Royal Tennis Court (Salle du Jeu de Paume) - Image 1
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Royal Tennis Court Salle du Jeu de Paume

4.6
·95 reviews·Versailles, France

Site of the pivotal Tennis Court Oath, a cornerstone of the French Revolution, offering free entry and a deep dive into history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds for a better experience

CrowdLow
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Royal Tennis Court (Salle du Jeu de Paume) - Image 1

Royal Tennis Court Salle du Jeu de Paume

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds for a better experience

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Site of the pivotal Tennis Court Oath, a cornerstone of the French Revolution, offering free entry and a deep dive into history.

4.6
(95 reviews)

"A must for history buffs, this free site echoes with the dawn of the French Revolution."

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TIP

Free Admission! 🎉

Enjoy free entry to this significant historical site.

History Buffs Rejoice! 📜

Immerse yourself in the dawn of the French Revolution.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Tennis Court Oath Site

The Tennis Court Oath Site

Stand where French deputies swore not to disband until a constitution was established. A truly historic spot.

Busts of Revolutionary Figures

Busts of Revolutionary Figures

See likenesses of key figures like Mirabeau and Abbé Grégoire who shaped the French Republic.

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Planning Your Visit

Understand the History

This court is where the Tennis Court Oath happened, a pivotal moment in the French Revolution. It's a must-visit for history buffs wanting to connect with revolutionary ideals. Reddit

Entry & Language

Entry is free, but be aware that some guided tours might be conducted in French only, potentially leading to disappointment if not communicated clearly. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds for a better experience
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
More accessible for day-trippers
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Opinions on visiting Versailles Palace

Free Admission! 🎉

Enjoy free entry to this significant historical site. Reddit

History Buffs Rejoice! 📜

Immerse yourself in the dawn of the French Revolution. Reddit

reddit.com

Versailles - our experience, not like website

reddit.com

Versaille question regarding extra areas to visit

Check Tour Language 🗣️

Confirm tour language beforehand to avoid issues, especially if not fluent in French. Reddit

reddit.com

Versailles Palace visit, what to expect?

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Admission! 🎉

Enjoy free entry to this significant historical site. Reddit

History Buffs Rejoice! 📜

Immerse yourself in the dawn of the French Revolution. Reddit

Check Tour Language 🗣️

Confirm tour language beforehand to avoid issues, especially if not fluent in French. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(95 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Royal Tennis Court for its free entry and profound historical significance, especially for those interested in the French Revolution. However, some have encountered issues with guided tours being exclusively in French, leading to disappointment. Reddit+1

"A historical site that evolved over the years on its function."

Tzu-Liang Yen

"The beginning of the French Republic here in 1789 and the dawn of conservatism, liberalism and socialism.
Free entry. Not much to read but interesting to see the dawn of French Revolution. A must for History buffs."

Bruce Fair

"totally disappointed, we booked and have payed a guided tour but the officer refused us just because we can’t speak French! No refund! Rediculous!"

Michael Sheen

What People Like

Free entry
Historical significance
Pivotal revolutionary site

What People Dislike

French-only tours

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Royal Tennis Court is located in Versailles. You can reach Versailles by RER C train from Paris, which is a popular and convenient option for many visitors. Reddit

While the gardens are vast, the Royal Tennis Court is a distinct building. It's advisable to use a map or GPS to navigate to its specific location within the Versailles estate. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Royal Tennis Court itself is free, making it an accessible historical site for all visitors. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, and it's best to check the official Versailles website for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Reddit

Guided tours are sometimes available, but be aware that they may be conducted in French only. It's crucial to confirm the language and availability in advance. Reddit

Unfortunately, some visitors have reported being denied entry to tours if they couldn't speak French, with no refund offered. Always verify the tour language. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

This is the site of the Tennis Court Oath in 1789, a foundational event of the French Revolution where deputies vowed to create a constitution. Reddit

Inside, you'll find a beautifully restored room and busts of prominent revolutionary figures like Mirabeau and Abbé Grégoire. Reddit

There isn't extensive reading material on-site, but the historical significance of the location speaks volumes for history enthusiasts. Reddit

Even if you're not a history expert, the atmosphere and the understanding of its role in a pivotal moment of French history can be quite impactful. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Royal Tennis Court is a significant historical site, its appeal for younger children might be limited due to its focus on political history. The free entry is a definite plus for families on a budget. However, the lack of interactive exhibits or extensive visual aids might make it challenging to keep younger ones engaged for long. Reddit

Consider framing the visit as a story about brave people standing up for their beliefs. Focusing on the Tennis Court Oath as a moment where people made a promise to create a better future could resonate. It's best paired with other, more visually stimulating attractions within the Versailles estate to create a well-rounded family outing. Reddit

📜 History Enthusiasts

For history buffs, the Royal Tennis Court is an absolute must-visit. This is where the Tennis Court Oath took place, a pivotal event that ignited the French Revolution. Standing in the very room where deputies swore to establish a constitution offers a profound connection to the past. Reddit

Pay close attention to the busts of revolutionary figures like Mirabeau and Abbé Grégoire, who played crucial roles in shaping the new republic. While there isn't a wealth of text, the historical resonance of the space is immense. It's a place to contemplate the origins of modern political ideologies and the fight for fundamental rights. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Tennis Court Oath: A Revolutionary Spark

The Salle du Jeu de Paume, or Royal Tennis Court, is far more than just a historic building; it's the very stage where a defining moment of the French Revolution unfolded. On June 20, 1789, locked out of their usual meeting hall, deputies of the Third Estate gathered here and took the Tennis Court Oath. They pledged not to separate until they had drafted and established a constitution for France. This act of defiance against the monarchy was a crucial step towards the establishment of the First French Republic. Reddit

Visiting the court today offers a chance to feel the weight of history. While the interior is relatively sparse, the very walls echo with the determination and revolutionary spirit of those deputies. It's a place that allows you to connect directly with the origins of modern French political thought and the fight for liberty and equality. Reddit

For those interested in the dawn of conservatism, liberalism, and socialism, this site is a tangible link to those early ideological battles. It’s a powerful reminder of how ordinary spaces can become extraordinary backdrops for world-changing events. Reddit

Navigating Your Visit: Tips from Travelers

Many visitors find the free entry to the Royal Tennis Court a significant draw, making it an accessible historical experience. However, a recurring point of feedback from travelers concerns guided tours. Some visitors have expressed frustration when tours were exclusively in French, leading to disappointment and a feeling of being excluded, especially when payment was involved. Reddit

It's highly recommended to verify the language of any guided tour you plan to book well in advance. If your French is limited, focusing on self-guided exploration of the site might be a more enjoyable experience. The historical significance is palpable even without a guided commentary, allowing you to appreciate the atmosphere and the gravity of the events that transpired here. Reddit

For those planning a visit to Versailles, remember that the Royal Tennis Court is just one part of a much larger estate. While the gardens are extensive, the court itself is a focused historical stop. Consider it a key point of interest for understanding the revolutionary period. Reddit

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