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!
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.
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.
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....
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.