We were recommended to visit this castle by a member of staff at the parador at Calahorra. Whilst it was a detour from our planned route, it was most certainly worth it. A stunning building and an entrance fee which was unbelievably low, for people of a "more mature age". Indeed had this been an historic building in the UK, possibly run by the National Trust, the entrance would have been a minimum of 10 times the fee in Olite. It is wonderful to see how the Spanish authorities are, when it comes to restoration and maintenance of their historic sites. This castle is amazing and should definitely be on everybody's list if visiting this part of Spain.

A stunning medieval castle with impressive towers and courtyards. The architecture is unique, and the views from the top are breathtaking. A must-visit if you’re in Navarra!

Absolutely recommended. The castle is very well maintained and actually quite big. Great value for what you get. Audio tour is gives you much background information.

Stopped by at this palace on our way to Zaragoza. Well worth the detour. Entrance fee is derisory. Lovely views from all the corners of the tower. We didn’t see much of the town as it was showering but looks like a pretty little town.

Although there's nothing to see on the inside, the exterior is worth the entrance fee. The architecture is good, towers to climb and ramparts to walk giving good views.

Beautiful palace. Route through the palace and information well laid out. Lots of steps to climb to visit the numerous towers and parts of the palace. Would recommend a visit.

Absolutely worth the visit, very nice little castle with many towers to climb

Dear Duty Manager, I am writing to express my profound dissatisfaction with my recent stay at your hotel, which has regrettably concluded with my early departure and relocation to the Gran Hotel La Perla. Staff and Service Issues: The reception staff demonstrated a consistent lack of professionalism and helpfulness throughout my stay. I observed a marked difference in their demeanor when assisting Spanish-speaking guests versus others, which is unacceptable in any hospitality establishment. Every reasonable request I made was met with responses such as “we can’t do that,” “no sorry,” or worse, false information and blank stares. This is not the service standard one expects from a property charging rates comparable to a Hyatt Regency or Mandarin Oriental. Dining Experience: The in-room dining hours are woefully inadequate, and the menu offerings were utterly tasteless. The hotel restaurant was shameful in its execution. For context, the Auberge in Zubiri where I dined yesterday delivered an experience approaching Michelin-star quality - a stark and embarrassing contrast to your establishment. Room Conditions: The room itself was substandard in multiple respects: • Overly starched, uncomfortable linens • No air conditioning or adequate cooling system • Dirty bathroom upon arrival • Television remote control held together with tape • An antiquated television with no modern connectivity options (no screen sharing capability) • Insufficient pillows (which I had to specifically request) • Intrusive lighting from the pool area that illuminated my room to an unbearable degree throughout the evening Value Proposition: Your hotel charges premium rates that match genuinely luxury properties, yet delivers a 4-star experience at best - and frankly, even that rating feels generous given my experience. This represents exceptionally poor value and, quite frankly, misleading positioning in the market. Management Perspective: I must address what appears to be a fundamental misunderstanding by your management team: not all Camino pilgrims stay in hostels. Many of us, myself included, regularly patronize 5-star establishments for respite during our journey. We are experienced travelers who frequently review accommodations, dining, and travel services. Your assumption that pilgrims represent a lower-tier clientele is both incorrect and insulting. Resolution: I have absorbed the cancellation fees and relocated to the Gran Hotel La Perla, where I should have trusted my instincts to book initially. I hope by posting a detailed review on Google will assist other travelers in my position be forewarned. They deserve to know they should either continue walking or stay at the superior property across the plaza. I expect no response to this complaint, as my experience suggests it would likely be another “we can’t do that.” However, I sincerely hope you will use this feedback to reassess your service standards, facility maintenance, and approach to guest relations. Regards, P.

Could be a lovely place to stay with some simple changes. The location was great, although parking at the hotel expensive. We parked a little way from the hotel which allowed us to enjoy walking through Pamplona’s beautiful gardens. Our room was spacious, but no kettle. Fridge very small and didn’t work properly. Some of the staff very unfriendly. The lady who checked us in was clearly not having a good day or needs another job. Lovely drinks area but very unfriendly service. Thank goodness for Sylvia who was absolutely delightful and helpful.

Great place to stay in Pamplona, in the heart of the old city. Secure parking - height limit of 3m - so ideal for those travelling in small camper vans. Access to the parking is easy, just behind/below the swimming pool. Excellent service, helpful, knowledgeable staff. Good quality buffet breakfast - however there are many places nearby to eat too. Highly recommend this hotel.

Really helpful and friendly staff. Very eclectic decor in our dark suite. For a suite in a boutique hotel it really lacked bathroom products. The TV was a really tiny one, screwed to the wall high up on the wall only watchable from the bed. It was totally unwatchable from the 2x chairs ( not even a sofa) in the the sparsely-furnished sitting area.

Could be a very nice hotel (given location, and quality of building) but let down by unfriendly and rude staff and items not working in our room (bar fridge and safe). Also parking at the hotel is expensive, and cheaper alternatives are a 20 min walk away.

Top location very close to the busy old city centre from Pamplona, very comfortable rooms (some with view of the green) and a very friendly and professional staff at reception = top location to visit Pamplona (a plus: upon reservation since limited number, this hotel provides for a parking).

Great stay. Valet parking (I guess temporarily because the garage is under construction). Very friendly young lady at the reception. Good restaurant (we did not have breakfast), pet friendly,... If there's a remark to give: the 2 young ladies taking care of the restaurant should scan more the tables (look around more) to see if people want attention. More selling would have happened if they'd done so. But they surely were friendly too.

Nice outcrop from the headland over a cool bridge. Was great the day we visited as it was after a storm so the seas were quite wild and waves crashing along the shore which made it more special. Not much to do there other than stroll out to it and admire the views. As your in Biarritz check it out and walk on from there through the streets to the port and palace beach

A very nice vantage point to see the miramar beach and plage de la Côte des Basque. Very nice views during sunset. Adventurous swimmer and divers often jump up from here to the sea.

A delightful place to reach with a short nice walk and to enjoy at sunset. Surely there are always tons of tourists, but still, the place is attractive and full of photo opportunities.

Great place. Must see in Biarritz. You can fee the power of the ocean. Picturesqe place for a romantic walk. Beautiful sunsets, great sunglight of the sunrise as well. Have a great walk!

Beautiful spot. Biarritz has blown me away with its location, scenery and blend with the sea

Amazing view of the beach and the sea, sometimes there was an artist who was selling the paintings for cheap, and there are paid telescopes. The waves sometimes are huge and can splash over the ledge, so be careful! Video from the Autumn.

Great place to view the coast of biarritz with many amenities nearby

Fantastic aquarium,bought tickets online to safe the queue.Loved seals being fed ,one wee naughty one 😆. Well worth the money ,really enjoyed it. Perhaps a buggy park somewhere to save congestion when busy might help .

Fantastic aquarium- however we didn’t realise there was no parking at the actual a aquarium (because of where it is located) so don’t just put it into google maps without planning a car park first. The a aquarium itself was really well laid out and in two separate buildings. Some amazing fish and the jelly fish were spectacular. And my kids loved seeing the turtles and hammer head sharks. Also take time to appreciate the amazing art work and how it was created. Would throughly recommend.

Great museum with lots of fun jellyfish, octopus, seals, sharks and turtles as well as fun fish. Well curated, but a bit expensive at 46 eur for two adults and a kid.

