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Until 31 August, the Estate of Trianon is open from 10am to 6.30pm, Tuesday to Sunday.

Free admission for European Union residents under 26.

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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 ! 

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 on the  free mobile app , download it in advance. To enjoy even more of Versailles, choose the “1 Year in Versailles” subscription card for just €55 per year.

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  Sculptures and Mouldings Gallery  (every weekend);
• the Musical Gardens or Musical Fountains Show  in the Gardens ;

To make the most of the Estate of Versailles, the Gardens are open from 8am, the Estate of Trianon from 10am. in July and August, the Gallery of Coaches from 12.30pm.

Please note that the opening hours of the groves are different from the opening hours for water and music. Please check in advance on this page .

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.

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.

Tickets can be purchased on site subject to availability.

Rates on Musical Gardens and Fountains Show days

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 ;

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.

From April 1 st , the Palace Gardens are only accessible on days when Musical Fountains Shows or Musical Gardens are not in session. The Passport guarantees access to the Estate of Versailles (Palace, Estate of Trianon and their 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 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.

To make the most of the Estate of Versailles, the Gardens are open from 8am, the Estate of Trianon from 10 am. in July and August, the Gallery of Coaches from 12.30pm.

Estate of Trianon ticket

This ticket guarantees access to the estate of Trianon starting at 10:00 am in July and August.

It includes access to :

• the estate of Trianon  (including the Grand Trianon , the Petit Trianon , the Queen's Hamlet and their  gardens );
• the tempory exibitions  presented there;

From April 1 st , the Palace Gardens are only accessible on days when Musical Fountains Shows or Musical Gardens are not in session. The Passport guarantees access to the Estate of Versailles (Palace, Estate of Trianon and the Gardens).

Passport + The Palace official guide

This ticket gives access to the whole of the Estate of Versailles (Palace, Trianon Estate and the gardens) and to the book "The official guide" with RMN-GP editions, to be collected from the Librairie des Princes on the day of your visit. It allows access to the Palace in the half hour following the chosen time.

It includes:

• the temporary exhibitions  ;
• the book "The official guide" .

You can add  Passeports to this offer to share your guide with others.

Palace ticket + The Palace official guide

This ticket gives access to the Palace , to the exhibition "Louis XV, passions of a king" and to the book "The official guide" with RMN-GP editions, to be collected from the Librairie des Princes on the day of your visit.

It includes the admission to :

• the Palace with timed entry and visit guide ;
• the temporary exhibitions  (" Louis XV, passions of a king ");
• and the Park .

You can add  Palace tickets to this offer to share your guide with others.

From April 1 st , the Palace Gardens are only accessible on days when Musical Fountains Shows or Musical Gardens are not in session. The Passport + The Palace official guide guarantees access to the Estate of Versailles (Palace, Estate of Trianon and their Gardens).

Passport 2 days + equestrian show

This ticket gives access to the whole of the Estate for 2 consecutive days and to the show of the Equestrian Academy of Versailles. Book online and enter to the Palace in the half hour following the chosen time and to the equestrian show on Saturday at 6pm.

• the Palace ;
• the Equestrian Academy of Versailles  show. 

Your visit to the Estate must be made on the date indicated on the 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 10 am. in July and August., the Gallery of Coaches from 12.30pm.

Palace ticket + equestrian show

This ticket gives access to the Palace at 11:30 am and to the show of the Equestrian Academy of Versailles, depending on the day chosen, on Saturday at 6 pm or on Wednesday and Sunday at 3 pm.

• the  temporary exhibitions ;
• the  Esquestrian Academy of Versailles show. 

Your visit to the Palace must take place on the date indicated on the 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 and the Sculptures and Mouldings Gallery from 12.30pm.

Passport + return trip by little train

This ticket gives access to the whole of the Estate of Versailles (Palace, Trianon Estate and the gardens), to the exhibition "Louis XV, passions of a king" 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);
• to 1 return trip by little train .

To make the most of the Estate of Versailles, the Gardens are open from 8am, the Estate of Trianon from 10 am. in July and August, the Gallery of Coaches from 12.30pm.

Find the little train

Adult over 26

Adult 18-25

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.

