versailles tour skip the line

From Versailles: Skip the Line Royal Palace of Versailles and Gardens Tour

Breeze past the crowds and uncover the secrets of versailles palace with an engaging local guide.

Already staying in Versailles but need to know the best way to see the Palace without waiting in line? This small-group tour begins in Versailles itself, so no need to pay for train tickets you won’t use. Plus you’ll be able to skip the line and get straight into exploring the Palace of Versailles without the long wait! Along with your expert local guide, you’ll learn all about this historic royal residence, and then you’ll be able to explore the magnificent Versailles Gardens independently.

Guided Tour

• Meet your guide in Place d'Armes
• Palace of Versailles
• Hall of Mirrors
• King's Apartments
• Royal Chapel
• Gardens of Versailles
• Musical Fountains
• Trianon Estate
• Queen's Hamlet
• End inside Versailles

You’ll meet your guide in Place d’Armes, just a short walk from the Palace of Versailles. The line to get inside the palace can take hours, especially during busy months, but you’ll be able stroll past like a VIP with your skip-the-line ticket. Once inside, your guide will bring this incredible palace to life with stories of the kings and queens who once ruled over France, their opulent lifestyles, and occasionally grisly ends...we’re looking at you, Marie Antoinette!

After the guided part of your tour, you’ll be able to explore the huge, beautifully manicured Gardens of Versailles at your own pace, stopping in quiet hidden groves and admiring the grand fountains dotted through the carefully planned landscape.

Palace of Versailles Skip-the-Line Tour Description

Your 2-hour tour includes:

Skip-the-line tickets to the Palace of Versailles

Expert guided tour of the Palace

Introduction to the Gardens of Versailles

Free time to explore the gardens and Trianon Estate

Starting point in Versailles

Engaging local tour guide

Maximum group size of 15

Experience the Grandeur of Versailles

After you've skipped the line to enter the palace, your expert guide will begin to show you all of the most fascinating parts of this historic royal residence. A stunning work to behold from the inside and out, the Versailles Palace encompasses over 2,000 rooms, with about as many windows looking out at the immense gardens. The opulent interior holds countless works of art and precious artifacts, so it's easy to see why over seven million people visit the palace each year.

Formerly the hunting château of King Louis XIII, the stunning Versailles Palace and Gardens were built in the 17th century, and UNESCO have declared this place a World Heritage site. The elaborately decorated and expansive palace became the seat of French power during the reign of King Louis XIV. You'll hear stories of the lavish lifestyles and scandals that became a hallmark of the kings and queens who once called this place home.

The Hall of Mirrors and Grand Apartments

Perhaps the most celebrated room you'll visit in the palace is the Hall of Mirrors. Named for the 357 mirrors that line the hall, it was designed with more than just beauty in mind. The intensive reflections required only a few candles be lit to illuminate the entire corridor. It was also the place where the signatories of the Treaty of Versailles made their final and consequential decision, thus ending World War I.

The immensity of the palace can be pretty daunting, but with an expert guide you'll receive an in-depth walk-through of its many treasures and important rooms. These include the stunning apartments of Louis XV's daughters, and the King's State Apartments. 

Palace of Versailles Gardens

Just because your palace tour is over doesn't mean you've seen everything. Take a stroll through the painstakingly maintained gardens spread across the immense Versailles estate. They're simply some of the finest gardens in the world, built to such a scale that the King enlisted an entire legion of troops to bring in the trees and statues.

The grand fountains are a huge draw, featuring fantastic water shows in the summer on certain days. You'll receive an introduction to the gardens from your guide, and then it's time to explore on your own!

Your ticket also includes access to see the Trianon Estate, so feel free to wander down to these magnificent buildings that are basically palaces themselves.

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What you get with this tour

See what people are saying

17 total reviews

Excellent Guide & Tour

The tour hit all of the rooms and areas of the palace we wanted to see. Our guide is extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Moving through the lines for entry was smooth and quick. This was the best way to experience the Palace of Versailles and Garden!

Tour guide was EXCELLENT and INTERESTING! I have been on 7 tours during the last 3 weeks and this was absolutely our group of 4 favorite.

Great tour!

We really enjoyed our tour of Versailles. Our tour guide shared interesting information and gave us all the highlights.

show more reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

We recommend bringing a bottle of water, and we always highly recommend wearing a pair of comfortable shoes as this is primarily a walking tour.

What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?

Although it's not an especially demanding tour, you will be walking with your group for the vast majority of the 2 hours, and there will be some stairs involved. If you have any doubts about your mobility, we suggest taking a Private Golden Versailles Palace and Garden Tour so we can better accommodate your needs.

Are train tickets included in the price of this Versailles tour?

Transport isn't included on this tour since it begins in Versailles. Simply meet your guide at the designated meeting point. If you're in Paris, we offer a popular day tour Skip the Line Palace of Versailles from Paris with transportation included.

Is a guided tour of the gardens included?

Your guide will provide a 30-minute overview of the gardens after your guided palace tour. After the overview, you're welcome to explore the gardens

Is lunch included with this tour?

Lunch isn’t included, but food can be purchased at Versailles Palace or in town. Your guide will be happy to offer some recommendations.

Free 24-hr cancellation on group tours! Learn more

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Versailles tour information - 2024.

“Experience the royalty and power.”

The Palace of Versailles based in Paris is famous for being one of the most unmistakable fascinations in all of France. It has a stronghold over imperial impact. The Château de Versailles is indeed the most sought-after attraction after Eiffel Tower in Paris. 

The structure was constructed in the 18th century and had 250 sections housing the finest art pieces. This makes the palace a heavenly illustration of the French monarchy that once existed. More than 10 million people visit this vicinity every year, hence we’d like you to be aware of a few things before touring around the Castle of Versailles.

Get an unimaginable insight into French history by entering this royal residence. It will expose you to the elaborate and grand daily routines carried out by French monarchs and royalties. The castle stands as the image of France and our expert historian guide will assist you throughout the tour. He’ll take you to both popular areas and sections that aren’t explored that much. 

Read on to get an idea of what to expect on your Versailles Palace tour .

Types of Versailles Palace Tour

1. versailles guided tour.

On our amazing guided tour, get a hint of excellence, lavishness and history of the Versailles royal residence. Start your visit by entering the castle through one of its many access gates, and head to the popular Gardens of Versailles afterwards. During our Versailles guided tour, your guide will tell you interesting stories and facts about the palace.