It was a good aquarium with some very pretty jellyfish and seals. The other attractions were quite interesting too. Missing 1 star because they let too many people in at a time, we were crammed in like sardines.

The aquarium offers a decent variety of marine life, with the large shark tank being a highlight, providing an impressive view. I highly recommend a visit. However, the seal tank had noticeable algae growth, giving us a cloudy view. The seals are fed twice a day, once in the morning and again in the evening, so I recommend timing your visit for one of the feedings to enhance your experience.

My kid is almost two and he love it! Is not huge is big enough to spend 2 hours on it and is walkable for kids. They have a lot of sharks and spaces to sit and enjoy the fishes. A snack space, seals, turtles and a beautiful view. It was not super full so you can enjoy it with the stroller with not a problem.

The only downside is that they do the seal feeding fully in French. I didn’t understand a single word. But my experience with the place was very positive. Really enjoyed the effort they put into this park. And the ticket price is worth it for sure; even it’s just to see the shark tanks, or hang out with Izar and Charlie.

We combined a trip to Bordeaux with this so ended here at the beginning of the evening (at 18:00). We parked not at the formal entrance, but a bit down the road where we had to walk between the bushes and made a steep climb onto the dune. Challenging! But the view is amazing and coming there in the evening gives very nice pictures with the sunset (and it's not so crowded). We swam for a short while and went back before it got dark. The way down is much faster ;-)

Rising over 100 m above the Bassin d’Arcachon, Europe’s tallest sand dune and natural colossus draws nearly two million visitors each year. Families climb its soft flank for sweeping views across forest and ocean, while removable staircases and marked paths channel footfall to reduce erosion. At peak times, up to 17,000 people ascend daily, and archaeologists descend to preserve prehistoric revelations. Recognised as a Grand Site National since 1978, it is both geological wonder and leisure magnet, shaped by four millennia of wind and time.

An unforgettable natural wonder — the Dune du Pilat near Arcachon is the largest sand dune in Europe and absolutely stunning. It’s easy to access, yet feels like stepping into another world. If you want to see something truly extraordinary just beyond your doorstep, this is the place to go!

Great views of the surrounding countryside. Be ready for a good climb if you want to reach the top though as there are plenty of steps to navigate, make sure you have some comfy footwear. The parking is €7, but that also covers the cost of the visit for as long as you want, so it was very good value for money. The parking areas are also very shaded so your car won’t be an oven when you return from your travels. It was busy when we visited, but as the fine is so large it didn’t feel overcrowded.

We passed by on our route to Bilbao - what a stop, what an impressive piece of landscape. Well organized with a beautiful wooden tourist „village“!!

If in area this is a must see! This is one long 2km dune along the coast. It seems so out of place. The view from the top of the dune overlooking the bay is stunning. There is one set of stairs to assist with your climb.

Do I still need to introduce the majestic Dune of Pilat, the highest dune in Europe, which continues to amaze me years after years with its immensity and breathtaking landscapes ? Dominating the entrance to the Arcachon Bay, it stretches over 500 meters wide, reaches nearly 102 meters high and offers a spectacular panorama. From its summit, the view takes in the Atlantic Ocean, the Landes forest, the Cap-Ferret peninsula, the Banc d'Arguin and the bay. This masterpiece of nature, fragile and in perpetual movement, moves each year from one to five meters towards the forest, grain by grain, testifying to thousands of years of history and the incredible dynamics of the elements. Reaching this exceptional site is now facilitated by modern and well-designed facilities. A new cycle path leads to the site's entrance, and a pedestrian axis designed as a promenade crosses the reception area, inviting you to stroll before undertaking the climb. It can also be reached by bus or even by boat, making the Dune a destination accessible to all. Since summer 2023, the completely renovated reception area offers cultural and restaurant shops open year-round, and a seasonal staircase, installed from April to October, allows you to gently climb the dune from the back while preserving this natural site. Once at the top, the magic happens. At low tide, the sandbanks reveal heavenly hues, particularly the Banc d'Arguin National Nature Reserve, which stretches below. In summer, the Dune of Pilat attracts many visitors ; to fully enjoy the tranquility of the place, it is best to come early in the morning or at the end of the day. The golden hours of sunrise and sunset offer unique moments where the light enhances every detail of the landscape ! In summer, sunset walks are particularly popular for experiencing a moment outside of time. Hikes, storytelling walks, and educational workshops also enrich the visitor experience. Listed nationally and included in the Réseau des Grands Sites de France (Great Sites of France), the Dune of Pilat is exemplarily managed by the Syndicat Mixte de la Grande Dune du Pilat, in partnership with the Conservatoire du Littoral (Coastal Protection Agency). These preservation and development efforts ensure a balance between welcoming the public and protecting the natural environment. The revenue from parking is entirely reinvested in the management of the site : waste collection, naturalist monitoring and free environmental education tools ... This great lady of sand, witness to history and natural forces, continues to fascinate with its movement, its scale and the diversity of the landscapes it dominates. A visit to the Dune of Pilat is the assurance of an unforgettable encounter with an exceptional site, constantly evolving, in the heart of the Arcachon basin ...

Lovely day out, very much enjoyed this zoo. Could have been our luck but the animals were all visible and active.

It's nice to visit with kids :) Buy the bird food at the entry, they birds are friendly. Though, a tiny trick: The birds reach more than the hall at the start, if you keep walking there's an open space near and there will be more little parrots to say hello.

Great little zoo involved in many international conservations programs. The path are surrounded with exuberant vegetation making you feel like you're in the middle of nature. Around 50 species available in great natural looking enclosures. Some shows available at times during the day. Reasonable in price, 16.50€ for an adult. The bar- restaurant is also reasonable in price.

Lovely zoo. Friendly staff. Very pleasant experience and not too busy

Lovely little zoo. Very well looked after animals. Beautiful bird space with the possibility to feed them. A great place to visit when it is hot an sunny as most parts of the park are with big trees. Suitable for prams. Food stand with outdoor seating area and souvenir shop available.

Beautiful zoo that focusses on providing natural habitats for the animals and also try to preserve the planet through their ecological plan of action. It's gorgeous and definitely a recommendation!

A somewhat smaller zoo, but beautifull and fun. There is an optimal route which should take you past all enclosures. The zoo was very nice for (young) children. Take your time and you will have a nice visit. There is nectar at the entrace for €1 which you can feed to some birds, which is really worth it.

Google directions to parking is a bit misleading but easy to figure out. Parking can be an issue in holiday times. There is a market with clothing shops and restaurants as well as the light tower, the old tower is just behind it.

Very cool place to go to learn about the local history of the island and the lighthouse and as well the other lighthouses that dot French coastline. Worth the drive to the tip of Île de Ré.

Cool little destination when bike riding the Ile de Re. Plenty of ice cream spots also.

Wonderful old lighthouse. We walked up 257 steps to the top, had beautiful views

Nice place to visit to get a great view from the top of the lighthouse

Wonderfull wiew, strong wind and sunset is stunning.

I always like a good lighthouse, especially if you can climb it. Entrance is round the back (seaward side) and provides excellent 360 degree views. There is a small museum nearby.

In September it is not so crowded. I went there in the morning. This is a good time to meet not too many tourists. But I can imagine its full in summertime. Parking 2 hours is possible for free.

Stopped for dessert and drinks, ended up dancing until 1am.

I love this place I first visited it 30 years ago. Don't change much,that's a good thing. Scenic port,nice beach, good restaurants and tourist shops. Recommended.