• Every Saturday and Sunday from April 1 st until October 29th 2023.
• Every Tuesday from May 2 nd  to June 27th.
• Friday April 7th, Monday April 10th, Monday May 8th, Ascension Thursday May 18th, Monday May 29th, Friday July 14th and Tuesday August 15th.

The Musical Fountains Show ticket includes only the admission to the Musical Fountain Shows  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 rate

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. Book online and enter 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.

• to the rental of a rowing boat on the Grand Canal for 1 hour (suggested time 11:30 a.m.).

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 and the Sculptures and Mouldings Gallery from 12.30pm.

Musical Fountains shows or Musical Gardens days

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 4th to 28th 2023 (but on Friday April 7th, Musical Fountains Shows)
• Every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from May 3rd to June 30th 2023 (but on Thursday May 18th, Musical Fountains Shows)
• Every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from July 4th to October 31 2023 (but on Friday July 14th and Tuesday May 15th, Musical Fountains Shows)

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 10th until September 23th 2023  (08:30pm to 11:05pm)
• Friday July 14th and Tuesday August 15th

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

Passport + Bike Ride

This ticket gives access to the whole of the  Estate of Versailles  and a 1 hour bike ride in the Park. Book online and enter 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.).

In order for you to make the most of the Estate of Versailles, the Gardens are open from 8am, the Estate of Trianon from 10 am. in July and August., the Gallery of Coaches and the Sculptures and Mouldings Gallery from 12.30pm.

"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

Services on site, support versailles.

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

The King’s Animals

From its location in the heart of a vast forest in the Ile-de-France region, the Palace of Versailles has always fostered a new relationship with the animal kingdom. From animals as objects to be studied or collected to those used as political attributes and symbols of power, what were the relationships between the Court and the domestic, wild and exotic species of the animal world?

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

Palace Versailles

Booking and cost, shall i book.

You can go to Palace of Versailles without a reservation, but you will wait for a very long time (few hours), and with kids it could be awful.

My best advice : reserve before coming !

For information, even if you have a ticket entrance for the Palace of Versailles, you will queue to the Palace main entrance (named A) to pass the control.

Where book or buy a ticket in Versailles ?

• Ticketing’s Palace of Versailles. You could also buy it in Palace of Versailles but you will queue more than 1 hour.
• By Internet Palace of Versailles’ partners : Digitick (€15 + €1,45 to book), FNAC (€16.80 + €0,50 for delivery) and Ticketmaster (€16,80).
• Guidatours : this tourist agency located on the way between Versailles Rive Gauche Station and Palace of Versailles sells ticket. If you book by Internet or buy in law season (November to March) the ticket price is sold at the same price as in Palace of Versailles. You just have to remove locally with your email confirmation. In high season (April to October) : Ticket for Palace of Versailles’ visit + €2. 10 avenue du Général de Gaulle, tel. 01 39 02 05 18
• Tourist office (Office de tourisme) : Ticket for Palace of Versailles’ visit + €1,5€ / Passport + €2.
• Town center of Versailles, in coffee shop and restaurants (You don’t have to consume) sign by a posters outside. The ticket is sold at the same price as in Palace of Versailles, it’s valid for 2 years. Be careful, they could be out of tickets or do not sell in low season (November to March). * Le Café Bleu Roi, 7 rue Colbert, (+33) 1 39 50 05 79 * La Brasserie du Musée, 2 place Gambetta, (+33) 1 39 50 18 08 * Le Café Place d’Armes, 1 avenue de Saint-Cloud, (+33) 1 39 50 03 60 * Le Saint Claire, 2 rue de Satory, (+33) 1 39 50 11 42

How much will it cost ?

Good news : it’s free for kids until 18 years old and for European Union residents under 26 (student card). Be careful, don’t forget your proof to show it at the main entrance. And Guided tour is free for children under 10 years old.

The domain of Versailles is free on the first Sunday of every month from November to March. I avoid this specially day : it’s free but there are too many people. Queue is very long and it may take several hours before visiting, after that time kids are very upset.