Get a glimpse of the royal castle’s rooms like the State Apartments and Hall of Mirrors. Post this, venture out to explore the beautiful gardens spread over acres of land in the company of your tour guide or alone. The gardens are glorious with their bronze sculptures, fancy basins, and groups of giant trees.

2. Versailles tour from Paris

Embark on our half-day excursion of Versailles tour from Paris. Our company provides you with skip-the-line tickets, transportation for return, and an intriguing tour of the entire Versailles Palace interior and exterior, with sights of its notable chambers and exquisite gardens.

Your tour will start at a central meeting point in Paris. From this point onwards, you’ll board a bus and hit the road to Versailles. Make sure to enter the palace through a separate entrance upon your arrival. After this, you get to discover the beauty, opulence and history of Versailles palace on our interactive guided tour.

This tour will last for 90 minutes and involves the sights of the King’s and Queen’s Bedrooms and the symbolic Hall of Mirrors. From your entire tour inside the castle, you’ll understand the French monarchy through King Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette’s reign. Your guide will narrate fascinating tales of events that took place in the palace’s rooms in the Renaissance period.

Take a free stroll around the beautiful French Gardens after your tour comes to a halt. Post this, hop back on your bus and journey back to central Paris.

Lastly, there are also several Paris to Versailles private tours available to embark on and take delight in at your exclusive leisure. This Versailles tour from Paris with hotel pickup will most definitely be a small group tour of Versailles.

3. Versailles Bike Tour

On our Versailles bike tour from Paris, you’ll get to scour the 2,000-section of land grounds of the historical landmark. You’ll get a passage-planned ticket which can be used to discover the Sun Lord’s imperial home and soak in its unmatched richness. Cycle through the finished grounds of the Castle and cruise amid beautiful spots on lightweight aluminium bikes.

Following your exchange from Paris, begin the day at the rancher’s market in the town of Versailles. You’ll get to have your cookout lunch later in the day for which you can choose your pick of products. Browse new natural products, the hills of cheeses, and charcuterie (cold meat). So, brace yourself, as this is only the tip of the iceberg.

Your guide will soon take you to the Grand and Petit Trianon’s outhouse chateaux, where he’ll show you Marie-Antoinette’s private village and farm. Now the ride ends here with a peek at the  Château de Versailles interiors, as you pedal through splendid landscapes.

Feel free to take a quick tour or loiter at your leisure for hours to marvel at Marie-Antoinette’s bedroom, the King’s Royal chambers, the Hall of Mirrors, and more.

This palace is ridden with interesting stories about the scandals of the decadent Sun King (Louis XIV) and Marie Antoinette, the life of French legends, and the consequent French Revolution that led to the beheading of the French Royalty.

4. Versailles Private Tour

Travel in time and reach right back to the French court on our exclusive and family-friendly Versailles Private Tour . Experience the grand opulence of the staterooms right after entering through the castle gates. 

Our expert tour guide will enthral you with amazing stories and facts about the palace’s events, specially made to cater for families and children. Create memories that will last a lifetime as you step into a French kingdom and roam its magnificent halls.

On this private tour to Versailles, our guide will take you to the miraculous King’s Apartments, the Queen’s chambers, the breathtaking Hall of Mirrors, and the spectacular parts of the Gardens of Versailles. He’ll also explain to you the rich culture of this vicinity.

Note: There is an additional Versailles Hall of Mirrors Virtual Tour available too, in case you want to stroll around unaccompanied by our guide.

Versailles tour Price:

• Versailles guided tour price:

Starts from €55 per person, which includes a skip-the-line entrance pass to the Palace of Versailles, a guided Versailles Palace tour, admittance to the gardens (except in July and August when a ticket is mandatory to be bought), and a 45-minute guided tour through the gardens (option can be chosen from the list).

• Versailles tour from Paris tour price: 

Starts from €89 per person, which includes a round-trip by bus from the meeting point, skip-the-line tickets for the palace, guided Versailles tours in English, and a Versailles garden tour.

• Versailles bike tour price: 

Starts from €99 per person, which includes a tour ticket with admission to the Palace, Marie-Antoinette’s estate, and the summer houses at Trianon. In addition, round-trip train passes, Paris to Versailles day trip, bicycle rental for the Versailles bicycle tour, a segway for the Versailles segway tour, our friendly guide, and ponchos and gloves for protection from the rain.

• Versailles private tour price:

Starts from €390 per person, which includes a skip-the-line entrance ticket, our professional guide, and access to the palace and gardens.

What to see inside Versailles

• The King’s State Apartments

Most of your Versailles Palace tour will have you strolling through the King’s State Apartments in the company of our professional guide. Explore all the grand seven luxurious rooms as you walk on the trails of rulers and politicians from all across Europe. These sections always had the company of the many guests of Louis XIV.

• The Queen’s State Apartments

The Queen’s Apartments, which include 4 living spaces, overlook the Midi Parterre. These are a series of rooms whose layout is quite identical to that of the King’s State Apartments based to the north.

• Hall of Mirrors (Galeries des Glaces)

The Hall of Mirrors is by far the most popular sight inside the Palace of Versailles. It is beyond luxurious and beautiful. The Corridor’s immense space holds reflections of light, showcases enormous amounts of gold and gems, and duplicates pictures in shiny mirrors. You’ll be mesmerized by any spot you look at. Photos don’t do this section of the Versailles Palace justice. 

• The Royal Chapel

The Royal Chapel has a sleek form, in which the ridge of the roof reaches about 40 metres high. A stonework facade is opened up by large windows. the Royal Chapel stands as a symbol of divine order at Versailles and is several dozen metres higher than the surrounding buildings. Louis XIV’s architectural choice was always a means of evoking the principle of the divine French monarchy, hence the height. He reckoned that if a spiritual site stood higher than the palace, it will act as the symbol of his extensive power. 

• Art at Versailles Palace

As you explore the Palace of Versailles, you’ll see brilliant compositions, models, and other craftsmanship wherever you look. Truth be told, the Estate is known to house 6,000 paintings and 3,000 sculptures. Now counting the frescoes, embroidered works of art, embellishments, and goods, the total art pieces of craftsmanship, comes to 60,000. All this grandeur, considering it was a hunting lodge before!

History of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles, the royal residence situated outside of Paris, has been on everyone’s bucket list for years because of its architectural grandeur and the French monarchy.

