The Palace of Versailles, a marvel of architecture, draws 8 to 10 million people yearly. Located about 30 minutes from Paris in the Versailles village, it served as the political hub of France. The castle's grandeur matches the estate’s gardens, which cover over 230 acres with 50 fountains, 620 water jets, numerous sculptures, around 200,000 trees, and over 210,000 flowers.
Before You Visit Versailles Palace
Versailles Palace is a treat for lovers of exquisite architecture, beautiful gardens, fountains, and especially for history geeks! It's a dream spot for enthusiasts in these areas. While children might find the gardens more appealing than the palace, it's worth bringing them along. To go around the vast grounds, consider using the mini train, especially to reach attractions like Marie-Antoinette’s Hamlet. Alternatively, renting golf carts or bicycles to move around is both fun and practical, offering an enjoyable experience for the whole family.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Versailles Palace is early mornings or weekdays in spring (March to June) or fall (September to November), when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. The summer season (June to September) brings in much larger crowds, but you also get longer days to explore Versailles. Taking advantage of daylight saving time can extend your day. Arriving early also means less traffic and shorter lines, making your visit to the Palace and its gardens more pleasant.
From April to October, the Gardens of Versailles host musical fountain shows on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. These include the Great Musical Waters on weekends, featuring fountains dancing to Baroque music, and the Musical Gardens on Tuesdays and Fridays, offering a serene experience with classical tunes. These shows run from 29 March to 31 October 2024.
For comprehensive access, consider the Passport ticket. It covers the entire estate, including the Palace with a scheduled entry, the Gardens on show days, the Trianon estate, and the Park, providing a full Versailles experience.
You can read more about the best time to visit Paris and plan your travel accordingly.
Tickets to Versailles Palace
When visiting Versailles Palace, you have various ticket options. You can select from standard entry, guided tours, passport tickets, or special access to exclusive areas. Choose what best fits your visit!
Opening hours
The Palace of Versailles is open year-round but with varying hours based on the season. The high season is from April 1 to October 31, and the low seasonis from November 1 to March 31.
Château de Versailles:
- High Season: 9am to 6:30pm, Tuesday to Sunday
- Low Season: 9am to 5:30pm, Tuesday to Sunday
Marie Antoinette Estate & Palace of Trianon:
- High Season: 12pm to 6:30pm, Tuesday to Sunday
- Low Season: 12pm to 5:30pm, Tuesday to Sunday
Parks:
- High Season: 7am to 8:30pm, daily
- Low Season: 8am to 6pm, daily
Gardens:
- High Season: 8am to 8:30pm, daily
- Low Season: 8am to 6pm, daily
The Palace is closed on Mondays and May 1st. The Gardens and Park are open every day.
Tips for Visiting Versailles Palace
- On the first Sunday of each month from May to September, entry to Versailles Palace is free, but expect more visitors.
- A guided tour offers deep insights into the Palace's history and art.
- Consider the Passport ticket to access the palace and enjoy its shows; they're absolutely worth it.
- For convenience, book tickets that include an audioguide and bus transfers from Paris.
- If you have a Go City Paris All-Inclusive Pass, it covers your palace entry but not the fountain shows; you'll need a separate garden ticket during these events.
- Allocate 4-7 hours for the Palace and its gardens; there’s much to see and do.
- The free Palace of Versailles app provides an audio guide and interactive map.
- Petit Trains in the gardens connect major sites, making navigation easier.
- Bikes and golf carts are also available for hire inside, to help you easily move around the compound.
- Picnicking is allowed in the park, not the gardens. Outside food isn't permitted in the palace building, so consider dining at nearby restaurants. If you’re getting your own vehicle, it’s a good idea to store food in your car so that you can set up a picnic later at the park.
Getting to Versailles Palace
Stop name: Place d’Armes Versaiiles
The RATP bus line 171 offers a direct link between Paris and Versailles, traveling from Pont de Sèvres to Place d’Armes Versailles. Buses depart every 15 to 20 minutes, providing a steady and reliable service. The journey costs €4 and takes approximately 40 minutes, making it a budget-friendly and efficient travel option. The service operates from early morning at 6am until 12am, ensuring flexibility for visitors planning their trip to the palace. The route spans from Pont de Sevres, allowing travelers an accessible starting point, to the heart of Versailles at Place d’Armes.
