visit versailles in winter

Versailles in Winter: The Ultimate Guide to Visiting in 2024

Visiting Versailles in winter is a unique and enchanting experience at one of France’s most significant historical monuments. The ornate architecture of the palace seems even more magnificent against the winter landscapes. Another highlight of visiting in winter is the smaller crowds, allowing you to explore the palace at a relaxing pace.

Throughout the winter, there is the chance for snow at Versailles which creates a beautiful atmosphere. There is nothing like wandering around the grand gardens as they glisten under a dusting of snow or frost.

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Is Versailles Worth Visiting in Winter?

Versailles is absolutely worth visiting during winter. The Palace is open all winter, every day except for Mondays and on Christmas Day. Versailles becomes less crowded in wintertime, making it an ideal time to explore the palace’s opulent halls. The winter season provides a quieter, more intimate opportunity to explore the iconic French Palace.

After visiting the Versailles Palace, you can wander the charming cobblestone streets of the town of Versailles. The town is a beautiful site in wintertime, especially with freshly fallen snow. Stop at one of the many cozy cafes in town to warm up with some hot chocolate or mulled wine.

🏰 Click Here to Buy Tickets for Versailles with a Palace Tour

Versailles Opening Hours in Winter

Both the Palace and Gardens of Versailles are open in winter. The Palace is open every day except Mondays from 9:30am to 5:30pm, with the last admission at 5pm. Similarly, the Versailles Gardens are open in winter every day from 8am to 6pm.

🏰 Click Here to Book a Versailles Half-Day Tour from Paris

A Brief History of the Palace of Versailles

The magnificent Palace of Versailles was once just a simple hunting lodge in the countryside. Then in the late 17th century, King Louis XIV, who was popularly known as The Sun King , had the idea to turn his father’s hunting lodge into the grandest palace in all of Europe.

During the reign of King Louis XIV, the palace was expanded and made to be exquisite, with the addition of stunning architecture, beautifully manicured gardens, and the famous Hall of Mirrors. The French court moved to Versailles in 1682, and the Palace of Versailles became the epicenter of French political power and culture.

In 1789, things took a turn with the start of the French Revolution. During this time, Versailles was ruled by King Louis XVI and Marie Antionette. As the revolution unfolded, the royal family was forced to leave Versailles, and the Palace was left to ruins.

Versailles wasn’t restored to its former glory until the Bourbon Restoration of the 1830’s. It became a museum of French history in 1837. In 1979, the Palace of Versailles was officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today, the Palace and Gardens of Versailles is an iconic landmark of France. It is an incredible place to visit to explore the opulent halls, magnificent gardens, and learn about the history of France.

What to See at Versailles in Winter

There are so many things to see at the Palace and Gardens of Versailles, even during the wintertime. Below are a few of the must-see places during the winter time.

There is of course much more to see than is included on this list, but it includes a few of the exquisite highlights that we thought were interesting during our trip to Versailles.

The Stunning Golden Gate

At the entrance, you can’t miss the exquisite Golden Gates which showcase the grandeur of the magnificent Palace.

Intricate Versailles Clocks

This exterior clock shows the ornate detail of the architecture at Versailles. An interesting fact is that King Louis XVI (the last king of Versailles) was utterly obsessed with clocks.

The Exquisite Palace Exterior

The golden guilted exterior of the Palace of Versailles is incredibly intricate and beautiful, and is one of the famous aspects of Versailles.

The Dazzling Hall of Mirrors

The Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, renowned for its opulence, features 17 grand windows, mirrored arches, and splendid crystal chandeliers.

It played a central role in French history, from the lavish receptions and extravagant parties held by Queen Marie Antoinette, to when it was used as the location for the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, which ended World War I.

Today, it stands as a testament to both its architectural beauty and its historical significance. It is easily the most beautiful room in the Palace and was a highlight of our visit.

The Royal Apartments

The Queen’s Grand Apartments and King’s Grand Apartment and shows the elegance and extravagance of French royalty. Personally, I always find these rooms to be the most interesting as it feels like stepping back in time.

The Beautiful Artwork

The Palace of Versailles is filled with stunning artwork. During the rule of the King Louis XIV, The Sun King, art was commissioned from famous artists from across Europe to ensure the beauty and splendor of the Palace. Today, there is still incredible works of art, including paintings and sculptures to be seen throughout the Palace.

The Versailles Gardens

The Gardens of Versailles span for 2,000 acres and you can easily spend hours wandering the manicured gardens. You can still visit the Versailles Gardens in winter, and while there won’t be flowers in bloom, it is a relaxing and peaceful place to wander around.

One thing to keep in mind is that the fountains do not run in winter, and depending on the temperature, the statues may be covered to protect them from snow or ice.

The Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon

These are two smaller palaces found in the Gardens of Versailles. The Grand Trianon once served as a elegant retreat for the French King, while the Petit Trianon was built for the King Louis XIV’s mistress and later served as a retreat for Queen Marie Antoinette.

Christmas at Versailles

Christmas is a magical time to visit Versailles. Versailles Palace is open on Christmas Eve (unless it falls on a Monday), and you can even wander the Versailles Gardens on Christmas Day as they are open daily from 8am-6pm.

While the Palace of Versailles does not typically decorate for Christmas, it still gives an enchanting and elegant feel and is a great place to spend the holidays. The town of Versailles is also incredibly charming in the Christmas season, especially with freshly fallen snow.

There are also many Christmas Markets and Christmas Lights just a short train ride away from Versailles, in the heart of Paris.

Where to Stay at Versailles in Winter

Staying in central Paris is a great option as Versailles is an easy day trip from Paris. I highly recommend staying in the 6th arr. as it is a beautiful area with lots of picturesque cafes and walking distance to many attractions. In Paris, we stayed at Hotel de Seine recently and loved it.

For a quieter getaway, you can stay in the charming town of Versailles. One of the best hotels in Versailles is the Waldorf Astoria Versailles , a beautiful hotel just steps from the Palace.

For a more budget-friendly option in Versailles, you can also check out the Hôtel du Jeu de Paume , a cozy, boutique hotel that is about an 8 minute walk to the Palace.

Best Way to Get to Versailles

To reach Versailles via public transport, you can take the RER C train line. This is the most popular method of reaching Versailles, and is how we traveled from Paris to Versailles.

You can catch the RER C train at several stations in Paris, including major hubs like Invalides, Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel, or Gare d’Austerlitz. The journey takes around 30-40 minutes depending on your starting location.

When taking the train, make sure to board a train heading in Look for trains heading in the direction of Versailles-Rive Gauche, and you will disembark at the Château Versailles Rive Gauche stop.

If you prefer not to take public transport, you can also reach Versailles by taxi, Uber, or by taking a guided tour.

FAQ: Visiting Versailles in Winter

There are many things to consider when visiting the Palace of Versailles during the wintertime. Below are some commonly asked questions to help you plan your trip.

Is Versailles Crowded in December?

December is considered the low season for Versailles, and so the Palace and Gardens are much less crowded in the winter months compared to the summertime. The lower crowds makes it a fantastic time to visit one of the most popular attractions in France.

Does it Snow in Versailles?

It does snow in Versailles. Throughout the months of late November to early March, there is a chance of seeing snow at Versailles. The Palace and Gardens are quite beautiful when covered with fresh snowfall, and it gives the place a magical feel.

The Wrap Up: Visiting Versailles in Winter

Visiting Versailles in winter is definitely worth it, especially if this is the only chance you’ll have to visit the impressive palace. You can still see all of the same rooms in the palace that you can see in other seasons, and when snow falls the palace exterior is quite beautiful. While the magnificent gardens are not blooming with greenery and flowers as they are during the spring and summer, it is still a nice place to for a peaceful walk. Visiting the Palace of Versailles is a must do experience when in Paris, even in winter.

Spending more time in France? Check out the following guides on Paris: ✔️ 25 Hidden Gems to Explore in Paris ✔️ Is Paris Overrated? 11 Things to Consider Before Finding Out for Yourself ✔️ Do They Speak English in Paris? Or Will I Need to Speak French?

Amber is the owner and author of Get Lost in Wanderlust, a blog that helps travelers plan incredible trips across Europe from bucket list cities to charming hidden gems. She has a Bachelor's Degree in History and Psychology, and enjoys learning more about the culture and historical significance of each place she visits. When she isn't exploring Europe, she loves reading, writing, and planning her next adventure.

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Versailles in Winter: Top Tips for a Memorable Visit in 2024

Last updated on February 15th, 2024 at 07:31 pm

Table of Contents

Thinking of planning a trip to Versailles in the winter months instead of the summer months?

I don’t blame you if you are, as the Palace of Versailles in winter can be such a pretty time to go, especially if there is snow on the ground.

I went recently with my daughter in December, and we had a great time. There are a few things to bear in mind though.

But don’t worry, you’ll get all the tips you need to make the most of your visit in this article. So let’s dive in.

I did this tour in the winter and loved it!

Skip the line tickets at the Palace of Versailles with breakfast at Ore Ducasse restaurant .

Is it worth visiting Versailles in the winter?

One hundred per cent, yes, it is definitely worth visiting Versailles in winter. It is one of the best times to go as there are fewer crowds, which means no long queues.

Plus, tickets are easy to get with more options available to you.

The only thing to bear in mind is the gardens won’t be at their best, and the statues will be covered up for the winter.

But the bonus is that you can do the inside of the palace in the winter and the outside in the summer. It gives you the perfect excuse to visit twice.

The opening hours of the Palace of Versailles in the winter

• Palace: Typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with last admission at 5:00 PM.
• Gardens: Usually open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
• Trianon Palaces and Marie Antoinette’s Estate: Open from 12:00 PM to 5:30 PM, with the last admission at 5:00 PM.

Note: These hours can vary, and it’s always a good idea to check the official Versailles website or contact them directly for the most current information.

Winter versus Summer at Versailles

Pros of going in the winter.

Fewer Crowds: Winter typically sees fewer tourists, allowing for a more relaxed visit without the rush and long lines common in peak seasons.

Different Aesthetic: The gardens and architecture take on a different beauty in winter, often with frosty landscapes and a serene atmosphere.

Indoor Attractions: It’s an excellent time to focus on the interior spaces of the palace, such as the Hall of Mirrors, with more comfort and less pressure to hurry through. And without constantly battling to get close to the exhibits and take pictures.

Seasonal Events: Sometimes, special events or exhibitions are held during the winter, offering unique experiences.

Cons of going in the winter

Cold Weather: The chilly climate can be uncomfortable, especially when exploring the extensive gardens.

Limited Garden Beauty: The famous gardens are not in full bloom, and many of the fountains are turned off.

Shorter Days: With less daylight, you’ll have less time to explore the outdoor aspects of the estate.

Possible Closures: Adverse weather can lead to unexpected closures, particularly of the gardens.

The BEST things to see at Versailles during the winter months

Even though I didn’t do the garden or grounds when I went to Versailles in the winter , there was still plenty for me to do. 

Just exploring the chateau itself took half a day, plus we had breakfast there when we arrived, but more about that later.

Entering the Golden Gates

The first time I came to Versailles, I didn’t realise that Mondays are a day in France when many things are closed. So there I was at the front gates of the Palace of Versailles, and all I could do was look longingly through them and take a picture outside.

But those gates really are magnificent and they have a story to tell, like so many things here.

A Quick History of the Gates

Originally designed during the reign of Louis XIV around 1680 by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, the King’s First Architect, the gate has seen several changes and restorations over the centuries.

The original gate was gilded and ornamented with rich pillars, opening through two portals leading to lateral courtyards.

However, most of it was removed in the late 18th century during Louis XV’s reign due to construction changes, including the addition of the Gabriel wing. What replaced it was a simple wooden barrier, which remained throughout Louis XVI’s reign.

It also played a pivotal role during the French Revolution. The simplicity of the barrier at that time facilitated the access of rioters into the castle enclosure in October 1789. 

Eventually, the Royal Gate was destroyed in 1794 as part of a directive from the Versailles district directorate.

The Restoration of the Gates

In the 21st century, between 2005 and 2008, a new gate was constructed to recreate the grandeur of the original design.

This project involved the use of 15 tonnes of iron and 100,000 gold leaves, financed predominantly by the public works group Monnoyeur to mark its 100th anniversary. 

The new gate, however, sparked controversy due to its deviation from the “last known state” rule for restoring old buildings and the relocation of an equestrian statue of Louis XIV.

The Cour d’Honneur and Cour de Marbre

As you walk through the gates, you enter the Cour d’Honneur, also known as the Royal Court.

This area serves as the main entrance to the palace. On the left side as you enter is the Pavillon Dufour, which was built under Louis XVIII, and on the right side is the Gabriel wing, the construction of which began in 1772 and was finally completed in 1985.

Can you imagine the comings and goings the courtyard has seen? 

Oh, to be able to step back in time to witness the grand arrivals and departures played out here.

The most memorable that many of us have seen was the arrival of Marie Antoinette, as portrayed in so many movies about that era in Versailles .

As she alights from her carriage, she walks across the Cour de Marbre, or Marble Courtyard, where what seems like the entire French Court is waiting to greet her.

The Cour de Marbre, or Marble Courtyard, is a significant and historic part of the palace complex. 

It took its name from the distinctive black and white marble tiles, which formed part of the original hunting lodge built by Louis XIII and is surrounded by the palace’s oldest wings.

The Ore Ducasse restaurant

Today, when you visit Versailles, you can start your tour with breakfast at the Ore Ducasse restaurant, created by Alain Ducasse on the first floor of the Dufour Pavilion.

It would have been rude not to, so I chose the tour that included breakfast .

It felt so decadent to be sitting there looking out over the Cour de Marbre, and I couldn’t help wondering whether Marie Antoinette had looked out of the same window and what would have been going through her head.

Breakfast was yummy, with a selection of pastries, scrambled or fried eggs, sausage and jams. There was a choice of juices, plus coffee, tea or hot chocolate. I couldn’t resist trying the hot chocolate as it was made using the famous recipe of Louis XV .

The Royal Apartments

I don’t think I have ever seen such opulence in my life. It’s astonishing to think people lived this way in such splendour during a time when the general population of France were starving.

Apparently, Marie Antoinette changed the decor in her apartment twice a year. Imagine that. 

She had a Spring/Summer look and an Autumn/Winter one. Everything, including the wallpaper, was changed to reflect the change in seasons.

And each apartment was purposely designed to be symmetrical, reflecting the cultural and political values of the era. 

Symmetry in Baroque architecture was all about a representation of order, balance, and perfection, qualities highly valued during the reign of Louis XIV and subsequent French monarchs.

It was also about creating division and emphasising a person’s role within the court. Naturally, the king had the biggest of everything, making sure there was no doubt as to his importance.

The Protocols of the Palace

One thing that has always made me smile is the protocol for dressing the king, queen, dauphin, and dauphine at the Palace of Versailles. 

Can you imagine being dressed and undressed in public every day of your life? It would drive me insane, but that’s the way it was in 18th-century France. It was deeply embedded in the court’s ceremonial life.

These rituals, known as the “Lever” (rising) and “Coucher” (going to bed), were attended by courtiers and involved elaborate procedures.

Each step, from their first waking moments to the preparation for bed, was performed in the presence of select members of the court. 

This daily routine was not just about personal care but also a display of power, hierarchy, and the King’s case, accessibility to the nobility. 

The Lever and Coucher were important elements in the rhythm of life at Versailles, reflecting the intricate social structure and customs of the French court.

The King’s Apartment

The King’s Apartment begins with the King’s Guard Room, marking the entrance to the apartment and adorned with subtle references to battle. 

It leads to the Antechamber of the Great Dining and the Bull’s Eye Antechamber, named after its distinctive circular window. 

Louis XIV’s bed chamber, the most symbolic room in the apartment, was used for various daily ceremonies and important meetings. 

The Council Room, adjacent to the King’s Chamber, was later redesigned during Louis XV’s reign and was used for council meetings and official presentations.

The King’s Private Apartments

The King’s Private Apartments were more personal spaces. Louis XV’s Private Chamber, known as the “corner room,” offered views of the Marble and Royal Courtyards. 

Just to add to the decadence, there is also a Dogs’ Room, used for Louis XV’s favourite dogs, and the Post-Hunt Dining Room, where Louis XV hosted dinner after hunts. 

And we shouldn’t forget the Dispatch Room, used for Louis XV’s personal diplomacy.

The King’s State Apartment

It shouldn’t be any surprise that the State Apartment have rooms named after Roman gods and planetary bodies. I’m sure Louis XV thought he was as good as if not better than the Roman Gods. 

The Venus Room, the most Baroque in decoration, led to the Diana Room, used as a Billiards Room, and the Mars Room, which served as a Guard Room. 

The Mercury Room was originally the royal bed chamber, the Apollo Room functioned as a throne room, and each room was richly decorated with paintings and sculptures symbolising various themes related to the monarch’s power and interests.

The Queen’s Apartments

The Queen’s Bedchamber was the most significant room in the Queen’s Apartments. It was where the Queen spent most of her time and where royal births took place. The decoration reflects the tastes of the queens who occupied it, including Maria Theresa, Marie Leszczyńska, and Marie-Antoinette. 

The Nobles’ Room, used for formal audiences, and the Royal Table Antechamber, where public meals were held, are also part of the Queen’s Apartments.

Although they lived a very privileged life, they had absolutely no privacy and lived nearly their entire lives in public.

The Apartments of the Dauphin and Dauphine

The Dauphin’s and Dauphine’s Apartments at the Palace of Versailles were designated living spaces for the heir to the French throne and his spouse. These apartments reflected the high status and importance of their occupants within the royal family and the court. 

They were sumptuously decorated and furnished, consistent with the grandeur typical of Versailles, and were located in a part of the palace that provided both privacy and accessibility to the central areas of the royal residence. 

The design and layout of these apartments were intended to reflect and accommodate the public and private lives of the Dauphin and Dauphine.

Louis XVI’s Library at Versailles

When he came to the throne, the only room he altered in the King’s Private Apartments (Petits appartements) was the library. 

And if I’m honest, this was one of my favourite rooms. Known for his scholarly inclinations, he had a strong interest in science and technology. 

His library was reputedly well-stocked with books on various subjects, indicative of his broad intellectual pursuits. 

The decor was neo-classical, a design he put his name to and was fond of.

The Network of Hidden Passageways

A palace of this size and scale was always going to have hidden passages and doorways to allow at least some form of privacy and security away from the ever-watchful eyes of the court.  

One famous example is the secret passage that Queen Marie Antoinette used to escape from her apartment during the initial attack of the French Revolution on October 6, 1789. 

This passage was in one of the hidden doors out of her apartment, discreetly connecting her chambers with the king’s, allowing her to quickly flee to relative safety during the chaos.

The most notable “Mesdames” at the French court were the daughters of Louis XV, Madame Adelaide, Madame Victoire, Madame Sophie, and Madame Louise. 

Sent off at a young age to be educated at Fontevraud Abbey , they were highly religious, and both Adelaide and Victoire sadly never married.

These princesses, known collectively as “Mesdames de France,” played significant roles in court life and politics. 

They were known for their strong personalities and, at times, their influence in political affairs, particularly during the reigns of their father and brother, Louis XVI.

Their lives at court reflected the complex interplay of personal and political dynamics within the royal family. 

They were highly against the many mistresses of Louis XV despite the Queen being more tolerant. 

It’s believed they were openly hostile towards them, the most famous being Madame de Pompadour. 

Upon her death, she was succeeded by Madame du Barry, the final mistress of Louis XV, who was later banished from the palace when he died.

The Royal Chapel

The Royal Chapel at the Palace of Versailles, completed in 1710, is an architectural masterpiece and really takes your breath away. 

Designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart in a classical Baroque style, there are two levels. The upper level, surprise surprise, was for the royal family to show their importance, and the lower level was for the court.

The stunning ceiling painted by Charles de La Fosse depicts the “The Glory of Paradise”, another masterpiece.

It played a big role in court life, hosting daily masses and significant ceremonies like royal weddings.

The Hall of Statues

The Hall of Statues, also known as the Hercules Room, is a collection of wall-to-wall statues representing various historical, mythological, and allegorical figures.

These statues were intended to reflect the grandeur and cultural richness of the French monarchy. 

They typically represent Greek and Roman deities, historical figures, and personifications of virtues an

The Hall of Mirrors

I’d love to know just how many times the Hall of Mirrors has appeared in movies and photos. 

It’s iconic, and I did wonder if I might be a little underwhelmed by it in real life. 

