The Grand Canal at Versailles is a cross-shaped canal stretching 1.7 km east to west and 1 km north to south, covering 23 hectares. Constructed between 1668 and 1679, it was used by Louis XIV for grand ceremonies and naval displays. Today, rowing boats can be hired from Petite Venise (€16 for 30 minutes) from April to mid-November. The canal and surrounding Park are free to enter at all times. The Grand Canal is the best picnic spot and golden-hour photography location on the entire estate.
The Grand Canal is one of the most undervisited parts of Versailles — which is surprising, given its scale. Stretching almost two kilometres from east to west, it is the quiet, vast counterpart to the formal gardens: a space where you can escape the crowds, hire a rowing boat, have a picnic on the grass, and watch the late afternoon light turn the water golden. Here’s what to know before you visit.
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History of the Grand Canal
The Grand Canal was commissioned by Louis XIV in 1668 and took 11 years to construct, completing in 1679. The cross-shaped design — a 1.7 km main arm running east-west from the gardens to the horizon, intersected by a 1 km north-south arm — was conceived as an extension of the garden axis and a mirror for the setting sun, visible from the palace windows.
Louis XIV used the canal for elaborate entertainments: naval displays, fireworks over the water, gondola processions, and evening parties lit by torches along the banks. Venice gifted the king two gondolas and four gondoliers, who lived in a purpose-built village at the eastern end of the canal’s north-south arm. That area became known as ‘Petite Venise’ (Little Venice) — a name that survives to this day as the area near the rowing boat hire point.
In winter, when the canal froze, the court held ice skating parties on the surface — one of the more humanising details about life at Versailles. In summer, a formal fleet of gilded vessels rowed on it. The canal served as both a recreational space and a piece of pure visual spectacle, designed to dazzle visitors with its apparent endlessness.
Rowing Boats on the Grand Canal
Hiring a rowing boat on the Grand Canal is one of the most enjoyable activities at Versailles — and one of the most memorable. The hire point is on the banks of the Grand Canal near Petite Venise, at the junction where the north-south arm meets the main east-west canal.
| Duration | Cost |
| 30 minutes | €16 |
| 60 minutes | €20 |
| Additional 15 minutes | €5 |
| Additional 30 minutes | €16 |
Boats are available from April to mid-November, closed mid-November through end of February. Weekday hours: 1 pm–5:30 pm (March), 11 am–6:45 pm (April–June), 10 am–6:45 pm (July–August), 1 pm–6:45 pm (September–October). Weekend hours open earlier from April onwards. Last ticket sold 30 minutes before closing.
Rowing the Grand Canal with the palace in the distance at the eastern end is a straightforward and beautiful experience. The boats hold 2–4 adults comfortably. No previous rowing experience required.
Getting to the Grand Canal
| Method | Time from Main Palace | Notes |
| On foot | 20–25 min | Flat route through formal gardens and down main axis; very pleasant walk |
| Bike rental | ~10 min | Hire from Petite Venise near canal; bikes only permitted in Park (not formal gardens) |
| Golf cart | ~15 min | Hire from South Terrace; covers gardens and park |
| Little Train | ~6 min to Grand Trianon stop | Nearest stop is Grand Trianon; ~10 min walk to canal from there |
Picnic Areas Near the Grand Canal
The Grand Canal area has the best picnic spots on the entire Versailles estate. The banks of the canal itself are popular in summer, and the designated Saint Antoine Plain picnic area is a short walk away. The grass areas near the junction of the main canal and the north-south arm are quieter and particularly good for families.
The Grand Canal Parking area (Bailly Walk) nearby means you can also drive directly to this part of the estate and picnic without visiting the main palace first. The canal and Park are always free to enter from the Queen’s Gate, Saint Anthony’s Gate, or Sailors’ Gate.
Best Viewpoints
- From the Apollo Fountain looking west — the classic view of the Grand Canal at the end of the main garden axis, stretching to the horizon
- From the banks of the canal looking east — the palace is visible at the far end; beautiful at golden hour when the facade catches the setting sun
- From a rowing boat — being on the water gives a completely different perspective on the canal’s scale and the surrounding park
- Royal Star viewpoint near Ferme de Gally — panoramic view of the canal’s western section from slightly elevated ground
Cycling Around the Grand Canal
Bikes are permitted throughout the Park of Versailles, including around the Grand Canal. The flat terrain and quiet paths make it ideal cycling territory. Hire bikes from Petite Venise near the canal (from €8/30 min), or from the additional hire points at Saint Anthony’s Gate and Queen’s Gate on weekends. Note that bikes are not permitted in the formal gardens — only in the Park. See our vehicle rentals guide for full pricing.
La Flottille Restaurant
Located beside the Grand Canal, La Flottille is the most scenic of the estate’s dining options — a classic French brasserie with a terrace overlooking the water. Open daily from 9 am to 7:30 pm (closes early on Night Fountain Show days). Price range €6–€100. Children’s menu available. Group reservations for up to 200 people.