The price depends on your visit :

• Palace ticket allows you to visit the Palace of Versailles. The price is €15 for adult / free : 18-25 years old (student card proof) and 0-18 years old.
• Passeport ticket lets you access anywhere at Versailles. It costs €18. Be careful : on the days of the Musical Fountains and Gardens shows (week-end from 1st April to 31th October), it costs €25.
• 2-days Passeport ticket allows you to access anywhere at Versailles over 2 consecutive days. It costs €25, or €30 on the days of the Musical Fountains and Gardens shows.
• Trianon Palaces and Marie-Antoinette’s hamlet ticket entitles you to admission to those places only. The price is €10.
• Musical Gardens (Jardins musicaux) :  €8 for adult [free for kids under 5 years old].
• Fountains Night Show (Grandes Eaux Nocturnes) : €24 for adult / €20 for kid.
• Serenade Ticket : €18.
• Combate Ticket Serenade + Fountains Night Show (Grandes Eaux Nocturnes) : €36.
• Admission to the Park and Gardens of Versailles is free for pedestrians but there is a fee for vehicles: €3 for a motorcycle, €6 for a car and €30 for a bus (from 12 seats).
• Guided tour cost €7 for adult in addition to the admission price. Admission is free for children under 10 years old.

French Mother, fan of art, gives you advice to prepare your best visit to Palace of Versailles.

• Trianon Palaces

Welcome to the Palace

• Don't miss
• Restaurants and shops
• Practical information
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interactive map of the palace of versailles

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

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

start the visit

• change the background
• Gardens Explore
• Park Explore
• Trianon Palaces and Marie-Antoinette’s Estate Explore
• Exterior view
• Garden level
• First floor

Here are a few tips for preparing your visit to the Palace. If you already have your ticket, go directly to Palace Entrance A. From April to October, due to the high number of visitors, admission to the palace can only be guaranteed through online booking .

The Palace is open every day, except Mondays, from 9 am to 6.30 pm during the high season (April to October) and from 9 am to 5.30 pm during the low season (November to March).

Where can I buy a ticket? Which one should I choose?

Where are the entrances to the palace, where are the toilets located, how do i get to the gardens, where is the hall of mirrors, where to book a guided tour.

• How do I get to Marie-Antoinette's Estate?

On the garden level, the Royal Courtyard gives access to the different tour itineraries. We indicate the essential practical points before the start of the tour. Caution, the Palace gets very crowded during the high season. We recommend coming at 9.00 am to visit the Palace when it opens or plan your visit for late afternoon. We advise you to buy online. Due to the high number of visitors, admission to the palace can only be guaranteed through online booking.

Where does the tour begin?

Where can i find a map and audioguides, where are the toilets.

Continue your visit on the 1st floor with the King and Queen's Grand Apartments and the world-famous Hall of Mirrors. On certain days you can also visit the Gallery of Battles. Caution, the Palace gets very crowded during the summer. We advise you to buy online. Due to the high number of visitors, admission to the palace can only be guaranteed through online booking.

We recommend coming at 9.00 am to visit the Palace when it opens or plan your visit for late afternoon.

Where does the visit to the 1st floor begin?

• Where is the King's Chamber?
• Where is the Queen's Chamber?

The Mesdames’ Apartments, Daughters Of Louis Xv

The Mesdames' apartments are symmetrical to the apartments of the Dauphin and Dauphine. Like them, they were turned into museum rooms by Louis-Philippe and recently restored to their state of princely apartments. Mesdames, as the six daughters of Louis XV were referred to, settled there in 1752, but only two of them, Adelaide and Victoire, lived there until the Revolution.

The Empire Rooms

As a contemporary of Napoleon I, King Louis-Philippe was eager to obtain the support of former members of the Empire and the favour of Bonapartist opinion. At Versailles, he gathered most of the large paintings commissioned by Napoleon in the ground floor of the Palace’s South Wing, under the Gallery of Great Battles.

Main Entrance (Honour Gate )

Due to the anti-terrorist security plan, visitors with large baggage items are not admitted on the domain (exceeding 55x35x20 cm)

The Honour gate is the main entrance gate to the Estate. It separates the Honour courtyard  from the Place d'Armes and is surrounded north-side by sculptures of the Victory of France over the Empire, by Gaspard Marsy, and south-side by sculptures of the Victory of France over Spain, by François Girardon.