Happily, I can say I wasn’t because it really was breathtaking. It felt completely surreal being standing there, and I couldn’t help but think about all those people in history who had stood in this very room.

Designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart and completed in 1684, it contains 17 mirror-clad arches and 17 windows overlooking the gardens. 

Each arch contains 21 mirrors, creating a stunning effect of depth and light. 

The hall served multiple purposes. It was a passageway, a waiting and meeting area, and a venue for lavish ceremonies. The Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I, was signed here in 1919. 

The War Room

The War Room was the last room we visited, and we were glad to sit on one of the red velvet benches to take a load off.  It’s an impressive room that was primarily used for diplomatic receptions.

Decorated with martial themes, it celebrates the military victories of Louis XIV, featuring a grand ceiling painting by Charles Le Brun, portraying the king as a victorious commander. 

As with so many of the rooms we’d seen at the palace, it reflected the power of the Sun King’s reign, making it a symbol of France’s military strength during that era.

The Gardens and Grounds in Winter

During the winter, the gardens of Versailles transform. The fountains are turned off, and the statues and vases are covered to protect them from the cold weather. 

Without a doubt, it’s not the best time to see the gardens, so I’ve decided to leave them for a future visit.

Not to mention that there is so much to explore in the grounds than just the gardens.

The grounds of the Palace of Versailles feature several notable buildings:

• The Grand Trianon: A smaller palace set within its own park, used as a private retreat by the king.
• The Petit Trianon: A small château given to Marie Antoinette for her exclusive use.
• The Queen’s Hamlet: A rustic retreat built for Marie Antoinette, resembling a Norman village.
• The Orangerie: A large building housing orange trees, palms, and oleanders during winter.
• The Royal Opera of Versailles: A magnificent opera house within the palace complex. 

How to get to Versailles from Paris

To get to the Palace of Versailles from Paris, you can take the RER C train. This train directly connects various central Paris Metro stations (like Saint-Michel Notre-Dame, Musée d’Orsay, Invalides, Pont de l’Alma, and Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel) to Versailles Château – Rive Gauche station. 

The journey takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes. From the Versailles Château – Rive Gauche station, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the palace. 

Make sure to check for any possible disruptions or schedule changes on the day of your visit.

When we went we travelled from Musée d’Orsay and half our trains had been cancelled. Luckily, we’d allowed ourselves double the time we needed.

FAQS: Visiting Versailles in Winter

Is versailles open in the winter.

Yes, the Palace of Versailles is open during the winter. However, it’s important to check the official website for any seasonal changes in opening hours or unexpected closures due to maintenance or special events.

Does it snow at Versailles in winter?

Snowfall at Versailles during winter is possible but not frequent. The region experiences a temperate climate, so snow is less common compared to other parts of France.

What days to avoid Versailles?

Avoid going to Versailles on a Monday as it is closed, and weekends are always busier as people will come to Paris for a weekend break. So the best days tend to be Tuesday and Wednesday.

Is 2 hours enough for Versailles?

Two hours at Versailles might be sufficient for a brief overview of the palace and its main rooms. However, to fully appreciate the gardens, the Trianon Palaces, and the estate of Marie Antoinette, a full day is recommended.

Can you wear jeans to Versailles?

Yes, you can wear jeans to Versailles. There is no formal dress code for visitors, but comfortable walking shoes are advised due to the extensive grounds.

Final thoughts on going to Versailles in the winter

Well, having been to Versailles myself in December, I highly recommend going in the winter. It’s nice not having to fight the crowds and waiting in long queues to walk through each room.

And if you’re like me and want a photo in front of the iconic gates or on the black and white forecourt of the Cour d’Honneur, it’s perfect. 

There was barely anyone in the way when I was getting my pictures, and it was the same for the Hall of Mirrors. That would never happen in the summer.

Plus, it’s a lot to take in, so touring the grounds and the chateau separately is much easier on the brain, not to mention your feet.

More Reading:

• The Phantom of the Opera and Palais Garnier
• Following in Ernest Hemmingway’s footsteps at Les Deux Magots
• Top Tips for Visiting the Louvre
• The reason Paris is the most visited city in the world

TRAVELLING TO FRANCE?

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I personally use these sites myself and if you use them, they will earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps reduce the ever-increasing cost of maintaining my blog and writing about France. Thank you!

Kylie Lang is the founder of Life in Rural France. She moved to France in 2016 and lives in the beautiful Charente region in the Nouvelle Aquitaine. Through the blog, she showcases the best places to visit in France, especially in the South West. From chateaux and winery tours to hotels and restaurants, she has first-hand experience of life in France.

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Home » Travel Guides » France » 15 Best Things to Do in Versailles (France)

15 Best Things to Do in Versailles (France)

The Château of Versailles is the pinnacle of 17th and 18th-century luxury. It’s a manifestation of the excess of the Ancien Régime and is dumbfounding in its opulence, with grounds so large that you need a bicycle or golf cart to stand a chance of doing everything in a day.

Much of what you see was the work of architect Louis Le Vau, landscaper André Le Nôtre and Charles Le Brun, who painted and decorated the 17th-century interiors.

The rest of the town flows from the palace, providing sumptuous homes on elegant avenues for courtiers and contractors who needed to be close to the king.

Lets explore the best things to do in Versailles :

1. The Château’s Apartments

On a self-guided tour you’ll enter the dazzling salons and chambers where the royalty lived and went about their business.

The King’s Grand Apartment is all about Louis XIV, and the decor hasn’t changed since his reign in the 17th century.

In these seven spectacular salons he’d make himself available to visitors on his way to the chapel, and would hold court three evenings a week.

The King’s Apartment contained Louis XIV’s ludicrously grand bedchamber, while his successor Louis XV preferred the more understated King’s Private Apartment.

The Queen’s Grand Apartment is symmetrical to the King’s, but was a private space for the three queens, Marie-Thérèse d’Autriche (Louis XIV), Marie Leczinska (Louis XV) and Marie-Antoinette (Louis XVI), and so the decor was updated to suit late-18th-century tastes.

2. Hall of Mirrors

The Palace’s central gallery was built between 1678 and 1684, and connects the Grand Apartment of the King with the Grand Apartment of the Queen.

The Hall of Mirrors is as noted for its beauty (the consensus is that it’s the finest room in the palace), as it is for the historical events that have gone down in here.

The hall is 73 metres long, and lit from one side by 17 arcaded windows, the light of which is reflected by 17 identical mirrors.

Look up and you’ll see Charles Le Brun’s painted ceiling commemorating Louis XIV’s military campaigns and victories.

This of course was where the Treaty of Versailles was signed on 28 June 1919.

The Palace’s gargantuan grounds were André Le Nôtre’s time to shine.

And it was for a long time, because the gardens took forty years to finish.

Work started at the same time as the palace, and Louis XIV considered the grounds to be as important as the palace itself.

A good way to gauge the mind-boggling scale of the task is to stand on the steps outside the hall of mirrors and watch the parterres stretch past the Grand Canal and into the far distance.

You genuinely do need more than a day to see everything, but if you have to save time you could stick to the Orangery, with more than 1,000 boxed orange trees, and the parterres and bosquets directly below the Escaliers de Latone.

4. Academy of Equestrian Arts

The Grande Écurie stables were completed in 1682 and not only were they an appropriately majestic place for the King to keep his hunting horses, they contained the country’s preeminent riding academy.

On Saturdays you can visit the stables to see a show given by the academy, which was reformed in 2003 by the equestrian performer Bartabas.

The show brings together highly skilled equestrianism, fencing and dance.

If you think the last two seem out of place, it’s because the students at the academy are trained in other disciplines to improve their horse-handling skills.

On Sundays you can come to watch the academy train, while guided tours of the stables are available on request.

5. Musée des Carrosses

After a ten-year closure for restorations the museum in the Grande Écurie containing the château’s collection of carriages reopened in 2016. As with the rest of the palace the collection was made public by King Louis-Philippe I in 1833 when he opened up the château to the world.

Most of the vehicles are actually from the 19th century, as the luxurious carriages of the Ancien Régime were sold off during the Revolution.

One of the oldest is the sedan of the Dauphin Louis de France, dating to the 1780s.

After that you have gala Berlin carriages from Napoleon’s court, the hearse that carried Louis XVIII  in 1824 and Charles X’s coronation coach from the same year.

6. Royal Chapel

The King would attend mass in this two-level baroque chapel at 10:00 each day.

Many historic events took place here in the 18th century, like the wedding between the future Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.

It’s the only building in the complex that rises above the palace’s flat roofline.

The King would sit on the upper floor in the royal gallery, and the configuration of the chapel makes clear that French Kings were seen as God’s lieutenants.

Of the many things to admire are the Cliquot organ in the gallery above the altar, the carvings in the spandrels between the arches, the painted ceilings and the marble floor.

7. Grand Canal

The longest arm of this immense cross-shaped body of water is 1.67 kilometres.

The canal was one of André Le Nôtre masterworks: Looking west from the Escaliers de Latone it creates a long shaft of reflected light that tapers to a sliver in the distance.

The canal was the site of all sorts of boating spectacles during Louis XIV’s reign: In the 1670s the Republic of Venice sent the King gondolas as well as gondaliers, who stayed in buildings by the water.

In the winter it froze over and was used for sleighing and ice-skating.

These day, in summer you can hire paddle boat and spend a stately half-hour on the water like Louis XIV might have done more than 300 years ago.

8. Royal Opera

Completed in 1770 the palace’s opera house brought to a close more than a century of construction.

It was inaugurated for the wedding celebrations of the future Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.

The acoustics are top-notch and this is partly down to the hall’s wooden construction, with panels carved and painted to look like stone.

The entire design was well ahead of its time: It was the first ovular opera house in France, while the King’s Loge and Boudoir are early examples of the Louis XVI style (despite being made during the reign of Louis XV). It’s a design that would become prevalent in France for the next 20 years, until Louis XVI’s demise.

9. Hameau de la Reine

You could almost describe  Marie Antoinette’s private retreat as a medieval theme park built in the 18th century; she would come here to get away from the court and relax with her friends.

The hamlet has 12 quaint cottages and farm buildings, half-timbered and some with thatched roofs, all around a lake.

There’s a dairy, a tiny boudoir, a mill with waterwheel, a farmhouse, a fairytale tower and a barn.

All had their own little flower or vegetable garden, while the dairy even produced milk and eggs for the queen.

The Queen’s Cottage, with its twee spiral staircase is a favourite.

10. Le Grand Trianon

Several decades earlier Louis XIV had sought his own escape from court life, although his getaway was a fair bit grander than Marie Antoinette’s.

The Grand Trianon is a pavilion designed by Louis Le Vau as a place for the King to be alone with his chief mistress, the Marquise de Montespan.

After the initial building showed signs of wear, the king commissioned Jules Hardouin Mansart to build a new one made from pink marble in 1687. It’s set with its own geometric gardens, and at just one storey high manages to be cute and grand at the same time.

11. Church of Notre-Dame

Jules Hardouin-Mansart also provided the design for this church, which was finished in 1686. It was built at the command of Louis XIV to accommodate the growing population of Versailles after Louis XIV had moved the royal court there at the start of the decade.

The king himself laid the first stone in 1684.The church is an early example of neoclassicism and is lit from above by a roof lantern in the dome.

Most fascinating of all is that it’s a parish church, and so in its records are all details of the Royal baptisms, marriages and deaths that took place at the Palace of Versailles.

12. Potager du Roi

You better be sure that the King’s kitchen garden was no ordinary vegetable patch.

It was plotted over five years up to 1673 by gardener-supreme Jean-Baptiste de La Quintinie.

The Potager du Roi is still spread across nine hectares and is almost identical in layout to the one that fed Louis XIV. But now there’s much more variety, with more than 400 different kinds of fruit tree.

The garden is attached to the French National School of Landscaping, and produces more than 30 tons of vegetables and 50 tons of fruit each year.

The melons, figs and asparagus that fed the King back then are now sold at Versailles’ market or at the school’s own shop.

13. La Ferme de Viltain

It’s fair to say that a whole day walking around a palace and gardens might not be a kid’s idea of fun.

In which case you could drop in at this dairy farm a few kilometres south of Versailles.

They have a herd of some 600 cows, and you can see them being milked or, even better, meet their calves in summer.

Foodies interested in stuff like provenance will have a ball in the farm shop, which sells its own cheese, milk and yoghurt, alongside homemade jams and charcuterie.

Depending on when you’re here you can also pick your own seasonal flowers or fruit in the fields.

14. Musée Lambinet

If there’s a drawback to Versailles it would have to be the queues and crowds, so if you ever get overwhelmed you’ll be pleased to know there are some quiet corners like this to escape to.

The Musée Lambinet is on Boulevard de la Reine, in a mansion built for Joseph-Barnabé Porchon, who was a building contractor for Louis XV in 1751. There are more than 550 items on show, revealing the history of Versailles through ceramics, musical instruments, furniture and paintings by the artists like Alfred Sisley.

There are also enthralling displays about the Revolution, enriched with original artefacts and portraits of two protagonists, Jean-Paul Marat and Charlotte Corday.

15. Marché Notre-Dame

The marketplace in Versailles holds the largest outdoor farmers’ market in the Île-de-France region.

This sets up on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, while in the same square the permanent indoor market is open for the rest of the week except Monday.

The outdoor stalls sell produce like fruit and vegetables, flowers, cheese, spices, nuts and dried fruit, all beautifully presented.

Inside you can get meat, wine, fresh bread, yet more cheese, fish, pâté and also hot food to take away such as rotisserie chicken.

Like the best French markets it’s a feast for the senses and a perfect window on local life.

15 Best Things to Do in Versailles (France):

• The Château's Apartments
• Hall of Mirrors
• Academy of Equestrian Arts
• Musée des Carrosses
• Royal Chapel
• Grand Canal
• Royal Opera
• Hameau de la Reine
• Le Grand Trianon
• Church of Notre-Dame
• Potager du Roi
• La Ferme de Viltain
• Musée Lambinet
• Marché Notre-Dame

Home > Side Trips from Paris > Plan the Perfect Day Trip to Versailles from Paris – A Local’s Guide

Plan the Perfect Day Trip to Versailles from Paris – A Local’s Guide

Paris to versailles day trip.

Most people planning a holiday to Paris manage to squeeze a day in their itinerary for a day trip to Versailles. And for a reason!

Versailles is more than a French château; it is a royal domain that extends over 800 hectares! Here, nature and culture converge, and the sun shines even when it rains.

The Château de Versailles is a jewel of French Baroque architecture, and the grounds are stunning. The beauty of this site and its proximity to the French capital make a day trip to Versailles from Paris easy to organize and one of the top places on everyone’s Paris Bucket List .

Are you planning your Versailles trip last minute?

Below are some of the best Versailles tours, hotels, and more!

Book your transfer from a Paris airport to Versailles with Welcome Pickups .

Looking to travel around Versailles independently? Click here for the best rental car rates in Versailles .

Top Experiences and Tours in Versailles:

• Entry Ticket Château de Versailles, Gardens, and Estate of Trianon
• Château de Versailles Priority Entrance Ticket and Guided Tour
• Afternoon in the Petit Trianon and Estate of Marie-Antoinette
• Versailles Bike Tour with Château and Estate of Marie-Antoinette

Save money with the Paris & Versailles Bundle (Château de Versailles + Louvre Museum + Seine River Cruise), 100% digital!

Top Places to Stay in Versailles:

• Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Trianon Palace (by the Park of the Château de Versailles)
• Hotel Le Versailles (close to the Old Town and the famous Château)
• Hotel des Lys  (close to Notre Dame Market and the famous Château)

Don’t leave for Versailles without travel insurance!

Compare plans, prices, and coverage with  Travel Insurance Master , a comparison site that will find the perfect fit for you amongst the world’s leading programs.  Travel Insurance Master is also the best place to look for senior travelers .

The downside of Versailles’ fame and beauty are the crowds and the long lines to visit the Château. Indeed, with nearly 10 million visitors every year, the Château de Versailles is one of the world’s most visited historic sites! Also, there are so many things to see and do that a Paris to Versailles day trip can be a terrible experience if you arrive there without any plan.

How to plan a Versailles day trip from Paris? What is the best Versailles itinerary? This Versailles guide gives information and our best tips for planning the perfect day trip to Versailles from Paris. After reading this quick guide, you will see that it is very easy to visit Versailles!

Versailles is one of the most popular day trips from Paris. Check out the list of best day trips from Paris .

Table of Contents:

• Best Time to Visit Versailles
• Ways to Travel from Paris to Versailles
• Book your Skip-the-line Tickets to Versailles in Advance
• Why a Versailles Tour from Paris is a Good Idea
• Things to Do on a Versailles Day Trip from Paris
• Best Versailles Shows
• Extend your Versailles Trip
• Versailles Tips & Practical Info

1. Best Time to Visit Versailles

The best time to visit Versailles is in spring or autumn because the site is less crowded than in summer. The garden shows usually take place between April and October, and they are also lovely in the shoulder seasons. During this time, the French-style gardens that surround the Château are not free to visit, but there is Baroque music, and the fountains are running, so it is well worth the extra fee.

Winter is ideal for visiting the Château, but you will miss the beauty of the gardens in bloom, which is a shame. The French-style gardens are free to visit in winter, but many grooves are closed to the public. A day of snow can be nice, but it is rare!

Best Day to Visit Versailles

With your Versailles skip-the-line tickets, you will avoid the longest lines. Also, you may want to avoid the biggest crowds when you visit the Château of Versailles inside.

Versailles is particularly crowded on Tuesdays and during the weekends. If your schedule is flexible, prioritize Wednesdays and Thursdays for visiting Versailles, when there are fewer crowds. In our opinion, Wednesdays and Thursdays are the best days to visit Versailles .

The Château of Versailles is one of the top sights to visit near Paris. We recommend a day trip to Versailles from Paris in the following Paris itineraries:

• 4 days in Paris itinerary
• 5 days in Paris itinerary
• 6 days in Paris itinerary
• 7 days in Paris itinerary

2. Ways to Travel from Paris to Versailles

A Versailles trip from Paris is easy to organize. Read our article about all the ways to get to Versailles from Paris , public and private.

How far is Versailles from Paris? The distance from Paris to Versailles is about 25 km (15.5 miles).

3. Book your Skip-the-line Tickets to Versailles in Advance

If you decide to visit Versailles without a guided tour, buy your tickets well in advance. With the skip-the-line tickets, you will choose a date and a time slot, so you are sure to enter the Château within 30 minutes of your time slot.

Versailles offers different kinds of tickets, so it is essential to understand what you can visit with each ticket.

Compare the best Versailles Tickets

DID YOU KNOW? The Paris Museum Pass for 2, 4, or 6 days also includes access to Château de Versailles and the Trianons!

4. Why a Versailles Tour from Paris is a Good Idea

A Versailles tour from Paris is a popular option, especially among first-time visitors. Here’s why you should consider a guided tour for visiting Versailles:

» Your time is limited, and Versailles Estate is huge! Tour guides know how to get the most out of your time on a day trip from Paris to Versailles by showing the main sights at perfect times to avoid crowds.

» Guided tours with a knowledgeable guide are more interesting and interactive experiences. You can always ask your guide as many questions as you want, and they always seem to have many stories to tell.

» Versailles guided tours use a separate entrance to the Château, which is super cool. While Versailles skip-the-line tickets guarantee access to the Château within 30 minutes (the 30 minutes of your time slot), the access to the Château with a guided tour is immediate thanks to this separate entrance.

» Some of these tours also include the pickup and drop off at your hotel. After visiting Versailles for hours, how cool is it to go back straight to your hotel on a comfortable van or coach?

» Some Versailles guided tours allow people to visit otherwise closed rooms. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy these unique parts of the Château with a small group and far from the crowds.

Best Versailles Guided Tours in English (with skip-the-line tickets)

5. things to do on a versailles day trip from paris.

The Versailles Estate is vast, and there are many interesting things to visit. Here’s the list.

TIP: check out our suggested Versailles itinerary, self-guided.

Château de Versailles

Château de Versailles is the beating heart of the Versailles Estate. One of the most beautiful castles in France , the Palace of Versailles has two floors – the garden floor and the first floor – with a total surface of 63,000 m2 divided into 2,300 rooms and halls.

The most famous room in the Château is the Hall of Mirrors, used for ceremonies and exceptional occasions such as the masked ball for Marie-Antoinette and Louis XVI ‘s wedding. But of course, there’s much more!

Don’t miss one of the best castles near Paris . The articles below are in-depth articles about the Palace of Versailles and our best skip-the-line tips for visiting it.