Love this place It's got the lot Beach Harbour Great shopping Great food

Nice working harbour

Great fir a walk in the evening ,vibrant place. Great restaurants, lovely little shops . Beaches are beautiful

Harbor for a small fishing fleet. There town around it is a predictable tourist trap, but enjoyable none the less.

Wow... Such a great experience. Family of 3 and we loved it. The zoo was impeccably clean and the staff were all super friendly. Being able to get so close to the animals is amazing. Feeding the Giraffes, zebra, ostrich, goats and Tortoise is such a great experience, my daughter absolutely loved it. They sell pop corn to feed the animals.. this is a must do as it adds so much fun to the day. There is a very large array of animals to see and you just keep getting wowed by them. I would most certainly recommend this zoo to anyone thinking of visiting.

Another great activity to do with toddlers in La Palmyre is visiting La Palmyre Zoo. You should plan around 4 hours to see the entire zoo at a comfortable pace. There are so many animals to discover, and interactive areas where kids can feed and gently stroke the giraffes and goats. The zoo is very family-friendly: stroller accessible, clean, and well-organized with shaded areas to rest. There are also a few restaurants and snack points inside, especially during the summer months, which is super convenient when visiting with children. They also offer sea lion and parrot shows, which are fun and engaging for kids, it’s a good idea to check the show schedule on their website so you don’t miss them. Overall, a fantastic place to spend half a day with toddlers and kids while learning about animals and enjoying nature!

I had never been to a French zoo before and had assumed an experience similar to Dublin Zoo...it's very different. Firstly the animals are far closer and more "accessible". The first enclosure for the flamingos is literally inside the front door, and they are arms length away at points. The flamingos looked vibrant and happy in the 30 degree sunshine, flaunting their sunny pinkness to their Dublin comrades. Our first port of call was the Giraffes...where u can literally feed them popcorn from your hand!! My first impression was I'm back in a Victorian Zoo, with an elephant ride up next...but I really enjoyed it!! Seeing the animals up close is a completely different experience. I'm sure there are raging debates in zoologist circles about the wisdom of hand feeding Giraffes popcorn...But they certainly seemed to enjoy it. My son loves Giraffes and this blew his mind. There is a lot to do and see, and on a warm day we picked out a few highlights. There is an amphitheatre where u can watch the sea lions perform tricks for food. 2 shows daily but we missed this. Wouldn't be a big fan of this so not bothered. The elephant enclosure again was far more accessible, there is a small mote with almost 360 degrees viewing angles. U could buy some sort of nuts to feed the elephants. I was initially horrified as I could see people throwing things across to the elephants, before I realized it was allowed. Kinda not sure about this. Turned this majestic animal into a Jack Russel looking for treats (with killer tusks). The enclosure was very large, so I guess they could wander off if it was bothering them 😕 Towards the back of the zoo there are chimps and orangutans. Given the scorcher of a day these animals were flaked out in the shade. Their enclosure was huge with an indoor area too. Lots of waterfalls, Jurassic Park vibes. We finished the trip seeing alligators and reptiles! There is plenty to do and see, with food options too. Huge free car park beside it, about €74 for a family ticket for 4. Worth a visit if u are in the area.

There are vending machines around the park for drinks that are dated and don’t accept NFC payments. Don’t forget cash. Sea lion show was impressive back in the day but has lost its luster over the years. Kids still enjoyed it but as an adult found it missing something this time around.

Amazing Zoo, set in a woodland. You are really close to the animals & you can get in with goats & feeding them is so much fun. Great day out, well priced & plenty of free parking

Very nice park, highly recommended! Great variety of animals, the enclosures looked very good and the staff is friendly. However, when emus are stealing the maps from visitors and goats are getting stuck in backpacks (causing a ten-minute stampede in the petting zoo), you could argue it needs a little more supervision.

A really well kept zoo, spotlessly clean with decent sized enclosures. The animals don't seem stressed. A good point: you can get face to face with the giraffes. A down point: the sealion show was only in the afternoon so we missed it.

The 'water mirror' opposite of the bourse buildings is awesome! Such an excellent idea! This artist may get followers and copy cats all over the globe. The water is refreshing, makes the public happy and relaxed, allows kids to enjoy a city visit and provides poor citizens with a place where they can mingle with everyone else in a relaxed way. It also gives enough water for great flowers and the gardens/park pieces next to the water mirror. And, when quiet, the reflection doubles the grandeur of the bourse buildings. Best place of Bordeaux in my opinion.

I visited Place de la Bourse in Bordeaux at night and it was a wonderful experience. The whole area looked magical with the lights reflecting on the beautiful old buildings and the famous water mirror. The fountain and lighting together created a peaceful and charming atmosphere. I spent a few hours just walking around, watching the reflections, and enjoying the calm breeze from the river. The place was lively yet serene — people relaxing, children playing, and tourists taking photos. It’s one of those spots where you can simply sit and take in the beauty of the city. If you are in Bordeaux, an evening visit to Place de la Bourse is a must. It truly captures the heart and elegance of the city.

We loved it! Place de la Bourse is a stunning 18th century square in Bordeaux with elegant façades, the Fountain of the Three Graces, and its famous Water Mirror. A true UNESCO gem.

One of the most beautiful squares in all of Europe! Really really pretty.

Not to crowded for a weekend, free but not to spent lots of time, just for a picture and to appreciate the city

Beautiful place, history and present, in the same spot

To better appreciate the combination of building and water mirror best yime to visit is early evening

Fascinating creation right next to the river. You can see a clear reflection of people and buildings, if it is not too windy. They have two different exhibitions, a mist spray followed by about 2cm deep of water coming up from the bottom.

The Miroir d'eau is just a playground with sprinkles. It is right next to the promenade at the river and across the street from the Place de la Bourse, not in front it, as appearing in the touristic brochures. The thin layer of water creates a reflective surface for the sky or Place de la Bourse buildings across the street. Popular water playground with children and to sit around to cool down in the warmer months or as a gorgeous, instagramable setting for pictures during the day or at night.

An interesting location and use of water in a public space. Unfortunately the day we were in Bordeaux it was windy. The evening was calmer and allowed for some good reflections.

Such a great idea, simple that created a beautiful landscape. Reflecting the surrouding, the sky, the activities of people. Big playground for everyone especially kids 🥳

The Water Mirror in Bordeaux is deceptively simple yet magical. Its charm lies in the cyclical transformation it undergoes, the water functions as a perfect mirror, then a gentle fog is released across the surface creating a dream-like ambiance.

Beautiful place excellent for cooling your feet on a hot day. Amazing photo opportunities. Lovely walk along the river.

What's not to like? Highly recommend removing shoes and socks and paddling around in it. It was refreshing on a day that was in the high 30s in degrees. We spent over an hour paddling and splashing and people watching. Definitely take a visit

Top tip for visiting this aquarium - book your tickets in advance online otherwise you will queue for ages to buy tickets only to be given a later time slot to return! Once inside, the aquarium is full of amazing tanks full of fish and other sea life. The tanks are well labelled in both French and English and you can follow the numbered tanks around the aquarium so that you don’t miss anything. We visited on a Monday during summer school holidays - the aquarium was really busy, but you still get to see everything.

A wonderful and informative aquarium, well maintained and clean. Highlight was the sharks of course, but had lots to see and examine. Reasonable priced too, especially if you're from the UK where aquariums are prohibitively expensive. One other thing to note, it is all accessible for pushchairs, prams and wheelchairs.

