Versailles, the ultimate palace.
Outrageously ostentatious and a symbol of absolute monarchy, it is the palace against which all other palaces are measured – and which none could outdo.
How to visit this ultimate palace of palaces and its equally stunning gardens? Here’s the ultimate guide to visiting Versailles!
Table of Contents
A Short History of Versailles
The origins of Versailles were somewhat modest; it began as a hunting lodge built by King Louis XIII.
Versailles is most famously associated, however, with Louis’ son, Louis XIV. Fond of the place, he set about expanding it, bringing in the best architects, landscapers, and painters of his day to transform the simple hunting lodge into a palace fit for one of Europe’s most powerful kings. In 1682, Louis moved the court here, partly as a ploy to consolidate his absolute rule, and Versailles became the center of government for more or less the next century.
Louis XV modified the interiors and built the Petit Trianon. Louis XVI, his successor, and his wife Marie Antoinette made further revisions to the interior, and much of their renovations can be seen today. They were both at the palace when it was invaded by a group of female rioters in 1789, one of the early events of the French Revolution.
The palace was ransacked during the Revolution, but not as badly as it could have been. Largely neglected by Napoleon, it was a later French king, Louis Philippe, who turned the palace into a museum dedicated to “all the glories of France” in 1833.
Despite no longer being a center of power, Versailles continued to witness major political events even in the 19th and 20th centuries. The German Empire was proclaimed at Versailles in 1871 after France’s humiliating defeat in the Franco-Prussian War. France got her revenge a few decades later, in 1919, when the Treaty of Versailles was signed at the palace, formally ending World War I.
The Palace and Park of Versailles were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
Today, Versailles welcomes around 15 million visitors a year, making it one of the most visited tourist sites in the world.
Essential Information / Before you go
Opening Times
There are a few places to visit in Versailles. They are sectioned off as follows:
- The Palace
- Open 9:00am – 6:30pm, Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays and on May 1st)
- The Gardens
- Open 8:00am – 8:30pm daily
- The Trianon Estate (including the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, and Queen’s Hamlet)
- Open 12:00pm – 6:30pm, Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays and on May 1st)
- The Park
- Open 7:00am – 8:30pm daily
Ticket prices
Standard tickets for some of the most popular ticket combinations are as follows (standard adult prices during summer – prices may be cheaper in low season):
| Ticket | Cost | Access |
| Passport | €32 | Palace, Gardens, Trianon estate |
| Palace | €21 | Palace |
| Passport & Gourmet Break | €124 (high season) or €108 (low season) | Palace Gardens, Trianon estate, Lunch at La Petite Venise restaurant |
There are other ticket types available, such as the Passport + Equestrian Show, Passport + Boat Ride, and the Fountains at Night Show ticket. For a full list of tickets and prices, consult the Versailles website.
Freebies!
Versailles has a few places, at certain times of year, that are free to access:
The gardens are free to access, except on the days of fountain shows and musical gardens. (These are held on Tuesdays to Sundays, and national holiday,s from March 29 to October 31.)
The palace and the Trianon are free to enter on the first Sunday of the month from November to March. Booking a timeslot is mandatory.
The Gallery of Coaches is free from 12:30pm to 5:30pm Saturday and Sunday (low season) and from 12:30pm to 6:30pm Tuesday to Sunday (high season).
Where can I purchase tickets?
You can purchase online, directly at the site, or through a tour operator.
I highly recommend booking in advance, whether that be purchasing tickets on your own (which is what I opted to do) or through a tour operator. This is the only way you can be guaranteed entry at the time you want.
How do I get the tickets I purchased online?
If you order online, you can either download your tickets to your mobile phone or opt to receive an email from where you can print out the tickets to bring with you.
Should I purchase tickets in advance?
Definitely. Versailles is busy no matter what time of year you go. Plus, the palace and grounds are so huge, the last thing you’ll want is to waste your time standing in a long queue. Do yourself a favor and buy tickets in advance.
Audio Guides
Cost:
| Type | Cost |
| Palace + Trianon | €8 |
| Palace only | €5 |
| Trianon only | €5 |
| Reduced rate | €4 |
Audio guides can be purchased separately, and in advance of your visit. There’s also a free Versailles mobile app you can download. I opted for the audio guide, and found that it gave good information.
