the grand canal

chitownsam

Can rent a paddle boat to go on the Grand Canal. Canal is very long. You can take the mini train from the Chateau towards the end of the Canal otherwise it's about a 20 minute walk.

Crikeyacroc

Its bloody huge. I think that might sum it up quite well. I recommend taking a bike or you'll be stuck there for awhile trying to walk around it.

MariaM3

is very nice canal in the gardens of versaillesyou cant beleive how big is, you can see all only from the palace balcony i thinkis very romantic walking over there across to the river or enjoy your coffee looking the water and the spectacular gardens and trees around....

jamal-R

the Versailles gardens are so beautiful some are better than others and the grand canal adds life to it as water always refreshes the place.

Henniedp

It was one of our favorite picnic spots around Paris and have spent many lazy afternoons here. Wide open spaces afford lots of room so you do not really feel crowded even at the hight of summer. The rowing boats are a treat for young and old. And with the magnificent gardens and Versailles palace as a backdrop you simply cannot go wrong.

Robonski

I highly, highly recommend taking time outdoors at Versailles. Get a picnic in the town of Versailles to bring here. Take time for the picnic and just sit back under a tree and enjoy the beauty. It is a splendid site, amazing that it was done so many years ago. You cannot miss this part of your visit.

Lisa52164

It is amazing....a man-made waterway large enough row boats on, right in the "backyard" of the Palace of Versailles. We got to Versailles as soon as it opened and went right in--absolutely no lines or crowds--even though it was summer. We brought along a picnic lunch--which we were not able to take into the palace, but which the staff at the entrance kept and gave us a receipt for. Upon leaving the palace near lunch time, we were able to retrieve our lunch and witness the long lines now waiting to get in. I'd really recommend bringing along a picnic lunch. Eating lunch under the shade of a tree next to the canal and witnessing the grandeur of this place in peace was really something. After lunch we rented one of the rowboats and enjoyed a view of the Palace from the water.

149gigik

You will notice as you move through the gardens along the Grand Canal that the paths perpendicular to the canal flow right out into the suburb of Versailles. Versailles itself is a bedroom community of Paris. The nice thing is that the residents use the gardens much like Central Park in NYC. So you will see folks biking, running, walking dogs, etc as you venture further into the edges of the property.

Riverliver

You will get some nice views of the Chateau from the Grand Canal. It is a pleasant area to stroll and chances are you won't find crowds here as it is a huge area.

nyk1981

The grand canal is very picturesque and beautiful . The sculptures and fountains are amazing. One can also take a mini-train ride along the canal which starts out from behind the palace grounds.

Zebra_4456789

This is nice. It is hard to miss it when you exit the main building after touring the rooms. There are some paddle boats out on the water, not sure where you can rent them from. There are a few other fountains in the area with sculptures.

elijanefraser

Packed a picnic and sat by the canal with the palace as a background. Food, wine and sunshine. The gardens are worth walking through just as much as the chateau.

I5998TTannac

The grand canal was beautiful but the bridges and streets are over-run with tourists, very crowded but worth visiting.

geminigirl53

We were SO disappointed when we visited to find that the main fountain and pumping station were under repair and so no water was being circulated through the fountains, canal or lake. The water was so green it was hard to see the coloured fish and the many fountains in the garden were sitting in green slimy ponds! To make matters worse, we had to pay a premium for the gardens as there was "music" in the gardens - no not real music - just pipped classical music, what a disappointment!

J099

Vast stretch of water which on a clear day with the sun shining is magnificent. The time & skill it must have taken to create can only be imagined. Fabulous!