Station name: Versailles Château - Rive Gauche Train Station
To reach the Palace of Versailles, the RER Line C is a convenient option, departing from Gare d’Austerlitz and passing through central Paris with stops like St-Michel, Musée d'Orsay, Invalides, Pont de l'Alma, and Champs de Mars - Tour Eiffel, ending at Versailles Château Rive Gauche Station. Trains run frequently, about every 15 to 20 minutes, from early morning at 5:10am until late night at 11:34pm. The journey takes around 40 minutes and costs approximately €7 for a round trip. This route is ideal for those looking for a direct and cost-effective way to visit the palace.
Taxis provide a convenient travel option for groups heading to Versailles, offering flexibility with service available throughout the day. The journey typically takes between 30 to 35 minutes, making it a quick and comfortable way to reach the destination. Taxis can be hailed on demand, ensuring that you can depart at a time that suits you best. It costs approximately €60, which may be a practical choice for those prioritizing time and comfort in their travel plans to Versailles.
Amenities and accessibility
- Helpful Reception: Staffed by knowledgeable personnel, these centers provide essential information, maps, and tips to navigate the palace and gardens efficiently.
- Guided Tours and Audio Guides: To enhance your visit, opt for guided tours or audio guides. These services offer in-depth insights into the history and art of Versailles, making your exploration more enriching.
- Dining Options: Various restaurants and cafes are available on the premises, offering a range of culinary choices to suit all tastes, from quick snacks to full meals.
- Gift Shops: Souvenir shops are scattered throughout, where visitors can purchase a wide array of mementos, from postcards and books to exclusive merchandise.
- Rest Areas and Toilets: Strategically located rest areas and toilets ensure comfort for visitors, allowing for breaks and refreshments during the tour.
- Accessibility Features: The palace is equipped with features to aid visitors with mobility issues, including ramps and designated paths, ensuring a pleasant visit for everyone.
- Stroller and Wheelchair Rentals: Available for rent, these aids facilitate a smoother visit for those with young children or those who require assistance with mobility.
- Baby Changing Facilities: Families with infants will find conveniently located facilities for diaper changing, making the palace visit hassle-free for parents.
- Baggage Storage: Secure storage services are available, allowing visitors to explore the palace without the burden of carrying heavy belongings.
- Wheelchair Accessibility: Central areas and gardens are accessible by wheelchair, ensuring that all visitors can experience the beauty and history of Versailles.
- Elevators: Elevators are available to transport visitors between different floors, providing easy access to all areas of the palace.
- Accessible Restrooms: Throughout the estate, restrooms are designed to accommodate visitors with disabilities, ensuring comfort and accessibility.
- Assistance for Visually Impaired Visitors: Visitors who are visually impaired are allowed to bring assistance animals, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
What to See at Palace of Versailles?
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Hall of Mirrors
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King's Apartments
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Queen’s Hamlet
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Gardens
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Fountains
Marble Court
Initially, the heart of the palace, the Marble Court features white and black marble tiles selected by King Louis XIV. Enclosed by a U-shaped building, it retains the style of Louis XIII's hunting lodge, enhanced with detailed statues and bas-reliefs by Louis XIV's architects.
Nearby attractions
Versailles Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral of Saint Louis, stands as a prominent example of classical architecture. Constructed in the 18th century, it served as the parish church for the royal family. The cathedral features a majestic facade, an ornate interior, and historical significance in the heart of Versailles.
Musée Lambinet, located in Versailles, is a municipal museum housed in an 18th-century mansion. It offers a glimpse into French history and art, with collections of furniture, ceramics, and paintings. The museum also explores the history of Versailles, showcasing its transformation from a royal city to a modern suburb.
The Domaine de Madame Élisabeth offers a peaceful retreat near the famous palace, featuring an English-style garden turned public park. This serene spot includes artistic and poetic elements, a verdant tunnel along a former river, and vegetable gardens supplying Paris' Hotel Georges V. Organic methods are prioritized in its upkeep, with bees contributing to both the garden's health and honey production.
The Versailles-Chèvreloup Arboretum, a sprawling green sanctuary, is home to over 2,500 species of trees and plants, along with extensive greenhouses. Part of the Versailles royal estate, this arboretum functions as a living museum of trees, meticulously curated by the National Museum of Natural History for nearly a century, showcasing a rich botanical diversity.