Here are a few interesting historical facts about the Palace of Versailles:

Inside the Palace

Versailles palace held 350 living spaces that varied in size, which included multi-room apartments to areas about a nook’s size. Residents were assigned a room as per their rank and designation. The crown prince or the dauphin, as he was called, got a huge area on the ground floor. On the other hand, a servant just received a tiny living space behind the staircase or in an attic. 

From a Hunting Lodge to a Royal Palace

King Louis XIII (1601-1643), bought up much of the uncultivated land in Versailles, built a chateau, and went on hunting trips. Much of the land around Versailles was wild and uncultivated, which allowed wild animals to flourish. The kings of France were mostly impressed by Versailles because of the area’s potential for expansion.

Marie Antoinette’s Rich Estate

You’ll find Marie Antoinette’s (the queen of Louis XVI) estate near the Grand Trianon. She even took over the “Petit Trianon” building and got a number of structures made there. This included a nearby house, a small theatre, and a working farm named “hamlet”, which provided the palace with fresh produce. 

The American History at Versailles

Versailles witnessed two key events in the American Revolution. Benjamin Franklin negotiated a treaty with Louis XVI, acting on behalf of a newly independent America. This led to the US getting immediate support from the French military. There is historical proof of a “Franklin chimney” installed here, one of Louis XVI’s inventions, that got the advantage of producing less smoke as compared to an ordinary fireplace.

Baroque Art and Architecture

As Schmidt mentions, Versailles seems like the perfect example of baroque and rococo architecture to our modern eyes. However, King Louis XIV got angered by this comparison and having his palace evoked Italian baroque architecture. Gudek Snajdar said that the reason for this resentment is the baroque design idea going against his sense of absolutism and the belief that he is at the centre of everything.

The Fall of Versailles  

In 1789, France had undergone the outbreak of the French Revolution, in which King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette were stripped of power and brought to Paris city to be ultimately beheaded. Soon after, the palace fell under the control of the new republican government.

Versailles Opening Hours 2024

The Versailles opening hours are:

Opening times: 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Last affirmation: 6:00 pm

Note: The ticket office shuts down at 5:45 p.m. So make sure to reach out before this time and purchase your tickets. You can also buy them online. Also, the palace is open all year round except on Mondays and May 1st.

The Gardens

Opening times: 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Last affirmation: 7:00 p.m.

The Estate of Trianon

Opening times: 12:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Last affirmation: 6:00 p.m.

Note: The ticket office shuts down at 5:50 p.m. and the Gardens shut down at 7:30 p.m. (departure starts at 7:00 p.m.) So buy your tickets before this or online.

The Sculptures and Moldings Gallery

Opening times: 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Last affirmation: 5:45 p.m.

Access: Free

Note: Open every weekend and mostly all week long, except on Mondays, from 14 May to 13 July.

The Gallery of Coaches

Note: Open every weekend.

The Royal Tennis Court

Opening times: 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 

Note: These hours are running only on the first Sundays of the month from June to October.

High Season

Opening times: 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (every day)

Opening times: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (every day)

Pedestrian access through:

The Queen’s Gate 

Opening times: 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Last affirmation: 7:45 p.m.

The Sailors’ Gate 

Opening times: 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

The Saint Anthony’s Gate

Opening times: 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Main Gate 

Opening times: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Access for vehicles by means of:

Opening times: 9:00 a.m. to last affirmation at 5:50 p.m.

The Holy person Anthony’s Entryway 

Note: Closed on weekends and French bank events. 

The Estate of Marly:

Opening hours: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

Last affirmation: 6:30 p.m.

Note: Entry to the Gardens of Versailles is free, except on days when there is a fountain and musical show. 

Visitors Advice

• Be familiar with the history of Versailles

Make sure to be familiar with the history and layout of the Palace of Versailles, in case you don’t want to carry a Versailles audio guide. The reason is that there are no plaques that display information inside the palace, and if they do, it’s usually in French. Our tour guide will be helpful at this point.

• Book your Versailles tour tickets in advance

Booking your tour tickets in advance can get you the earliest time slot available and ensure hassle-free entry. 

• Book a guided tour

Consider booking one of our many guided tours if you do not want to use a Versailles audio guide or don’t have time to familiarize yourself with the history of Versailles. 

• Don’t visit on certain days

Avoid touring around on weekends and Tuesdays due to the massive crowd and rush of the open Palace of Versailles hours. Tuesday is especially due to the world-famous Louvre museum being closed, hence the visitors flock to Versailles Palace instead.

• Brace yourselves for packed trains

Make sure to take the RER-C double-decker train in case you are travelling from Paris to Versailles. Even though this train is a double-decker, it’ll be packed to the max. There are usually no seats available and everyone has to stand by the doors. You’ll be relieved to hear that the train ride from Eiffel Tower will last only 30 minutes.

• Pack food items to munch on

Pack some snacks and drinks with you and have a wholesome breakfast before leaving for the tour. You’ll find a long line at the cafe of the palace where they sell snacks and food. You will have no problem getting something to eat and drink if you can wait in the queues.

• What to wear and bring

Prepare yourself for the beaming sun if you plan on touring around at the Gardens of Versailles. 

Make sure to put some sunscreen on or wear clothing that protects your skin. If you want to explore the gardens or other areas of the Versailles estate, make sure to wear comfortable shoes. We recommend sneakers, as there are some areas laden with dirt and rock pebbles.

Indeed. You can book your Castle of Versailles tickets online as they currently acknowledge just computerized reservations.

It relies upon the Palace of Versailles ticket you decide to book. While certain tickets offer a full discount on dropping tickets up to 48-72 hours ahead of time, for others there might be no discount accessible on cancelation. If it’s not too much trouble, check before you reserve your spot.

Versailles Palace is open all week long, with the exception of Mondays. Between 1 April to 31 October, it is open between 09:00 AM to 06:30 PM (last section at 05:30 PM); between 1 November and 31 Walk, it is open between 09:00 AM to 05:30 PM (last passage at 05:00 PM).

Fundamental pieces of the Versailles Palace open post-Coronavirus are the King’s State Apartment, The Queen’s State Lofts, The Hall of Mirrors, The Gallery of Fights, and The Trianon Estate.

Considering the Coronavirus, various well-being and security measures have been authorized. The Palace of Versailles currently acknowledges just internet-based reservations. Markers have been put on the ground each 1 meter to guarantee social separation. It is required that guests wear veils that cover their noses and faces all through their whole visit; sanitizer containers have additionally been set at different doors.