There's a lot to see hear, from the jellyfish at the entrance to the sharks at the end and endless fish in between. It's divided into different areas, Mediterranean, Carribbean and tropical for some and the tour flows well. It was quiet when I visited, but can get very busy, so I would recommend choosing a quieter time.

Practical side: Practically speaking, it was a mess. We had bought our tickets online, thinking it would save us time. Our slot was at 11:00, so we joined the line early since we didn’t know how long it would take. By 10:45 we reached the staff member at the entrance, but he told us we were too early and had to leave the line. Just five minutes later, people with 11:00 tickets were allowed in! When we rejoined, the line had tripled in length. So instead of saving time, we ended up waiting much longer. They even split the line to “speed things up,” which actually delayed us even more. On top of that, special discounts (for students, people with disabilities, etc.) weren’t available when booking online. The visit: As for the visit itself, it was one of the dullest aquaria I’ve ever seen. First of all, it was extremely crowded – surprising for a Thursday in late August – to the point where it felt claustrophobic and we often couldn’t even see the tanks. We walked through everything in about half an hour. Some fish were kept in very small tanks, with no mention anywhere about animal welfare or what the aquarium does to prevent harm. Many tanks just looked artificial, with fish placed in unnatural settings. There was also no clear storyline or structure. In other aquariums you often see a logical build-up (from shallow to deep water, or small to large species) but here it was just one similar-looking room after another: blue walls and a few glass tanks. There were no interactive elements, no feeding demonstrations, and no educational content about pollution, climate change, or conservation – all things you’d expect nowadays. For that, paying €18.50 is way overpriced.

Too many tickets sold per time slot. Our slot said 150 tickets left so we thought it would be quiet, instead met with massive queues, crowds and stressful experience.

Very amusing, especially for kids. We went on a rather quite time of the month, so we h didnt have to wait in line and the aquarium wasn't very busy. Very lovely experience, I'd go there again!

Huge aquarium. Good time for kids. The map of the aquarium is not clear and no signs inside the aquarium. Still worth the visit

The food was good. The show, if you haven't seen it is good. But I have to say not as good as two years ago The interior is looking tired.

Was a good night out, lots going on good food and service. My only criticism would be the comedian acting disabled / shy, it came over to me as making fun of people with disabilities, although I’m sure this wasn’t the intention. I’d probably suggest he tones that down a bit as to be sure not to offend. Overall a very entertaining night, very colourful and spectacular with sequins everywhere !

Excellent

Great show good food and a good atmosphere

Top

Excellent spectacle

Tip top 👍

Amazing history and architecture! This little town was established around 800AD. Every road is cobblestone so wear flat shoes with good grip. Try to see everything in this area. This is one of the oldest wine growing regions in the world.

This is an absolutely wonderful piece of medieval architecture, and a real glimpse into the life of a hermit and his followers. The tour is wonderful and takes you on a journey from the small cave in which St Emilion to the mic. Church carved out of the rock by his followers and the devout. No photographs are allowed, but they’re plenty online. This is a fantastic tour and a must if you are going to st Emilion

Best thing to do/see in town + not a rip off (unlike most things in saint emilion) You get given a key from the information desk and sent on your way. They only let a few people in at a time (around 6) so it’s not crowded at all! Make sure to go up the tower when you’re visiting!

I recommend getting the guided tour, it is worthwhile if you are in Saint-Emilion. Guide is available in many languages and goes through 4 different sections. The underground part is quite the spectacle. The workers were helpful and very knowledgeable on the church.

Historical & landmark Church in Saint-Emilion This is a fantastic medieval building in the town center of St. Emilion. Beautiful architecture well worth your time to visit regardless of if you are religious or not. We really enjoyed visiting this village probably one of the nicest in this region, and this church is high on the little of amazing building you can see & visit.

A fascinating place but for someone a bit unsteady on their feet the paths and roads are made with pebbles and are very uneven.

Interesting place to visit. We went as part of a vineyard tour.

It has been an unforgettable experience. The shows we attended were of great quality, including the costumes and staging. I must point out that it seemed to me that the sound was playback rather than live, and the simultaneous translation was slightly out of sync in some shows. Of course, it’s impossible to see everything in just one day, but even so, it’s well worth the visit — highly recommended for the whole family.

Love this park. As a family went have been visiting since 1989. We have seen so many changes over the years. It never ceases to amaze us every visit. We have a season pass as we now live in the area, so far this season we have been every week,our family of 4 and their families are avid Puy du fou fans,the grandchildren absolutely love it!. Great options for food,coffee and snacks. Gift shops well stocked with various memorabilia and various artisan shops in the medival and viking villages. Fun for all the family and all ages with not a ride in sight! A wonderful way to immerse yourself in french history and appreciate the performers enthusiasm in doing what they obviously love doing. The cinecine is something else,a must see,indescribable....see for yourself.

As you will need to walk around and spend time to line up, a detailed plan is very necessary in order to finish all the programs. Every shows are giving surprises to the audience. Very impressive. Bravo 🎉

This place was incredible, we booked last minute not knowing what to expect and it did not disappoint. A lot of the shows are quite close together so we did have to run to catch them but there are hotels so you could stay for 2 days and see all the shows in good time. As a theme park it is a little pricey but this was to be expected. Make sure you take some headphones so you can translate the shows!

What a place! A must do if you're looking for a unique experience with a tint of French history across the time. The well equipped parc is huge, so make sure that you wear comfy shoes! Booking in advance is a must, and depending on the time of the year you'll be visiting Le Puy du Fou, you might face waiting queues before attending the most rated shows... I strongly suggest that you download the apps, that will help you to organise your visit. We managed to watch the best shows, keeping us time to visit the parc, the villages replicas and indulge ourselves at some of the restaurants as well. Special thanks to all the dedicated staff, you are doing a great job! We had a great stay and we'll come back for sure.

If you don’t speak French bear in mind you will be some what left in the dark here outside of the shows. None of the signage show any English and the shows are obviously in French but you can use the live translation if you’ve got the app. The shows however are outstanding even if you don’t know what’s being said very impressive indeed. Worth the visit.

We spent a few days at Puy du Fou and were absolutely blown away by the experience. The quality of the shows, both indoor and outdoor, is phenomenal. I had visited the park as a child about 20 years ago and was already impressed back then, but what it has become today is on an entirely different level. The scale and sophistication of the productions are unlike anything else. From massive sets to special effects that leave you wondering how it's even possible, every show is a true spectacle. The immersive experiences are just as unforgettable and add another layer to the journey through time. The scheduling of the shows is incredibly well thought out. We barely waited more than 15 or 20 minutes between each performance. Visiting just before the high season probably helped, but still, the whole day flowed smoothly without feeling rushed or overcrowded. Some historical events are presented with a certain angle, but that’s part of the park’s narrative style. It doesn’t take away from the fact that this is great entertainment at its finest. We truly loved our stay and would recommend Puy du Fou to anyone looking for unique and breathtaking live entertainment.

A really lovely day out. Well worth the visit. All age groups will enjoy.

What a great attraction! The animals are well kept and the keepers well informed as well as friendly. We had a great time learning about the animals and getting up close !

Great spectacle. A lot of different spieces in a large open area. Animals mostly looked active and stimulated. Got a close as ever been to animals. A massive improvement on traditional zoo environment. Watching the chimps and gorilla's confirmed to me we are related.