If you purchase the audio guide in advance, you’ll need to show proof of purchase either in the form of an electronic or printed ticket when you pick up the device.
If you have a timed ticket, you can pick up your audio guide at Entrance A, right after you pass through security and before you enter through to the palace.
Guided tours
While the main part of the palace is seen on a self-guided tour, or with audio guide, Versailles offers a number of guided tours to other parts of the palace and grounds that are not part of the standard self-guided tour. One example is a guided tour of the King’s private apartments. Be sure to check the website to see if there’s a tour you might be interested in.
What time of year is best to visit?
Any time of year! Summer is the height of tourist season, so you’ll be contending with more crowds, but if you want to see the gardens in their full glory and watch the fountains show their stuff, the warmer months of the year will be for you.
In winter, bear in mind that it’s colder, so if you’ll be spending most of your time outside (in the gardens), be prepared for the elements. Also be prepared for the fact that the gardens and fountains aren’t quite as spectacular in the winter as they are the rest of the year; part of the reason for this is that the fountains are turned off in the winter.
What time of day is best to visit?
If you plan on seeing everything – chateau, gardens, Trianons – you’ll want to get to Versailles as early as possible – preferably for opening. This will give you enough time to see everything.
For less crowds, choose to go earlier or later in the day.
What is the recommended length of time to visit?
Depends on how much you plan on seeing. You can easily spend the entire day at Versailles, and this is what I’d recommend if you want to see as much as possible.
Here are some times I’d recommend:
Palace: 1.5 – 2 hours (although if you want to see everything and listen to nearly everything on your audio guide, well, let’s just say that I was in the palace for 4 hours)
Gardens: 1-2 hours
Trianon: 1-2 hours for both the Grand and Petit Trianons
My #1 recommendation, though, is to make a day trip out of your visit to Versailles. There’s so much to see and do, a full day will give you enough time to see the sights without feeling rushed.
What should I bring?
Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be standing and walking a lot during your visit. Even in the palace, there are limited places to sit.
Also, you’ll want to keep an eye on the weather, especially if you want to spend time in the gardens. Check the weather and bring any gear that you might need, such as an umbrella (although you may need to store this before going into the palace) or other rain gear.
What should I not bring?
Palace:
- No animals
- No food or drink
- No selfie sticks, tripods, or flash photography
- No smoking
All of Versailles estate (including palace and gardens):
- Large bags or luggage
- Animals without a leash
- Alcoholic beverages
- Model cars
- Remote-controlled craft (floating or aerial, including drones)
There are a few behavioral rules as well, such as no tearing up the plants (no matter how pretty they look or how much you want them as a keepsake).
How to get there
The two most common ways to get to Versailles from Paris are by: 1) taking a tour or 2) using public transportation.
If using a guided tour:
Your tour company will give you directions on where to meet them and from there they’ll take you to Versailles.
This tour, for example, meets you in Paris and drives you to Versailles on their comfortable bus.
If using public transportation:
It’s very easy to get to Versailles on your own using public transportation.
I recommend just taking the RER C train. From Paris, hop on the train in Paris to Versailles Château – Rive Gauche. The ride takes about one hour from the center of Paris (calculating from the Notre Dame stop). From there it’s an easy 15-minute walk to the palace. There are signs, so you shouldn’t get lost!
Note that although Versailles is connected by RER train, it’s actually not covered as part of the regular metro ticket. You’ll need to pay a little extra to get from the center of Paris to Versailles. (Don’t worry if you forget, though. You’ll have the opportunity to purchase a ticket on board during the ticket check.)
If arriving by car:
From the A3 motorway, take the number 5 exit and follow the signs to the Palace of Versailles.
There is a car park located right in front of the palace, but it is quite pricey.
During your visit
On to the fun stuff! Here’s what to see and expect:
Entering Versailles:
You’re free to walk around the outside of the palace, including the gardens (except on show days) and the park.
For the palace, you’ll need to first go through a security check. After that, it will depend on whether you pre-purchased your ticket or not:
For those without a ticket, go to the ticket office on the left, in the South Ministers’ Wing, then proceed to Entrance A.
For those with a ticket, proceed straight to Entrance A.
For guided tours, go the North Ministers’ Wing.
