Velizy-Villacoublay strikes a balance of modern infrastructure and beautiful green spaces. It’s an ideal base to visit the magnificent Château de Versailles, where you can easily spend an entire day wandering through the lavishly decorated rooms and strolling around the formal gardens.
Things to do in Velizy Villacoublay
Nowhere captures the extravagance of Louis XIV like Château de Versailles. The magnificent Baroque palace was built to showcase the power of the French monarchy and no expense was spared. Walk through the royal apartments inspired by Greek deities and be dazzled by the 75-metre-long Hall of Mirrors.
Discover a wonderland of tree-lined paths, terraces and bubbling fountains in the palace gardens. The French-style gardens were laid out in the 1600s and dotted with hundreds of marble and bronze statues. Stroll along the banks of the famous Grand Canal and admire Bassin de Neptune, a 17th-century fountain with almost 100 spouts.
The leafy neighbourhood of Versailles has charm in spades. You’ll find some of the best cafes and patisseries in the historic Quarter Saint Louis neighbourhood, while beautiful Neoclassical buildings frame the neighbourhood’s cobbled streets and squares. Enjoy lunch at a sidewalk bistro and stock up on wine, cheese and charcuterie at local providores.
Velizy-Villacoublay borders the Forest of Meudon, an enchanting pocket of oak and chestnut woodlands. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs and enjoy the sunshine. Scenic trails wind through the park and take you past ponds filled with reeds and waterlilies.
Getting around Velizy Villacoublay
Velizy-Villacoublay is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The neighbourhood is 15 minutes from Versailles by car or bus, or you can walk in one hour. Trams run between Velizy-Villacoublay and Viroflay in 20 minutes. From here, trains run to Central Paris in 30 minutes. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is a 45-minute drive away.