Have never experienced a zoo like this before. None of the monkeys were behind bars, so the experience felt more like a walking safari! The animals clearly have tons of space and are able to exhibit natural behaviours, however they are easy to spot and you can get extremely close to some. Lots of shade on a hot day, facilities excellent. It was a really enjoyable day out.

Great day out for the whole family ranging from grandparents to 5 year old. Plenty of monkeys to see, none of them behind bars! Would recommend a cooler day (we were there during a heat wave so 36 degrees!!) and wearing comfortable footwear. U can buy drinks and snacks/icecreams for reasonable prices, and lunch too!

Lovely monkey reserve with over 400+ monkeys and lots of different species. Super kids friendly (please note explanations from the staff is in French). Food at the canteen is far to be amazing, I would recommend a picnic bag

An excellent day out. Plenty of space to walk around and view the monkeys of all different variations in each section. It’s very well signposted to get from place to place either in order or getting around for the feeding times. There are nice spaces to sit and eat and the feeding times are well spaced out on the map. Thanks for a good family day out. 🤙

Amazing time, the bird cage towards the end was the highlight. Also got lucky and managed to get a good look at the leopard, no tiger tho :/

Absolutely fantastic place to visit. Well set out and plenty of rest areas as it is a big place. Food available around the zoo and a restaurant as well .Free parking all facilities are clean and well kept. Great selection of animals and good habitat with plenty of staff to look after them .

The zoo was very nice and green, lots of trees and vegitation. Also the caves are really nice, and the animal places are good for the animals. But there are not enough places where you can get something to eat or drink, and the places they have, are all closed or have only something to drink (and are very expensive) while you are not alloud to bring your own food or drinks. They can make their guests happier and earn more money.

Outstanding! The enclosures are quite incredible and offer some of the best photo opportunities I have ever come across. I would highly recommend this to anyone interested in wildlife photography. A++

This is the best zoo we have been to. It is just the right size, the enclosures look amazing, and most importantly, the animals have pups and look happy. Do not miss the feeding!

One of the best zoo I have ever been! Congrats to the staff!

Its a very nice parc (many interesting animals and birds) It was my first time to see giraffe baby

What a great and different theme park. We didn't know what to expect as one of the kids found it on Google Maps so we went at 5pm the same day (cheaper tickets). It was really good. You probably need the while day to get round all major attractions, I think there's 22. But we went on loads and did most of the top 10 rides (according to Google searches and AI). Plenty of food and drink places and the Cique de Soller show at 10pm was worth staying on for. A fun evening for this family of 4.

This was an enjoyable visit, helped by being almost deserted in the first week of October. As anyone considering going will know its more about experiences than rides, and many were good. Some however are beginning to feel a little dated. The rapid progress in computer imaging means some of the older ones are feeling a bit low res. I'd be dissapointed with many if I'd needed to wait 45mins to see them. Your French needs to be fairly good to enjoy it. There is a wifi app that suposedly allows for simultaneous translations of many if the 'exhibits', I could never get it to work. The light show at the end was fabulous, and the food available in the park is amazing. No greasy burgers here.

Best to visit off season when it is less busy. The park is nicely laid out and very clean and tidy. The rides and various experiences are excellent. Make sure you the show in the evening as it is a spectacular display for all of the family. The food outlets are great but perhaps a little pricey. The mission to Mars and dancing with the robots are incredible. In the dancing on you are strapped to a chair and thrown about even turning upside down to music.

Loved it. Really chilled. No rip off prices. The park and structures are beautiful. Less in the wY of big rides and more of the 4d type experiences but some of the best we've seen anywhere. Great day out. Heartily recommend

Cinematic universe for all the family! Not the old school huge rollercoasters us Brit’s are used to and at first I was very confused where everything actually was! Most is indoor too. Lots of great Halloween displays. Food was expensive and not of good quality. We had lunch in the park but ate outside for dinner.

We had tickets booked in advance. We spent one day in the park from 10 am to 11 pm. We had a very lovely time. The park has been greatly updated, and it's very cool, focused on imagining technologies. Danse with robots, chausseurs de tornades, objectif Mars, and Bermudes triangles, were among our favorites. We had cutting line tix for 5 attractions, and it was greatly appreciated and valuable. Food options were good. Some negatives: the narrative voices on movies aren't very good and often out of tone. I used a bathroom, it was flooded with an inch of dirty water. Overall, we spent an amazing day.

As an 'adult' we had a grand time here. We started with an evening arrival, grabbed a couple of rides, supper on site & was ready for the evening show at 22.45 which is the highlight of the day. The following day we ventured back in for opening at 10 & didn't leave until 7. If you go during the week & don't speak French you'll have to look at the App (which is very good) to find out what all the rides are about. They all have a science or space bent. We were there on a Tuesday - loads of school kids - there is some 'soft' learning in the background. We queued for a few rides but during the summer I would imagine a fast pass would be required of you have no patience - mine was stretched to almost breaking point. Not all rides were open but there was enough. Lunch at lunchtime, very few options open if you don't. Ice cream is excellent & most but not all staff can speak some english but it's good to have some phrases under your belt. Evening catering starts in various forms from 6.30. My advice : go....there isn't anything like it anywhere. Think sci-fi mixed with heros. If you have kids, they are well catered for. There are hotels in site but we stayed off site. Comfy shoes - we did 17k steps!!

We super enjoyed the visit. Truly marvelous. The architecture is amazing. The art works are fantastic. There is a lot to see and explore. We get to see the final resting place of Richard the Lionheart and his parents. We enjoyed and finished watching all the animated films. Worth the visit. Highly recommended ☺️👍🏻

A truly beautiful location. We went for the art exhibition of Glaston Chaissac and saw so much more then we had expected. The art on the other floors of the museum was beautifully curated and full of treasures we hadn't expected to see. We went into the Abbey and wish we'd had more time. It was so quiet at the end of the day, we could wonder and discover without having a schedule and plan. We came across some wonderful installations. I would have given myself a couple of hours to visit the abbey next time. You could even spend the day in the area, there were lovely looking bars and restaurants outside the abbey. Not to mention the vineyards close by to enjoy

Amazing set of buildings with a uniquely interesting, royal history especially if you are English or French. First a huge abbey with royal residents and burials (English King Henry II and King Richard I 'The Lionheart' (of Robin Hood fame, plus Eleanor of Acquitaine)); then a prison; now a museum and art/cultural space. Worth an hour or two.

it was through Google maps indicating local places to visit that we heard about the Abbey. it was definitely worth a visit. it's now also used for concerts and events and that must be wonderful in such a lovely setting the terrace cafe was reasonable with plenty of seating inside and out

Definitely worth a visit. Amazingly restored, especially considering its long history as a prison. A lot of great info about the history of the abbey and prison. Loved the modern art that was present as well. The art museum is also worth a visit. Very broad and extensive collection.

It was very beautiful inside and outside. A lot of posters with detailed explanations about the church and its history. Very nice expositions.

The resting place of Richard the Lionheart and his parents, Henry II and Eleanor of Aquataine. As you walk in you see their sarcophagi and then can mooch around the beautiful cloisters and areas of the Abbey. The Abbey was closed after the French Revolution and reopened as a prison until the 1960s. I really enjoyed visiting and they do a really decent coffee in the cafe.

This is a 'must see', as both a unique war memorial and, more importantly, the saddest most haunting place I've ever seen, with lessons for us all. You need at least 2 hours to visit, and it is not a place to let kids run around or for adults to be noisy or lark about. You can see the ruins for free, but to see the Memorial Museum you have to pay - it is worth it though if you have the time. Free car park, toilets. Cafes nearby in rebuilt village.

