Pièce d'Eau des Suisses (Swiss Lake) Versailles
A tranquil lake offering a serene escape within the vast Gardens of Versailles, perfect for picnics and peaceful contemplation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Pièce d'Eau des Suisses (Swiss Lake) Versailles
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil lake offering a serene escape within the vast Gardens of Versailles, perfect for picnics and peaceful contemplation.
"A great place to spend time. The surroundings are serene and beautiful."
🧺 Bring Picnic Gear
Benches are limited; pack a mat or chairs for comfortable lakeside lounging.
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
Summer visits require sunscreen and hats to protect against strong sun.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pièce d'eau des Suisses
Gardens of Versailles
A serene lake offering a peaceful escape and a glimpse into Versailles' grandeur. Perfect for picnics and quiet contemplation.
Picnic by the Lake
Pièce d'eau des Suisses
Enjoy a leisurely picnic with friends or family amidst beautiful scenery. Bring your own mat or chairs for comfort.
Jogging and Cycling Paths
Gardens of Versailles
Explore the vast grounds on foot or by bike. The scenic tracks are well-maintained and offer a refreshing way to see the estate.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoors
Timing is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Is going to Versailles worth it?
🧺 Bring Picnic Gear
Benches are limited; pack a mat or chairs for comfortable lakeside lounging.
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
Summer visits require sunscreen and hats to protect against strong sun.
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👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so prioritize comfort for exploring the vast grounds.
🚴♀️ Explore by Bike
Rent a bike to cover more ground and enjoy the scenic paths.
Best way to maximize trip to Versailles?
Tips
from all over the internet
🧺 Bring Picnic Gear
Benches are limited; pack a mat or chairs for comfortable lakeside lounging.
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
Summer visits require sunscreen and hats to protect against strong sun.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so prioritize comfort for exploring the vast grounds.
🚴♀️ Explore by Bike
Rent a bike to cover more ground and enjoy the scenic paths.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Pièce d'eau des Suisses as a serene and beautiful escape within the grand Versailles estate. It's a favorite spot for picnics and enjoying nature, offering a peaceful contrast to the palace's opulence. While benches are scarce, the scenic beauty and open space make it a highly recommended addition to any Versailles itinerary.
"Favorite place to chill by myself, with friends or have a picnic 🧺 there are lots of ducks and a couple of swans. I always bring people here. You can’t find a lot of benches to sit on so I would advise people to bring foldable chairs or a picnic mat if they don’t like sitting directly on the grass or on the border of the lake.
It can be sunny in summer so don’t forget your sunscreen 😎"
Cynthia
"A great place to spend time. The surroundings are serene and beautiful. You may jog around or even you may go around with your bike. Its a public area, free of cost and too good to visit. Normally you will find people at this place until and unless if its raining. Though the tracks don't get too much muddy beacuse of rain and its still worth visiting."
Shashi Prakash
"Good for walking and running, nice and scenic and clean."
Joseph Crowther
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Pièce d'eau des Suisses is located within the Gardens of Versailles. You can reach Versailles by taking the RER C train from Paris to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station. From there, it's a pleasant walk to the palace and then further into the gardens to find the lake.
While there is parking available at the Palace of Versailles, it's quite a distance from the Pièce d'eau des Suisses. It's generally recommended to use public transport or walk from the palace to the lake.
Yes, cycling is a popular way to explore the vast grounds of Versailles. You can rent bikes near the palace or bring your own if you're arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Pièce d'eau des Suisses is part of the Gardens of Versailles. Access to the gardens is often free on non-fountain show days, but it's best to check the official Palace of Versailles website for the most current information on ticket requirements and pricing.
The gardens, including the Pièce d'eau des Suisses, generally open in the morning and close at dusk. Hours can vary seasonally, so it's advisable to check the official website for exact timings.
The Paris Museum Pass typically grants access to the Palace of Versailles and sometimes the Musical Fountains Shows or Musical Gardens. Access to the gardens themselves may require a separate ticket on certain days. Always verify the pass inclusions for the specific date of your visit.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The lake is ideal for relaxing, picnicking, and enjoying the serene landscape. You can also jog or cycle around the surrounding paths.
Benches are scarce around the Pièce d'eau des Suisses. It's highly recommended to bring a picnic mat or foldable chairs for comfortable seating.
The paths around the lake are generally well-maintained and suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, though some areas might be uneven.
Swimming in the Pièce d'eau des Suisses is generally not permitted. It's primarily an ornamental lake for viewing and recreation.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are dining options within the Palace of Versailles grounds, but they can be quite a walk from the Pièce d'eau des Suisses. Bringing your own picnic is a popular and enjoyable option.
Absolutely! Picnicking is a favorite activity at the Pièce d'eau des Suisses. Just remember to bring your own food, drinks, and seating.
📸 📸 Photography
The reflections of the sky and surrounding trees on the water are stunning. Try different angles from the banks for picturesque shots.
Yes, photography is generally allowed in the gardens, including around the Pièce d'eau des Suisses. Be mindful of other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider renting bikes if your children are old enough to cycle, as it makes exploring the vast gardens more manageable and fun. The relatively flat paths around the lake are also suitable for strollers, making it an accessible spot for families with very young children.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
It's a perfect spot for quiet contemplation or a romantic interlude. The expansive views and tranquil waters provide a beautiful backdrop for conversation or personal reflection. The ability to bring your own provisions allows for a customized and intimate experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Grandeur of the Gardens
Beyond the main lake, the gardens are a labyrinth of sculpted hedges, fountains, groves, and smaller basins. Exploring these areas reveals hidden corners and diverse landscapes. Many visitors enjoy renting bicycles to cover the extensive grounds, allowing for a more dynamic exploration than simply walking. The well-maintained paths make it a pleasant experience for both casual strollers and active visitors.
For those seeking tranquility, the Pièce d'eau des Suisses provides a perfect spot. It's a place where visitors can escape the crowds of the palace and enjoy a moment of peace. The serene atmosphere, coupled with the natural beauty, makes it a memorable part of any visit to Versailles.
Picnicking Like Royalty
This practice transforms a simple meal into an elegant affair, echoing the leisurely pursuits of the aristocracy who once frequented these grounds. It's a fantastic way to extend your visit and truly soak in the atmosphere of Versailles without the need to constantly move between cafes or restaurants. Remember to pack out everything you bring in to help preserve the beauty of the gardens.
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