Ticket choices accessible for visiting the Palace of Versailles are standard confirmation tickets with multilingual audioguides, skip-the-line passes to the royal residence and nurseries, directed visits as well as the Versailles Identification ticket that permits you admittance to all pieces of the Versailles Royal residence.

Indeed, you can skirt the long ticket lines with these Castle of Versailles tickets. The ticket buys line at the Versailles can be anyplace between a 45-an an hour and a half long. We suggest you buy your tickets ahead of time so you can skirt these lines and go to security at the hour of your visit.

Indeed, there are various directed visits that give skip-the-line admittance to the castle as well as the nurseries and wellsprings.

The Versailles Identification ticket is a ticket variation that gives you admittance to the entirety of the domain. In fact, you’ll want to visit the Versailles Real Palace, the Trianon Estate, temporary exhibitions, the Gardens, the Park, the Musical Fountain Shows, and the Coach Gallery with the Versailles Visa.

Indeed, tickets for the Palace and the Garden are discrete. Standard confirmation tickets do exclude admittance to the nurseries and wellsprings. In any case, with the Visa ticket, you will actually want to visit the whole home, including the royal residence, the gardens, and the wellspring shows.

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Booking and access

To access the Palace, all visitors must book a time slot . Due to the high number of visitors, admission to the Palace within half an hour of the booked time slot can only be guaranteed for tickets purchased online .

The Palace closes at 6:30 pm, evacuation begins at 6:00 pm. With the last visiting schedule, it is not possible to visit the entire exhibition and the Palace.

It is possible to enter the park by car through the Queen's Gate , without reservation. The entrance fee is 12 euros per vehicle.

If you want to discover everything about Versailles in one day, the Passport ticket is for you ! To enjoy even more of Versailles, choose the “1 Year in Versailles” subscription card for just €65 per year.

Free and reduced rates

Access to the Palace  and the  estate of Trianon is free for visitors under 18 (or under 26 residing in the EU). However, visitors eligible for free admission must book a time slot via the online ticketing platform .  See every condition for free admission

Some benefit from a reduced rate, also available on the online ticketing platform . 

Entrance to the gardens during the Musical Fountains show, the Musical Gardens or the Night Fountains show is free for children under 5 years of age.

The audioguide is available to rent from the online ticketing service or on site at the distribution counters.

The audioguide is also available on the free mobile app , download it in advance.

Every ticket in one look

A summary of the different tickets to visit the estate of Versailles

Guided tours

During guided tours , a speaker from the Palace invites you into lesser known locations otherwise closed to the visitors. 

Except if otherwise indicated, the meeting point for guided tours is at the welcome desk is in the North Ministers’ Wing , except for Trianon's visite where the meeting point is in front of the Petit Trianon.

Full price : 10 € in addition to the admission price

Reduced rates: 7 € for the holders of « A Year in Versailles » card, the members of Friends of Versailles Society, and the underage from 10 to 17 years old accompanying, disabled visitors and their companion.

Free: for the children under 10.

All year long, concerts, operas, ballets... in famous places of the Palace: the Royal Opera and the Royal Chapel .

From the beginning of April to the end of October, enjoy the Musical Fountains Shows and the Musical Gardens .

Show in the Palace, access through  entrance B .

Shows in the Gardens, access through  the Princes courtyard .

Locate on the map

Fountains shows in one look

A simplified presentation of the tickets allowing access to the Musical Fountains Show, the Musical Gardens, the Royal Serenades or the Fountains Night Show.

This ticket gives access to the whole estate of Versailles (Palace, Estate of Trianon and the gardens). Book online and enter to the Palace in the half hour following the chosen time.

It includes :

• the Palace with timed entry;
• the estate of Trianon ;
• the temporary exhibitions ;
• the  Gallery of Coaches  (every weekend); 
• the Gardens  (from March 29, single admission during Musical Gardens and Musical Fountains Shows);

To make the most of the Estate of Versailles, the Gardens are open from 8am, the Estate of Trianon from 12pm, the Gallery of Coaches from 12.30pm.

Tickets can be purchased on site subject to availability.

High season rate

• Hearing impaired
• Motor deficiencies
• Visual impairment
• Mental disabilities

Palace ticket

This ticket guarantees access to the palace of Versailles . Book online and enter to the Palace in the half hour following the chosen time.

• the Palace with timed entry ;
• the temporary exhibitions  in the Palace
• the Park . To access the Gardens, you need a Passport ticket or Garden ticket

In order for you to make the most of the Estate of Versailles, the Gardens are open from 8am, the Estate of Trianon from 12pm., the Gallery of Coaches from 12.30pm.

The Passport guarantees access to the Estate of Versailles (Palace, Estate of Trianon and their Gardens).

Tickets can also be purchased on site subject to availability.

Estate of Trianon ticket

This ticket guarantees access to the estate of Trianon (including the Grand Trianon , the Petit Trianon , the Queen's Hamlet and their  gardens ) starting at noon.

It includes access to :

• the tempory exibitions  presented there;

The Passport guarantees access to the Estate of Versailles (Palace, Estate of Trianon and the Gardens).

Passport + Gourmet Break

This ticket gives access to the whole of the  Estate of Versailles  and a lunch at the restaurant la Petite Venise. Book online and enter to the Palace in the half hour following the chosen time.

Package valid for 2 adults (possibility to add children until 17 years old).

It includes access to:

• the  Gardens  (from March 29, single admission during Musical Gardens and Musical Fountains Shows);
• the Park  ;
• a lunch for 2 adults at the restaurant la Petite Venise (20 min walk) at 12:00 or 12:30 p.m. From the menu: Starter - Main course / Main course - Dessert + coffee.

Low season rate

Passport + return trip by little train

This ticket gives access to the whole of the Estate of Versailles (Palace, Trianon Estate and the gardens) and to a return trip by little train. Book online and enter to the Palace in the half hour following the chosen time.   It includes access to:

• the Estate of Trianon (Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, Queen's Hamletand their gardens);
• the temporary exhibitions  (" Louis XV, passions of a king ");
• the  Sculptures and Mouldings Gallery  (every weekend);
• the  Gardens  (from April 1 st , during the  Musical Gardens or Musical Fountains Show , ticket valid for one entry);
• to 1 return trip by little train .

To make the most of the Estate of Versailles, the Gardens are open from 8 a.m, the Estate of Trianon from 12 p.m, the Gallery of Coaches and the Sculptures and Mouldings Gallery from 12:30 p.m.

Find the little train

Passport + Rowing boat ride

This ticket gives access to the whole of the  Estate of Versailles  and a 1 hour rowing boat ride on the Grand Canal.  It allows access to the Palace in the half hour following the chosen time.

