The Bluegrass Town Where American Horse Racing Royalty and French Architecture Meet

Versailles, Kentucky

Just a short drive from Lexington, Versailles sits among rolling pastures dotted with white fences and million-dollar horse farms, all while being right on the famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Here are some interesting facts about this charming town.

Named to Honor a War Hero

Founded back in 1792 on land owned by a kid named Hezekiah Briscoe, his guardian Marquis Calmes named it after the French city to honor Revolutionary War hero General Lafayette.

The town became official in 1837 and quickly made a name for itself in Kentucky’s famous Bluegrass Region. By the way, it’s pronounced “vur-SAYLZ.”

The Orphan Who Became a Famous Portrait Painter

Matthew Harris Jouett started out as a lawyer but found his true calling with a paintbrush. Raised in that small stone cabin you can still visit in Versailles, he went on to study under Gilbert Stuart (the guy who painted the Washington portrait on the dollar bill).

Matthew developed his own style and became famous for painting Kentucky’s well-to-do families. Museums across the country now display his work, with copies hanging in his childhood home.

That Time Someone Built a Medieval Castle in Kentucky

You wouldn’t expect to find a medieval castle among Kentucky horse farms, but there it is along Highway 60.

Built in the 1970s as someone’s house, it was abandoned for years before becoming the luxury hotel it is today, with 15 guest rooms for you to choose from. The restaurant serves food grown right there on castle grounds.

You can tour the gardens or attend special events like medieval dinners throughout the year. From the castle walls, you get amazing views of Kentucky’s famous bluegrass countryside that stretches as far as you can see.

Movies Were Filmed on These Small Town Streets

Several famous movies have chosen Versailles as their backdrop. The charming downtown appears in “Elizabethtown” (2005), while the surrounding horse country stars in “Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story” (2005).

For “Secretariat” (2010), filmmakers shot cemetery scenes at the local Pisgah Pike Church. Even back in 1967, “The Flim-Flam Man” captured scenes around Paynes Depot and Clifton Road.

Movie makers keep coming back because the town has kept its historic buildings and genuine small-town Kentucky feel that’s harder and harder to find these days.

The Orphanage Boy Who Became a War Hero

Ernest E. West grew up in a Versailles orphanage before earning our nation’s highest military honor during the Korean War.

In October 1952, he rescued three wounded soldiers while under heavy enemy fire near Sataeri, even though he was injured himself. His bravery represents the strong tradition of military service you’ll find throughout Versailles history.

After returning from war, West kept ties to his hometown but lived quietly despite being one of America’s most decorated soldiers. You can learn about his remarkable story in the local military history displays that honor hometown heroes.

A Wine Oasis in Bourbon Country

Wildside Winery offers more than 40 different wines on a beautiful 30-acre farm just outside town. You can try traditional wines alongside unique creations like their bourbon barrel-aged reds that combine Kentucky’s wine and whiskey traditions in one glass.

Throughout 2025, you can enjoy live music during regular tastings or book a private vineyard tour. Their “Quartet” blend has won gold medals in competitions across the region.

They also make a semi-sweet Traminette that showcases grapes specially grown to thrive in Kentucky’s climate, proving that bourbon isn’t the only drink worth sipping in these parts.

Where Bourbon Gets Triple Distilled for Extra Smoothness

Woodford Reserve Distillery uses traditional copper pot stills and limestone-filtered water from Glenn’s Creek to make some of Kentucky’s finest bourbon.

Their special triple-distillation creates a smoother taste than what you’ll find in most Kentucky bourbons. The historic stone buildings date back to 1838 and have earned National Historic Landmark status.

During your tour, you’ll see exactly how the five flavor sources come together and discover why Woodford Reserve became the Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, cementing its place in both Kentucky bourbon and horse racing traditions.

Meet the Million Dollar Horses Next Door

The farms around Versailles raise some of the world’s best racehorses. Coolmore’s Ashford Stud houses Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, while Lane’s End Farm spreads across 2,300 acres and has produced multiple Kentucky Derby champions.

The secret is in the ground beneath your feet. The limestone-rich soil creates calcium-packed grass that builds strong bones in young horses. Drive the local roads and you’ll pass the iconic white fences, old stone walls, and elegant barns where horses worth millions enjoy a lifestyle fit for royalty, making them the true VIPs of Versailles.

Take a Train Ride Back to the Roaring Twenties

Hop aboard original 1920s passenger cars at the Bluegrass Railroad Museum for a trip back to when trains ruled transportation. You can choose seasonal rides that showcase fall colors, enjoy dinner while rolling through the countryside, or bring the kids for the popular North Pole Express during the holidays.

The museum keeps Kentucky’s railroad heritage alive with displays of old equipment, photos, and souvenirs from the L&N and Southern Railways that once connected the region. Volunteer conductors love sharing stories about the trains that linked Versailles to cities like Louisville, Cincinnati, and beyond.

Barn Art That Tells Stories Across the County

Look for the colorful wooden quilt square at the Jack Jouett House, part of a trail that spreads throughout Woodford County. Each painted design represents traditional Appalachian quilt patterns that hold special meaning to the area.

You can follow this self-guided tour connecting historic places, old barns, and local businesses while learning about textile traditions. Local artists created each installation based on historical records and family patterns, some dating to the early 1800s.

Grab a trail map from the Versailles visitor center to make sure you don’t miss any of these outdoor art pieces that blend history and craftsmanship.

How to Plan Your Visit to Versailles

You’ll find Versailles just 13 miles west of Lexington along US-60. Before heading out, check the city website (versailles.klc.org) for downtown parking maps with convenient spots marked in green.

If you’re planning a fall visit, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in September features more than 60 distilleries with special tastings and events. The Castle offers unique dining experiences year-round, with seasonal farm-to-table menus showcasing local ingredients.