This gate is open daily from 7:00AM to 7:30PM (from April to October). Last admission: 7PM

This gate is open daily from 8:00AM to 6:00PM (from November to March). Last admission: 5:30PM

Entrance A - Entrance For Individual Visitors

Due to the anti-terrorist security plan, visitors with large baggage items are not admitted on the domain (exceeding 55x35x20 cm).

This entrance provides access to all unaccompanied routes including temporary exhibitions.

To enter the Palace, you must have a ticket with a reserved time slot. Buy your ticket online . Due to the high number of visitors, admission to the palace can only be guaranteed through online booking.

If you are eligible for free admission, you must have booked a free time slot on the online ticketing service.

Entrance B - Group Entrance

Groups with reservations should head directly to entrance B, at the top right of the Cour d'Honneur. It provides access to all unaccompanied routes.

Entrance H - Chapel Courtyard Access

Entrance H will be the entrance for the European Heritage Days.

Access To The Gardens Accès Jardins - Cour Des Princes

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

Main Ticket Office - South Ministers' Wing

Located in the South Ministers' Wing (to the left of the Honour Courtyard), the main ticket office sells tickets for unaccompanied visits to the Estate: 'Passeport', Palace tickets and 'Paris Museum Pass'.

From April to October, due to the high number of visitors, admission to the palace can only be guaranteed through online booking .

Guided Tours And Subscriptions

Located in the North Ministers' wing, this facility offers tickets for guided tours and the annual "1 year in Versailles " pass. It is also the start point for guided tours.

Information Point-Pavillon Gabriel

Having crossed the Royal Courtyard and before you begin your visit, you can pick up information, maps and leaflets at the audioguide kiosk.

Toilets-South Ministers’ Wing

Free toilets are located just beyond the Information desk.

Toilets-Pavillon Dufour

The toilets are accessible in the basement of the Dufour Pavilion after entrance A.

Shop Of The Chapel

In this shop you can purchase a range of themed products, books, guides, postcards, etc.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:45 pm

Grand Café D’Orléans

The Grand Café d'Orléans serves eat-in and takeaway food in a restaurant with a contemporary décor that covers over 700 m². It also offers group menus (60 pers. max). It is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30am to 6pm (10am to 5pm November to March). It is accessible from the Princes Courtyard.

Reservations: +33 (0)1 39 50 29 79

Angelina Tea Room And Restaurant

The Angelina restaurant and tea room offers sweet and savoury fare in a refined and elegant setting, to eat in. There is also a shop and groups are catered for (60 pers. max).

The restaurant is open Tuesday to Sunday:

• from 10am to 5:30pm (November to March)
• from 10am to 6:30pm (April to October)

It is accessible from the Royal Courtyard or at the end of the tour of the Grand Apartments.

Reservations: +33 (0)1 39 20 08 32

Honour Courtyard

The Honour courtyard is located between the Place d'Armes and the Cour Royale. From this courtyard, you can access the Ministers' wings and the entrances to the Palace and Gardens.

Royal Courtyard

The Royal Courtyard is located behind the Royal Gate and is only accessible with a ticket. It gives access to the different visitor routes around the Palace.

Marble Courtyard

The Marble Courtyard is the original courtyard of the palace, built by Louis XIII in 1623. Its black and white tiles come from the castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte.

Apartment Of The Dauphin And The Dauphine

Currently closed

These apartments were always reserved to the leading members of the royal family. Their current decoration corresponds to the period in which they was occupied by Louis XV's son and his second wife, Maria Josepha of Saxony.

The Appartments Of Louis Xv’S Daughters

The Louis XV’s daughters apartments are symmetrical to the apartments of the Dauphin and Dauphine. Like them, they were turned into museum rooms by Louis-Philippe and recently restored to their state of princely apartments. Mesdames, as the six daughters of Louis XV were referred to, settled there in 1752, but only two of them, Adelaide and Victoire, lived there until the Revolution.

See the rooms

Grand Apartments (Hall Of Mirrors, King’S Chamber)

Visitors arrive at the Grand Apartments through the Gallery of the History of the Palace or the sculpture gallery. By taking this tour, visitors can explore the apartments of the King and Queen of France.

Gallery Of Battles

On the mobile app, listen to the audio commentaries of the paintings at the bottom of this screen.