Gardens of Versailles

Designed by André Le Notre , the same landscaper designer who created the gardens of Château de Chantilly , the magnificent French-style Gardens of Versailles is one of the jewels of the Versailles Estate.

The Gardens of Versailles surround the Château on three sides, and they are decorated with many fountains, grooves, statues, colonnades, and even an obelisk. From April to October, they host beautiful music and water shows, and there’s an entrance fee to access them. The access is free from November to March, but some grooves are closed.

If you want to know more about these stunning gardens, the articles below are in-depth articles about the Gardens of Versailles and the fountains that decorate these gardens.

The Estate of Trianon

The Estate of Trianon  is home to the Grand Trianon and the Petit Trianon pavilions, the Queen’s Hamlet , and various ornamental gardens.

The Kings built these intimate spaces close to the Palace of Versailles to gain some brief respite from courtly etiquette and enjoy nature. The Queen’s Hamlet was constructed for Queen Marie-Antoinette and her children to play the peasants, and it had a farm, a mill, and many animals.

The Park of Versailles is the green extension surrounding the Grand Canal, and it is always free to visit. This part is very popular amongst locals and Parisians for family picnics, jogging, or bike rides.

The Grand Canal is André Le Nôtre’s most original design. With its huge dimensions (1,700 m east-west and 1000 m north-south) and 60 m in width, the Grand Canal was used for ship battles by the King and his court.

If you are fit, walk down to the Royal Star , a viewpoint at the edge of the western branch with amazing views.

This area is home to the famous Lime Tree Walk , which links the Château to the Mortemets, the waterfowl reserve within King Louis XIV’s hunting estate.

Le Potager du Roi

Le Potager du Roi (the King’s vegetable garden) was built between 1678 and 1683 by Jean-Baptiste La Quintinie at King Louis XIV’s request.

Well known for his experience with fruit gardens and vegetable gardens, La Quintinie was responsible for providing fruits and vegetables at the King’s table. 

The prodigies accomplished by La Quintinie attracted the interest and admiration of his master, the King, who liked to come for a walk in the vegetable garden. A gardening enthusiast, King Louis XIV liked to show his vegetable garden to his illustrious guests, and he even learned how to prune fruit trees with his gardener.

Le Potager du Roi is a listed historical monument and a “remarkable garden.” Its gardeners perpetuate the art of pruning and grow a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.

Le Potager du Roi is an independent visit, not included in any ticket shown above. The entrance is located at 10 Rue du Maréchal-Joffre. Tickets cost 5€ – 3€ (high season – November to March).

The Royal Stables (Gallery of Coaches)

The Royal Stables consists of two buildings – the Great Stables and the Small Stables – identical in size but with different uses.

The Great Stables are where the hunting horses were kept (hundreds of horses according to their race and coat), while the Small Stables were used to keep the carriages, sleds, and coaches.

Today, the Great Stables’ ground floor hosts an impressive display of coaches, mainly grand ceremonial Berlin Coaches from Napoleon I’s coronation and second marriage.

The Royal Stables are located at 1 Avenue Rockefeller, just in front of the Palace, and they are open on Saturday and Sunday, from 12.30 pm to 5.30 pm November to March, and from 12.30 pm to 6.30 pm April to October.

6. Best Versailles Garden & Fountain Shows

If you plan a day trip from Paris to Versailles during the high season (from April to October), you can enjoy beautiful shows around the gardens: the Musical Fountains Show , the Musical Gardens Show , and the Versailles Fountains Night Show .

Check out our dedicated guide to the fountains of Versailles for the show days and fountains schedule.

Versailles Musical Fountains Show

The Musical Fountains Show is our favorite Versailles Garden show. Explore the gardens and grooves while listening to Baroque music, and watch the fountains’ water displays with special effects. Skip the lines and save money by purchasing the Versailles Passport, with the Musical Fountains Show included

Versailles Musical Gardens Show

Wander through the largest open-air museum, decorated with amazing sculptures, while listening to the beautiful sounds of Baroque music. In the Musical Gardens Show , the Versailles fountains are not running – Click here to buy the Versailles Passport, with the Musical Gardens Show included

Versailles Fountains Night Show

The Versailles Gardens are transformed into a striking visual and musical experience during the Fountains Night Show . Stroll the gardens beautifully illuminated, with the fountains and grooves displaying water at the sound of music. The show ends with a ‘grande finale,’ fireworks display in front of the Grand Canal – Click here to buy the tickets for the Fountains Night Show

7. Extend your Versailles Trip

The Versailles Estate is huge, so you’ll probably need more than a Paris day trip to Versailles to explore everything at a leisurely pace. You will also find yourself staying late if you watch the  Saturday night Fountain Show . Traveling back to your hotel in Paris after the show will be difficult because everybody leaves the show at the same time (after the Grand Finale), the train station is always crowded, and taxis back to Paris are hard to find. 

Fortunately, there are several comfortable and luxurious hotels near the Château that will make your visit more convenient and that extra bit special. Here are the best-rated hotels near Versailles Palace , with something for every traveler. Spend two days rather than a day in Versailles and also visit some of the best things to do in Versailles town .

8. Versailles Tips & Practical Info

This is what you need to know to plan your Paris – Versailles day trip:

» The Versailles Estate is FREE for everyone on the first Sunday of the month, from November to March. Long lines to visit the different buildings are guaranteed, though.

» The Park and the Gallery of Coaches are always FREE to visit. If you only want to visit one of these places, there is no ticket to buy.

» The Gardens (the French-style Gardens around the Palace) are FREE to visit from November to March. From April to October, there’s a fee to access the Gardens, and the price depends on the kind of show on that day (Musical Fountains Show or Musical Gardens Show).

Versailles Opening Hours – Low Season (November to March)

• During the low season, Château de Versailles opens from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. The last admission is at 5:00 pm.
• The Trianon and Marie-Antoinette’s domain opens from 12:00 to 5:30 pm. The last admission is at 5:00 pm.
• The Park and Gardens are open from 8:00 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the last admission at 5:30 p.m. During the low season, some grooves in the Gardens are closed.
• The waiting time to visit the different buildings is definitely shorter during the low season, so your Versailles itinerary can be more flexible.

Versailles Opening Hours – High Season (April to October)

• During the high season, Château de Versailles opens from 9 am to 6.30 pm. The last admission is at 6:00 pm.
• The Trianon and Marie-Antoinette’s domain is open from 12 to 6:30 p.m., with the last admission at 6:00 p.m.
• The Park and Gardens are open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., with the last admission at 7:00 p.m.
• During the high season, the average waiting time to enter the Château is one hour without any Versailles skip-the-line tickets.
• There’s one line to access the Château and one different line to buy the tickets. If you want to buy your Versailles tickets on-site, you need to add one extra hour to this time.

Versailles Main Access Points

The Versailles Estate is vast, with many entrance gates, but some gates are permanently closed for security reasons. Find below the main gates or points of access to the Versailles Estate, which are always open.

GOOD TO KNOW: Remember that due to the anti-terrorist security plan, visitors with large baggage items (exceeding 55x35x20 cm) are not admitted on the domain, and every bag or vehicle is controlled upon access.

» The main entrance to the Place of Versailles is through the MAIN COURTYARD.

• ACCESS A is for individual visitors with their tickets already bought and printed (or on mobile phone)
• ACCESS B, on the opposite side of the courtyard, is for groups with reservations
• If you do not have a ticket upon arrival and are not eligible for free admission, go to the ticket office first, situated on the left in the Main Courtyard in the South Ministers’ Wing, and then to ACCESS A to validate it.

» You can access the Estate of Trianon by the Gardens and Park (entrances located at Allée des 2 Trianons) or from the city via SAINT-ANTHONY GATE (located on the D186 arriving from le Chesnay)

» The DRAGON GATE gives access to the Gardens from rue de la Parroisse.

» The QUEENS GATE, on Boulevard de la Reine, provides pedestrian access and car access to the Park.

» The SAILORS GATE, on the route de Saint-Cyr (D10), provides access to the Park and Sailors Walk.

» Access to the Potager du Roi is at 10, rue du Maréchal-Joffre.

» Access to the Royal Stables is on Avenue de Rockefeller, in front of the Palace.

So there you have it, our Versailles guide with everything you need to know for a wonderful day trip Paris to Versailles.

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Europe , France · April 17, 2020

First Time Guide to Visiting the Palace of Versailles

If you are planning a trip to Paris, the Palace of Versailles is an easy day trip to add on to your itinerary. However, there are a few things that you should know before you go. We’re here to share everything you need to know before your first time visiting the Palace of Versailles!

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Everything you need to know before visiting the Palace of Versailles

Table of Contents

Where is the palace of versailles located, how do i get to the palace of versailles, history of the palace of versailles, the best time to visit the palace of versailles, visitor information for visiting the palace of versailles, 1. touring the main palace of versailles, 2. visiting the versailles gardens, 3. visiting the palaces of trianon, 4. visiting the royal stables.

The Palace is located in the city of Versailles in the Ile-de-France region, about 12 miles southwest of the Paris city center.

Versailles was once a small village dating back to the 11th century, but today it is a wealthy suburb of Paris.

Before our visit, I had pictured the Palace to be situated in the Paris countryside, when in fact, it is perched right in the heart of the city.

The best way to reach the Palace of Versailles is by train. Take the yellow RER C line to the Versailles-Chateau-Rive-Gauche station. This line can be easily accessed from any of the major train stations in Paris,

The RER is a train system connecting passengers from Paris to the surrounding suburbs. The RER line utilizes double-decker trains that are more spacious and clean compared to the Paris metro line.

The cost to ride the train from Paris to Versailles is 7.10 euros roundtrip and takes anywhere from 60-90 minutes, depending on which station you are departing from.

Once you arrive at the station, it is a short 10-minute walk to the Palace. The route is clearly marked with signs pointing visitors in the right direction.

If you prefer to not take the train, other options include renting a car or taking a tour .

Louis XIII enjoyed hunting in the surrounding forests of Versailles and commissioned a hunting lodge to be built in 1624 which he gradually expanded over the years into a small chateau.

Louis XIV played and hunted at the lodge with his father when he was younger, and even spent time there to escape the smallpox outbreak.

Several years after taking the throne, he wanted to establish the country estate as the seat of the French government where the Court of Versailles would reside.

From 1661 to 1715 the chateau underwent two stages of major renovations to create one of the largest palaces in the world. It became the center of political power in France and a symbol of absolute monarchy.

Louis XIV succeeded his father at the age of four and reigned for 72 years and 110 days. This is the longest reign of any monarch of a sovereign country in Europe. He died at the Palace of Versailles in 1715.

Perhaps the most well-known residents of the Palace of Versailles were King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette.

Louis XVI was the last king of France. He reigned from 1774 until 1792 when the French Revolution stripped them of their power and resulted in their beheadings.

During the revolution, the palace was looted by revolutionaries, and many of the furnishings and artifacts were destroyed.

After the French Revolution, the Palace fell into the hands of the new government where much of the remaining furnishings and artwork were sold or donated to the Louvre.

Many of the pieces have been returned in an effort to restore the palace to its original state. In 1837, the Palace of Versailles was reopened as the Museum of the History of France.

Another notable historical event that took place in the Palace was the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. On June 28, 1919, the treaty was signed in the Hall of Mirrors and solidified the end of WWI.

During peak season, the palace can see as many as 27,000 visitors a day, resulting in long lines and crowded corridors.

If you want to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit is November through March. We visited at the end of February and there was no wait at the entrance and security.

However, visiting during the winter means that the elaborate estate gardens are dormant. Spring and summer are the best time to experience the gardens at the Palace of Versailles fully.

You will also want to arrive as early as possible on the day of your visit.

The gardens open at 8 am and the palace opens at 9 am. If you arrive at 8 am, you can enjoy the tranquil gardens and avoid the tour bus crowds that start arriving shortly after 9 am.

•  The Main Palace is open every day, except Mondays, from 9 am to 5:30 pm (6:30 during peak season). The Gardens are open every day from 8 am to 6 pm (8:30 pm during peak season). The Estate of Trianon is open every day, except Mondays, from 12 pm to 5:30 pm.
• The best value is the Passport with Timed Entry for 20 euros. This includes access to all 4 areas of the palace. It also includes an audioguide and timed entry to avoid the lines.
• There are a variety of ticket options available, check this link for a comparison of the tickets .
• Entry is free on the first Sunday of the month from November to March.
• Guided tours are an additional 10 euros. Knowledgeable guides dive deep into the history and allow visitors to access portions of the palace that are closed off to regular visitors.
• From April thru the beginning of November, guests can view the fountain show and musical gardens at an additional charge.
• Be sure to download the free Palace of Versailles app that includes audioguides at no additional charge.
• Beware of pickpocketers in and around the palace grounds.
• Large bags, metal strollers, umbrellas, and selfie sticks are prohibited.

What to expect when visiting the Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles consists of four main areas:

• The Main Palace
• The Gardens and Park
• The Estate of Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet
• The Royal Stables. 

The opulent palace has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It contains 2,300 rooms spread over almost 680,000 square feet.

The basic ticket includes a self-guided audio tour of the most popular rooms comprising a small portion of the palace.

I will admit that the audioguide left me longing for more. It was very informative as far as the function and decor of each room, but it lacked in the fascinating history and stories that I was craving.

If you are looking to delve deeper into the history, a guided tour would be a better option.

These are the rooms that are included in the basic tour of the Palace of Versailles:

The Royal Chapel

After picking up an audio guide, guests will head upstairs where they can view the two-story Royal Chapel. The court gathered here every morning at 10 am for the King’s mass.

Visitors can then catch a glimpse of the Upper Stone Gallery adjacent to the upper floor of the chapel.

The Hercules Drawing Room

From here, guests will tour the King’s State Apartments. This is a collection of 7 elaborate rooms, beginning with the Hercules Drawing Room.

This regal room once served as the palace chapel until the current Royal Chapel was completed.

It later served as a ballroom and hosted a variety of diplomatic functions.

The room features a massive fireplace and an astounding ceiling painting, Apotheosis of Hercules , which gave the room its name.

The famed Feast in the House of Simon can also be found adorning the wall. This Veronese painting was a diplomatic gift from the Doge of Venice.

The Venus Room

The King often hosted evening gatherings and utilized the Venus Room for serving refreshments.

Tables were decorated with floral bouquets and topped with delectable rare fruits.

The Diana Room

The themed rooms centered around Greek and astrological mythology. The Diana Room was in honor of Diana, the Greek Goddess of the Hunt, with much of the artwork depicting hunting scenes.

This room served as the billiards room during the evening gatherings. In this room, you’ll also find a marble bust of Louis XIV created by Italian artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1665.

It has been referred to as the “grandest piece of portraiture of the baroque age”.

The Mars Room

The Mars Room originally served as the guardroom and celebrates the king’s military triumphs.

This room was often used for music and dancing during the evening social gatherings.

The Mercury Room

The Mercury Room served as the State Bedchamber. Louis XIV’s grandson slept here for three weeks before traveling to Spain to take the throne as the king of Spain.

This is also the room where Louis XIV’s coffin was on display for 8 days after his death.

The Apollo Room

The Apollo Room was originally designed as a ceremonial room but was used as the throne room beginning in 1682.

The artwork in the room is dedicated to the “Sun King” the self-proclaimed title by Louis XIV.

His lavish 8 1/2 foot silver throne once stood in this room until it was melted down to help finance one of the wars.

A copy of the most famous portrait of Louis XIV hangs above the fireplace, the original can be found at the Louvre.

The War Room

The War Room and Peace Room flank the Hall of Mirrors and combine to make up the Grand Gallery.

The War Room pays tribute to the military victories and is decorated with trophies, gilded weapons, paintings, and a large stucco medallion of Louis XIV on horseback trampling his enemies.

From here, visitors enter into the Hall of Mirrors.

Hall of Mirrors

The Hall of Mirrors is the most popular room in the Palace of Versailles and once stood as an outdoor terrace overlooking the gardens.

The elaborate 240-foot-long hall is lined with 17 arches comprised of 357 small mirrors.

The exterior wall is lined with 17 correlating arched windows reflecting sunlight onto the mirrors. The ceiling is hung with 24 ornate chandeliers.

During special occasions, as many as 20,000 candles were lit in the hall creating a “corridor of light” with the flames dancing in the mirrors.

The artwork lining the hall pays tribute to the political, economic, and artistic success of France.

The hall served as a daily passageway between the King and Queen’s state apartments, and occasionally hosted ceremonies and special events.

As mentioned before, it is here that the 1919 Treaty of Versailles was signed to end WWI. Today concerts are held year-round in the hall.

For a unique experience, you can actually spend the night at the Palace of Versailles where you get exclusive access to an after-hours tour without the crowds.

The Peace Room

After crossing the Hall of Mirrors, visitors will reach the Peace Room. This room pays homage to the peace that France brought to Europe after the wars represented in the War Room.

During the reign of Louis XV, this room was used for religious concerts every Sunday.

The King’s Bedchamber

The king commissioned a collection of rooms for his own private apartments.

These can be visited during a guided tour, however, his bedchamber can be viewed just off the Hall of Mirrors.

This regal room was once the State Drawing Room. In 1701 it became the king’s bedchamber in order to occupy the center of the palace.

The king even commissioned custom bed drapes to be made using real gold thread. It is on this bed that Louis XIV died of gangrene in his leg.

The Queen’s Apartments

The symmetrical first floor of the palace originally had identical layouts for both the Queen’s and King’s Apartments. The Queen resided on the south and the King resided on the north.

After the Queen’s death shortly after moving in, Louis XIV made changes and downsized the Queen’s Apartments in order to accommodate his own personal apartments.

It is also interesting to note that the paintings on the ceiling depict female characters throughout the Queen’s Apartments, whereas the King’s feature males.

The Queen’s Bedchamber

The Queen’s Bedchamber was occupied by three different queens over the years.

The luxurious decor was definitely fit for a queen, from the sculptured gilded ceiling to the peacock feathers adorning the canopied bed.

It is here where the queen spent much of her time holding private audiences. Her getting-up ceremony was a courtly affair mandated by strict etiquette.

Throughout the years, nineteen children of French royalty were born in this room, an event that was a public affair of the court.

The first two queens also passed away in this room. The last queen to occupy this room was the ostentatious Marie-Antoinette.

The Noble’s Room

The Noble’s Room served as the second antechamber where formal audiences were held.

Marie Antoinette took it upon herself to remodel this room in a more modern style.

The Royal Antechamber

The King and Queen were required to eat certain meals in public and the Royal Antechamber is where this took place.

While the royal family were the only ones dining, the ceremony drew a large crowd of spectators from members of the court.

Those who were privileged enough to be granted access to the affair sat on stools or stood gathered around to watch.

The antechamber is also where the queen’s guests waited before entering the bedchamber.

The Queen’s Guard Room

Twelve guards were posted day and night in the Queen’s Guard Room.

The queen never entered this room and never felt the need to redecorate. As a result, this is the only room in the palace that reflects the original 17th-century decor.

In the early morning of October 6, 1789, hundreds of starving French citizens stormed the palace in an effort to abolish the absolute monarchy during the French Revolution.

The rioters tried to reach the Queen’s Apartments through this guard room. A guard warned one of the queen’s ladies-in-waiting, she was then able to bolt the door to the antechamber and help the queen escape through the King’s Apartments.

This concludes the self-guided portion of the palace tour. Cafes, shops, and restrooms are also situated throughout the palace. Click here for a map of the Palace of Versailles.

The Garden of Versailles is spread across 1,976 acres and is one of the largest gardens in the world. Entrance to the gardens is free, however, the musical fountain show is an additional charge.

Exploring the gardens can take an entire day. Bike rentals are a fun way to explore the gardens and help guests make the most of their time. Rentals are available from mid-February to mid-November.

This Food & Palace Bike Tour also comes highly recommended where you can explore the gardens, learn about the scandalous history, and have a picnic on the banks of the canal.

The audio guide included with the palace tour does not include the gardens. However, the free Palace of Versailles app has an audio guide available for the gardens.

Shortly after we set out to explore the gardens, a huge thunderstorm hit and we had to run for shelter.

But before it started raining, we strolled through the gardens appreciating the perfectly symmetrical lines and architectural layout.

We admired the sculptures, fountains, and the grandeur of the Grand Canal.

Guests can even rent a rowboat to glide along the canal from late February to mid-November.

We stopped in at the garden cafe for a panini when the rains hit and we had to make a run for it back to the train station.

I wish we had more time to explore the gardens, but we hope to return again someday!

Click the link for a detailed map of the Versailles Gardens highlighting the must-see locations.

