The Grand Canal is one of the most striking elements of the gardens at Versailles and a popular place for an afternoon picnic. It’s also possible to rent row boats for a trip out on the water, much like the king once took. Most bike and Segway tours of the palace grounds include a ride along the banks of the canal, sometimes with an included lunch at a restaurant looking out over the water.
The Grand Canal is located within the Park, just beyond the gardens of Versailles. It can be accessed through several gates. The nearest train station is Versailles Château Rive Gauche.
Unlike the palace, the Park and Grand Canal are open throughout the year, except in inclement weather. Plan to visit the canal upon arrival at the grounds, continue through the gardens, and save your visit to the palace for later in the afternoon after the crowds have cleared somewhat.
Constructed over the course of a decade in the late seventeenth century, its original name—Little Venice—came from the canal's inaugural gifts from the Doge of Venice: two gondolas, complete with four Venetian gondoliers. Also moored there were various ships and yachts built to the scale of the canal and used in elaborate water shows and recreations of famous battles.
