Large town to the south-west of Paris. Obviously, it is famous for its palace, but has numerous good points in its own right. The town's main streets all lead towards the palace, which suggests how important it remains for the denizens. A 30-minute ride on the RER will take you to a metro station in the heart of the French capital.

The tree-lined boulevards are wider and arguably more attractive than those in Paris. Also, Versailles is much cleaner, and the people are more friendly, even towards tourists. The shops are generally smart but not as pricey as their Parisian equivalents. Take a wander through the backstreets and you will find age-old tenements made from a beautiful crumbling stone.

Versailles has a good nightlife. Your best bet is to find a nice quiet bar, order une bière and enjoy the atmosphere. O'Paris is an Irish theme bar but at the same time isn't tacky, so it's worth a visit.