The Palaces of Trianon are located in the northern quarter of the gardens. The estate includes the Grand Trianon, the Petite Trianon, and the Queen’s Hamlet.

Admission is included with the purchase of a passport ticket, or tickets can be purchased separately.

Visitors can walk the 1.4 miles to reach the Palaces of Trianon, or take the Little Train for 8 euros roundtrip. The train departs from the Palace of Versaille’s north terrace as well as the top of the Grand Canal.

The Grand Trianon

The Grand Trianon served as a private retreat for the king. It was a place for him to escape the pressure and crowds of courtesans and spend time with his mistress.

The expansive single-story palace is surrounded by its own private gardens and courtyard. Visitors can tour the King and Queen’s Apartments, State Apartments, and several other rooms, as well as the gardens.

The Petite Trianon

The Petite Trianon lies on the other end of the gardens opposite the Grand Trianon.

Louis XV wanted to expand the Grand Trianon in order to accommodate more guests, so he commissioned the Petite Trianon to be built.

It was here that he first began to experience symptoms of the pox which took his life a few days later.

Louis XVI had been heir to the French throne since the age of 11 when his father passed away, as well as his older brother.

When his grandfather, Louis XV passed away, he inherited the throne at age 20.

At this point, he had already been married to Marie-Antoinette for 5 years, she was 14 at the time of their marriage (and supposedly they did not consummate their marriage for seven years).

Upon taking the throne after the death of his grandfather, the Petit Trianon was given to his young wife as a gift.

Years later it was rumored that the Petit Trianon is where she would meet up with her lover, a Swedish diplomat.

Later, during the French Revolution, the Petit Trianon was turned into a hostel.

The Queen’s Hamlet

Marie Antoinette was loathed by the people and seen as the symbol of the monarchy’s excess.

While the citizens of France were dying of starvation, she was remodeling the palace with the finest furnishings and focusing her attention on outlandish hairstyles.

Supposedly, when she was told the citizens had no bread to eat, she flippantly responded, “let them eat cake”. A luxury that no peasant could afford. However, scholars argue whether she really uttered those famous words.

The Queen’s Hamlet is another example of the excess she is known for. When she sought a place of refuge to escape palace life, she commissioned a small village to be built around an artificial lake within the Trianon Gardens.

The ten buildings composing the Queen’s Hamlet have a rustic exterior with extravagant interior details.

The hamlet is divided into three main areas. The first is the reception area which includes the windmill, the boudoir, the Queen’s House, the billiard room, and the stove room. These facilities were used when the Queen entertained guests and hosted small parties.

The second area is used for agricultural purposes and includes a barn, working dairy, model dairy, fisherman’s cottage, and guardhouse. 

The third area is the farm and includes stables, a pig sty, a sheep pen, and a hen house. The Queen insisted that this was a functioning farm that was used for the palace kitchen and to educate the royal children.

The Royal Stables are the final stop while visiting the Palace of Versailles. The stables are located across the street just opposite the palace.

They are situated at the edge of Place d’Armes near the beginning of the three main avenues that fan out from the palace.

The Royal Stables consists of the Great and Small stables, both equal in size but different in function. The scale and majesty of the stables are astounding.

During the reign of Louis XIV, as many as 2,000 horses were residing in the stables, with 1,500 men working there. The horses were trained for hunting and war.

Today guests can visit the Gallery of Coaches free of charge. The gallery is located on the ground floor of the Great Stables.

The gallery houses an extravagant collection of grand ceremonial coaches. Each carriage played a role in a historic event from marriages, to baptisms, coronations, and funerals.

Visitors can also view a short video chronicling the history of horse-drawn carriages.

I was amazed to see that there was so much more to explore at the Palace of Versailles beyond the palace itself.

I hope this guide has helped better prepare you to know what to expect when visiting the Palace of Versailles!

Other posts you might like:

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• Paris Bucket List
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Family travel expert and content creator who has been inpsiring millions with her travel guides since 2018.

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September 30, 2022 at 5:45 pm

How long does the self guided audio guide tour last? Does it include the gallery of great battles?

September 30, 2022 at 9:48 pm

The self-guided audio tour inside the palace lasts for about an hour, but you can go at your own pace. Your ticket also gives you access to the gardens and a few other exhibits, but not the Gallery of Great Battles.

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Tips and tricks to make the most of your visit to versailles.

V ersailles is an immense art piece. Everything currently on the 2,000-acre estate was thought out, designed, and built meticulously over 100 years (1683-1785) to become the outstanding place it is today. And although every single nook and cranny of the estate, from the furniture in the palace to the groves and paths in the gardens, is worth seeing, you probably only have a limited amount of time in your hands. That’s why we’ve asked French art historian and architecture expert Dorian Dallongeville to give us the lowdown on how to make the best out of your day in Versailles.

Dorian Dallongeville started studying Art History in high school when he was 16 years old. He made the discipline his major at the University of Nantes, France, for one year and then attended the Ecole du Louvre for four years where he graduated in 2009. Dallongeville’s area of expertise is architecture between the end of the Middle Ages (1492) and the French Revolution (1789). Dallongeville was the director and curator at the Port Museum of Dunkirk.

The #1 tip for visiting Versailles

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• If you have more time in the city Versailles

Where to stay in Versailles to be near the palace

Photo: Mistervlad /Shutterstock

The estate is huge, the crowds are massive, and security is very high, all of which translates into very long lines at the entrance, so you need to come to Versailles prepared.

Buy a “ passport with timed entry ” online before your visit. If you don’t you will spend hours in line outside to get in and you may even be refused entry if the crowds are too big.

The “passport with timed entry” will give you access to the whole estate (which is exactly what you want) and guarantees entry within half an hour of the selected time. Dallongeville recommends that you splurge a little and also book a ticket for the amazing Musical Fountain Shows and the Musical Gardens — just make sure they are happening on the day of your visit before you purchase your ticket.

Instead of purchasing the use an audioguide, download the free app on your phone or tablet before your visit. It includes the audio guide tour of the palace and an interactive map of the estate. It can be used without an internet connection.

Plan to spend the entire day visiting the estate — there is a lot to see.

In winter, The gardens and the park are open from 8 AM to 6 PM, the palace is open from 9 AM to 5:30 PM, the Estate of the Trianon is open from 12 PM (noon) to 6:30 PM, and the Gallery of Coaches is open from 12 PM (noon) to 5:30 PM. The estate is closed on Monday.

In summer, The gardens are open from 8 AM to 8:30 PM, the park is open from 7 AM to 8:30 PM, the palace is open from 9 AM to 6:30 PM, the Estate of the Trianon is open from 12 PM (noon) to 5:30 PM, and the Gallery of Coaches is open from 12 PM (noon) to 5:30 PM. The estate is closed on Monday.

Photo: ThomasLENNE /Shutterstock

Versailles is gorgeous all year round, but because the gardens are just as important and beautiful as the palace, we suggest you visit in June when the blossoms are out, the big events are on, and the crowds are still manageable. (July and August are the busiest months of the year to visit Versailles.)

Visiting in winter can be magical, especially if there is snow, but you’d be missing out on the spots that make Versailles the amazing estate that it is, i.e. many of the sculptures in the gardens may be covered, the Orangery will be closed, etc.

To maximize your time in Versailles, visit the estate during the day and take part in one of the events organized in the evenings. Check out the program of events and schedule your visit accordingly. There are concerts, operas, plays, ballets, art exhibits, masked balls, fireworks displays, and more that take place within the palace or the gardens — not your run-of-the-mill venue. Dallongeville insists that the icing on the cake after a visit to the estate is attending one of the night fountain shows . They are beautiful, but they only take place every Saturday evening in the summer months, so plan ahead.

Versailles is a town outside of the city of Paris. It’s a quick one-hour train ride, but be organized and arrive at the entrance before opening time with your “passport with timed entry” all ready to be presented to the staff.

There are three train stations in the town of Versailles. Hop in the RER C train in Paris to arrive at the train station Versailles Rive Gauche, which is the closest to the estate (10 minutes on foot). It is the last train station on the line, so you’re sure to not miss your stop.

The estate is huge and filled with amazing stuff to check out. Dallongeville suggests that you don’t book a guided tour and use the audio guide and map available on the free Palace of Versailles mobile app to visit the at your own pace. That way, you won’t stuck inside on a visit of the King’s State Apartments when you just want to be enjoying the break in the weather to roam the beautiful gardens.

Main facade of the Palace and Marble Courtyard – Photo: Jacky D /Shutterstock

All visitors arrive to Versailles through the main entrance gate (Grille d’Honneur) and walk across the Courtyard of Honour to reach the ticketing desks and security check. Once done with the entry requirements, don’t rush inside the palace. Instead, take the time to walk the Royal Courtyard, followed by the Marble Courtyard, and admire the facade of the palace — it’s pretty swanky.

Refer to the map of the estate to plan your visit.

The Hall of Mirrors – Photo: Mister_Knight /Shutterstock

Dallongeville highly recommends that visitors start with the palace where the royal families of Louis XIV, XV, and XVI lived from 1682 to the French Revolution. It is less crowded inside at 9:00 AM than it is at 11:00 AM, so get cracking with the lavishly decorated and furnished Private Apartments, including the underrated but gorgeous Mistresses’ Apartments (that’s right) and Louis XV’s daughters’ Apartments. The Royal Chapel, Royal Opera House, State Apartments, and Hall of Mirrors are also not to be missed. Finish off your morning with the Gallery of the Great Battles, which is sumptuous. This visit should take between 90 minutes and two hours. When you’re done, head outside to the gardens.

Palace of Versailles gardens

View upon leaving the palace to access the gardens – Photo: Takashi Images /Shutterstock

Once outside, don’t get sucked into the magnificent perspective — going straight down the steps to the Latona fountain and parterre and down the green carpet towards the Grand Canal is a rookie mistake. Instead, spend a couple of hours exploring the many secretive gardens and groves on the left and right of that perspective — that’s where the good hiding spots and the cool sculptures are located. The parterre of the Orangery is also well worth spending some time in to see orange trees, lemon trees, oleander, palm and pomegranate trees spread outside in the French formal garden in summer.

The Orangery parterre – Photo: PhotoFires /Shutterstock

Visiting Versailles involves a lot of walking, so if you want to give your feet a little break and if time allows it, rent a rowing boat for 30 minutes and take a little paddle on the Grand Canal. It’s always a hit with the kiddos, and on a sunny day, it’s a lovely activity to see the estate from a different point of view.

The Estate of the Trianon

The Queen’s hamlet – Photo: Takashi Images /Shutterstock

Once you have a taken a break from walking, head to Marie-Antoinette’s estate to visit the restored Petit Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet — fans of Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette will love checking this area. Dallongeville recommends that you take the time to wander around this bucolic and serene part of the park, which transports you well away from the city.

The Gallery of Coaches

The Gallery of Coaches – Photo: Chateau de Versailles

You should still have some time to spare before the estate closes, so head back to the Courtyard of Honour and through the main gate where you started and visit the Gallery of Coaches in the Great Stables. There, you’ll see the most amazing collection of travel vehicles, from coaches and small carriages for Marie Antoinette’s children to sedan chairs and sleds, all adorned with carvings, golden embroideries, golden decorations, etc.

Photo: Alfredo Garcia Saz /Shutterstock

The Grand Trianon is worth checking if you have time to spare. People flock to the Petit Trianon, so the Grand Trianon is much less crowded yet as magnificent.

The Peristyle, a sheltered colonnade connecting the two wings of the Grand Trianon, is surrounded by gardens and is the highlight of the Grand Trianon. Plan your visit to be there at sunset when the light hits the beautiful pink marble columns — it’s a spectacle like no other.

If you have more time in the city of Versailles

The city of Versailles, like the estate it was built around, is superb. Dallongeville suggests that you spend two days exploring it if you have time. Spend the first day in the estate and the second one visiting the following spots:

The King’s Vegetable Garden

When Louis XIV built Versailles, he hired an architect for the palace (Le Vau), a landscaper for the park (Le Notre), an artist for the sculptures (Le Brun), and a vegetable and fruit specialist for the kitchen garden (La Quintinie) to grow and provide the King and his court rare and out-of-season fruits and vegetables.

The 22-acre vegetable garden built between 1678 and 1683 still exists in its original location, a few minutes’ walk from the palace, and still produces veggies and fruit that are sold in the on-site shop. It is also the location of a prestigious gardening and landscaping school.

The Royal Tennis Court

The jeu de paume is an old version of tennis and was a popular sport in the 17th century among the royal family and the court. The Royal Tennis Court , built a few hundred feet away from the palace in 1686, played a significant role in the French Revolution as it was the place where actors of the demand for democracy gathered. The Royal Tennis Court still stands today and can be visited. The Royal Tennis Court is open for visits every first Sunday of the month, from June to October, from 12:30 to 6:30 PM.

We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend in Versailles! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.

Le Grand Contrôle

This five-star property is the only hotel on the grounds of Versailles, making for a very immersive stay. The hotel’s beautiful building was designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, Louis XIV’s favourite architect, and all the rooms have been decorated in luxurious and traditional 18th-century style. The hotel is home to a spa and a Michelin-star restaurant, but the best part of staying at le Grand Contôle is the unrivalled access to the estate. Every day before or after Versailles open the public, hotel guests get exclusive tours of the palace, the Estate of the Trianon, and more.

Waldorf Astoria Versailles

The Waldorf Astoria Versailles is a huge property that is located right by the palace. There are two hotels within the property: The five-star Trianon Palace and the four-star Pavillon du Trianon, both of which are exceptional places to stay. However, the Trianon Palace is a little more special: it is housed in a historic neoclassical-style building and has rooms overlooking the Versailles gardens. Waldorf Astoria Versailles has two restaurants (one of which has a Michelin star and is headed by Gordon Ramsay), a bar, a fitness room, and a luxurious spa.

Le Louis Versailles Château — MGallery

The Louis Versailles Château hotel — MGallery is a beautiful hotel located just five minutes on foot from the palace of Versailles and the train station that will take you to the center of Paris. The decor is modern and luxurious with velvet-covered contemporary furniture, glittering chandelier, gold accents, and more, making for a chic yet comfortable atmosphere. There is a French restaurant on site, as well as a bar, a fitness center, a steam room, and a sauna.

Hôtel Le Versailles

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Welcome to Versailles

This spring at the palace of versailles.

Buy your ticket online and avoid waiting times.

Due to the vigipirate plan, additional security measures are in place

Discover the Imperial silks exhibition and the Emperor's apartment at the Grand Trianon

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From the seat of power to a museum of the history of France

The estate of Trianon

A place of intimacy

The Gardens

The art of perspective

A haven of greenery

The Great Stables

The Coach Gallery

The estate of Marly

Late-opening visits

Late-openings of the « Imperial silks for Versailles » exhibition

On June 18th 2024, take advantage of an exceptional evening to discover the exhibition Imperial silks for Versailles. Collection of the Mobilier National until 10.30pm at the Grand Trianon.

From 29 March to 31 October 2024 / The Gardens

Fountains Shows and Musical Gardens

From 29 March to 31 October 2024, enjoy the Musical Gardens and the Great Musical Waters in the gardens and groves opened for the occasion. Every Saturday evening from 8 June to 21 September, Sunday 14 July, friday 28 June and Thursday 15 August, discover the Gardens in the evening with the The Night Fountains Show.

Exhibitions

Travelling exhibition

Virtually Versailles

After highly successful runs in Singapore and Shanghai, the Virtually Versailles immersive exhibition is reaching out to international audiences at Hangzhou's Winland Center from May 2, 2024. A unique opportunity to discover Versailles from China.

Plan my visit

Tickets & prices

guided tours

During guided tours, a speaker from the Palace invites you into lesser known locations otherwise closed to the visitors. You can also book online tours to discover the backstage of the Castle from your home!

From march 19 to june 23, 2024

Exhibition : Imperial silks for Versailles

A collection from the mobilier national

Life on the estate

The collection's website

Discover the collections of the Palace of Versailles through the new English version of the website. Containing over 60,000 works, the collections of the Palace of Versailles span a very broad period. The collections reflect the dual identity of the Palace, as both a palace occupied by the kings of France and the royal court, and later a museum “dedicated to the glories of France,” inaugurated by Louis-Philippe in 1837.

Acquisitions

Discover the latest acquisitions by the Palace of Versailles.

Restoration of Apollo’s fountain

Apollo’s fountain is now in major need of restoration. The gilded lead parts of Apollo on his chariot need to regain their lustre. Starting in December 2022, the sculpted group will be dismantled, lifted out by crane and taken to a workshop for substantial restoration.

Choosing your ticket

Tickets, guided tours, free admissions...

Getting to Versailles

Opening times, access, public transportation...

Visiting Versailles

Advice and routes to better plan your visit

The official Palace of Versailles app.

The free application of the Palace offers audio tours to accompany your visit to the Estate (Palace, Gardens, Trianon Estate, etc.) as well as an interactive map.

Are you a regular visitor?

The best of Versailles for subscribers! For a whole year, benefit from numerous advantages thanks to the SOLO or DUO cards, and unlimited ticket access from only 65€.

22,000 artworks to discover online

With 60,000 artworks, collections of Versailles illustrate 5 centuries of French History. This set reflects the dual vocation of the Palace once inhabited by the sovereigns and then a museum dedicated "to all the glories of France" inaugurated by Louis-Philippe in 1837.

1787 — Elisabeth-Louise Vigée-Lebrun

Marie-Antoinette, reine de France, et ses enfants

1791 - 1792 — Jacques-Louis David

Le serment du Jeu de Paume, 20 juin 1789

1701 — Hyacinthe RIGAUD

1783 — Élisabeth Vigée Lebrun

Portrait de Marie-Antoinette

1665 — Gian-Lorenzo Bernini, dit (le) Bernin

Buste de Louis XIV

1678-1685 — Charles Le Brun

Le roi gouverne par lui-même, 1661

1846 — Horace Vernet

Le roi Louis-Philippe entouré de ses cinq fils [...]

1777 — Michel-Barthélémy Ollivier

Souper du prince

1706 — Antoine Morand

Pendule dite "de Louis XIV"

Video : trailer for the "horace vernet" exhibition.

Video : Etonnant Versailles - Episode 1 Versailles celebrates its 400th anniversary!

How to Visit Versailles From Paris (Complete Guide + Tips!)

Visiting Versailles is at the top of many Paris trip wishlists–and considering that the palace and expansive grounds make up one of the most opulent royal residences on the planet, it’s not hard to see why!

Planning a day trip to Versailles from Paris is fairly straightforward, but you’ll definitely want to go in with a plan in place.

That’s what we’re here for !

We’ve been lucky enough to visit Versailles Palace, its gardens, and the lesser-known palaces on the property in both the depths of winter and the height of summer.

And while there are many wonderful day trips from Paris , there’s no doubt that Versailles is among the best of them!

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Versailles from Paris, from how to get there to whether or not a guided tour is right for you.

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Should you book a guided tour of Versailles?

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One of the first questions travelers planning their first Versailles visit tend to have is whether it’s worth having a guided tour to help structure your day.

And the answer is: it depends!

The Versailles estate–which as we’ll cover in this Versailles guide extends far beyond the iconic palace–is enormous enough to be overwhelming, and packed with enough history that a live tour guide can add lots of context!

If your goal for your day trip to Versailles is to see and learn as much as possible about the palace itself, while not stressing about finding your way around the estate, then a well-reviewed guided tour like this is an excellent option.

If your ideal day at Versailles sounds more like seeing the Hall of Mirrors and a few famous spots and then wandering through the gardens, relaxing, maybe renting a rowboat, and not stressing about seeing each place, then booking a timed entry ticket in advance may be enough to make sure you have a wonderful day.

There are no wrong answers here: Versailles tours are definitely valuable, but depending on your travel style, may or may not be right for you.

One other thing to consider?

Some Versailles tours, like this one , include transportation from Paris–and others, like this one , meet up in the town of Versailles itself (about a 40-minute RER C train ride from Paris, plus the time it takes you to get to the RER C train).

As you consider your trip to Versailles, be sure to keep in mind whether or not you want to be responsible for your own transportation!

Book your Versailles entry ticket or guided tour of the estate today!

Though “visiting Versailles” is often touted alone as something to do when it’s discussed in more general Paris posts, the estate is–clearly–enormous.

Even within Versailles itself, there are plenty of things to do, and most trips to Versailles won’t be able to cover them all.

Be sure to prioritize your personal list of things to do at Versailles to make sure you don’t miss anything that is important to you!