Much larger than the Hall of Mirrors, the Gallery of Battles was the first ensemble chosen by Louis-Philippe for his Museum of the History of France. It presents an important series of historical paintings dedicated "to all the glories of France" and thus constitutes a "national record".

Gallery Of The History Of The Palace

With the main Palace, the Trianon palaces, the gardens and the park, Versailles is a site whose topography and history are rich. Located at the beginning of the Grand Apartments tour, the Gallery of the History of the Palace is an essential introduction to the visit. Under the Ancien Régime, these rooms were the apartments of the royal princes, before Louis-Philippe transformed them to present a brief history of France through works ranging from the Baptism of Clovis to Louis XVI giving La Pérouse his instructions .

Upper Stone Gallery

Following the Gallery of the History of the Palace, this gallery connects to the second part of the tour: the Grand Apartments. Known as the Upper sculpture gallery due to its contents, it contains sculptures by Grand Condé, Turenne and Le Bossuet.

Royal Chapel

The construction of the Royal Chapel lasted between 1689 and 1710. Every day, usually in the morning at 10am, the court would assemble for the King's mass. Every Thursday, an orchestra gives audiences the chance to discover the full range of the European repertoire from the 17th and 18th centuries. The Royal Chapel is accessible as part of a guided tour.

The construction of the Royal Chapel lasted between 1689 and 1710. Every day, usually in the morning at 10am, the court would assemble for the King's mass. Every Thursday, an orchestra gives audiences the chance to discover selections the European repertoire from the 17th and 18th centuries. The Royal Chapel is accessible as part of a guided tour.

Access Grand Apartments (Hall Of Mirrors, King’S Chamber) - Gl

Access To The Gardens - Cour Des Princes

Toilets-pavillon gabriel.

Toilets are located next to the Gabriel staircase in the basement. These toilets are not accessible to the disabled.

Information Desk - South Ministers’ Wing

The information desk dispenses all information relating to visits, along with maps and leaflets. Guided tours can also be booked here.

Marble Courtyard Shop

This large souvenir shop offers a range of products: books, guides, postcards, gifts, etc. It can be found after the tour of the State Apartments, at the foot of the Queen's staircase, or straight after the Royal Courtyard.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5:45pm. From November to March, the shop closes at 4:45pm.

Ladurée is a Parisian patisserie founded in 1862, and visitors are invited to explore their retail outlet. The company offers its fine delicatessen range, not forgetting their famous macaroons. The shop is open every day from 9.30am to 6.30pm in high season (April to October) and from 9.30am to 5pm during low season (November to March). It is accessible from the Royal Courtyard or at the end of the tour of the Grand Apartments, at the foot of the Queen's Staircase.

Built by architect Frédéric Nepveu in the nineteenth century, the Gallery of Battles was the first room commissioned by King Louis-Philippe for his museum of French history. The gallery was designed to represent his desire for national reconciliation, and presents a major series of historic paintings dedicated "to all the glories of France".

Librairie Des Princes

The Librairie des Princes bookshop offers a range of products over 200 m²: books, children's books, postcards, table decoration etc. The bookshop is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10.30am to 6.15pm during high season (April to October) and from 9.30am to 5.15pm during low season (November to March). Although it is not part of the visitor route, it can be accessed from Cour d'Honneur.

The library also presents the cabinet of the King's medals, where are sold medals from the Arthus-Bertrand Versailles collection.

Louis Xiv Rooms ?

Louis XIV Rooms give visitors a vast panorama of the 17th century featuring the King, his family, the court and the major political, military and artistic events that marked his reign.

Information Point- Dufour’S Pavillion

The information desk dispenses all information relating to visits, along with maps and leaflets.

Changing Table-Pavillon Dufour

A baby-changing table is located in the basement near the toilets.

Dufour Pavillion Shop

Located in the basement of the Palace, this large souvenir shop offers a range of products: books, guides, postcards, gifts, etc.

The shop is accessible in the basement after the entrance A or at the exit of the visit.

The shop is open every day from 10.15am to 6pm during high season (April to October) and from 9.30am to 5.15pm during low season (November to March).

Access Dufour Pavillion Shop

This large souvenir shop offers a range of products: books, guides, postcards, gifts, etc.

The shop is open every day from 10.15am to 6pm during high season (April to October) and from 9.30am to 6pm during low season (November to March).

