visit!
Learn more about the Versailles Sculptures and Moulding Gallery.
Moulin de Versailles (Flour Mill)
The Moulin de Versailles (a flour mill) has been open and family-operated since 1905. They use wheat from local farms to make their flour and it’s truly fantastic.
The mill is located right by the Versailles Chantiers train station, a short 12-minute train ride from Montparnasse, Paris.
Visit the mill to learn more about its history and visit the mill’s boutique for flour, cookie and cake mixes and a great selection of kitchen and pastry tools, along with cheeses and other delicious treats.
Whether you’re staying in Versailles town or traveling back to Paris, you can take a taste of Versailles home with you when you visit the Moulin de Versailles.
Plan Your Visit to Versailles
Feeling inspired to visit Versailles, France? I have a lot of resources on my site to help you make the most of your trip. Explore the resources below to learn more about must-see, off-the-beaten path things to do in Versailles (and some of the tourist favorites, too!).
- 10 Tips for Visiting the Palace of Versailles
- Book French pastry classes in Versailles
- How to Get to Versailles from Paris
- My Favorite Coffee Shops in Versailles
- Best Lunch Restaurants in Versailles
Need even more ideas of what to do in Versailles? Get your copy of my brand-new Versailles Guide! This 37-page e-book guide includes everything you need to know if you’re visiting this magical city, whether you’re coming for a day trip or staying for a week.
Bienvenue, I’m Molly!
I am a Pastry graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Paris offering pastry classes in Versailles and around France. Originally from Dallas, Texas, she moved to Paris in 2013 to follow her passion for baking & ended up staying!
Hungry For More?
French Pastry Made Simple
Join me for a fun pastry adventure in the kitchen! I’m so thrilled for you to discover my first cookbook, French Pastry Made Simple.
Gift Cards
Purchase a gift card for you or a loved one!
Great, informative piece — I liked the local tips beyond the palace. Do the carriage and sculpture galleries require advance booking on weekends or is it first-come-first-served? Also, is the mill open for tours or just for buying flour?
Thanks so much!
The Gallery of Coaches and the Sculpture Gallery are generally first-come, first-served and don’t usually require advance reservations.
The Moulin de Versailles is primarily a working flour mill and shop. They occasionally offer special tours, but it’s mainly a place to stop in and purchase their wonderful flour.
Enjoy your visit to Versailles! 🇫🇷
Hello Molly, thank you for these posts about Versailles! France is our favorite country and can’t wait to return ! On our next visit to Paris , would love to venture out to Versailles , not necessarily visit the palace ( visited twice) , but to wander around and check out museums, restaurants and shops ! Love following you ! Thank you for sharing !