Step into the stunning palace of Versailles, one of the world’s most renowned palaces known for its magnificent architecture and endless gardens. Recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO over 30 years ago, it stands as a key icon in French history. However, with over 10 million visitors annually, the site can be overwhelmingly crowded. So, how can you enjoy the splendor without the wait? We've got the insider tips you need to skip the lines and make the most of your visit.
Do I need Skip-the-Line Tickets for Palace of Versailles?
To skip lines at the Palace of Versailles, "skip the line" tickets help you avoid the ticket purchase queue but not the security check. Arriving early often negates the need for these tickets, especially during the less busy winter months when crowds are thinner. Multiple lines exist: one for buying tickets and another for those with pre-purchased tickets needing security clearance. Timed entry also affects queue placement; reserved time slots have specific lines. So go for the Skip-the-Line Tickets if you are visiting during the summer. Read this blog to know what’s the best time to visit Palace of Versailles.
Recommended tickets for Versailles Palace
Wait time at The Versailles Palace
Given the number of visitors floating around the Palace, it is obvious that you may have to bump shoulders with strangers at the ticket counter. The average wait time at the Versailles Palace can range from 10-15 minutes (with skip the line tickets) to 2 hours (if you’re buying your tickets at the ticketing counter during peak season).
Fret not about this arduous wait time. We’re here to give you some insider tips on how you can combat this insane wait time even during peak season.
7 tried & tested ways to skip the lines at the Versailles Palace
1. Skip the lines by pre-booking your tickets
Since the palace is a popular attraction, it can take a long time for you to enter the museum if you plan on buying your ticket on-site. You can skip the chaos and beat the line of ticket buyers by purchasing your ticket in advance, which will lead you directly to one of the main entrances of the Palace (which is otherwise not accessible). Take your pick of days to visit the Palace and save yourself the hassle of waiting to actually get in. No harm in planning ahead of time, is there?
2. Grab a first-entry time ticket
If you wish to explore and admire the Versailles Palace peacefully without people crowding the space, you should choose an early time slot while purchasing your tickets online. Time slpts are available from 9am onwards- the quicker you go, the smaller the crowds. 9am is the most suitable time to stroll around the Palace with the most room to view the admirable landmark. Snap great pictures of the interiors and enjoy the rooms - all to yourself.
Tip: Head to the palace at 8:45 AM to ensure you have enough time to get through security and scan your ticket in advance. As soon as the palace opens its doors to the public, you’ll be the first one in!
3. Go for timed entry ticket
Timed entry tickets grant access to the palace at a specific time, allowing you to bypass the general admission lines. These tickets need to be reserved in advance and give you a designated entry period, which helps in controlling the flow of visitors and offers a more pleasant experience. Being punctual for your designated slot is crucial, as missing it may require you to wait for the next available time or rejoin the regular queue.
4. Know Your Entrances
Main Entrance
All visitors who have already purchased their tickets or those who are yet to purchase need to walk through the main entrance, otherwise called grille d’Honneur, to enter the Versailles Palace.
Entrance for groups
If you have chosen a group tour for a given time, you can enter the palace from Gate B and those visiting solo can enter through Gate A.
Entrance for disabled persons
Disabled persons with guided dogs or a plus one accompanying them can enter the palace through a pedestrian path, designed specifically to meet their requirements.
Entrance to the Garden
Get free direct access to the gardens by walking through the top left side of the Versailles Palace.
Heading to Marie Antoinette’s Estate
From the palace, take a 30 min stroll through the gardens, hop onto the little train or rent electric vehicles to get to Marie Antoinette’s Estate.
5. Consider taking a guided tour
Scrap the idea of strolling across the palace’s corridors on your own and opt for a guided tour of the Versailles Palace instead. This is a great way to steer clear of the long queues and make an easy entrance into the palace. Gate B is a dedicated guided tour entrance that will allow you to explore the space peacefully. Additionally, with the presence of an expert tour guide by your side, you’ll get insight into the rich history, culture, and all significant highlights of the palace!
6. Visit the Versailles Palace on a Wednesday/Thursday
The Palace of Versailles is the least crowded on Wednesdays and Thursdays during the week, and Sundays during weekends. The Palace is open on all days of the week except for Mondays. We would recommend avoiding booking tickets for Tuesday, because this is the most busy day for the Palace. The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays, diverting a lot of its usual traffic towards the Versailles Palace. Fridays and Saturdays are also equally busy (along with national holidays), so we would recommend steering clear of those days as well.
7. Hit the gardens before heading to the Palace
The Versailles gardens open at 8am, an hour before the Versailles Palace does. You can start at the gardens and visit all the popular areas before the crowds start to trickle in. This is a suggested route to take: visit the gardens at 8am, then head to the palace by 9am. The gardens are pretty much empty that early during the day, giving you oodles of privacy and a great view of the palace from your standpoint. When you’re done with the garden, work your way to the palace.