Access Ore - Ducasse Au Château De Versailles

During the day, the restaurant ore is open to the public. An exceptional setting and view to take a break or to eat during the Palace's opening hours. A French inspired menu with classics of our cuisine, alongside light and quick snacks, desserts and gourmet pastries. Children are welcome here with their very own Prince & Princess menu.

You can access the restaurant ore - Ducasse from the vestibule of the Dufour Pavilion, accessible by the door on the left side of the entrance A.

Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10AM to 6:30Pm in high season (April to October) and 10AM to 5:30PM in low season (November to March). Access to the restaurant through the courtyard of Princes independantly of the tour of the Palace.

Reservation: +33 (0)1 30 84 12 96 – [email protected] Groups and events: +33 (0)1 30 84 12 98 – [email protected]

Chapel Gate

The gate of the Chapel is closed.

Located in Léon Gambetta place, the Chapel Gate gives access, on foot, to the Palace (entrances A and B). It is accessible by skirting the Palace on the right, rue Robert de Cotte.

It is advised for groups to enter through the Chapel Gate that is much less used than the Honour Gate. In addition, it will give you direct access to entrance B, where you must present your scheduled booking (self-guided tour). However, the access through the Honour Gate is recommended for people with disabilities.

Open every day except Monday, from 9am to 5.30pm.

Audioguide - Dufour's Pavillon

The audioguide desk is located in the entrance hall of the Pavillon Dufour: every day when the château is open and 30 minutes before the last admission, i.e. 5.30pm in high season and 4.30pm in low season.

The audioguides are returned at the end of the tour, on the ground floor of the Dufour Pavilion.

For the permanent tour, the audio guide is available in 13 languages: French, English, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Korean, Russian, Ukrainian, Polish and Arabic. A children's version is also available in French.

Audioguide - Dufour's Pavilion

Ore - Ducasse Au Château De Versailles

Acces To Dufour Pavilion's Auditorium

Installed on the 2nd floor of the Dufour Pavilion, this 148-seat auditorium is used as a reception area for conferences and seminars organized at the palace.

The access to the auditorium is the same one that of the restaurant ORE - Ducasse: from the vestibule of the Dufour Pavilion, accessible by the door on the left side of the entrance A.

Automatic Deposits

Some automatic deposits (school children only) are available in different information points, and allow you to leave items that do not exceed the limited format (46x43x26 cm maximum).

Parking-Place D'armes (Cars And Coaches)

At the Place d'Armes, parking is offered for cars, minibuses and coaches (charge payable).

Coach parking is only available at the Place d'Armes or at the crossroads of the Grand and Petit Trianon in the park.

Parking is free for disabled visitors on presentation of a valid permit.

Start Of The Tour

Visit the Apartments of the Daughters of Louis XV (entrance 1) before discovering the Grands Appartements (entrance 2).

Drinking Fountain

Open access drinking water supply point.

To access to the Palace, buy a Palace or "Passport" ticket (full access to the Versailles Estate). Buy your ticket online . Due to the high number of visitors, admission to the palace can only be guaranteed through online booking. To buy your ticket on site, go to the Ticket Office on the left, in the South Ministers Wing, then go to Entrance A with your ticket. Visitors eligible for free admission are nonetheless required to book a free of charge time slot on the online ticket office to access the Palace.

If you would like to book a guided tour, buy on line and go to the dedicated area in the North Ministers Wing to the right of the Honour Courtyard.

 From April to October, access to the gardens is subject to a fee from Tuesday to Sunday (days of the Fountain Shows and Musical Gardens). In this case, buy a Passport ticket online (access to the entire estate) or a Grandes Eaux / Jardins Musicaux ticket (at the entrance of the gardens or preferably online ). Buy your tickets on line .

Entrance A is reserved to individual visitors with tickets. Visitors eligible for free admission are required to book a free of charge time slot on the online ticket office to access the Palace.

Entrance B is reserved to groups that have booked their visit.

If you have booked a guided tour, the meeting place is at the North Ministers Wing to the right in the Cour d'Honneur.