Package valid for 2 adults  (possibility to add children from 6 years old). 2 adults and 3 children maximum per boat.

• the  Gardens  (from April 1st, during the  Musical Gardens or Musical Fountains Show , ticket valid for one entry);
• to the rental of a rowing boat on the Grand Canal for 1 hour (rowing boat are available without an appointment during the opening hours of the rental point, suggested time 11:30 a.m.).

In order for you to make the most of the Estate of Versailles, the Gardens are open from 8 a.m, the Estate of Trianon from 12 p.m, the Gallery of Coaches and the Sculptures and Mouldings Gallery from 12:30 p.m.

The Gardens close exceptionally at 5:30 p.m. on days of Night Fountains Shows from June to September as well as Friday July 14, Tuesday August 15 and Saturday September 23. The Passport ticket with timed entry does not guarantee access to the Night Fountains shows.

Passport + Bike Ride

This ticket gives access to the whole of the  Estate of Versailles  and a 1 hour bike ride in the Park. It allows access to the Palace in the half hour following the chosen time.

Package valid for 2 adults  (possibility to add children from 6 years old).

• to the  rental of a classic bike  in the Park for 1 hour (bikes are available without an appointment during the opening hours of the rental point, suggested time 11:30 a.m.).

To make the most of the Estate of Versailles, the Gardens are open from 8 a.m, the Estate of Trianon from 12 p.m and the Gallery of Coaches from 12:30 p.m, the Gallery of Coaches and the Sculptures and Mouldings Gallery from 12:30 p.m..

"1 year in Versailles" card

During a year, enjoy unlimited access to the whole estate of Versailles , skip the line access to the Palace , an exclusive cultural program  and benefit from numerous discounts . 

Know more about the subscription

"1 year in Versailles" card

Passport + equestrian show

It gives access to the palace at 9:30 am and to the show of the Equestrian Academy of Versailles, depending on the day you choose: Saturday at 6 pm or Wednesday and Sunday at 3 pm. From July 6 to August 7, on Wednesdays and Sundays, show is at 5 pm.Additional dates on Saturday 27th of July at 8:30 pm and Tuesday 30th, and Wednesday 31st at 6 pm.  

The Musical Fountains Show

Musical Fountains Show ticket

In the Gardens , discover the pools,  groves (open for the occasion) and their fountains put in water to the rhythm of the baroque music.

• Saturdays and Sundays from March 30 to October 27, 2024
• Tuesdays from May 7 to June 25, 2024
• Friday March 29, Easter Monday April 1, Wednesday May 8 and Thursday May 9, Whit Monday May 20, and Thursday August 15, 2024

The Musical Fountains Show ticket includes only the admission to the Musical Fountains Show  in the Gardens during the day.

Caution, the musical and water displays timetable differs from opening hours of the groves. Find out all details in advance on this page . 

Ticket valid for one entry into the Gardens, through the Honour Courtyard of the Palace or the gates of Little Venice , the Menagerie , Neptune or the Dragon . Please note that a second entry is possible, but only through a different gate than the one used for the first entry.

Reduced rate

The Musical Gardens Show

Musical Gardens ticket

In the  Gardens , discover the pools,  groves (open for the occasion), to the rhythm of baroque music (no watering pools).

• Every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from April 2 to May 3, 2024 (except Wednesday, May 1)
• Every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from May 10 to June 28, 2024
• Every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from July 2 to October 31, 2024 (except Thursday, August 15, during the Musical Fountains Show)

The Musical Gardens ticket includes only the admission to the Musical Gardens  in the Gardens during the day .

Caution, the musical and water displays timetable differs from opening hours of the groves. Find out all details in advance on this page .

Reduced price

The Fountains Night Show

The Fountains Night Show ticket

During the Fountains Night Show , the gardens of Louis XIV offer an astonishing visit with sound and visual effects as night falls. Pools and groves are orchestrated and sublimed, coming to life before the visitor's eyes with fountains and lights and culminating with a dazzling firework display.

• Every Saturday from June 8 to September 21, 2024, from 8:30 pm to 11:05 pm
• Friday June 28 for the 90 th anniversary of the French Air Force (8:00-11:45 p.m.)
• Sunday, July 14 for the Bastille Day (8:30-11:10 p.m.)
• Thursday, August 15 for the Fire Night Fountains Show (8:30-11:05 p.m.)
• Saturday, September 21 for the Electro Night Fountains Show (8:30-11:45 pm)

This ticket only gives you access to the Gardens on the evening of the Fountains Night Show . 

Services on site

Support Versailles

Make an online donation to help the Palace of Versailles cope with an unprecedented economic crisis.

Palace of Versailles App

The free app is available for both smartphones and tablets. It includes the audio tours of the Palace, the Gardens, the Trianon Estate and the Gallery of Coaches. It includes also an interactive map of the Estate.

Plan my visit

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!

Discover the Estate, the history and the collections

Explore an oustanding Estate

What's on

Discover all the current and upcoming events

Home > Versailles Skip the Line Tips

Versailles Skip the Line Tips

To fully immerse yourself in rich French history while in Paris, you are probably considering a visit to Versailles .

You probably already know it: to visit the Palace of Versailles, skip the line tickets are absolutely necessary. I can assure you that there is an incredible waiting line there every day!

How Long is the Line at Versailles?

The ticket office line at Versailles can take anywhere between 30 minutes and 2 hours. Afterward, you will need to again wait in line at the main palace entrance, followed by the security check, which can collectively take another 1-3 hours.

There is nothing more annoying than having to wait 1 to 3 hours standing in line instead of enjoying your day trip. But Versailles is one of the most famous châteaux in France , and everybody will tell you that the visit is well worth it.

Luckily, there are several ways to skip the line at Versailles – or avoid the longest lines -, and we are going to share our best Versailles skip the line tips with you in this post.

If you are looking for information on how to visit Versailles from Paris, the articles below are in-depth guides to plan your Versailles trip.

About the Palace of Versailles

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

Situated 21 km south-west of Paris, Versailles Palace is a true wonder of the world. With its opulent Baroque rooms and halls and surrounded by magnificent formal gardens , Versailles is one of the best castles near Paris , an awe-inspiring site easy to reach from the French capital.

Have a look at the Palace of Versailles inside – history, things to know, and the best rooms and halls.