If you’re arriving in a vehicle more than 2.15m high you’ll need to park either in one of the designated ´payant’ places or in the car park nearest to the village as there is a height restriction. I parked about 50m up the road from the visitor centre in a ‘payant’ parking place. €4 provides for 4 hours. The preserved village is free to enter but I’d recommend doing the historical tour with an audio guide (unless you’re fluent in French) first. Entry to the Historical and ´Objects’ exhibition is just €9 for the two and very good value at that. Once you have the background history, the experience of walking around this scene of such tragic devastation some 80+ years after it happened, is beyond modern day comprehension. It is deeply moving. One can only be grateful for the relative peace and security we are fortunate enough to live in. May the 643 souls who perished at the hands of such barbarism live on forever. Viva la France! 🇫🇷

Stunning and very sobering visit. Wear good walking shoes for your visit. Some good cafes in the new town and a super u!

An exceptional and essential place of memory. Deeply moving: the simple objects - splashback tiles in a cafe kitchen, crushed tables and chairs, cars, and the silent church where so many innocent ones died - makes it deeply moving. Most visitors show respect and keep silent.

It was an emotional visit for me. Oradour was such an alive village just hours before the Nazi's arrived, like so many villages today that we have lived in and stayed in here in France. It is haunting to see how quickly ones world can change. A very powerful reminder of how cruel humans can be and how vigilant we must all be to prevent the resurgence of this type of evil.

Deeply moving. I'm lost for words. It's so important to remember the atrocities of history and the innocent who lost their lives in the attack on Oradour in 1944. The exhibition honours them well.

Well worth a visit. The Memorial / museum was not open when we went undergoing renovation.

This is a masterpiece among the castles of France. The castle is very beautiful, there is a picturesque park around the castle. Near the entrance there is a cafe where you can have a snack and delicious ice cream. Don't forget to look into the secret garden in front of the entrance to the castle grounds. In the parking lot you can find a place on the grass in the shade of the trees.

Azay le Rideau is a beautiful, compact, château, within a few minutes walk of the village. We had no problem parking in the Chateau car park, but it was the end of September. We had a lovely meal in the restaurant at a reasonable price. The visit route takes you to the top floor first, then brings you down. We were advised, by a guide, to unhook the rope on the second floor and not proceed to the top as the stairs are much more uneven and my sister walks with a stick. I continued to the top, but she, wisely, followed the advice. I have to endorse what the guide told us; for anyone not too steady on their feet, do stop at the first floor. The rooms are furnished; particularly the ground floor which makes the chateau very homely. It is not a grand or pompous place, you can imagine a family living there! The chateau is surrounded by lovely parkland, which we didn't explore as my sister had walked as far as the day permitted and we still needed to return to the car park. Unfortunately, we hadn't realised that there was BLUE BADGE PARKING right outside the entrance where you pay to go in.

So beautiful. Should come here to visit. It’s large, the light is very good to take pictures. I feel like you can take pictures everywhere in this château it still turns out to be beautiful

A wonderful castle both inside and outside, the entrance costs €13/person. The visit was during the week at 10:00, I think that on weekends or holidays the tourist traffic is much higher. We were lucky to have few tourists. 07.05.2025

Wow. Stunning château with moat. Great for photography and much more stunning than Villandry but the gardens are no match to them

Beautiful, small, chateau with a lot of history and a beautiful setting. I also appreciate that most of the chateaus have something to eat outside. Rideau has beautiful gardens to stroll around or by wheelchair. I always say getting there when they first open is the best because everyone else will be behind you!

Lovely gardens and very nice chateau. Not too large so a stroll around gardens and visit inside is very pleasant without being exhausting. There’s a bistro onsite which does excellent coffee (rare in France!) and a very nice simple lunch including a couple of plat du jour. Service is excellent.

We had a wonderful family visit to the zoo! My children absolutely loved seeing the animals up close, and it was such a joy to watch their excitement. The animals all seem to be in excellent conditions, with spacious and well-maintained habitats. It’s clear that the staff take great care in providing a safe and comfortable environment for them. A perfect place for a family day out!

This is easily one do the best zoos in the world. Whereas in many zoos you would see animals and feel sad for them given their conditions, this zoo does not make you feel this. You will see many caretakers and staff who clean enclosures, feed regularly and perfectly adapted food to the animals at regular intervals throughout the day etc. Despite going there over a hot time, the animals were still visible, yet they all had a closed enclosure in a cooler area. This zoo genuinely loves animals, and you can see it. Their two spectacles with the sea lions and the birds were really great and shows even further the care they give to all these animals. I went there on a weekday, yet there was a fair amount of people, I advise going as soon as the park opens to explore it at its finest time.

The most amazing zoo I’ve ever been too. The experience here was next level, all of th animal enclosures are spotless and well maintained, all the animals had enrichment and plenty of space. The cable car was a fantastic addition and of course the beautiful pandas stole the show!!

Downsides: •The entrance and food queues are very crowded, with long waits, and there aren’t many benches. (Food is not bad) •Also, if you come with a stroller or have mobility issues, be prepared for quite a bit of uphill walking. Upsides: •Beautiful place with lovely paths and lots of shade. •Even though it was crowded, parking was well organized, and the animals have large areas where they seem happy and well cared for. (The views of them from different spots are wonderful.) Overall, definitely worth a visit! ⭐️

Very nice zoo, seems to take animal welfare very seriously. Overheard some other guests complain they 'did not see the wolves very well and the Parc should cut down the trees'. Actually glad they give each animal species what they need to feel as comfortable as possible. The zoo has plenty of small playgrounds for intermezzo's with children, there are lots of restaurants and stalls all scattered around, there's a big parking lot and queuing went very smoothly... The shops are nice but diverse. Definitely recommend!

The best zoo I have been too - both in terms of layout and variety of animals. Easy to spend a whole day here. Food options are numerous. Well worth a visit.

Great little zoo, bring your walking boots and be prepared for steep inclines. Made it round the whole zoo in a day. Highlights for us were the Giant Pandas, Koalas, Hippos and Manatee. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area and looking for something to do.

Unbelievably beautiful cathedral! Have seen quite a few in my lifetime but this one was special. Beautifully restored and not too busy. Loved the inside even more than the outside.

If you are only in Chartres for a few hours spend them visiting the incredible and Architecturally astounding Cathedral. Being the first UNESCO awarded and supported further by the volume of original stain glass. If able to stay for the evening the light show on and around this Cathedral and the surrounding Chartres centre is highly recommended.

Beautiful cathedral of Chartres. They made beautiful renovations, everything is really clear and neat. Even with clouds and no sunshine, the inside is bright enough to see through the painted glasses of the windows. They are marvelous piece of art. If you have the chance to be in the area, you should take the time to walk there and look for yourself how gigantic and stunning it is. What actually surprised me the most is how modern they are inside. They have contactless payment card machine for donation at each corner of the cathedral. So if you don't have coins like me, you can still use your card to pay to lit a candle or novena. The hours of the priest are written on a card board inside. The confessional is brightly litten and has a priest waiting inside for anyone who wants to confess theirs sins. This is unseen for me before today in France. There is also a treasury room which you have to pay to access it. Overall a great place to visit. I advise to park your car at the parking lot of Cathedral. There almost non existant place to park there.