For access to the toilets, cross the courtyard and enter the Gabriel Pavilion. The toilets are on your right in the basement by the Gabriel Stairs. Other  toilets, accessible for disabled visitors, are available at the end of the Gallery of Palace History. Caution, there are no toilets on the first floor of the Palace.

Toilets-North Wing

Toilets are available by taking the lift at the end of the Gallery of Palace History.

When you arrive at the Palace, you can go directly to the gardens by going to the top left-hand side of the Cour d'Honneur, then entering the Courtyard of the Princes (left-side of the entrance A).

From 29 March to 31 October, access to the gardens is subject to a fee from Tuesday to Sunday (days of the Fountain Shows and Musical Gardens). In this case, buy a Passport ticket (preferably online) or if you only visit the gardens a Grandes Eaux / Jardins Musicaux ticket (at the entrance of the gardens).

After coming in through Entrance A, your tour begins in the Royal Courtyard.

Enter the Cour de Marbre to visit the Apartments of the Daughters of Louis XV. Next, head for the Pavillon Gabriel to visit the Grands Appartements.

The Marble Courtyard

The Marble Courtyard is the original courtyard of the palace, built by Louis XIII in 1623. Its black and white tiles come from the castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte.

Audioguides are located in the Gabriel pavilion.

For a map, go to the Information Centre located on the ground garden at the Dufour pavilion (after entry A).

The Hall of Mirrors is located on the first floor of the Palace and is part of the self-guided tour of the Grand Apartments. After entering, cross the Royal Courtyard and follow the signs to the Grand Apartments.

Access Grand Apartments (Hall Of Mirrors, King’S Chamber) - Gv

After taking the stairs at the end of the Gallery of History, your visit continues through the Galerie de Pierre Haute or the Louis XIV rooms.

Questel Staircase

The Questel staircase gives access to the first floor from the Gallery of the History of the Palace.

The Louis Xiv's Childhood

After 23 years of marriage to Anne of Austria, Louis XIII finally gained his much-longed-for heir in Louis XIV, who was acclaimed as 'Louis-Dieudonné', or 'Louis, the gift from God'. The portraits in this room depict him as a child, heir to the throne of France, who became king at a very young age.

Early Military Campaigns

Louis XIV was a warrior king for whom victory was a means of cementing his authority. After his marriage to Maria Theresa, daughter of the King of Spain, Louis XIV claimed certain Spanish territories in Flanders, thus triggering what is known as the War of Devolution.

The Académie Royale De Peinture Et De Sculpture

The king called upon the artists of the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture to illustrate the glory of his kingdom and its ruler. The academy, which was established in 1648 and overhauled in 1660, was a centre of training in and development of aesthetic principles. To be admitted to it, prospective members had to present a 'reception piece', i.e. a work on a given subject.

The Arts At The Start Of His Reign

Ever since 'La Fronde' (the French civil wars between 1640 and 1650 sparked by a double revolt by parliament and the princes who opposed Louis XIV and his family), Louis XIV mistrusted Paris. He therefore set up and oversaw the court at Versailles, where spectacular parties were organised and to which the great artists of the day were invited.  In this way, Louis XIV contributed to the advancement of the arts.

The Exercise Of Power

Louis XIV was an absolute monarch. He governed alone and relied on counsellors and ministers, whose role was to carry out royal wishes.

Versailles And Europe

Louis XIV turned France into the leading power in Europe and the world. He expanded the kingdom and furthered the reputation of the country beyond its borders.

At The Turn Of The Reign (The 1690S)

In France, the crown passes from father to son according to primogeniture. Of Louis XIV's six children, only his firstborn survived to adulthood. He was given the title of dauphin. However, the succession to the throne was not completely assured…

The King At War

Louis XIV has been portrayed many times as a war commander. These portraits create an image of him as a great and conquering king, and symbolise the military might of France.

Royal Residences

In 1682, Versailles became the seat of government. As an absolute monarch, Louis XIV increased the number of royal residences as a way of extending his power. His successors and the royal family liked to spend time in these places, far from the Palace, often, simply, to get away from life at court.

The Hall of Mirrors is halfway through the Grand Apartments tour in the central section of the Palace.

Hall Of Mirrors

The Hall of Mirrors replaced a large terrace overlooking the garden that was considered too exposed to inclement weather. Its seventeen arches decorated with mirrors face seventeen arched windows, creating a commingling of the interior and exterior. The Hall of Mirrors was  a place for both social events and demonstrating the political might of Louis XIV.

