Luggage Storage Versailles

About Versailles

Versailles started off as a small village in the middle of a vast forest. Twelve miles southwest of Paris, it became a favorite hunting ground of King Henry IV in the early 17th century. His son, Louis XIII, built a hunting lodge on the site in 1624.

Louis XIII was at this hunting lodge when he discovered a plot to overthrow him led by his own mother. After sending her into exile, he decided to make the hunting lodge into a château. The first palace was built here in 1634, and subsequent French monarchs added to the sprawling building, each outdoing the next with extravagant decoration and luxury furnishings. Before long, the palace contained servants quarters, sprawling gardens, a massive orangerie, and a zoo.

By 1682, Louis XIV proclaimed the ever-growing palace as his principal residence and the seat of the country's government. And as the palace grew, a whole town grew up around it to support the king and his court.

In 1783, the palace was the location of the signing of the three treaties known as the Peace of Paris, in which the United Kingdom recognized the independence of the United States. But a few years later in 1789, partly inspired by the American Revolution, France erupted in a revolution of its own. The king and his family were arrested, and the palace was abandoned.

Later, the palace became the home of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. In the 20th century, it was also the site of the signing of the treaty that ended the First World War. This grand house has occupied a place in history befitting its extravagant appearance. And to this day, the palace receives more visitors than even the Eiffel Tower.

Things to do in Versailles

The palace of Versailles is a massive complex, and you could spend days seeing all it has to offer. As the former royal residence of one of the world's most powerful monarchies and witness to several key historic events since then, visiting the palace is like a crash course in both French and world history.

• Admire the breathtaking opulence of the royal apartments. The king, the queen, and the king's mistresses all had their own suite of rooms in the palace, and these are some of the most lavishly decorated rooms in the building. A self-guided tour allows you to wander through these rooms and admire the colossal wealth of the French monarchy.
• Let yourself be dazzled in the Hall of Mirrors. This is the most famous room in the palace. Finished in 1684, this huge hall and its many chandeliers are absolutely jaw-dropping. This was the stunning backdrop for the signing of the Treaty of Versailles to end the First World War, and is sometimes still used today by the President of France during state visits.
• Learn more about the life of one of France's most famous personalities at the home of Marie Antoinette. This palace, separate from the main one, was the home of the last Queen of France before her execution. Though she was born into wealth and power, her story is a tragic one, and the on-site museum helps explain more about this misunderstood character.
• Wander through the exquisitely manicured gardens of the palace. Adorned by stunning fountains and the impressive Grand Canal, the gardens are the perfect place to stretch your legs and get some fresh air as you walk in the footsteps of the rulers of France.
• Take in a show at the Royal Opera of Versailles. Opened in 1770, this stunning concert venue still hosts musical performances to this day, and you’ll feel like royalty as you watch some of the world’s best musicians here.

Transit options in Versailles

• The nearest airport to Versailles is Paris Orly, but to get from the airport to the palace means catching a bus into Paris and then a train to Versailles. On the other hand, Charles de Gaulle airport has a direct shuttle to Versailles.
• RER train C5 connects Versailles to Paris, and the journey takes around an hour. The RER train connects with Paris's substantial Metro system, making it easy to reach from just about anywhere in the city.
• Tour buses depart from multiple points within Paris to Versailles. In particular, Gare de Bercy on the south side of the city is a popular place to catch a bus for Versailles.

Luggage storage in Versailles

In the sprawling complex of Versailles, you should be prepared to do plenty of walking. Be aware that large bags are not permitted inside the palace. Not that you'll want to drag them around with you anyway. A better option is to track down a Bounce location and drop off your belongings there. Bounce can help you find a luggage storage locker in Versailles where you can securely store any size bags for as long as you need.

Activities and attractions near Versailles

• Bois de Boulogne: On the western edge of Paris, the Bois de Boulogne is one of the city's most celebrated parks. Established in 1852, this 2,000-acre park is more than twice the size of New York's Central Park, and is home to a zoo, several lakes, a tennis Stadium, and an amusement park. It's also a great place to stretch your legs, breathe in some fresh air, and enjoy a beautiful day. Bring a picnic and relax on the green lawns while you watch the world go by.
• Paris Catacombs: In the southern part of the city of Paris, one of the most unusual tourist attractions you're likely to visit lies underground. The Paris Catacombs are a sprawling network of tunnels piled high with human bones underneath the city. The skeletal remains of more than six million people are arranged in these tunnels, often stacked in strangely artistic ways. It's a creepy but truly unique place to visit, and one of Paris's most popular attractions. Large bags are not allowed in the catacombs, so make sure you leave yours at a Versailles luggage storage shop before visiting.
• Aquaboulevard: Let the kids burn off some energy at Aquaboulevard. The largest urban waterpark in Europe, this complex offers slides, a wave pool, and even an indoor beach. It's the perfect place to escape if the weather doesn't cooperate during your trip. Save yourself from carrying more than you need to by dropping off heavy bags at a luggage storage facility in Versailles before hitting the pool.