Versailles Garden Paradise Island
A European Escape in the Bahamas
Paradise Island may be best known for its beaches and resorts, but just beyond the oceanfront, you’ll find something different: a peaceful, European-inspired garden with sweeping views of Nassau Harbor. Versailles Garden Paradise Island is one of those hidden spots that feels like a secret.
A Peaceful Garden with a Fascinating Past
Its stone cloister, the centerpiece of the garden, is from the 12th century. Originally built in France, it was carefully taken apart and brought to the Bahamas in the 1920s by a wealthy American investor, Huntington Hartford. He had a vision of creating a European-style retreat right in the heart of the Caribbean.
The cloister’s old stone columns and arches sit surrounded by palm trees, flowering plants, and gently sloping lawns.
Scenic Views and Soothing Vibes
The garden is built on a hillside, which means the views just keep getting better as you walk up. You’ll find statues, shaded paths, and little stone steps that guide you through the levels of the garden. It’s the kind of place where you might want to sit for a moment, take a breath, and just enjoy the calm.
From the top, you can look out across Nassau Harbor and the turquoise water beyond.
Location
Hours
Open everyday – 24 hours.
Best Time to Visit: Mornings or late afternoons for cooler weather and fewer people
Entrance Fee
Free and open to the public, but may be closed for private events
Are you ready to start discovering Bahamas?
This is the tour I did during my time in the Bahamas and personally recommend—leaving the link below so you can check it out for yourself.
Are you ready to start discovering Bahamas?
This is the tour I did during my time in the Bahamas and personally recommend—leaving the link below so you can check it out for yourself.
More things to see in Bahamas
Visiting the Famous Swimming Pigs in the Bahamas
The Bahamas swimming pigs have become a bucket-list sensation for all visiting the Bahamas. Learn how to get there, what to expect...
Garden of the Groves: A Quiet Retreat in Freeport
Visit Garden of the Groves in Freeport, Grand Bahama—a tranquil space with walking paths, waterfalls, native plants, and birdlife. Learn...
Compass Cay: Swimming with Sharks in the Exumas
Swimming with sharks might sound intense, but at Compass Cay in the Exumas, it’s surprisingly peaceful. This unique spot offers visitors...
Queen’s Staircase: Nassau’s Historic Passage
Discover the Queen’s Staircase in Nassau, a historic 66-step landmark carved by enslaved people in the 18th century. Learn its powerful...
Columbus Monument
Explore the Columbus Monument in Bahamas—a significant historical site marking Christopher Columbus's first landfall in the New...
Island Hopping the Exumas: What to Do in This Bahamian Paradise
Island hopping in the Exumas gives you a chance to experience the Bahamas beyond the resorts. Whether you’re feeding iguanas, swimming...
Eating Conch in the Bahamas: What to Expect
Discover the flavors and textures of conch, the national dish of the Bahamas. Learn what conch tastes like and explore its various...
Taino Beach: A Wide Stretch of Sand Near Freeport’s Shoreline
Explore Taino Beach in Freeport, Grand Bahama—a spacious public beach with calm waters, local food stands, and nearby amenities...
Feeding the Sharks at Pier One: Marine Encounters in Freeport
Experience shark feeding at Pier One in Freeport, Grand Bahama—an evening event where Caribbean reef sharks gather under the lights...
Pablo Escobar’s Crashed Plane – An Unusual Dive Site in the Bahamas
There is a very unusual and not-at-all advertised attraction in the Bahamas: Pablo Escobar’s plane wreck. Located just off Norman’s Cay and..
Lucayan National Park, an Ecological and Historical Landmark
Explore Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama Island, featuring diverse ecosystems, extensive underwater caves, and the...
Atlantis Aquarium & Aquaventure: Marine Life and Water Adventures
Learn about Atlantis Aquarium and Aquaventure Water Park on Paradise Island, Nassau—home to diverse marine life exhibits and...
Port Lucaya Marketplace: A Central Hub for Culture and Crafts
Explore Port Lucaya Marketplace in Freeport, Grand Bahama—a colorful mix of local shops, food, and music near the marina. Discover what to...
John Watling’s Distillery: Rum and History in Nassau
Visit John Watling’s Distillery in Nassau to learn about Bahamian rum-making, explore a historic estate, and enjoy a slow-paced glimpse...
Junkanoo Beach: A lively and accessible escape
Junkanoo Beach in Nassau is a vibrant, centrally located beach perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and soaking in Bahamian vibes...
Pirates of Nassau Museum: Step Into the Golden Age of Piracy
From legendary buccaneers to immersive ship replicas, the Pirates of Nassau Museum brings the island’s swashbuckling past...
Nassau’s Straw Market: Local Craft and Culture
Explore Nassau’s Straw Market, a lively shopping destination known for handmade crafts, local art, and Bahamian souvenirs...
Pinder’s Point Lighthouse: A Quiet Beacon on Grand Bahama
Explore Pinder’s Point Lighthouse near Freeport, a longstanding maritime marker overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Learn about its history...
The Pink Sand beach on Harbour Island
Visit Pink Sand Beach on Harbour Island, Bahamas—famous for its pale pink sand and calm turquoise waters. Learn how to get there...
Rand Nature Centre: A Quiet Look at Bahamian Flora and Birdlife
Visit Rand Nature Centre in Freeport, Grand Bahama—a low-key nature reserve with walking trails, native Bahamian plants, and...
Dean’s Blue Hole: One of the World’s Deepest Marine Sinkholes
Discover Dean's Blue Hole in the Bahamas, the world's second-deepest marine sinkhole. Learn about its formation, diving opportunities...
Bahamas Maritime Museum: Exploring the Islands’ Seafaring Past
Discover the Bahamas Maritime Museum in Freeport, a cultural site that traces the country’s maritime history through exhibits on...
Andros Great Barrier Reef: A Comprehensive Guide
Explore the Andros Barrier Reef in the Bahamas, the world's third-largest barrier reef system. Discover its rich marine biodiversity...
Graycliff Chocolatier Tour: A Sweet Escape in the Heart of Nassau
Indulge your senses on a delicious journey with a Graycliff Chocolatier tour, where Bahamian culture meets handcrafted chocolate magic...