Where is the King's Chamber?

This room adjoining the Hall of Mirrors is in the central section of the Palace. The Chamber can be visited halfway through the self-guided tour of the Grand Apartments.

The King's Chamber

Room currently not open to visitors

This room was used several times a day: for the King's getting-up and going-to-bed ceremonies; for his private meals, i.e. when he would eat alone; and for receiving certain courtiers and ambassadors. The room was therefore subject to strict etiquette. Only Louis XIV ever slept there.

Where is the Queen's Chamber?

This room is in the central section of the Palace. It is located at the end of the Grand Apartments tour, after the Hall of Mirrors and the King's Chamber.

Queen's Chamber

The Queen's Bedchamber is located opposite the Apollo Room. It is where the queen slept, hosted her private audiences and went through the public going-to-bed ceremony. Contrary to the King's Bedchamber, this room was occupied by the various queens up to 1789.

There are no toilets on the 1st floor of the Palace. Take either the Queen's Stairway at the end of the Grand Apartments tour to the garden level and the Royal Courtyard or the Princes' Stairway to the exit and the groundfloor of the Dufour Pavilion

The Queen’S Staircase

Built in 1680, this staircase soon became the busiest in the Palace, as it led to the King and Queen's apartments. It now gives access to the Royal Courtyard before finishing the tour of the Grand Apartments.

Princes’ Staircase

This staircase links the first floor to the garden level of the Midi Wing and to the ground floor of the Dufour Pavilion . Its décor is largely from the 17th century.

Toilets are available in the basement of the Dufour pavilion after entrance A.

After this, for access to the toilets, cross the courtyard and enter the Gabriel Pavilion. The toilets are on your right in the basement by the Gabriel Stairs. Other accessible toilets are available at the end of the Gallery of Palace History. Caution, there are no toilets on the first floor of the Palace.

The reservation desk for guided tours is located in the South Ministers' Wing.

You can also book a guided tour on the online ticket office: https://billetterie.chateauversailles.fr

How do I get there from the Palace?

It is possible to reach the Estate of Trianon from the city of Versailles or from the Palace and its gardens.

From the Palace, there are three ways to reach the Trianon Palaces and Marie-Antoinette's Estate:

• By foot through the gardens (around 30 minutes)  
• With the Little Train: from the Palace stop (North Terrace in the Gardens) to the Grand Trianon stop (around 20 minutes / Admission price : 8.50 €, reduced admission : 6.50 € and to only come back to the Palace : 4.60 €)   
• From the Water parterre by renting electric vehicles (34 € per hour)

Important information: access to the Petit Trianon and to the Queen's Hamlet is through the Grand Trianon only.

Access to the gardens is free of charge, except for Fountain Show and Musical Gardens days from April to October. However, the Passport ticket entitles you to visit the Palace, the Trianon palaces and the Marie-Antoinette's Estate as well as giving you access to the gardens, including Fountain Show and Musical Garden days.

See the dates for Fountains shows, Musical Garden and Fountains Night Show.

Mini Train - Grand Trianon Stop

The little train, leaving from the Grand Trianon, serves the Petit Trianon, then the Palace. Return ticket to the Palace *: €5 * Visitors can get off at each stop and get back on the next train.

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

Opening hours: open every day except Mondays

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

Mini Train - Petit Trianon Stop

The little train, leaving from the Petit Trianon, serves the Palace. Return ticket to the Château: €5

Mini-Train - Grand Canal Stop

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

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

• April to August : 11:10am to 6:10pm

Electric Vehicle Hire - Petite Venise

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

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

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

Early closure on Fountain shows. Closed in January

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

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

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

Mini-Train - Palace Station

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

Return ticket* :

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

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

Opening hours : open every day except Mondays

• January: 11:10am to 5:10pm ( January 1st : 12am to 5pm ) .

The Grand Trianon Entrance

The entrance to the Grand Trianon is on the left as you face the building. Open from midday to 6.30pm during high season (April to October) and from midday to 5.30pm during low season (November to March). Gardens open until 7.30pm during high season and until 6pm during low season.

Ticket Office - