Versailles

Versailles began as a royal hunting lodge and grew into the seat of French power under Louis XIV. Today it is an easy half-day trip from Paris, where a palace of mirrors and gold opens onto gardens so vast that people rent bikes and boats to see them.

Talking points

• The palace was the centre of French government for more than a century.
• The gardens are as much of a draw as the interiors.
• Fountain shows on selected days bring the garden to life with music.