What to see and do:
The Palace
In a palace with 2,300 rooms, there’s no shortage of things to see. The most interesting are located on the second floor (European first floor) and include:
The first few rooms on the way to the state apartments are dedicated to the history of Versailles. There’s a lot of good information that makes you appreciate the grandeur of the rooms to follow, and of the estate as a whole.
The Royal Chapel: You can’t enter on the regular tour, but you can certainly admire! Several chapels were built during the construction of Versailles; the one you see today was the last and grandest of them all. It was here that the future Louis XVI married Marie Antoinette in 1770.
Hercules Room: Originally the fourth chapel built, the Hercules Room became a ballroom and was the last room that was built under Louis XIV. The room gets its name from the large painting of the mythological hero Hercules on the ceiling.
Venus Room: Once the main entrance to the king’s apartments, this room was named after the Roman goddess of love, whose painting is found on the ceiling. But the first thing you’ll likely notice is the dominating statue of Louis XIV dressed as a Roman emperor.
Diana Room: Named after the Roman goddess of the hunt (a sport Louis XIV loved), the Diana Room was where the king and the men of the court played billiards. There’s a striking sculpture of the king by the great Italian sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini (the same artist responsible for the canopy at the Vatican).
Mercury Salon: The king’s bed may be here, but this isn’t where he slept. Instead, the Mercury Salon was used for the elaborate “waking up” and “going to bed” ceremonies that Louis XIV used to keep his nobles in check.
Apollo Salon: Louis XIV identified with this Roman god of the sun, and it was this room that he used as a throne room.
Hall of Mirrors: The most famous and the grandest of all the rooms in Versailles. Mirrors were expensive in the 17th century when the room was built. Its extensive use in this hall demonstrated the wealth of France – and her king.
The Hall of Mirrors is also notable for being the setting of important historic events. The German Empire was proclaimed in this room in 1871. In 1919, the Treaty of Versailles was signed here, ending World War I.
The Queen’s Chamber: Successive queens actually slept here (unlike the king’s stately Mercury Salon), including Marie Antoinette. Royal children were also born in this room, including Louis XV and Louis XVII.
Gallery of Battles: Created by Louis Philippe as part of his idea to create a museum dedicated to the glories of France, this large room with skylight is displays paintings of France’s military victories. Among my personal favorites are the masterpiece The Battle of Taillebourg by Eugène Delacroix, Henri IV’s Entry into Paris, and the Battle of Jena depicting one of Napoleon’s most famous victories.
The Gardens
To Louis XIV, the gardens were as essential a part of the building plan as the palace itself. Groves, statues, and plants from all over France combine to form the ultimate French formal garden.
The most striking features are perhaps the fountains, which are displayed on musical days every summer. The two most beautiful are:
Latona Fountain: Recounting the myth of the goddess Latona, who along with her children were denied water to drink by a town’s inhabitants. Latona cursed them and they were turned into frogs.
Apollo Fountain: A fountain existed in this spot during the reign of Louis XIV’s father, when Versailles was still a hunting lodge. Louis added this statue of his favorite god, bursting forth on his chariot as he begins his daily job of pulling the sun around the earth.
The Park
Extending beyond the gardens is the park. Here you’ll find the Grand Canal, which took 11 years to build and on which Louis XIV hosted extravagant parties. The Republic of Venice even sent a couple of gondolas for the king’s use.
The Trianon Estate
The Trianon Estate served as a refuge for the royal family, away from the intrigues of the court back up at the main palace.
Getting here involves either about a 30-minute walk from the palace. For those who aren’t great walkers, don’t worry; there’s a mini train that takes you from the palace to both the Grand and Petit Trianons (it also stops at the Grand Canal).
Grand Trianon: Louis XIV ordered the construction of this beautiful little getaway where he could spend time with his most notorious mistress, the Marquise de Montespan.
Petit Trianon: Originally built by Louis XV as a place to rendezvous with his mistress Madame du Barry, it later became a favorite of Marie Antoinette, who came here to escape the more formal court.
The Queen’s Hamlet: The hamlet is a charming example of an idealized rural village that was all the rage during Marie Antoinette’s time. The queen had this faux Norman village built, complete with a working farmhouse.