Magnificent, historic, surrounded by lots of cafes, bars, restaurants and shops and not flooded with tourists when we visited. Chartres is an utterly beautiful city well worth a couple of days of your time. BEWARE, the cathedral is atop a hell of a climb up through steeply sloped streets.

An excellent holy place in the heart of Chartres, our lady of Chartres Cathedral is a must visit. You can visit during the day for prayer and tourism and during the night for an exquisite laser show. Enjoy...

One of the greatest High Gothic cathedrals now reinvented with its controversial very light painting of the pillars and vaulted ceilings… it grew on me as we walked round, I concluded it’s wonderful not least by setting off the magical 13th C stained glass. We love the way it feels it’s still an active place of worship, not the case in all French cathedrals.

A beautiful cathedral that easily rivals the Paris equivalent. We were lucky to visit at a time where it was illuminated at night. Very impressive. However if you're visiting the crypt, make sure you are told correctly where the tour starts, as we were given wrong instructions and therefore missed it. Staff could have been more helpful here.

Out of all the cathedrals that we have seen so far in our trip, this was one of my favorite ones! It's breathtaking and unique. The way the columns are made gives you the impression it's drawn with a pencil. It was absolutely worth the detour!

The Bourges Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic art and harmony. Its towering arches, intricate stained glass, and serene atmosphere inspire pure wonder. Every detail feels alive with history and faith. The view from the towers over the old town is magical. A visit here leaves you deeply moved and full of admiration.

Beautiful Cathedral This is a great holy place to visit. Fantastic & Iconic building in the heart of Bourges. As usual in France this Cathedral is very old. Around 800 years. It is well worth your time to visit and admire the amazing architecture both inside and outside.

There is a good history of the cathedrale at the entrance. This one isnt shaped like a cross but has a real 2nd and 3rd story balcony that can be visited on weekends in the summer. You can also visite the crypt and underground chapel all year round with a guide. Ask at the entrance booth.

The architecture is absolutely impressive, it is among the most beautiful cathedrals visited, gorgeous on the inside but the outside does not disappoint either.

Bourges cathedral is a must visit. We went in the morning between 8 & 9 when the light from the east perfectly lights the cathedral from the gardens. It is also very quiet and peaceful. It is extremely grand with many arches.

Maybe this is the most beautiful cathedral I’ve visited since now. The interior of the cathedral is imposing and spectacular, with wonderful stained-glass windows. The crypt is well worth a visit; it must be booked in advance and is usually combined with a visit to the Jacques Coeur Palace.

Monet's house and Gardens were a must see on my trip to France. We were just there a few weeks ago (late September) and the gardens were lush and absolutely stunning. We had entry tickets at 12pm and didnt have to wait. It was a great time of year to visit, we got a mix of very colorful flowers, autumn changes starting but also a good amount of water lilies that had bloomed. Really stunning. We walked into the town of Giverny after walking through the house and gardens and it was such a quaint town. We stopped at the Giverny chocolat shop, very good! Highly recommend a stop in Giverny!

Always wanted to visit and I wasn't disappointed. Even in mid October, the gardens are still beautiful with many flowers in bloom. The lily pond had a bit of scum on but still pretty. The house is lovely. So many original photos and paintings, though few of Monet's. Then of course there is the shop. Lots of lovely gifts and books. Plenty of free parking with free overnight campervan parking nearby.

Visiting Claude Monet’s house has been my dream, and it finally came true. The place is truly stunning and incredibly captivating from a design perspective. Every detail is beautifully crafted, and the colors are chosen to perfection. The garden is well-kept and absolutely gorgeous, with the iconic lily pond I had always wanted to see - simply remarkable. The entire estate is so well maintained, and being there felt like touching something truly sublime.

We stopped here on our way to Normandy from Paris and were amazed at all the blooming flowers in late September. Monet’s house was a quaint cottage with beautiful views of the gardens. The restaurant food was delicious and the server was wonderful. Highly recommend it!

I don't know where to start! The house is a piece of art the gardens are pieces of art, the whole town is cute! Absolutely beautiful. Things that should be considered, how to get there, the season, the crowd, so that you know what to expect,I've been there twice, in June it was super hot super crowded but beautiful, and in October , chill weather less crowded, less flowers but the trees were magical

It was quite crowded for a rainy October day. I think it's quite difficult to get there in the summer. When you get off the train from Paris, you have two transportation options: a shuttle and a bus that resembles a children's train. Both cost 10 euros. I don't think the shuttle bus runs between 1:20 and 3:20, so keep that in mind when planning your return train. Monet's extensive Japanese collection was quite striking. The interior was quite colorful. If you don't plan to spend much time taking photos and want to explore the village, 3-3.5 hours is more than enough. There's an interesting mechanical museum in Giverny, open from 2 pm to 6 pm. Time your visit accordingly for a more enjoyable trip. Other than that, it's a typical European village.

Absolutely beautiful but very very crowded. The gardens are very easy to walk with wonderful displays of flowers. The lake is spectacular The house is easy to navigate and quite lovely we had approximately a 15 min queue to enter. I would advise you to buy tickets on line before hand the queues for tickets were massive. We got on line tickets so had no wait time. Parking is plentiful and free. There's a good choice of restaurants and cafes just outside the gardens they are quite pricey.

Well, it is not that good and not that bad. But nothing fun there, animals are sleepy/tired. Restaurants are expensive, so it is better to bring food with you. Go in the morning so you can visit the park on foot then by car at the same day. Peace!

wildlife park near Paris where you can drive through and see animals like elephants , giraffes, and rhinos up close ! There’s also a zoo, a botanical garden, and lots of fun for kids and families

The animals are stunning, and seeing them in environments that feel close to their natural habitats really made the whole experience special. 🥰 The Lion’s Den was definitely a standout. Highly recommend it for anyone who loves wildlife!

This zoo is fantastic! I would recommend visiting the park first and doing the safari afterward. Excellent for every age.

Thoiry is undoubtedly the best zoo I've ever visited! I brought along my 2-year-old and 5-year-old, and we all had an absolutely fantastic time. The hyena and lion areas stand out with tunnels that allow you to walk through their habitats under a glass covering, providing an incredible view of the animals. Thoiry offers several playgrounds and a massive rope/trampoline/climbing area that entertained all of us, including my 75-year-old mother. What's remarkable is the spacious enclosures for each animal, which are meticulously designed to replicate their local habitats, setting it apart from zoos in the US. Though we missed the drive-through experience, we explored the entire zoo and will return during our next trip to France. I highly recommend Thoiry, especially if you have kids!

I am not a big fan of zoos bit we took our 7yr old. This is a good zoo. The layout is very nice. They have a lot of interesting species that I had never seen, also tunnels through the feline enclosures. And a drive through “safari.” It’s all a bit small but very tidy, very nice. It always breaks my heart to see the gorillas bored to death. The kids games a great. The food is absolutely disgusting, bring a picnic lunch.

Beautiful day out seeing animals who looked well cared and had proper spaces cared of to live in. Lots of animals, some of them we never saw before. It is amazing to see so many of them. Lots of shadow in the zoo. Playground in the middle. Picnic tables available. We arrived at the opening and left just before the closure - plan the whole day there!! Started with walking through the zoo and finished off with the car safari - great idea as we were happy to sit down at that point!

An excellent example of art of opulence, and how it's blending of the paintings, frescoes, sculptures, and mirrors makes this a grand section of the palace. Word of advice, go to the far end of the hall to get a better photo opportunity

It was magnificent. I didn't know where to look because each part was breathtaking. It was the most crowded room after the king's chamber.