To help you make your plans, here are some of the best things to do at Versailles.

Tour the palace of Versailles.

Obviously, touring the Versailles Palace belongs at the very top of this list!

Most people visiting Versailles will already know of its most recognizable room, the Hall of Mirrors, and many more gilded areas are open to the public as well, including the State Apartments and the Royal Chapel.

The details, history, and beauty of the Palace of Versailles is the cornerstone of any visit to the estate, and the center point of virtually every guided tour of Versailles !

Pay a visit to Grand Trianon.

Built by the Sun King, Louis the 12th (grandfather of the famed Louis the 14th), Grand Trianon is incredibly beautiful.

Grand Trianon boasts more understated elegance than what you will experience at the over-the-top opulence of the palace of Versailles , and it’s an interesting window into the evolution of the French aristocracy.

Tucked into a quiet corner of the sprawling property, Grand Trianon feels worlds away from the hectic nature of Versailles.

Duck inside Petit Trianon.

This small palace was built by Louis the 13th as a gift for his longtime mistress, before being gifted to Marie Antoinette when Louis the 14th took the throne.

Though small (especially as compared to the palace of Versailles or even Grand Trianon), Petit Trianon is lovely, surrounded by beautiful gardens, and is isolated from the main palace of Versailles.

Standing inside this small (by Versailles standards, anyway) palace, it’s easy to see why it would have been considered a quiet escape from court life !

Flounce around Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet.

What do you do when you’re a teenage queen looking to get away from court life?

Why, turn the gardens of Trianon into a pretend rural village, of course!

The Queen’s Hamlet consists of an entire grouping of rural buildings built around an artificial lake.

In Marie Antoinette’s day, it functioned as a working farm, complete with plenty of animals and fields, the purpose of which was to contribute to the education of the royal children.

Marie Antoinette herself used the hamlet to relax or host small gatherings.

Visiting the hamlet while on a day trip to Versailles definitely gives a bit of a feeling of being out of place–which makes perfect sense given the context of how the hamlet came to be!

Today, the hamlet is once again a working farm, and as you explore, you’ll likely spot growing food or even some animals in this part of the property.

Rent a rowboat on the Grand Canal.

Versailles’ Grand Canal–which is located west of the palace, straight back into the gardens–is home to a collection of wooden rowboats that are available to rent.

If you’d like to get an unusual perspective on the palace and the gardens, consider hitting the water as part of your tour of Versailles!

Wander through the maze of gardens.

Spanning more than 8.2 square kilometers, the gardens of Versailles are more than just beautiful flowers and well-manicured trees–they’re the perfect place to get lost!

Definitely dedicate a chunk of the time that you are visiting Versailles to exploring the gardens!

Each section has its own perks, from baroque fountains to ice cream stands.

Especially be sure to check out the Ballroom, the Apollo Baths, the Enceladus Grove, and, of course, the beautiful and easy-to-spot Leto’s Fountain, which is situated right at the top of the gardens.

Unlike most of the estate, the gardens are free to visit from November to March.

While they certainly aren’t at their best then, they’re definitely still worth a stroll even during a winter visit to Versailles.

Check out an exhibition or event at the palace.

If you’d like to make your visit to Versailles extra special, consider visiting Versailles for a special event!

Most popularly, the Musical Fountains show is put on during some summer days, and though it requires a special ticket, allows you to admire the gardens at their very best, with live baroque music and the fountains turned on in all their glory.

Various exhibitions and events also take place throughout the year, so if you have your eye on a unique visit to Versailles, be sure to check the calendar to see what’s going to be available during your trip!

Alternatively, popular guided tours like this often include a stop at the shows (during the season) as well!

Hire a bike and explore the grounds.

If walking around the grounds of Versailles feels too slow and a golf cart feels too removed from the environment, consider renting a bike for the day !

Not only is riding through the grounds lots of fun, it will also make your schlep out to Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, and the Queen’s Hamlet much easier.

Buy skip-the-line tickets in advance.

The lines for visiting Versailles are nearly always ridiculously long: with 7 million visitors per year, Versailles doesn’t really have anything approaching a deserted period during opening hours.

For that reason, if you’re visiting Versailles independently, we strongly recommend purchasing timed entry, skip-the-line tickets before arriving.

C onsidering the amount of time it saves, there’s absolutely no reason not to!

Bear in mind that though purchasing tickets for Versailles in advance does allow you to skip the (usually enormous) ticket line, you’ll still need to pass through security–there’s no way around that one.

You’ll also need to visit the palace itself at the entry time you choose–all the other attractions of Versailles can be visited at your leisure.

Book your Versailles tickets today!

Consider touring the gardens and Trianon first, then the palace.

This depends somewhat on what time you arrive, but especially for those of us who are a bit challenged by early mornings, it can pay off to reverse the order of your traditional visit.

On one of our previous Versailles day trips, we walked right around the enormous security line to enter the palace when we arrived and instead made our way into the much more accessible gardens.

From there, we visited Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, and the Queen’s Hamlet at our leisure before looping back to the palace of Versailles just a couple of hours before closing–and as a result, we waited less than 5 minutes in the security line!

If you book a timed entry slot to the palace (which we highly recommend in 2023), this won’t apply to you–but just in case you’re planning a last-minute trip, it’s worth mentioning!

Keep in mind that the outer buildings only open at noon, so if you’re an early riser and are able to get into the security line before the palace of Versailles opens, the traditional route might still be better for you.

Bring cash with you.

Whether you want to buy a coffee or an ice cream from one of the vendors in the gardens, rent a rowboat for a romantic paddle in lake, pick up a golf cart for a few hours, or hop a ride on the small tram in the gardens to make the trek out to Trianon a bit easier, odds are you’ll find something while visiting Versailles that you want to drop some cash on.

Wear the most comfortable shoes you packed.

Visiting Versailles includes a lot of walking.

Even if you take advantage of bike or golf cart rentals for exploring the grounds, you’re still going to end up spending the bulk of your time on your feet .

W e both walked away from Versailles with feet just as sore as the day we visited Disneyland Paris, and that’s saying something!

This is not the place for new shoes or heels of any kind: do yourself a favor and stick to something cozy.

The palace of Versailles and the Trianon Estate are not open on Mondays.

Though the park and gardens are still open, if you’re taking a day trip to Versailles from Paris, you’ll obviously want to avoid coming on a Monday.

Consider avoiding Versailles on Tuesdays.

If you have the opportunity to schedule your visit to Versailles on any day of the week, Tuesday is best avoided.

Given that the palace of Versailles is closed on Monday and the Louvre (along with the Musee Rodin and some other Paris museums) is closed on Tuesday, Tuesday is one of the most popular days to visit Versailles.

T he resulting heavier-than-usual crowds are best avoided if possible !

Expect to spend a full day at Versailles.

It is possible to get a glimpse of Versailles in half a day, especially if you book a guided tour, but if you want to see the bulk of what Versailles has to offer, expect to spend a whole day there… and to leave with feet so sore that you’re not interested in sightseeing with any time you have left in the day.

If you only have a few days in Paris and can only dedicate half a day to visiting Versailles, we recommend booking a tour to ensure that you make the most of your time.

This half-day tour from Paris will ensure that you see the best of Versailles, fast!

Don’t forget about the town of Versailles!

While for visitors, visiting Versailles from Paris is synonymous with the visiting royal palace and grounds, Versailles is also a town!

If you’d like to step outside the typical route and see Versailles beyond the relics of the royals, consider paying a visit to the beautiful Versailles Cathedral, admiring the adorable French homes in the quarter of Saint-Louis, and checking out the Musée Lambinet.

And, of course, no visit to a French town is complete without wandering the quiet, beautiful streets while ducking into the occasional pastry shop!

At this point, we’ve been lucky enough to visit Versailles in both the summer and winter, and the truth is… summer is undeniably better.

Sure, it’s a bit more crowded, but the grounds truly come to life in the summer (especially the Queen’s Hamlet), and it’s much easier to immerse yourself in the grounds and lose track of yourself wandering the estate during the summer.

That being said, we did also adore our visit to Versailles in the winter, and if you happen to have a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Paris in the winter , we wouldn’t recommend skipping Versailles just because of the season.

T he palace is stunning at any time of year, and there is a peacefulness to the grounds in winter, as well.

To visit Versailles from Paris, the easiest thing to do is to take the RER C train to the Versailles-Château-Rive-Gauche station.

Once you get on the RER C train, the journey is about 40 minutes from the center of Paris.

Keep in mind that the RER is a separate train system from the metro, even though they both exist in some of the same stations in Paris!

Be sure to intentionally buy an RER ticket to Versailles, and not simply use a Paris metro ticket.

When you purchase your train ticket to Versailles, be sure to purchase a round-trip ticket (and then keep track of which ticket you validate first, so you don’t accidentally try to reuse a ticket on the way home!).

The crowds can get very heavy at the Versailles-Château-Rive-Gauche station, especially around the time that the palace closes, and it’s much simpler to already have your return ticket in hand when heading out to Versailles.

Once you arrive at the Versailles-Château-Rive-Gauche station, it’s an easy 10-minute walk to the palace.

While visiting Versailles via the RER C line is fairly simple, if you’d prefer not to have to worry about transportation, consider booking a tour of Versailles that leaves from Paris .

The grounds of Versailles are enormous!

Regardless of how you decide to get around Versailles, you’re virtually guaranteed to finish your Versailles visit with sore feet–hours of walking is the nature of the beast.

However, if you’d like to expedite your way around the grounds, you have a few options.

Y ou can rent bikes, hop on the tram, rent a golf cart for the day, or even sign up for a bike tour of Versailles .

I f you think you might want to take advantage of these options, be sure to bring some cash with you on your visit to Versailles!

Book your bike tour of Versailles today!

Is Versailles worth visiting?

Yes, Versailles is definitely worth visiting!

As one of the most opulent and (in)famous palaces in Europe, Versailles is both beautiful and extremely historically relevant.

There’s a reason Versailles is widely considered one of the best day trips from Paris !

Do you need a whole day for Versailles?

If you want to explore Versailles in-depth, including the gardens, palace, Queen’s Hamlet, and Trianon Estate, you’ll definitely want a full day to visit Versailles.

However, if you’re limited on time and only have half a day to spare, it’s still worth seeing the palace and gardens in a shorter timeframe.

Can you walk around Versailles for free?

The gardens of Versailles are free to visit when the fountain shows and musical gardens are not happening.

The shows are seasonal, from April to November, and you can check the exact days here .

A couple of other offbeat areas, like the park and Gallery of Coaches, are also free.

However, if you want to truly experience the estate, you’ll be better off purchasing a ticket.

Personally, unless you’re on a very strict budget and also extremely motivated to see Versailles, I’d recommend skipping Versailles and sticking around Paris longer if you don’t want to purchase a ticket (after all, there are an overwhelming number of wonderful, free things to do in Paris).

What’s included in a ticket for Versailles?

Most travelers visiting Versailles from Paris will want to book the passport ticket , which is the “main” Versailles ticket.

It includes access to the palace, grounds, Queen’s Hamlet, and Trianon Estate (note that these tickets are more expensive on days when the fountain and garden show plays).

There are also tickets strictly for the palace or the Estate of Trianon if you’re planning a more limited trip to Versailles.

Book your tickets to Versailles today!

What should you wear to Versailles?

The most important things to consider about what to wear when visiting Versailles are the weather and your comfort!

A trip to Versailles almost inevitably includes a lot of tightly packed crowds and a lot of walking.

The Queen’s Hamlet, for example, is about a 30-minute walk from the palace.

Opt for comfortable shoes and clothes you don’t mind wearing all day when planning your day trip to Versailles from Paris!

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

2 thoughts on “How to Visit Versailles From Paris (Complete Guide + Tips!)”

This is really useful info. I know that the palace and Trianon estate are closed on Mondays, but I was wondering if you can still wander around the grounds and look at the outside of the Trianons and Queens Hamlet without going inside them on a Monday? Thank you.

Hi Ruth! My understanding is that you can visit the exterior of the Trianons on Mondays, and I know the gardens are certainly open. I’m less sure about the Queen’s Hamlet, as it’s set a bit further out than even the Trianons, but I suspect your odds of being able to walk through the area are good.

If you do happen to visit on a Monday, we’d love to hear what you find out on your trip! 🙂

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Getting around paris, paris travel guide, paris essentials, train travel, paris arrondissements, you asked – what's the best way to visit the palace of versailles.

I'm finally making it to Paris this summer! I want to be sure to visit the chateau and the gardens of Versailles. How far from the centre of Paris is it? What are the easiest and best ways to arrange a visit?" – Judith, UK

Our Top-Rated Versailles Experiences

1. The Best of Versailles with Priority Access & Gardens… Our #1 choice

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4. Visit Versailles + Monet's Gardens at Giverny… On one glorious day trip

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4. Visit Versailles + Monet's Gardens at Giverny…

The Best Way to Visit Versailles

Dear Judith, The immensely grand royal estate of Versailles is only about 45 minutes from Paris. It's a very popular place and always busy, with long line-ups. That's why we always recommend finding a skip-the-line tour with transportation from Paris. It's how we do it and the only way to avoid those ticket lines at the estate. You arrive at the palace refreshed and ready to take in its full magnificence! Versailles is huge, and you don't want to arrive already exhausted by the trip getting there.

We learned the hard way that a priority-access visit with an experienced guide is the best way to see busy attractions like Versailles. Someone else has done all the organizing work, we don't have to figure out anything. And, by traveling with a knowledgeable guide, we learn more in less time, while having a far better time that we would on our own — even though we are experienced Paris travelers. We've done it both ways, but now we're wise to the fact that a guided tour is the way to go.

But the greatest thing about the best tours is that we get to skip the long lines! As you know, we hate standing in lines so, to us, this alone is worth the cost of the tour. Read our reviews and recommendations for the top day tours to Versailles.

The Best of Versailles with Priority Access

This small-group, priority-access tour from Paris is immensely popular and sure to sell out, so book early. Be sure to choose the full-day option that also includes a guided tour of the gardens plus Marie Antoinette's fantasy farm.

If you want to go on your own, getting from Paris to Versailles can be done if you're familiar with the Metro/RER system. In a nutshell — from Paris take RER Line C to the station called Versailles-Rive Gauche . Then it's just a ten-minute walk to the royal estate.

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A Day Trip To Versailles: Complete Guide & Visitor Tips

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This article is a guest post written by Abigail Dalton.

Are you wondering if you should take a day trip to Versailles? Well, we just visited this incredible place, and it’s definitely somewhere you should be adding to your Paris itinerary. It’s absolutely mind-blowing.

To be honest, a visit to Versailles Palace was not on our agenda, but the opportunity arose, and we decided to make it the last stop on our road trip before heading home. At the start of our trip, we visited Strasbourg and cruised around Alsaces’s wine region , but it never crossed our minds we would be ending the trip at this gorgeous site.

We’ve been to Paris before but didn’t manage to visit and so on this trip, and since it was our last stop in France , we were keen to make the most of our day out at Versailles Palace. And we did, even though it was rainy and windy.

In this article, I’m going to share everything we learned from our day trip to Versailles so you can plan an incredible visit as well.

Abigail is the owner and creator behind I’m Going On An Adventure . She focuses on world travel and outdoor adventure, giving first-hand experiences to help her readers plan their perfect travel and make the best memories.

Is A Day Trip To The Palace Of Versailles Worth It?

Even though we visited in mid-November on a cloudy and windy day, I genuinely enjoyed our day trip to Versailles. It was an attraction I have wanted to visit for a while now, having heard and read some interesting articles and seen many beautiful photos. 

You’ll find its sheer size quite breathtaking, along with the decor and manicured gardens. It was a lovely visit where we were able to explore the palace and gardens and learn about the French aristocracy. It’s certainly a place which would appeal if you’re looking for a blend of history and grandeur. 

I found the palace stunning, rooms like the Hall of Mirrors and the Apartments of Mesdames being my favourites. These are filled with intricate details, and if you get the audio guide (I recommend you do) you’ll learn a great deal about how daily life for these royals was carried out. 

It’s a destination for anyone who has a love for French culture, architecture and royal history.

For us, the vibe was just fantastic, even in early winter . It was still busy within the palace but not too bad, and although the gardens were not at their prettiest, it was nice to walk around and not be swamped by tourists.

It’s a superb choice for a day trip and promises a mix of awe and enjoyment, and since it’s super easy to get from Paris to Versailles, a visit can easily be added to any Paris itinerary.   

Best Day Trips From Paris To Versailles

Although we didn’t visit from Paris, most people enjoy day trips from the capital. It’s possible to book anything from full-day guided tours and skip-the-line tickets to basic entrance. However, it’s important to pre-book your visit, even in low season. ( Check availabilities here )

With this in mind and since we loved our visit, I wanted to highlight the top three Versailles day trips to help you plan whether you’re coming from Paris or not.

• Skip-the-Line-Tour of Palace & Gardens with Transfer from Paris – see prices here
• Versailles Palace & Garden, Full Access – check availabilities
• From Paris: Skip-the-Line Palace & Bike Tour – see booking info
• Versailles Golf Cart Tour with Palace Entry – check availabilities here

About the Versailles Estate

The Versailles Estate, which is generally what people refer to when discussing Versailles, comprises three main sections:

• the Palace of Versailles
• the Gardens
• & the Trianon Estate

Its history is marked by significant events over the centuries. For instance, the Hall of Mirrors witnessed the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, formally concluding World War I – an interesting fact we discovered during our visit.

It’s facts like these we absolutely love learning about, and Versailles is full of them.

The palace, initially a hunting lodge constructed in 1624, underwent a transformation in 1661 under Louis XIV, reflecting the absolute power of the French monarchy.  I previously mentioned its size, but its opulence is also breathtaking…it’s no wonder the French revolted.

Architect Louis Le Vau, landscape architect Andre Le Notre, and painter-decorator Charles Le Brun collaborated to bring Louis XIV’s vision to life, completing the palace in 1682.

The 18th century witnessed expansions, including the Petit Trianon (residence of Marie Antoinette) and the Queen’s Hamlet. Yet, it also experienced turbulent times with the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789. The royal family left Versailles, and the palace underwent various repurposing.

Today, Versailles holds UNESCO World Heritage status , attracting visitors globally. Its rich history, from royal decadence to revolutionary upheavals, adds a layer of intrigue to an iconic site.

Overview: A Day Trip To Versailles Palace

Time you should plan for your visit: 6 Hours

Cost: Passport €21.50 (recommended entrance-only ticket option, book here ) + Audio Guide €5

Overall, you can expect to find a lavish and well-kept royal palace turned museum with grand formal gardens. Inside, you’ll wander through rooms filled with centuries-old furniture, stone statues, paintings, intricate objects and historic artefacts. 

Throughout the estate, there are information plaques providing details and usage of each chamber. Whether it be the royal apartments or galleries showcasing the history of the palace. 

When planning your day trip to Versailles, you’ll need to consider a few things. 

• Ensure you allocate enough time to explore the grounds, given the vastness of both the palace and the gardens. We spent a full day walking around. 
• With that said, remember to wear comfortable walking shoes as you’ll be covering a significant amount of ground. (You can book a Golf Cart Tour here )
• Take a look at the timetable for special events like the Musical Fountains Show or Musical Gardens to have the best experience. 
• Consider grabbing a guidebook or selecting an audio guide to get a better understanding of the history that Versailles presents.
• Don’t forget to pick up a map at the entrance!

Dates and Opening Times

• The Palace and the Estate of Trianon are open every day except on Mondays. 
• The Palace opens from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (6:30 pm during high season)
• The Estate of Trianon opens from 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm. (6:30 pm during high season)
• The Gardens are open daily from 8.00 am – 6.00 pm – (8:30 pm in high season)

High season runs from 1st of April to 31st of October, Low season from 1st of November to 31st of March.

#1 Visit The Palace Of Versailles

The Palace has two accessible levels and although not all areas are open to the public, there is enough on-show to keep you busy for a few hours. Especially if you like to absorb all the information. 

For us, we spent just over two hours inside the Palace . We do enjoy our history and purchased the audio guide, but I will say that towards the end it does become rather repetitive. We are also not huge fans of art, and so moved quicker through the galleries.

There is a route to follow, colour-coded and easy to navigate . I recommend following this route. 

You will start on the ground level in the Dauphin’s Apartment (green) before entering the Gallery of the History of the Palace (purple).

On the second level, you will start at Louis XIV Rooms (orange) before moving on to the Hall of Mirrors (red) and finally, the Gallery of Battles (blue). There are a few other rooms within these sections as well.