The Gallery of Coaches
Located before the parking lot that also has the equestrian statue of Louis XIV, the Gallery of Coaches is, appropriately, housed in the building where Louis’ horses were kept. Here you can check out the lush carriages that used to carry members of the Ancien Régime.
The Gift Shops
There are several places to pick up gifts and souvenirs, mostly located at the palace:
Pavilion Shop
Location: Dufour Pavilion
Opening times:
10:15am – 6:15pm, Tuesday to Sunday (April to October)
9:30am – 5:15pm (November to March)
One of the largest shops. You can pick up all kinds of gifts and keepsakes here, including the usual magnets, kids’ toys, postcards, and tea towels. The most unusual item when I visited were sneakers with Marie Antoinette’s portrait. (I can’t guarantee this is a staple item they carry.)
Marble Courtyard Shop:
Location: foot of the Queen’s staircase in the Grand Apartments
Opening times:
10:00am – 5:45pm, Tuesday to Sunday (April to October)
10:00am – 4:45pm (November to March)
Kiosk of the Chapel
Location: Across the chapel
Opening times: 9:00am – 6:45pm, Tuesday to Sunday
Small selection of gifts
Librairie des Princes
Location: outside
Opening times:
10:30am – 6:15pm, Tuesday to Sunday (April to October)
9:30am – 5:15pm (November to March)
You don’t need a ticket to the palace to get here. Some souvenirs, and a large collection of (mostly French) books. Some English books available.
The Grand Trianon also has a gift shop.
Where to Eat
There are several options for eateries at Versailles. A few of the options include:
Ore
Cuisine: French
Opening times: 10:00am – 6:00pm, Tuesday to Sunday in high season (different hours in low season)
Location: the palace
Grand Café d’Orléans
Cuisine: fast food, sandwiches, desserts
Opening times: 9:30am – 6:30pm, Tuesday to Sunday in high season (different hours in low season)
Location: the palace
Restaurant Angelina
Cuisine: small plates and desserts
Opening times: 10:00am – 6:30pm, Tuesday to Sunday in high season (different hours in low season)
Location: the palace
La Petite Venise restaurant
Cuisine: Italian
Opening times: 11:45am – 6:00pm, Tuesday to Sunday
Location: in the park
Other info: If you purchase the Passport + Gourmet break ticket, this is the restaurant where you’ll have lunch.
La Flotille restaurant
Cuisine: French
Opening times: 9:00am – 6:30pm, daily
Location: near the Grand Canal in the park
La Flotille Takeaway
Cuisine: Quick foods (sandwiches, salads, crepes)
Opening times: 9:00am – 6:30pm, daily
Location: next to the Grant Canal in the park
Le Dauphin
Cuisine: Sweet or savory snacks (including simple sandwiches)
Opening times: 10:00am – 6:00pm, Tuesday to Sunday
Location: in the middle of the garden
Other info: Probably your cheapest option for food at Versailles
Other idea:
Picnic in the park! There’s at least one grocery store between the train station and the Versailles estate (I actually stopped in to buy snacks for the train ride home), so you could pick up something there, or pick up good at one of the grab-and-go places around the park, and enjoy a nice picnic on the grounds.
Bathrooms
There are bathrooms throughout Versailles. Here’s where you can find them:
At the palace:
- North Wing (take the elevator at the end of the Gallery of Palace History)
- Gabriel Pavilion (in the basement)
- Dufour Pavilion (basement of Entrance A)
- South Ministers’ Wing
In the gardens:
- At the Dauphin’s Grove
- Next to the Girandole’s Grove
- At the Petit Venise restaurant
At the Trianon:
- Grand Trianon: just outside, in the park
- Petit Trianon: before the ticket checks
Other facilities
Charging station
Need to recharge your device because taking so many photos has drained your battery? No worries! There’s a free and secure charging station in the North Ministers’ Wing and South Ministers’ Wing.
Left Luggage
There are free automatic deposit spaces in the North Ministers’ Wing for bags not exceeding 46 x 43 x 26 cm (approximately 18 x 17 x 10 in).
Water stations
These can be found throughout the park, and one at the palace (in the Honor Courtyard). Reminder: you can’t bring drinks inside the actual palace.
There you have it! A complete guide to visiting Versailles. What are you most looking forward to seeing?
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