An absolutely breathtaking masterpiece and one of the highlights of the entire Palace of Versailles. The Galerie des Glaces is even more impressive in person than in photos: the sparkling chandeliers, the endless mirrors, the gilded decorations, and the light pouring in from the gardens create a truly unforgettable atmosphere. Walking through the hall feels like stepping straight into the heart of French royal history. A bit of history & curiosities: • The Hall of Mirrors was completed in 1684 under Louis XIV, the Sun King. • It was designed by architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart and decorated by Charles Le Brun, the king’s favorite artist. • At the time, mirrors were extremely rare and expensive. Filling an entire hall with them was both a political message and a symbol of France’s economic power, proving that French craftsmanship could rival and surpass Venice, the world’s leading mirror producer. • The hall served as the main stage for royal ceremonies, diplomatic receptions, and major court events. • One of the most important events in world history took place here: the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, which ended World War I. • The hall is 73 meters long and reflects the gardens through its 17 windows, creating a unique play of light that was revolutionary for its time.

Nothing prepares you for the Hall of Mirrors. You step in and it’s pure gold, light, and grandeur — a place so over-the-top it almost feels unreal. The chandeliers catch the daylight pouring in from the arched windows, reflecting across 357 mirrors. And that ceiling? A heavenly opera of painted glory and divine ego. I had seen a million photos of it before visiting, but standing inside it hits different. It’s not just a room, it’s a statement — about wealth, power, ambition, and the sheer audacity of French Baroque.

Nice mirrors, terrible hospitality — they made my buddies (Müller and Bell) sign some papers here...another friend of them with cute mustache didn't like it and joined politics in Germany..!

The Hall of Mirrors has seen so much. It was where the Treaty of Versailles, that ended WWI and arguably started WWII was signed. It was where the German Empire started in 1871. It was where Kim and Kanye hosted their rehearsal dinner here back in 2014, arguably the most important historical event that took place here to date. The thing that stuck with me the most though on the tour here, was when the mob of peasants marched on the Palace of Versailles in 1789 and saw themselves for the first time in these mirrors. Obviously they had seen their reflections in bodies of water here and there, but this had to be the first time they’d really got a good look at themselves. That just completely blew my mind. It sent me into a full existential crisis. It got me thinking about life back then compared to now. What would life be like if we could never see ourselves? Probably much better. We’d never really worry about whether we look good or not. I’d get so much time back in the day. Could be way more productive. But then I realized I’d more than likely be a peasant, getting shafted by the French government left and right. You’d only know what they want you to know. You’d just be busting your ass on the farm all day, giving loot to the government and getting damn near nothing in return. But maybe I’d be happier? Life was so much simpler… and I am happiest in the simple times, when I’m not worried about what I could be doing to push my tech sales career forward. Who knows. I go back and forth all day. I’m eternally grateful to be born at the time I am, but maybe I’d be happier with life being so much simpler? Everything involves some sort of sacrifice. See what the Hall of Mirrors did to me? Sent me down this crazy spiral smh. IG @johnny.novo Tiktok @jnov__ Substack @johnnynovo

Absolutely breathtaking . The whole room feels surreal...

We went to see Palace of Versailles as a group. The place is beautiful. The gardens are equally impressive and massive; renting a golf. We rented a golf cart, it was well worth the money to explore comfortably. We made reservations in advance, we waited around 20–30 minutes to get inside. Everything was impressive. The negative part is the crown inside. But once in the garden it was so much better.

This was one of the most impressive places I have seen with my own eyes! I have a landscape engineering degree and the palace gardens were often referred to in books, by teachers and were always a source of inspiration. I’m really glad I got to see them in real life. My partner proposed on a boat on the canal, it was all very romantic (I said yes!). The palace interior and expositions were also quite impressive, I was in awe the whole time.

Absolutely stunning palace with a fascinating history. Highly recommend Stephanie from Paris to versailles. We booked via Viator. She was amazing, amusing and speaks multiple languages. Also recommended getting a golf cart to see the gardens and time it to see a fountain operating. Times are on Versailles site but Stephanie organised it perfectly. The fountains do not operate during colder months due to freezing pipes. Gardens close too. See my photos for golf cart hire location. The gardens would look better in spring but that’s the joy of the first ever formal garden- stunning all year round. Take your license. The most amusing part of our visit was all of the TikTokers and Instagramers. So self indulgent and very very funny.

The castle itself is amazing too, but this time it was the Versailles Opera. Small venue, but that makes it cozy and beautiful. The services in terms of infrastructure, such as the cloakroom and buffet, are minimal, only one of each. Not too good for the crowd; expect lines and queues. The rest is wonderful and beautiful as expected.

This Palace was truely beautiful and I highly recommend. As a group of four we did the tour and saw 12 rooms out of the 2,300 and a bit of history with the tour. They were very good with safety and supportive to English. You could get the tour in several languages and the rooms were amazing. Very beautiful, only downside is its huge populatarity so it was quite overcrowded considering it's Autum/Winter here in France. Good option for a tourist. Very pretty. Merci beaucoup.

We spent about a day and a half exploring Versailles and absolutely loved it. Here are a few tips that might make your visit smoother: The Passport ticket is the best value since it gives you access to everything — the main palace, gardens, and both the Grand and Petit Trianon. I had originally bought tickets just for the Trianons, but discovered you also need Musical Gardens tickets to walk through the gardens to get there. Otherwise, you’d have to walk all the way around the perimeter and hope to find an open gate. Get an audio guide or download one on your phone since the signs are in French. The guided tours start around 9:30 a.m. — just check the language. I mistakenly booked the Private Apartments tour in French but used the Google Translate app to follow along (it worked surprisingly well, though it uses a lot of data). The tour meets in the Ministers’ Building to the right of the main entrance, up the stairs. After our tour, the audio guide line was over 30 minutes long, so get it first thing in the morning. Later in the day, around 4 p.m., the crowds thinned out and there was no line. If you have limited time, start with the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon. They’re smaller, more personal, and give you a sense of royal life away from the main palace. The Grand Trianon was the king’s retreat; the Petit Trianon, Marie Antoinette’s, is charmingly modest. It’s about a 30–45 minute walk through the gardens, or you can take the tram for a small fee. The gardens are enormous — we walked about 6 to 9 miles. You’ll see manicured trees, fountains, statues, and even a lake with boats. On certain days, the Musical Gardens feature classical music playing from hidden speakers, adding a lovely atmosphere. Bring a hat and water. There are some restaurants and a bathroom, but there can be a very long line. If possible, take a guided tour — it gives you access to areas not open to general visitors, like the King’s private study, reception rooms, and the beautiful royal chapel (where general admission visitors can only peek in from the doorway). Plan for a lot of walking and wear comfortable shoes. There are golf carts you can rent by the hour to cover more of the garden than by foot. Versailles is vast, breathtaking, and full of history — an unforgettable experience well worth taking the time to explore fully.

The Versailles Castle is a beautiful building with stunning views but if you only have a little time in Paris this is not a must see. The inside has some stunning rooms with beautiful furniture and paintings. The view of the garden from the second floor is exceptional. The gardens and lakes are a really good choice if you’re visiting with your family. The only downside of the palace are the giant crowds in the rooms and by the toilets, so you have to be patient. The tickets were about 60€ for adults and 0€ for children (Attention! The garden is not free for children, it’s 10€)