I enjoyed the Dauphin’s Apartments, the Apartments of Mesdames and the Hall of Mirrors the most. By the end, we were ready to explore the gardens and get some fresh air.

#2 Explore The Gardens of Versailles

Note: the gardens are free of charge from November to March

The gardens and groves are wonderfully manicured and even in winter were lovely to walk around. 

The Gardens of Versailles are incredibly vast! We didn’t walk around their entirety, as it would take hours, if not days. However, there is a route through them, passing the Grand Canal, to the estate of Trianon.

Most visitors will follow this route however I urge you to explore further, especially around the groves as there are many hidden fountains.

The largest is Neptune Fountain which has fountain shows during the summer alongside the Mirror Pool, Apollo’s Fountain, and Latona’s Fountain among others.

#3 Discover The Estate Of Trianon

The Estate of Trianon is a separate estate which was used as Louis XIV’s retreat to escape the pomp of court . There are three buildings located inside: the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet.

The whole estate is much more modest in comparison to the palace. Although the Grand Trianon still showcases a pink-marble facade. It served as the meeting place for Louis XIV and his lover Madame de Montespan. 

The Petit Trianon which was later inhabited by Marie Antoinette exudes a more intimate charm. It’s surrounded by English-style gardens, which you can wander around to reach the Queen’s Hamlet.

A surprise for us – it resembles more rustic farmhouse buildings than those fit for royalty.  

The estate therefore offers a glimpse into the private lives of royalty, surrounded by lovely gardens and picturesque lakes.

How To Get To Versailles?

There are many ways of getting to the Palace of Versailles, whether you’re coming from Paris or from another direction.

However, for the purpose of this article, I’m going to discuss getting to the Palace of Versailles from Paris. It’s possible to reach Versailles by train, car, and bus, or you can choose a guided tour. 

If you’re wondering how far the Palace of Versailles is from Paris, it’s between 20 min and 1h hours (by train). However, this can differ depending on where you depart from in Paris. 

#1 Join a Guided Tour

One of the best ways to take a day trip to Versailles is on a guided tour. Booking a tour gives you an easy and informative journey with a knowledgeable guide who will be able to provide historical insights while you explore. Personally, I enjoy these tours when I want a stress-free option.

It’s possible to arrange a guided tour from Paris which will include transport and expenses, or there are options to join tours at the Palace if you’re already in Versailles.

• From Paris: Transfer to Versailles with Skip the Line Tour & Garden Access ( book here )
• From Versailles: Skip the Line Tour of Palace and Garden Acess ( book her e )
• Time Saver: Combine Versailles with the Gardens in Giverny – More Info here

#2 Take the Train from Paris to Versailles

The most popular way to reach Versailles if you choose not to join a tour is to hop on the train. From Paris, it will take about 40 minutes. At most, it will take you 1.5 hours to reach Versailles, depending on where you are traveling from in Paris.

It’s quick and convenient, and that’s why day trips to Versailles from Paris are super popular!

You have three options travelling to Versailles by train: 

• The RER C train line (stops e.g., at the Eiffel Tower, St. Michel and Musée d’Orsay)
• The train line L (starting at Saint Lazare)
• The train line N (starting in the south of Paris at Montparnasse)

You can expect to pay around €7 – 10€ for a round trip. 

#3 Take the bus to Versailles

If you prefer a more scenic route then jumping on a bus might be a good option for you, although it’s not the fastest route. It does, however, provide a relaxed journey, allowing you to enjoy the surroundings and get a glimpse of suburban life outside Paris.

There are regular buses between Paris and Versailles. The most popular starting point is from the Pont de Sèvres bus stop in Paris — RATP bus line 171 which runs every 15–20 minutes — to the Place d’Armes Versailles bus stop and costs €4. 

#4 Drive to Paris in your Car

The fastest road connection between Paris and Versailles is via the N118 and the A86. Departing from the heart of Paris, travel west along the Seine using the D910 until reaching Pont de Sevres. Cross the bridge and stay to the left to proceed onto N118, before continuing on A86.

Simply follow the indicated signage, and in less than 40 minutes, you’ll arrive at the Palace of Versailles. Just be aware the traveling time can vary depending on rush hours.

#5 Take a Taxi (Uber)

If you are in a group and plan to travel to Versailles for around €60 you can book a taxi to get you there in 40 minutes!

Best Tips On Visiting Versailles

• Grab Your Tickets Early: It’s important to purchase your Versailles tickets in advance if you’re not visiting on a guided tour – the easiest way to book your ticket is here
• Time it Right: Mornings and weekdays are your best bet to avoid the crowds, although it’s busy throughout the year, winter is quieter. Make sure you check the website and official schedule for opening times.
• Garden Adventures: It’s not only the palace which is stunning, you’ll love exploring the Gardens of Versailles as well. Set aside a couple of hours to wander around the groves and fountains and if you visit in Summer, there are Fountain Shows and Musical Garden events.
• Joyride in a Golf Cart: We didn’t do it, but for €42 for the hour you can rent a golf cart and ride around the estate. It looked like a fun way to visit the Trianon Estate and discover more of the Gardens within the royal estate.
• Comfy Shoes are Key: Versailles is a walking attraction where you’ll be on your feet for most of the day, so it’s super important to wear comfy shoes.
• Check for Special Events: Before you book your day trip to Versailles, suss out any exhibitions or events. Temporary exhibits often reveal hidden gems of history or art.
• Take a Packed Lunch: If you’re looking to save a few bucks, then consider taking snacks with you. Most of the restaurants within the estate are rather pricey, although there are a few affordable options.

Where To Eat In Versailles

Since you’ll be spending most of the day at Versailles you’ll be happy to know that there are loads of places to eat within the grounds. Below are a handful of popular restaurants to help you plan your day trip (but there are more!).

Picnic – Free

You can bring your own food and enjoy a picnic in the park. The gardens are open every day from 8:00 am to 8:30 pm in the high season (April to October) and 8:00 am to 6:00 pm in the low season (November to March).

Tip: The Marché Notre Dame in Versailles is a lovely place to stock up on food for your picnic. The market halls are open Tuesday to Sunday. The outside market is open Tuesday, Friday and Sunday mornings.

Restaurant Angelina – Expensive

The restaurant Angelina is located at the end of the palace tour/route on the first floor. It was busy when we passed with a long queue already forming. 

It’s a tearoom which offers sweet and savoury dishes and is open from Tuesday to Friday, 10 am to 5.30 pm in high season (April to October) and 9:30 am to 5 pm in low season (November to March). Saturday to Sunday, 10 am to 6.30 pm, closed on 1 May, 25 December and 1 January.

La Girandole – Mid-Range

In the heart of the Gardens, La Gironde looked like a nice place for breakfast, lunch, or a snack. It has a terrace overlooking the grounds as well, if you visit on a sunny day and want a delightful view. 

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm, and closed on Monday. (Annual closure from 8 to 28 January 2024).

Le Dauphin – Budget

In the middle of the Groves, we stopped here for a coffee and to rest our tired feet. Le Daupin is a small café in between the Palace and the Estate of Trianon and great for grabbing a sweet or savoury snack and a warm drink. 

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. Closed on Monday. 

La Petite Venise – Expensive 

Tip: Book your table with The Fork and save €10 when signing up with the code 83FDC2B7

For Italian cuisine in a rustic setting, you can enjoy a lounge area and shaded terrace perfect for warm sunny days. It’s between Apollo’s Fountain and the Grand Canal.

Open every day from 11.45 am to 6 pm (closed at 5 pm from November to March).

In Summary: A Day Trip To Versailles Palace

I like to finish with a few final thoughts about our trip to Versailles, the parts we enjoyed the most and those we didn’t enjoy as much. However, overall, I think a day trip to Versailles is a superb idea – it’s a lovely attraction with a lot of history and educational elements. 

The sections we weren’t as keen on as others include the galleries and the Estate of Trianon. But, this is just personnel preference as the galleries, for example, would be stirring for anyone who enjoyed art.

As for the Estate of Trianon, I think had we visited in Spring/Summer it would have been more impressive, but the buildings lacked the same pizazz the Palace exudes and looked rather windswept.

That said, we did enjoy strolling around the grounds spotting mushrooms! And, as for the Queen’s Hamlet, it was a wonderful little rustic area. 

The Gardens and Groves as a whole we loved. The trees were still changing colours so we had some lovely yellow and orange foliage to enjoy, but most of the statues had already been covered up in preparation for winter.

With this in mind, we would like to return in summer, if only to stroll around the gardens again.

The Palace was very impressive and well-organized. I enjoyed my visit, and therefore would recommend a day trip to Versailles to anyone visiting Paris or the surrounding area as a must-do activity. 

You might also like these articles :

• 22 memorable day trips from Paris by Train
• A Day trip to Reims from Paris: Champagne & History
• Monet’s Garden – visit Giverny from Paris (2024)

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Versailles in Winter

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Christopher Parr, is the Editor and Chief Content Creator for…

Let’s visit the Château de Versailles in winter. The French palace is stunning during every season. However, it is transformed dramatically during the winter months. Haunting, beautiful and opulent.

Pursuitist will be published on a limited schedule during the Holidays. Enjoy some of our favorite stories from the past year. Thanks for reading, have a safe and peaceful Christmas and New Years.

Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap, enjoy these wintery pictures from Marie-Antoinette’s little chateau in France.

Photos courtesty © EPV/ Christian Milet

Christopher Parr , is the Editor and Chief Content Creator for Pursuitist, and a contributing writer to USA Today, Business Insider — and the on-air host of Travel Tuesday on Live at 4 CBS. He is an award-winning luxury marketing veteran, writer, a frequent speaker at luxury and interactive marketing conferences and a pioneer in web publishing. Named a "Top 10 Luxury Travel Blogger” by USA Today, Parr has also been selected as the official winner in Luxury Lifestyle Awards’ list of the “Top 50 Best Luxury Influencers and Bloggers in the World.”

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Im planning to visit Versailles during that time as well. I hope someone will help on this. Is 4hours in Versailles is enough to discover the whole things?

Cheers...Lissa

You'd be able to visit the palace in 4 hours and a quick wander around the upper gardens in 4 hours, but that's about it.

Yes, the statues are covered, and the fountains are turned off. However, because they are French gardens, most of the plant life is shrubs and trees, so it's still there in the winter, although most of it will have lost its leaves.

Fountains will be shut off and statues will be covered. However, there will be less tourists than in the summer and it will be a pleasure to tour Versailles. Parking will be better to. This is just my opinion, but I prefer Versailles in Winter rather than in summer!

This post was determined to be inappropriate by the Tripadvisor community and has been removed.

I went on a weekday in January. I arrived at 9:00 AM, walked right up to the ticket window and into the palace - no line at all. While the statues were covered and the fountains were off, I still enjoyed walking through the gardens. It was a great experience - it felt like I had the place all to myself. I left about 1:30 and the crowds were larger. I would go back during the winter in a heartbeat.

How crowded is inside the chateau i.e. hall of mirrors as compared to other times of the year?

Mrs_French - We will be there on a Friday in mid-November. The website says average but what is average for Versailles?

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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interactive map of the palace of versailles

Where are the entrances? Where can I buy tickets? Where is the Hall of Mirrors? How do I get to Marie-Antoinette’s Estate? Where are the toilets? etc.

This interactive map will accompany you throughout your visit to the Palace and the Estate . With over 500 points of interest, " Bienvenue" also lets you explore the estate at your own pace and increase your knowledge of Versailles.

start the visit

• change the background
• The Palace of Versailles Explore
• Park Explore
• Trianon Palaces and Marie-Antoinette’s Estate Explore

When you arrive at the Palace, you can go directly to the gardens by going to the top left-hand side of the Cour d'Honneur, then entering the gate of the courtyard of the Princes. From 29 March to 31 October, access to the gardens is subject to a fee from Tuesday to Sunday (days of the Fountain Shows and Musical Gardens). In this case, buy a Passport ticket online (access to the entire estate) or a Grandes Eaux / Jardins Musicaux ticket (at the entrance of the gardens or preferably online ).

The gardens are open every day from 8 am to 8.30 pm during the high season (April to October) and from 8 am to 6 pm during the low season (November to March) except for exceptional events and when there are Fountains Night Show (closure at 5.30 pm).

Warning: exceptional closing of the gardens at 5:30 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM) for some days. 

• Where can I get something to eat?

Where are the different entrances located?

Where can i buy a ticket, where are the toilets.

• How do I get to the Estate of Trianon?

What time are the fountain shows?

Mini-train - palace station.

The little train, leaving from the Château, serves the Grand Canal, then the Grand Trianon and finally the Petit Trianon, before returning to the Château. From April to October, it is accessible with a Passport, Grandes Eaux Musicales or Jardins Musicaux ticket.

Return ticket* :

• Full price: €9
• Reduced price: €7
• Return to the Château: €5

* Visitors can disembark at each stop and board another mini-train later.

It is possible to pay by credit card directly to the drivers.

Opening hours : open every day except Mondays

• January: 11:10am to 5:10pm ( January 1st : 12am to 5pm ) .
• February: 11:10am to 5:10pm.
• March: 11:10am to 5:10pm
• April to August : 11:10am to 6:10pm (in July and August: 10am to 6.10pm)
• September: 11:10am at 6:10pm
• October: 11:10am to 6:10pm
• November: 11:10am to 5:10pm.
• December: 11:10am to 5:10pm. ( December 25th : 12am to 5pm )

In the middle of the Garden, Le Dauphin welcomes you for a gourmet break or a sweet or savoury snack, to take away or to eat on the go.

Open every day until 31 October: - 8am to 6.30pm on Mondays - from 8.30am to 7pm from Tuesday to Sunday (early closing on Fountains night shows days).

Telephone: +33 (0)1 39 07 01 87

Access To The Gardens - Cour Des Princes

To access the garden, head to the left at the top of the Courtyard of Honour. Access is through the courtyard of the Princes, at the left-side of the entrance A.

Dragon Gate

Visitors with large baggage items are not admitted on the domain (exceeding 55x35x20 cm) and every bag or vehicle is controlled upon access.

From April to October : 7:00AM - 7:30PM. Last admission: 7PM

From November to March: Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 8:00AM to 6:00PM (last admission : 5:30PM)

Gardens Ticket Office - South Parterre

On Fountains Show days, this ticket office sells tickets from 9am to 6pm for the Fountains Shows and Musical Gardens and on saturdays, for the Fountains Night Show from 2pm.

Payment type accepted: card or cash.

Gardens Ticket Office - Neptune Gate

Payment type accepted: card only.

On Fountains Show days, this ticket office sells tickets from 9am to 6pm for the Fountains Shows and Musical Gardens.

Gardens Ticket Office - Little Venice Gate

Electric Vehicle Hire - South Terrace

The electric vehicles with audioguides will help you to discover the park of Versailles at your own pace. Rental is available every day.

April to October, daily from 10am to 6.45pm (last departure at 5.45pm). From March to November, daily from 10am to 5pm (last departure at 4pm).

For the months of February and March, every day from 10am to 5.30pm (last departure at 4.30pm).

Early closure on Fountain shows. Closed in January

In February & March, daily from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm (last departure at 4:30pm)

• 42 € per vehicle per hour,
• 10,50 € per additional 15 minutes.
• Discount for disabled people (-40%) and Subscribers (-30%).

Telephone: +33 (0)1 39 66 97 66 6 have been adapted for wheelchair users.

Toilets - Little Venice

There are free toilets with disabled access near the entrance to la Petite Venise.

In case of emergency, a defibrillator is available for public use. It is fully automatic and does not require any prior training.

Toilets - Girandole Grove

There are free toilets with disabled access opposite the entrance to the Girandole brasserie.

Toilets - Dapuhin's Grove

There are free toilets with disabled access opposite the entrance to the Buvette du Dauphin.

La Petite Venise Restaurant

La Petite Venise offers refined Italian cooking in a bucolic setting at the heart of the Versailles park. It also caters for groups (50 pers. max).

The restaurant is open daily from 11:45 am to 6 pm (closes at 5pm from November to March). Lunch service is available until 3.30pm and our drinks selection until closing time.

Reservations: +33 (0)1 39 53 25 69

La Girandole

In the heart of the Garden, La Girandole welcomes you for breakfast, lunch or a snack, on one of the two terraces in the middle of nature, or to take away.

Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm.Closed on Monday.

Telephone: +33 (0)1 83 24 00 20

Orangery Garden

The breadth, height and pure lines of the Orangery, built below the Palace, make it one of the greatest masterpieces by the architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart. Although the interior is not open for unaccompanied visits, the Orangery Garden is well worth admiring for its typical formal garden design. From May to October it is adorned with 1,200 boxes containing orange, lemon, pomegranate and oleander trees.

Latona's Fountain

This group of sculpted marble figures of Latona and her children is one of the most famous works of Versailles, made in 1670 by the Marsy brothers and lending its name to the fountain on which it proudly stands. Inspired by Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Latona's Fountain illustrates the transformation of the Lycian peasants into amphibians after they prevented the goddess and her children, Diana and Apollo, from quenching their thirst. The pool and parterre surrounding the fountain, designed by André Le Nôtre, were fully restored in 2015.

Apollo’S Baths Grove

The current grove dates from the reign of Louis XVI and was built between 1778 and 1781. The central pool is overlooked by a large artificial rock decorated with waterfalls and hollow caves. It houses the sculpted groups of The Horses of the Sun standing either side of Apollo Served by Nymphs , by François Girardon and Thomas Regnaudin.

The Girandole Grove

The Girandole Grove, which forms a pair with the Dauphin Grove, has seen few modifications since its creation. It is decorated with terms commissioned by Nicolas Fouquet, once Superintendent of Finances to Louis XIV, for the Château of Vaux-le-Vicomte and made in Rome after models by Poussin.

The Dauphin’S Grove

The Dauphin's Grove, also known as “The Two Groves” along with the Girandole, is one of the very first designed by André Le Nôtre around 1660. At the end of the 17th century, the sculptor Théodon completed the series of sculptures dedicated to the seasons and mythological gods.

Starting June 12th, the arboretum will be open daily from 9 am to 7 pm.

Apollo's Fountain

The original pool here was extended during the reign of Louis XIV and, in 1671, decorated with the famous gilded lead sculpture of Apollo on his chariot. The work was created by Jean-Baptiste Tuby after a drawing by Charles Le Brun and is inspired by the legend of the Sun god, the king’s emblem.

Neptune Fountain

The Neptune Fountain was made between 1679 and 1681 by Le Nôtre and was originally called “Lake Below the Dragon” or “Lake of the Pines”. The design was modified slightly in 1736 by Ange-Jacques Gabriel and the sculpted decoration glorifying the god of the sea was added in 1740. The new fountain, inaugurated by Louis XV, is composed of 99 water jets.

Mirror Pool

Built opposite the King's Garden, the Mirror Pool was commissioned by Louis XIV in around 1702. Built over three levels, it is framed by two dragons sculpted by Jean Hardy.  Five paths lead to it, giving it an even more impressive appearance when seen from above.

Created by André Le Nôtre between 1680 and 1683, the Ballroom (also called the Rococo Grove after the gritstone and shells which the water cascades over) once featured a marble “island” in its centre. This island was used as a stage for dancing, an art at which Louis XIV excelled.

The Colonnade Grove

The construction of the Colonnade Grove started in 1685 under the direction of Jules Hardouin-Mansart, replacing the Spring Grove built by Le Nôtre in 1679. It takes its name from the peristyle composed of 32 marble columns surrounding the group of sculpted figures of the Abduction of Proserpina by François Girardon, made between 1678 and 1699.

Queen's Grove

Constructed on the site of the former Maze created by Charles Perrault, the Queen's Grove was specially created in 1776 for Queen Marie-Antoinette, so that she would have somewhere to walk, away from visitors. It was originally designed in the landscaped style that was popular in the gardens of the 18th century. To create this flower garden, several non-native, particularly North American, species introduced to France in the 18th century, such as the Virginia tulip tree and white fringetree, were acclimated.

Following a two-year restoration effort, the Queen’s Grove has been unveiled to the public on 14 June 2021.

King's Garden

The architect Dufour created the enclosed King's Garden in 1817, under orders from Louis XVIII, in an English style with many superb varieties that were sadly largely destroyed in the storm of 1999. Only the original installation of the Mirror Fountain now remains.

Grove Of The Domes

Built by André Le Nôtre in 1675 and modified in 1677 by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, this grove owes its name to two former white marble pavilions crowned with domes that were destroyed in 1820. It has an amphitheatre design with the central “arena” occupied by a hexagonal pool surrounded by a balustrade, and a white marble basin in the centre supported by dolphins.