The Palace of Versailles is one of the top sights to visit near Paris. We recommend visiting Versailles Palace in the following Paris itineraries:

• Paris in 4 days
• Paris in 5 days
• Paris in 6 days

1. Buy Your Palace of Versailles Skip the Line Tickets Online

With nearly 10 million visitors every year, Château de Versailles is one of the world’s most visited historic sites, and you definitely want to buy skip the line Versailles tickets online.

The advantage of buying these Palace of Versailles skip the line tickets online in advance is that you are avoiding the line to the ticket office (on the left in the Cour d’Honneur in the South Ministers Wing).

When you buy your Versailles tickets online, you choose a date and time slot, and you are sure to enter the Palace within your time slot.

You can buy the ticket to visit the Palace of Versailles alone or in combination with tickets to other parts of Versailles.

Below we list the different Versailles skip the line options you will need advance tickets for and have added links to our favorite trusty providers for your convenience.

• Versailles Full Access Passport (Palace, Gardens, Trianons) with audio guide
• Versailles Palace access tickets with an audio guide
• Marie-Antoinette’s State and the Trianons access tickets with an audio guide

2. Museum Lovers: Check Out the Paris Museum Pass

The Paris Museum Pass  is a Paris tourist pass that offers visitors direct access to more than 50 top attractions and museums in Paris at a discounted price. This Paris travel card offers visitors 3 different options for 2, 4, or 6 days. Click here to read our Paris Museum Pass review .

Not many people know that the Paris Museum Pass also includes access to Versailles Palace, Queen Marie-Antoinette’s State, and the Trianons! So if you were considering the Paris Museum Pass for your Paris vacation, now there’s one more reason to purchase this pass to skip the line at Versailles.

Click here to buy your Paris Museum Pass

3. The Access to the Palace for Guided Tours is through a Special Gate

The only access to the Palace of Versailles is through La Grille d’Honneur. On the sides, there’s Gate A for individual visitors (left) and Gate B for guided groups with reservation (right).

Gate B definitely sees shorter lines than Gate A, which is another reason to consider a guided tour to visit Versailles.

The following tours are consistently top-rated. Click on the links for more information:

• Versailles Palace & Gardens 3-hour guided tour
• Versailles skip-the-line day tour & transfer from Paris

4. Best Day to Visit Versailles Palace to Avoid the Biggest Crowds

With your Versailles skip the line tickets, you are going to avoid the longest lines. Also, you may want to avoid the biggest crowds when you visit the Palace of Versailles inside.

With the crowds, the rooms’ staff make visitors circulate faster to avoid bottlenecks, so the visit is less enjoyable. Also, there are more people concentrated around the information panels.

Before purchasing your Versailles skip the line tickets, have a look at the best day of the week to visit Versailles. The table below shows the frequency by day during the low season and high season.

The low season is considered from 1 November to 31 March, while the high season is considered from 1st April to 31 October.

When is the best day to visit Versailles to avoid the biggest crowds inside?  

NB: The table does not consider the national or official holidays.

Versailles is particularly crowded on Tuesdays and during the weekends. If your schedule is flexible, prioritize Wednesdays and Thursdays, when there are fewer crowds.

5. Best Time to Visit Versailles Palace to Avoid the Biggest Crowds

The table above is divided into time slots, and it also shows the best time to visit Versailles Palace to avoid the biggest crowds.

The most popular time slots are between 10 am to 3 pm, so your best bet for visiting Versailles Palace is first thing in the morning when they open or during the last time slot.

6. Days to Avoid Visiting Versailles

Versailles is open every day from Tuesday to Sunday, holidays included. The table above does not consider the national or official holidays. These are particularly crowded days in Versailles and should be avoided:

National holidays in France 2021

• New Year: Friday 1 January 2021
• Easter Monday: Monday 5 April 2021
• First of May: Saturday 1 May 2021
• Armistice WW2: Saturday 8 May 2021
• Ascension Day: Thursday 13 May 2021
• Whit Monday: Monday 24 May 2021
• National Day: Wednesday 14 July 2021
• Feast of the Assumption: Sunday 15 August 2021
• All Saints: Monday 1 November 2021
• Armistice WW1: Thursday 11 November 2021
• Christmas: Saturday 25 December 2021

School holidays in France are also busy periods in Versailles. For two weeks, parents and grandparents try to keep the kids busy with sports and cultural visits, and Versailles is a great place to learn about the last kings of France, Queen Marie-Antoinette , and the French Revolution .

In France, there are school holidays common for all the country (e.g., Christmas, Easter…) while other periods of school holidays are different depending on the region. The dates below correspond to zone C (Paris, Créteil, Montpellier, Toulouse, Versailles).

• Christmas holidays: 19 December 2020 to 4 January 2021
• Winter holidays (C): 13 February 2021 to 1 March 2021
• Spring holidays (C): 17 April 2021 to 3 May 2021
• Summer holidays: 6 July 2021 to 1 September 2021
• All Saints holidays: 23 October 2021 to 8 November 2021
• Christmas holidays: 18 December 2021 to 3 January 2022

So there you have it, the best tips to skip the line at Versailles, together with the best day to visit Versailles and the best time to visit Versailles for a wonderful day trip to Versailles.

Click here for more Versailles posts

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About WORLD IN PARIS

Quirky parisian explorer with a preference for lesser-known sights, i am continuously looking for new ideas and tips to bring you the best of the city of light read more about me ., i am elisa, the travel blogger behind world in paris. quirky explorer with a preference for the local side of my city and its lesser-known sights, i am continuously looking for new ideas to enjoy the best of paris & around . do you want to go beyond the louvre museum or the eiffel tower keep clicking for first-hand information & my best tips learn more.

Versailles Château & Gardens Walking Tour

Approximately 4.5 hours

From  €75

Discover the Versailles Palace & Gardens

No need to worry about all the hectic details of traveling to Versailles from Paris, lining up to buy tickets, or how to get into and around the palace grounds; come with us for this half-day adventure and let us take care of all of the planning! This tour combines the highly sought after Chateau de Versailles and the vast Royal Gardens, highlighted by the unique fountains, groves, and manicured shrubbery that have made them a worldwide sensation for centuries.  All tickets, including round-trip transportation to Versailles, are included as well as access into the Palace.

We will begin our day at a central Paris meeting point near the RER C, the train line that we’ll use to get to Versailles.  It’s a short 20 minutes from here, so you can relax and take in the scenery, opt for a quick snooze, or get to know your guide during the ride.  Once we arrive in the town of Versailles, we have a 10-minute walk to the palace. As you approach the chateau, you will be awed by its size, grandeur, and the crowds!  That’s why we make our way into the formal gardens first, avoiding the peak times inside of the palace.