The Enceladus Grove

The Enceladus Fountain was made of lead by Gaspard Marsy between 1675 and 1677, and was inspired by the legend of the fall of the Giants in Greek and Roman mythology. Punished for trying to climb Mount Olympus to dethrone the gods, they were buried under a heap of rocks, as illustrated here by the figure of Enceladus, whose suffering is conveyed by the powerful water jet gushing out of his mouth like a cry of pain.

Water Theatre Grove

Landscape artist Louis Benech and artist Jean-Michel Othoniel have created a permanent contemporary artwork for Water Theatre Grove. Open every day - Access only from the Neptune fountain and North Parterre side.

This grove was one of the first to be laid out by André Le Nôtre in the northern section of the gardens in 1666. The original design no longer exists .

The Obelisk Grove

The Obelisk Fountain was built by Jules Hardouin-Mansart in 1704 to replace the old Feasting Chamber Grove, or Council Grove, created by Le Nôtre in 1671. The fountain is composed of a large square pool built over two levels, with an imposing spray of 230 water jets shooting up from its centre.

Grove Of The Three Fountains

Built by Le Nôtre in 1677, this is the only grove mentioned on an old map as being “designed by the king”. Running parallel to the Water Walk, it is laid out over three distinct levels linked by cascades. Restored in 2005, it recovered its design and the water effects desired by the sovereign: in the lower pool, the water jets form a fleur-de-lys, in the middle one a watery vault, and in the upper pool a water column formed by 140 water jets.

Triumphal Arch Grove

Today, only one fountain remains in this grove completed between 1679 and 1683:  Triumphal France made of gilded lead by the sculptors Antoine Coysevox, Jean-Baptiste Tuby and Jacques Prou. During the reign of Louis XIV, this verdant grove also contained a large triumphal arch made of gilded metal gleaming with water jets and cascades.

Mini-Train - Grand Canal Stop

The little train, leaving from the Grand Canal, serves the Grand Trianon then the Petit Trianon and the Palace.

Ticket "Retour Château" (Back to the Palace) * : €5. * Visitors can get off at each stop and get back on the next train.

Opening hours: open every day except Mondays

• January: 11:10am to 5:10pm ( January 1st : 12am to 5pm )
• April to August : 11:10am to 6:10pm

La Flottille Restaurant

This brasserie-restaurant on the edge of the Grand Canal offers traditional French food in c.1900 setting (set menus and à la carte dining). La Flottille also caters for groups (200 pers. max).

The restaurant is open every day from 9am to 7.30pm (early closure during days of Night Fountains shows).

Reservations: +33 (0)1 39 51 41 58

www.laflottille.fr/

La Flottille Takeaway

Takeaway of sandwiches, salads, home-made ice creams, crêpes, hot and cold drinks. Open every day from 9am to 6:30pm from April to October (closes at 6pm from November to March).

Electric Vehicle Hire - Petite Venise

Sphinx Ridden By A Putto

This group, depicting a putto straddling a sphinx, dates back to 1667/68 and is one of the oldest in the gardens. Made from marble and bronze, it was created by Jacques Houzeau, Louis Lerambert and founder Ambroise Duval, after a work by Jacques Sarazin.

Drinking Fountain

Open access drinking water supply point.

Toilets - Halle Des Marmousets

After the Opera House, at the foot of the reservoirs, there are free toilets accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.

There is also a picnic area nearby.

The Palace of Versailles has many services to make your visit a real pleasure. Restaurants, takeaway outlets, souvenir shops, etc. - take a break between two visits! Picnicking is not allowed in the gardens, only at certain dedicated locations in the Park.

"gourmandises De La Petite Venise"

Currently closed

This takeaway outlet proposes homemade ice creams, sweet snacks (waffles, crêpes), cakes and hot drinks. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 12:30 to 5:30pm in high season (April to October) Open Tuesday, Saturday and Sundays and during school holidays (except on Mondays) from 12:30 to 4:30pm in low season (November to March) Telephone: +33 (0)1 39 53 25 69

La Petite Venise Terraces

Italian-inspired takeaway with a terrace on the Grand Canal. Ice cream from the Manufacture Alain Ducasse. From April to October, the terrace is open every day from 10:30am to 6pm.

From November to March, the terrace is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.30am to 5pm.

Covered Picnic Area

This place is the only one where you can have a picnic in the gardens. Access to the gardens is free of charge, except for Fountains Shows and Musical Gardens days.

Picnicking is allowed in the Park.

Sorbets Kiosk - Grand Canal

Open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 1pm to 6pm (depending on weather conditions).

Sorbets Kiosk - Trianon Crossroads

Open on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 1pm to 6pm (depending on weather conditions). Organic sorbets and jams are sold on the avenues of the park, at the south end of the Grand Canal and Trianon Crossroads. This kiosk also offers crêpes (organic ingredients and toppings).

During school holidays, open Tuesday to Sunday.

If you arrive via the Palace, head to the left at the top of the Courtyard of Honour (left-side of the entrance A).

If you are inside the Palace, the exit to the gardens is through the Royal Courtyard via the "Bois Sud" passageway (to the left when you are facing the Palace).

If you come directly from the town, there are several entrances to the gardens depending on what you want to see (from the different gates of the Estate).

Little Venice Gate

The Little Venice Gate separates the gardens from the park.

Visitors with large baggage items are not admitted on the domain (exceeding 55x35x20 cm).

Menagerie Gate

The Menagerie Gate separates the gardens from the park.

Neptune Gate

The Neptune Gate separates the gardens from the park. On Fountains Shows and Musical Gardens days, there is a charge for access to the gardens. This gate closes at 6:00 PM.

Visitors with large baggage items are not admitted on the domain (exceeding 55x35x20 cm)

Entrance B-Group Entrance

Groups with reservations should head directly to entrance B, at the top right of the Cour d'Honneur. It provides access to all unaccompanied routes.

Entrance A - Entrance For Individual Visitors

Due to the anti-terrorist security plan, visitors with large baggage items are not admitted on the domain (exceeding 55x35x20 cm).

This entrance provides access to all unaccompanied routes including temporary exhibitions.

To enter the Palace, you must have a ticket with a reserved time slot. Buy your ticket online . Due to the high number of visitors, admission to the palace can only be guaranteed through online booking.

If you are eligible for free admission, you must have booked a free time slot on the online ticketing service.

The Neptune Gate separates the gardens from the park.

From 29 March to 31 October, access to the gardens is subject to a fee from Tuesday to Sunday (days of the Fountain Shows and Musical Gardens). In this case, you have two possibilities:

- buy a Passport ticket (full access to the Versailles Estate). Due to the high number of visitors, admission to the Palace can only be guaranteed through online booking . If your prefer to buy on site, go to the Ticket Office in the South Ministers Wing or at the Ticket Offices for Trianon Palaces.

- Go to the Ticket Offices for Fountain Show and Musical Gardens if you want to visit the gardens only, at the entrance of the gardens. Also you can buy online .

See the dates for Fountains shows, Musical Garden and Fountains Night Show.

Main Ticket Office - South Ministers' Wing

Located in the South Ministers' Wing (to the left of the Honour Courtyard), the main ticket office sells tickets for unaccompanied visits to the Estate: 'Passeport', Palace tickets and 'Paris Museum Pass'.

From April to October, due to the high number of visitors, admission to the palace can only be guaranteed through online booking .

Several toilets are available in the gardens, notably near the entrance to the gardens.

How do I get there from the Palace?

It is possible to reach the Estate of Trianon from the city of Versailles or from the Palace and its gardens.

From the Palace, there are three ways to reach the Trianon Palaces and Marie-Antoinette's Estate:

• By foot through the gardens (around 30 minutes)  
• With the Little Train: from the Palace stop (North Terrace in the Gardens) to the Grand Trianon stop (around 20 minutes / Admission price : 8.50 €, reduced admission : 6.50 € and to only come back to the Palace : 4.60 €)   
• From the Water parterre by renting electric vehicles (34 € per hour)

Important information: access to the Petit Trianon and to the Queen's Hamlet is through the Grand Trianon only.

Access to the gardens is free of charge, except for Fountain Show and Musical Gardens days from April to October. However, the Passport ticket entitles you to visit the Palace, the Trianon palaces and the Marie-Antoinette's Estate as well as giving you access to the gardens, including Fountain Show and Musical Garden days.

Mini Train - Grand Trianon Stop

The little train, leaving from the Grand Trianon, serves the Petit Trianon, then the Palace. Return ticket to the Palace *: €5 * Visitors can get off at each stop and get back on the next train.

Mini Train - Petit Trianon Stop

The little train, leaving from the Petit Trianon, serves the Palace. Return ticket to the Château: €5

Ticket "Retour Château" (Back to the Palace) * : €5 * Visitors can get off at each stop and get back on the next train.

The Grand Trianon Entrance

The entrance to the Grand Trianon is on the left as you face the building. Open from midday to 6.30pm during high season (April to October) and from midday to 5.30pm during low season (November to March). Gardens open until 7.30pm during high season and until 6pm during low season.

Ticket Office - Grand Trianon

The ticket office is located inside the Grand Trianon, through the archway. 

Petit Trianon Entrance (Via The Swiss Guard House)

For guided tours only (for other visits, access through the Grand Trianon)

The entrance is on the left of the Petit Trianon gate. Open from midday to 6.30pm during high season (April to October) and from midday to 5.30pm during low season (November to March). Gardens open until 7.30pm during high season and until 6pm during low season.

Ticket Office - Petit Trianon

The ticket office is located beyond the information desk and the courtyard.

Every Saturdays and Sundays from April to October, enjoy The Musical Gardens and explore the fountains and groves with their water features.

Due to high temperatures, the water display of the fountains is changed.

• The water jets are lowered all day long
• The water display of the fountains is now rotating

All day long:

• Water display of the Mirror Pool every 10 minutes
• Water display of the Neptune Foutain every 15 minutes
• Water display of the Water Theater Grove continuously

In the morning: water display of the southern groves

From 11.00 am to 12.00 am: water display of the Great Perspective

From 11.15 am to 11.45 am: water display of the Ballroom, Bacchus and Saturn’s fountains, the Colonnade and Girandole Groves’ fountains

Afternoon: water display northern groves

From 3.30 pm to 4.30 pm: water display of the Three Fountains Grove, the Pyramid foutain, the Mermaid, Water Alley and Golden children’s fountains as well as Ceres and Flora fountains, and the Girandole groves

At 4.00 pm: water display of the Great Perspective and the Dauphin’s Grove

From 3.30 pm to 5.00 pm: water display of the Enceladus and Appolon’s baths grove

At 5:20 pm: final at Neptune Fountain (water display on the last minutes of the music)

Water Garden

The Water Garden appears to be an extension of the facade of the Palace. Their layout was modified several times before receiving its definitive form, in 1685. Each pool is decorated with statues of lying-down figures representing the rivers of France, accompanied by nymphs and children. 

Dragon Fountain

The Dragon Fountain represents an episode from Apollonian legend: The young Apollo kills the serpent Python with an arrow. The reptile is surrounded by dolphins and Cupids with bows and arrows, riding on swans. The main fountain reaches twenty seven metres in height.

Flora Fountain

The Flora Fountain is located at the crossroads of several groves, including the Queen's Grove. Flora is the Roman goddess of flowers, gardens and springtime, and the fountain symbolises the first season of the year. Sculpted by Jean-Baptiste Tuby, the goddess can be found at the centre of the fountain, wearing a floral crown.

Saturn Fountain

Entirely in symmetry with the Flora Fountain, the Saturn Fountain in the south of the gardens was sculpted by François Girardon and symbolises winter. Saturn sits on a throne in the centre, surrounded by cupids, on an island dotted with seashells.

Bacchus Fountain

Also known as the autumn fountain, it is the equal of the three other fountains dedicated to the seasons located close to the Royal Walk. The mythological Roman figure Bacchus spread the cultivation of vines throughout the world. God of wine and intoxication, he symbolises the grape harvest and is surrounded by small satyrs - half children, half goat.

Ceres Fountain

The square Ceres fountain was laid out between 1672 and 1679 by Thomas Regnaudin from a drawing by Charles Le Brun. Ceres, the Roman goddess of harvests, is seated on a bed of corn stalks, surrounded by cornflowers and roses. Symbolising summer, the fountain forms a group with those of Bacchus, Flora and Saturn, which represent the other three seasons.

Golden Children's Pool

Situated on the edge of the Water Theatre Grove, the Golden Children’s Pool was built in 1709 by Jules Hardouin-Mansart. This small, elliptical pool is decorated with a central group of eight cherubim sculpted in lead by Jean Hardy. It was restored in 2016.

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Versailles Travel Tips: What to know about visiting Versailles from Paris

April 24, 2018 by Karen Turner 17 Comments

Are you planning on taking a day trip from Paris to Versailles? For fans of history as well as  Marie Antoinette (the movie), Versailles is something that must be included on your Paris bucket list.  Read tips for the best month to visit Versailles, how to avoid the crowds at Versailles, and how to get to Versailles from Paris.

The crowds at Versailles can be quite aggravating, so this guide to Versailles will focus on practical Versailles travel tips as your information packet at Versailles will inform you about the history of the grounds.  I’ve included information about how to skip the lines at Versailles.

• 0.1 The best month to visit Versailles
• 0.2 How to skip the lines at Versailles
• 0.3 What tickets to get for Versailles
• 0.4 Free tickets for Versailles
• 0.5.1 READ MORE  24 hours in Paris: A local's guide to off the beaten path ​Paris​​
• 0.5.2 How to visit Versailles on a budget
• 0.5.3 What to know about bringing food into Versailles & the Versailles bag policy
• 0.5.4 Bring some extra cash
• 0.6 The best time to visit Versailles
• 0.7 READ MORE  The perfect day trip from Paris to Provins, a beautiful medieval town
• 0.8 How to get to Versailles from Paris
• 1 Have you been to Versailles?

The best month to visit Versailles

It’s best month to visit Versailles in the off season and to avoid the busy summer months, in particular July. Spring and fall certainly hold interest, however I felt that the beginning of November was a perfect time as you can enjoy the turning leaves in the gardens if you’re lucky enough.   I absolutely loved visiting Versailles in early November where we could see the leaves turning.  (Spot the cute fat cats on the grounds!)

Similarly, visiting Versailles during winter months and early spring (1 November to 31 March) means that you’ll get access to parts of Versailles that ordinally aren’t free, including the Musical Fountains Shows, Musical Gardens, and the Gallery of Coaches.

How to skip the lines at Versailles

You can buy your Versailles tickets online directly without any extra fees.  Although you will need to come a bit early as security can take a bit, you can skip the line for tickets if you buy ahead!  Similarly, if you buy the Paris Pass, you’ll get access to the palace as well as the estate of Marie-Antoinette (although not some other features).   The Paris Paris allows you to skip the lines at Versailles, however you cannot skip the security line.  I cover some tips for getting through security at Versailles quicker at the end.  If you want to ensure that you can skip the line and get a tour, it’s possible to book in advance with external partners.

Although you can buy tickets outside of Versailles, you’ll generally pay  more for the same ticket.  I’ve heard people extolling the benefits of a private tour, however if you buy your ticket in advance, you also get to skip the ticket line.

Click to buy tickets direct for Versailles! 

What tickets to get for Versailles

Many people skip the estate of Marie Antoinette, however that was one of the highlights of my visit.   If you don’t have much time for Versailles, plan to get the  Passport with timed entry , which guarantees your entry within a half hour of the entry time. It includes most of the major attractions, including the estate of Marie Antoinette, besides the days that the gardens will be closed for the Musical Gardens event.  I missed this event, but I heard that it’s worthwhile.  The normal passport is seven euros cheaper and includes access to the Musical Gardens event, however without the guarantee.

The stunning Petit Trianon

Some people only get access to the Palace [18 euros], however for only two euros more, you can get access to the Estate of Trianon.  I’d recommend the combined tickets if you are planning to take a day trip to Versailles from Paris.

Note: on Tuesdays, the gardens will be closed to the public without a ticket to the Musical Gardens  between specific days during March-May and July-October.  Similarly, this event takes place on Fridays between April and October.

If you live close to Versailles, “A year in Versailles” card may be a worthwhile investment as it allows you to skip the line! Similarly, if you’re already visiting other museums in Paris, consider getting the Paris Pass , which includes both Versailles and Louvre.

Free tickets for Versailles

The estate of Marie-Antoinette at Versailles

Head to Chateau A if you think you qualify for free tickets to Versailles. Click for the full conditions of who gets into Versailles for free . Note: Anyone can get into Versailles for free on the first Sunday of the month between November and March.

You can get free tickets to Versailles if:

• EU residents under the age of 26.
• You’re bringing children under-18s
• Disabled people and their accompanying person
• Check the full list for more conditions!

Travel tips for Versailles

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If you happen to get free tickets to Versailles, you’re most of the way there. However, Versailles isn’t particularly cheap.  The key is bringing your own food and drinks.  That said, you cannot bring them into the palace itself.    We managed to get an affordable lunch at the M&S in La Defense (where we transferred).  Depending on where you’re coming from in Paris, I recommend buying a sandwich and a drink for later!

What to know about bringing food into Versailles & the Versailles bag policy

I recommend minimizing your bags as you cannot bring large bags and backpacks into Versailles palace. I managed to be allowed my larger purse, but I recommend minimizing your bags. Suitcases larger than carry-on size are  not allowed at all. I recommend separating your food and drinks into one bag (that you bring from home) as this bag cannot be brought into the palace.  You’ll find options for food at Versailles, however prices are closer to what you’d pay in Paris.  There are inexpensive options outside of Versailles.

Bring some extra cash

You might be tired after walking around Versailles.  When reading about how Marie Antoinette and other royalty would retreat within Versailles, I wondered how easily it was to get away from the palace.  The grounds are sizable enough that her estate truly feels separate from the rest of Versailles.  There’s a tram that runs around the grounds of Versailles, so it’s good to carry some cash (€4 for a single ride) if you get tired on the way back.  Trust me, we were exhausted after our long walk around the grounds of Versailles.  (The tram runs until a bit after 5pm).

The best time to visit Versailles

I recommend arriving close to opening hours at Versailles (9 am) to ensure that you can see Versailles with minimal crowds.  Head straight for the palace and the Hall of Mirrors, which are best seen without the large tour groups that arrive later in the morning and in the late afternoon. As soon as you’re done, you’ll have enough time to walk towards the Estate of Marie Antoinette, which opens at noon. It’s lovely being able to explore it without anyone else around.

The park of Versailles actually opens up earlier (7-8am) if you’re interested in enjoying the grounds of Versailles without people.  We ended up leaving in the early afternoon, which was when many of the tour groups had begun to arrive.

Avoid going to Versailles on a Tuesday as the rest of the museums in Paris are closed on Tuesdays, so expect massive crowds on these days! Similarly, the Musical Gardens events are held on Tuesdays during peak season, which means that you’ll need a more expensive ticket to access the gardens.

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How to get to versailles from paris.

It depends where in Paris that you’re staying in.  You can take the RER C direct from Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame to Gare de Versailles Chantiers .  Check for strikes as they’ll impact your journey from Paris to Versailles.  Alternatively, you can take the N from Gare de Montparnasse towards Gare de Rambouillet until you get to Gare de Versailles Chantiers .  From the station, it’s a twenty minute walk.  Alternatively, you can take a tour if you want to take the guesswork out of it!

Have you been to Versailles?

Click for more travel tips in Paris , including a s elf-guided walking tour of the covering passages , a self-guided walking tour of Montmartre , and day trips from Paris .

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

May 14, 2018 at 12:10 am

Hello! Thank you for this great information. I will be traveling with my 16 year old daughter, and I wanted to double check that we would not need an admission ticket for her. Do we need to bring her passport to prove her age? We will be traveling from the US. Thanks so much!

May 14, 2018 at 9:44 am

Hi Tricia, no problem. You need a proof of an identity document with a photograph indicating date of birth (e.g.passport, long stay visa, residence permit, student card). You can check the Versailles website if you’re nervous about it. 🙂

June 14, 2018 at 7:50 pm

I will be visiting for a day from Paris. Do I need to bring my passport as I am from the United States, for once I get to the train station? Will there be a customs area? I’d rather not bring my passport with me for the day trip if I do not have to. If I do need it, does a copy of my passport suffice? Thanks.

June 14, 2018 at 7:53 pm

Hi Rebeca, Generally when you travel in a foreign country, you need your passport when you’re asked for identification by the police. I was not asked for it once besides when I flew to France at the airport, however it’s generally a good idea to have it. It’s your call of course.

Kind regards, Karen

June 25, 2018 at 7:45 am

My family and I will be traveling to Versailles on August 15 because there will be a fountain show on that day. Will the crowds be unbearable because it is a French holiday, Assumption Day? Also, we are trying to figure out the timed entry ticket. Does the “timed entry” allow you into the entire compound at a given time slot or allow you into the palace itself during that time slot? On the palace website, you must commit to a time. If it is just the time you wish to enter the palace, we would sign up for a later time on our day (to give ourselves wiggle room in case we have any delay.) However, we do not want to go all the way there with a later time slot and have the gate keeper tell us that we cannot enter the compound until that later time slot. Also, I understand that foods would never be allowed into the palace (as it is a museum) but can we bring foods/drinks to enjoy as a picnic before entering the palace? Are there backpack lockers? Thanks for answering all my questions

June 25, 2018 at 2:12 pm

I’d suggest signing up for a time later in the day to ensure you make it. Give enough time for security. The timed ticket only gives you access into the palace at the given time, but once you’re in, you’re fine.

You have to give your bags/food items to security (who stores it for you) before going into the palace. You can pick them up afterwards with the number. A picnic is fine in the gardens or outside, but I think that inside the gardens is nicer. 🙂

I’d expect it to be crowded on a French holiday.

August 8, 2018 at 7:02 am

When you are mentioning about backpacks being checked in, how big of a bag are you speaking about? What about one that is like a large purse? If I am going early in the day to avoid the crowds & I would like to take food along for a picnic later, what is your recommendation for storing it to avoid spoiling?

August 8, 2018 at 12:01 pm

Hi Leanne, In terms of backpacks, they ask all backpacks are checked. For purses, it must be smaller than these dimensions according to the website: 55cm x 35cm x 20cm. I saw some ladies with slightly large bags.

I’d recommend being mindful of what you bring. I ended up bringing a sandwich as it didn’t need to be heavily refrigerated.

Best, Karen

January 14, 2019 at 1:13 am

Hi There! I just wanted to clarify the food situation. I noticed another lady asked about the bags. So if you have a back back it will be checked in? Are you able to uncheck the bag and take your food and then picnic in the gardens? Thanks again, I can’t wait to see it all

January 14, 2019 at 1:15 am

Hi Leigh, your backpack will need to be checked in while you see the actual castle. Once you’re finished, you can uncheck your bag with the food as you head out to the gardens. There, you can picnic.

Hope that helps!

March 9, 2019 at 4:29 pm

Hello Karen, I am trying to figure out when I can purchase a passport ticket to Versailles with timed entry- I see it is an option but I can’t find where to purchase it. We are areiving after lunch and want to get a times entry of 1 or 2 pm. Any advice would be appreciated.

March 12, 2019 at 10:28 pm

You can buy it on the official website.

May 27, 2019 at 4:51 am

We just returned with a group of 13 family including a five month old and three kids 9-14. I bought official tickets ahead of time but lines for tickets and security were almost non existent. We went in a Thursday in May around noon. Yes kids under 18 are free and don’t need any proof of age. We couldn’t bring the stroller through the palace. Of course the Kings and Queens chambers were busy but Marie Antoinettes Chateau which we reached by tram was almost free of tourists. The kids fell in love with her Hamlet they said they wanted to live there. We have been often and even if lines look long they have always moved quickly but with this large of group I wanted to avoid the ticket line. I think getting there around noon helped us avoid the lines.

October 3, 2019 at 2:04 pm

Thank you, Madam !

“Oh let the skies thy worthy mirror be! And in dear stars thy shape and image see…”

October 8, 2019 at 1:35 am

I was at Versailles this summer and can contest to July afternoons being insanely busy! BUT we ate at a cafe just across the street from the parking lot for very cheap! My roommate and I both had a cafe’, crepes, and a glass of wine for around 6 euros each.

October 25, 2019 at 7:33 pm

Hi, great post and some very useful tips. I had a question about Paris Pass. If you have Paris Pass, do you need any timed ticket or are required to block a time slot on their website?

October 27, 2019 at 10:47 am

I did not use the Paris Pass myself when I went, but I understand that you get to skip the ticket line (except on days with the water fountain show) although you still need to wait in the security line.

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Visiting The Palace Of Versailles From Paris

by Mark and Kristen Morgan

Published: June 3, 2024

UPDATED: June 3, 2024

The Palace of Versailles is one of the most popular day trip options from Paris. If you have enough time in your Paris itinerary, we highly recommend making the trip because it’s a unique and beautiful experience. However, many others will have the same idea so you can expect the palace to be extremely busy.

There’s much more to see than just the palace complex, including stunning gardens and smaller estates within the grounds. It’s a great place to visit for the entire family with numerous walking trails and activities for kids. In this Palace of Versailles guide, we show you everything you need to know about visiting from Paris.

Our Paris Experience

We personally visited the Palace of Versailles on a day trip from Paris in November 2023. It was a cold and rainy winter day, but that didn’t stop us from enjoying everything the palace has to offer. And even though we visited in winter, Versailles was still very busy and crowded so it’s important to do a little bit of planning no matter what time of year you visit.

For our Versailles trip, we decided to make an entire day out of it so we included the Main Palace, the Gardens, Trianon Estate and the Queen’s Hamlet. It was a lot of walking and it took us 8 hours in total. Below, we’ll show you what’s worth visiting and how to maximize your time at Versailles. Read more  about us .

Palace Of Versailles History

The town of Versailles is located about 12 miles (20 km) southwest of Paris and it was deeply loved by King Louis XIII. In 1623, the king built a small hunting lodge on the current site that is now the Palace of Versailles. His son, Louis XIV spent a lot of time at Versailles as a child and later expanded the original hunting lodge between 1661 and 1715. He transformed it into the large extravagant complex visitors can walk around today.

In 1682, King Louis XIV officially moved the French Court and government to the Palace of Versailles and a succession of kings ruled here until the French Revolution in 1789. Two important treaties were also signed on the palace grounds which play an important part of France’s history.

The Treaty of Paris was signed at the Palace of Versailles in 1783, ending the American Revolutionary War. Then in the 19th Century, Versailles was used once again by Napoleon Bonaparte, Louis XVIII, Louise-Phillippe and Napoleon III as a seasonal residence.

The Treaty of Versailles was signed in the Hall of Mirrors in June 1919, formally ending World War I. In 1979, the Palace and Park of Versailles were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It now welcomes 15 million visitors per year making it one of the world’s most popular tourist attractions.

For the 2024 Summer Olympics , the Palace of Versailles will host equestrian events and the modern pentathlon. All areas of Versailles will remain open to visitors during the games, and public transportation will be provided to help spectators easily get to competition sites.

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Visitor Information

The Palace of Versailles is open every day of the week (except Mondays) beginning at 9:00am . Weekends, especially holiday weekends, are the busiest time of the week so try to visit during the week if possible.

However, the park and the garden are open everyday, and they’re free to visit from November to March. But from April to October, access to the gardens between Tuesday and Sunday may require an additional fee due to the Musical Fountains show. Here are the official opening times for both high and low season:

High season (April 1st – October 31st):

• Palace –   Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00am to 6:30pm
• Estate of Trianon – Tuesday to Sunday from 12:00pm to 6:30pm
• Gardens – Daily from 8:00am to 8:30pm
• Park – Daily from 7:00am to 8:30pm

Low season (November 1st – March 31st):

• Palace –   Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00am to 5:30pm
• Estate of Trianon – Tuesday to Sunday from 12:00pm to 5:30pm
• Gardens – Daily from 8:00am to 6:00pm
• Park – Daily from 8:00am to 6:00pm

There are various ticket options and tours you can book, but we’ll go over this at the end of our guide after we show you everything you can do at the palace grounds.

Things To Do At The Palace Of Versailles

When you visit Versailles, there is more to see than just the main palace. If your itinerary allows, we recommend you spend a whole day here because it’s a fascinating place to explore. Here are a few of our favorite things to do on site:

1. Visit The Palace

The Palace is where the majority of visitors at Versailles spend their time and you should plan for at least 2-3 hours . Inside, there are over 2,300 rooms and you’ll follow a predetermined tour route. If you’re planning to use an audioguide, it might take you longer to get though all the rooms because there are also various displays to read.

Some of the more famous rooms within the palace include the Hall of Mirrors, the King’s Apartment, Marie Antoinette’s Bedchamber, the Gallery of Great Battles, the Opera and Coronation Room.

We visited at 9:30am just 30 minutes after the palace opened and it was already extremely busy. We had to wait in a 30 minute line just to enter the palace even with our timed entry reservation. It was raining and there was nowhere to hide from the elements, so we got soaked. If you’re visiting on a hot day or in the rain, make sure you’re prepared if you have to stand outside before entering the palace.

2. Enjoy The Gardens

After visiting the palace, you’ll be lead out to the large gardens . Access is free of charge unless you visit during a Musical Fountain show and Musical Garden day (mostly Tuesdays, Fridays and weekends between March and October). For specific days and tickets visit the official website here .

If you want to see the gardens, you should plan for at least 2 hours. There are over 300 sculptures and some of the popular sites include the Great Lawn, Apollo’s Fountain, Neptune’s Fountain, the Orangery and the Groves.

There are 3 main walking paths you can explore including the Water Walk, the Royal Way or the King’s Garden Grove. We love the Royal Way because it follows the Great Lawn and ends at Apollo’s Fountain. Once you get to the Grand Canal, you can make a right to head towards the Estate of Trianon.

Travel Tip : From the Hall of Mirrors, look out of the large windows for a full perspective of the beautiful gardens from above. The view will stretch all the way to the Grand Canal so we think it’s one of the best views you can see of the gardens.

3. Musical Fountains Show

From March to October every year, you can enjoy the Musical Fountain show and the Musical Gardens. The Musical Fountains perform every weekend while the Musical Gardens can be seen from Tuesday to Saturday. Additional tickets are required and you can buy them here .

Here are the current prices for each option:

• Musical Fountain Show: € 10,50
• Musical Gardens: € 10,00

Entrance is free for children 6 and under.

Unfortunately, the fountains were not playing when we visited in November, but it’s on our bucket list. There is also a Night Fountain Show with fireworks and dramatic lighting effect which occurs over the Grand Canal. For a complete list of shows, click here .

Travel Tip : If you purchase the Palace of Versailles Passport, you’ll have access to the musical shows included in your ticket.

4. Grand Canal

The Grand Canal is one of the most breathtaking scenes at the Palace of Versailles. It stretches an impressive 23 hectares, which took 11 years to complete, and there’s no better place to take in the grandeur of the estate than at the Grand Canal.

Rowing a boat on the Grand Canal is one of the best things to do at Versailles. If you’re visiting with kids, this might be something you want to add to your Versailles itinerary. You’ll find the boat rentals near La Flottille restaurant. Four people maximum are allowed in one boat with a minimum time of 30 minutes.

Travel Tip : The Grand Canal is located within the park of Versailles. It’s always free to enter, making it a very popular spot.

5. Trianon Estate

The Estate of Trianon includes the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet . It originally comprised of a single estate and was purchased by Louis XIV in 1661. This was where the French royal family would go for walks, hold dinners and put on their famous parties.

For your first stop, head to the Grand Trianon, known for it’s beautiful pink marble columns and pilasters. Inside, you can explore the North and South Wing including the Mirror Room, various Bedchambers, Chapel Rooms, Family Drawing Room, Malachite Room and Map Room. If you have time, you can also take a stroll around the Grand Trianon Gardens which showcase various statues and fountains.

Next, head to the Petit Trianon. It’s a neo-Greek-style building originally used as a small summer dining room that’s completely surrounded by stunning gardens. Not far from the Queen’s Hamlet, this was a quiet place Marie Antionette could escape from the court. You can explore the ground and first floor as well as the Petit Trianon Gardens.

Travel Tip : If you have time to walk through the gardens, check out the Small Lake and Rock Pavilion. It’s a beautiful spot with a unique grotto.

6. Queens Hamlet

The Queen’s Hamlet is technically part of the Trianon Estate, but we think it’s unique and deserves its own section on our guide. This was one of our favorite stops at the Palace of Versailles because it’s so different from the rest of the grounds.

It was originally built between 1783 and 1786 as a rustic getaway featuring several smaller structures for Marie Antionette. The hamlet was where she could escape palace life and enjoy a private life with friends.

While you can’t go inside all of the buildings, you can enter a few of them. You’ll find small informational displays inside as well as beautifully manicured gardens outside of each small complex. The Hamlet is the main centerpiece and it was inspired by the half-timbered houses of Normandy.

7. Small And Great Stables

Located about 10 minutes from the main palace on the town side, you’ll find the Gallery of Coaches and Sculpture Gallery inside the Small and Great Stables.

The Gallery of Coaches is on the ground floor of the Great Stables. It’s free to visit and includes two large galleries showcasing an impressive collection of grand ceremonial Berlin Coaches. Inside the Small Stables, you’ll find the Sculpture Gallery which is home to ancient Greek and Roman statues.

8. Rent A Bike or Ride The Train

The Palace of Versailles is an enormous complex, and if you want to visit the different sections we’ve discussed it will require a lot of walking. Alternatively, you can rent a bike or ride the Petit Train to get around.

Both regular and electric bikes can be rented for €10,00 or €16,00 / hour respectively. The minimum hire period is 30 minutes and you can pay with cash or card. However, a valid ID is required and rentals begin at 10:00am near Little Venice on the banks of the Grand Canal.

Another great way to get around the grounds is the Petit Train . You can board the covered coach train at the north terrace after visiting the main palace. The full circuit ticket price is €8,50 and a return ticket costs €4,50. Children under 11 are free if accompanied by an adult.

9. Grab A Bite To Eat

Depending on how long you plan to spend at Versailles, you might need to grab some lunch. Inside the palace, we found the food prices to be very inflated, but you can eat at Angelina , the Grand Café d’Orléans and the ORE Restaurant .

There are two restaurants in the gardens located between the Apollo Fountain and the Grand Canal, La Petite Venise  and La   Flottille . The  Brasserie de la Girandole is a seasonal option within the Gardens as well.

We had a quick snack at Angelina and then a full sit down meal at La Flottille, a quaint 1900’s brasserie with a set menu or à la carte dishes. We ordered a Crepe Normandie for €10,00 and a royale pizza for €14,00. The prices seemed to be a little cheaper outside of the palace if you can wait.

Travel Tip : Picnics are allowed in the park between the Palace and the Trianon palaces. However, you can not picnic in the gardens and you can not bring food into the palace.

How To Get To Versailles From Paris

• Address : Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles
• Location : Google maps

The best way to get to Versailles from Paris is by train . Use the RER Line C to Versailles Château Rive Gauche train station because this is the closest option to the palace. It will take about 30 to 45 minutes by train depending on where you start in Paris. From Versailles train station, it’s about a 10 minute walk to the palace. Here are the official time tables .

We used the train and thought it was a very efficient way to get to Versailles. It was clean and on time, and once we arrived at the train station, it was very clear how to get to the palace. If in doubt, all you need to do is follow the crowds straight to Versailles.

If you want to use the bus, the RATP bus line 171 runs between Pont de Sèvres and the Palace of Versailles. It takes about 30 minutes without traffic. Or you can use a ride share app such as Uber, but we wouldn’t recommend that option because it’ll be far more expensive.

Travel Tip : Purchase a return ticket when you first arrive at the train station to avoid the long lines coming back into Paris after your visit. All trains leaving Versailles Château Rive Gauche will go through Paris.

Here are a few photos to help you picture where you need to go:

Getting Versailles Tickets + Avoiding The Line

You can buy tickets for Versailles on site at the ticket office in the South Minsters’ Wing which is to the left of the Honour Courtyard. The lines to purchase tickets can be extremely long, we’re talking 1-3 hours and you’ll risk not being able to visit the palace because tickets can sell out.

There are many tickets options for Versailles and it can be confusing. Here are the most common ticket options:

• Versailles Palace Ticket – Palace only with audioguide included
• Garden Ticket – Free entry on days without a fountain or music show
• Passport Ticket –   Palace, Gardens and Estate of Trianon

Due to the high number of visitors everyday, admission to the Palace of Versailles can only be guaranteed by securing a ticket through online booking in advance. You should only purchase through the reputable websites we list below and you’ll need to choose a timed entry slot on the day of your visit.

We recommend avoiding the long ticket line on site and booking your ticket online in advance . There are many platforms you can purchase a ticket from including:

• Official website
• Get Your Guide

We visited with Tiqets’ Paris and Versailles bundle . It included the Louvre, Palace of Versailles and a Seine River Cruise. We could reserve a timed entry reservation for all 3 attractions and it was a little cheaper than buying all the attractions individually. Our ticket included access to the Palace of Versailles, Trianon Estate and Gardens so it’s equivalent to the Passport Ticket.

Even with a timed entry ticket, you’ll have to wait in a line with all of the other visitors who have the same time slot. After gaining entry into the palace, you’ll then have to wait in the security line which took us another 20 minutes during our visit. Unfortunately, both lines are unavoidable.

Travel Tip : If you can not purchase a ticket online in advance for the day you want to visit, you should book a guided tour to avoid the long ticket line and secure your spot. Browse tours below.

Best Tour Options

Now that you know everything you can see at Versailles, here are the top rated tour options:

• Palace and Gardens Guided Tour – This 90 minute tour utilizes a separate entrance and includes garden access.
• Half Day Palace Tour with Transport – Explore at your own pace with audioguide with roundtrip transportation.
• Full Day Tour with Gardens, Trianons + Hamlet – See everything at Versailles on this guided tour including fountain show (when applicable).
• Versailles Bike Tour – A full day bike tour of Versailles including the Palace and Trianon Estate. Entrance ticket and round trip train fares included.
• Private Golf Cart Tour – A private tour of the Versailles gardens in your own golf cart with knowledgeable guide.

Travel Tip : When buying tickets or a tour, make sure you read the fine print and understand which sections of the palace will be included.

Our Recommendations For Versailles

The top recommendation we have for Versailles is taking your time touring the palace and walking through the gardens. This should take you around 3-4 hours.

Personally, we thought it was worth visiting the Trianon Estate including the Queen’s Hamlet because the crowds were much thinner, but it will add another 2-3 hours to your visit and requires a lot of walking.

If you only have a half day to see the Palace of Versailles, you should plan to visit the Palace and some of the gardens. You won’t have enough time to see the Estate of Trianon or Queen’s Hamlet and the palace is where you should focus your time. The Estate is similar to the Palace, but on a smaller scale.

We did not visit the Gallery of Coaches or the Sculpture Gallery because we ran out of time. We wanted to see the Trianon Estate and Queen’s Hamlet since they are unique to Versailles. So if you have extra time, we’d recommend prioritizing the other estates on the grounds unless you’re interested in seeing the carriages previously used by the royals.

Tips For Visiting

After visiting ourselves, we’ve compiled a small list of helpful tips to help you make the most of your trip to Versailles:

• Buy tickets in advance online . Don’t wait until you’re at the palace to buy tickets because lines are long and they might sell out.
• Visit during the week . Weekends are the busiest times at Versailles so visit on a weekday to avoid the larger crowds.
• Audioguides are available . Offered in 12 different languages, this is a great option of you want to learn about the palace, but don’t want to book a tour.
• Plan to spend a whole day at versailles . There is so much to see, we recommend making an entire day of it.
• Free admission is granted the first Sunday of every month from November to March . However, you’ll still have to book a time slot to visit the palace.
• Guided tours give you access to closed rooms . Most visitors follow the general tour route, but you can visit lesser known locations often closed to visitors by booking one of these tours .
• Wear comfortable shoes . Your visit to Versailles will include a lot of walking so make sure you wear shoes that won’t hurt your feet.
• Prepare for the weather . When waiting in line for the palace, you’ll be exposed to the elements so plan accordingly.

Our Versailles Photos

We spent an entire day at Versailles and tried to see as much as possible. Here are a few of our favorite photos:

More Paris Guides

• How to spend a weekend in Paris
• What’s the best Paris attraction pass?

Want more France content? Head over to our France Travel Guides to explore Paris and beyond.

We hope our guide to visiting the Palace of Versailles as a day trip from Paris helps with planning your itinerary!

Please let us know if you have any questions about Versailles in the comments below.

Happy Travels ,

Mark and Kristen

Enjoy this Versailles guide? Pin it for later!

Note : This article contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

All Rights Reserved © Where Are Those Morgans, LLC. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, maps, graphics, etc.) in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

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