The gardens of Versailles have been held up as the standard of French gardening for ages, and you will see why.  Stand at the  grande perspective and take in the entirety of the grounds, including the Grand Canal and the 2,000 acres of forestland.  Mosey through the groves with your guide leading the way and learn about why King Louis XIV designed them each in their particular way.  You will have the opportunity to stop for a hot or cold drink while in the groves before making our way back towards the palace. Fully equipped with the knowledge and history of the Chateau of Versailles, you will then have a chance to marvel at the marble floors and velvet curtains yourself.  Our guide will provide you with one final overview of the palace and give you pointers on how to enjoy it at your own pace, and then you are free to discover the interior at your leisure.  You will have an audio guide that will help you navigate your way through the palace, stopping to see famous rooms such as the Queen’s bedroom and the magnificent Hall of Mirrors.

After your visit inside the palace, it’s up to you to choose whether or not you want to venture back into the formal gardens, make your way back to Paris, or enjoy a bite to eat at one of the many quaint cafés not far from the chateau.  Your guide will provide you with train tickets back to Paris and instructions on how to navigate back to your place of accommodation or another site in the city.

Tour Details

What’s included.

• Round-trip Train Tickets from Paris
• Timed Entry to the Palace of Versailles
• Timed Entry to the Royal Gardens
• Viewing of the Mirror Fountain Show
• Guide for the Royal Gardens

Good to Know

• This tour involves quite a lot of walking and we do not offer golf carts. Please wear comfortable shoes.
• This tour does not include a lunch stop. You will enter the chateau around mid-day. Guests usually spend around an hour inside, meaning your lunch break will possibly be quite late. Your guide will be happy to recommend places to eat after your tour.
• We highly recommend using public transportation to get to the meeting point as car traffic is quite dense in this area.

• 1 Access to Château de Versailles
• 2 Versailles Royal Gardens and Fountains
• 3 Round Trip Transportation from Paris
• 4 Hall of Mirrors
• 5 Knowledgeable Guide
• 6 Mirror Fountain Show

Meeting Point

This tour meets in Paris, in a small park/clearing on Avenue Emile Zola opposite a café named “Café Regalia”.

The closest métro station is Javel-André Citroën (line 10). Use exit 1 (sortie 1, right side).

The easiest taxi address:  1 Avenue Emile Zola, 75015 Paris . Your guide will be wearing a Fat Tire Tours t-shirt and holding a sign.

Frequently Asked Questions

Versailles questions, does this tour include entry to the trianons and/or marie antoinette's hameau.

The Versailles Chateau and Gardens Tour visits the formal gardens in the morning and the main palace around  noon . If you would like to visit the extended gardens you have the choice to do so in the afternoon on your own. Your garden ticket is valid all day. Tickets to the Trianons and the Hameau can be bought at the Petit Trianon.

I am not accustomed to walking long distances or I have impaired mobility. Can I still attend the tour?

Apart from the train ride to Versailles, you will be spending most of your time on the tour on your feet. The gardens of Versailles are a highlight of the visit and we will be strolling through as many of the best sections as possible in the morning section of the tour. For this reason we recommend you wear appropriate footwear and that you are comfortable walking 5kms/3miles over the course of the tour.

General Tour Questions

Where is the tour meeting point.

The easiest taxi address:  1 Avenue Emile Zola, 75015 Paris . Your guide will be wearing a Fat Tire Tours t-shirt/jacket and holding a sign.

Is this tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate guests with mobility impairments, wheelchairs or strollers on this tour. We apologize for the inconvenience.

How long before my tour should I arrive?

The tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds or re-bookings can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows after tour commencement or departure.

What is the number to call if I am lost and trying to find the meeting point?

If you are having difficulty finding the meeting location for your tour, please call us at +33 1.82.88.80.94 and our staff will be happy to help you find your way.

How many people will be in my group?

This tour operates with a maximum group size of 20 guests.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

No, lunch is not included in the cost of this tour. You will have the chance to buy picnic supplies from numerous vendors at the market. Some vendors may accept credit cards, however we feel it is best to have cash in euros available as well.

What is your weather policy?

All of our tours operate rain or shine, and we have rain ponchos available in our office for purchase.

Do you organize private tours for groups?

Yes! Some of our private tours can be reserved directly online, but if you’re looking for something unique or have questions about a private group, simply send us an email at  [email protected]  to learn more about our options and prices.

What is your cancellation policy?

Activities including tickets or special entrances, such as this one, may only be rescheduled for free up to 72 hours in advance. These activities are also only refundable more than 72 hours in advance of the activity start time. Within 72 hours, we will only be able to issue a partial refund or future credit.

*See restrictions here

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Palace of Versailles

Review Highlights

“ You have to choose a time, and it's 15ish miles outside of the heart of Paris and there will be traffic. ” in 10 reviews

“ When you get to the famous hall of mirrors the real decadence that led to the French Revolution becomes evident. ” in 3 reviews

“ So once we were done we headed to the gardens and went straight to renting a golf cart . ” in 4 reviews

Location & Hours

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78000 Versailles

Recommended Reviews

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• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

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Overall rating

One two many chandeliers and owners seem a little obsessed with themselves (and I heard they went TOTALLY house poor building it!) but other than that 10/10 would hit save on the Zillow listing. Jokes aside, I had a wonderful experience touring this palace with my guide and learning more about the storied, steamy, salacious history of the French monarchy. Please do not attempt Versailles without a guide. My sister and I opted for the bike tour (booked through Airbnb Experiences) and it was a highlight of our trip to France. We enjoyed a full tour of the residence, walked through the fountains with music playing (though I think this is only on Saturday), followed by a picnic in front of the Grand Canal. We also got a full guided tour of Marie Antoinette's enclave which blew me away. 5 stars worth of disgusting, thought-provoking alchemy. We were told that there would be some part of the Olympic games played on the grounds, which will also be exciting to see when the time comes. Enjoy!

See all photos from Megan C. for Palace of Versailles

Don't book a late afternoon reservation for the palace. Mine was for 4pm. Big mistake. Inside the palace, it was incredibly crowded. Unpleasantly so. Think sardines. I had to skip the first gallery due to the crowds, and ended walking through the rest within 45minutes, occasionally listening to the audio tour thing that I purchased. The Hall of Mirrors? There were so many people inside I didn't realize there were any mirrors until I was 2/3's inside the hall. I get that Versailles is incredibly popular, and everyone wants to visit, but they need to limit the amount of people on the per hour or half hour reservations. Because the amount of bodies they allow to cram on in there is horrible. It was so unpleasant, it would have been better to have skipped Versailles. Also the wait time outside took forever, over an hour, and when the line started moving for our time slot, various people started cutting in, ALL AMERICANS. Or groups of majority americans. Come on, fellow Americans, cut it out. Addition: If you're taking the RER train there, PAY & KEEP YOUR TICKET. A handful of confused tourists and a cheap international student from the US got nabbed as we were a station or two away our destination. It only cost 4.15 euros for me to get from the Louvre area to Versailles. These folks were fined 35 euros for not paying for a train ticket. PS, 2 weeks I was in Paris, had Metro (police?) officials randomly check everyone's metro/train tickets 3 instances.

I would really give this about a 3.5 for experience The Palace and gardens are magnificent. The wealth that is here is unbelievable I would strongly recommend to book a guided tour of this monument. The lines to enter are longer than your imagination can create. Very crowded when you get inside. Huge problem with pick pockets our tour guide kept on warning the group of the problem. While in the Palace announcements were made warning people of the presence of them The gardens are glorious. So much beauty. So crowded but worth the experience

This review's focus is the gardens, though the expansive Palace is also a feast for the eyes. If you have about 4 hours and you are in the area (Paris), pop on a comfy pair of tennis shoes (sneakers) and treat yourself to a stroll around this vast property. I loved ...the classical music (my favorite genre) playing from speakers throughout the property ...Waiting to snag a spot at the ledge for the perfect selfie, ...the symmetrically- manicured gardens ...the peddle-boats ...watching golf carts whiz by ...and all the quiet paths lined with the tallest tree where you can get lost and found. Bring/wear a comfy pair of shoes. Rent a golf cart or include the grounds tram in your schedule. Purchase your ticket online for the best rate. Bring a snack and a beverage (onsite restaurant has WiFi if you'd rather purchase refreshments on-site). Take your time and enjoy the views.

There is nothing quite like Versailles. 12 years ago, I visited Paris for the first time and have vivid memories of visiting the palace. Returning again, it did not disappoint and was even more magical than I had imagined. A pro tip: buy tickets for the first time slot of the day. There is nothing quite like walking through the palace with no one else around. We stepped into the hall of mirrors and it felt empty! There was barely one in there as we got to explore and enjoy the experience all to ourselves. You can always swing back around to go through the galleries once again! It's an easy train ride from the city and absolutely worth visiting. We enjoyed Angelina for brunch and strolled the gardens during the mid day sun.

First, get a guided tour. We did the GetYourGuide. Absolutely worth it to skip the line, have assistance with the rail, and take your time and heasing back on your own. We also appreciated their helpful narratives giving significance to everything surrounding us. We went in the winter and missed out on the gardens, but I know the summer is brimming with tourists. It was not crazy crowded when we entered when they opened with our group, but the line was massive when we left. There were a couple gift shops, selling everything from foam swords, to tea and high end chocolate. Amazing, beautiful, tragic--a perfect synopsis of French history.

See all photos from Christine C. for Palace of Versailles

I went to this as a part of a tour group. I would highly recommend this. The reason I say this is because if you go to visit by yourself, you may be stuck in a queue for a while. As a part of a tour group, they give you accommodations to go earlier - Or at least the tour guides know where to go and not get stuck in the queue forever. Anyway, if I come back to the Palace of Versailles, I would definitely allot myself the whole day! I didn't get to see everything that I wanted. The palace is gorgeous and incredibly opulent. The gardens are so beautiful! There were so many areas I didn't have time to look at. I would have loved to have gotten a chance to eat at the restaurants and hang out in the gardens. The city of Versailles is also pretty cool, but again, I didn't have much time to check it out. Next time I know!

Beautiful attraction filled with priceless art, detailed finishings and lots of history. The gardens are a must see and most importantly a must explore. If I would have researched ahead of time I would have reserved and rented a golf cart to get around the gardens, from the top overseeing the fountains to the end of the pond with all the canoes and paddle boats. Also try the little Asian restaurant nearby the entrance, across the street from the palace. They served the most delicious braised pork belly over rice. I've been chasing it ever since. Very similar to pork belly I had in Beijing. So good

See all photos from A J. for Palace of Versailles

One word: Grandiose! It is known to be the most beautiful palace in the world. A few facts for you to know : It sprawls across 2,014 acres, giving it this particular distinction. The palace itself is still a massive 721,206 feet of space. Being the home to the Kings of France between 1662 and 1789, the Palace of Versaillesis one of the most important landmarks in French history. Started as being a simple and modest hunting accomodation until Louis XIV was nominated King and decided Versailles would be a potential place to build a palace. Versailles is one of the wealthiest suburbs of Paris still today. King Louis XIV, XV, and XVI all had courtiers attend twice-daily ceremonies in the King's bedroom. Here, they would watch him wake, as well as send him off to sleep. Palace of Versailles In French, it's known as Château de Versailles. The Hall of Mirrors within the palace has a total of 357 mirrors. Everything used to construct and decorate the Palace was created in France. At the time of the palace's construction, Venice had a monopoly on making mirrors. Versailles really went all out on the luxury in the palace - even the chamber pots were made from silver. The gardens of Versailles are some of the largest and most spectacular in the world and contain 372 statues, 55 water features, 600 fountains, and over 20 miles of water pipes. Hundreds of thousands of plants and trees have been continually planted over the years. The gardens covered more than 30,000 acres. It was definitely part of world history first and foremost, of course, it represented the pinnacle of power for the French monarchy, as the Sun King was the most singularly powerful and longest-reigning monarch in French history. It's also where the monarchy basically fell. As part of our Europe Tour, we were certainly appreciative that we had the VIP tour included in our package as an excursion. We went right in and skipped the long line early morning. There were rooms as if it was a private tour for our group. When in France, DON'T miss this one. Definitely bookmark!

See all photos from Josie T. for Palace of Versailles

The ultimate symbol of ostentatious and extravagance! The palace just drips opulence all over the place. You can't help but marvel at the amount of details in every corner of the place. You can see how much power and control Louis XIV had when commanded this grandiose home to be built. The amount of work and craftsmanship and resources spent to make it happen is amazing.

See all photos from R C. for Palace of Versailles

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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:

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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

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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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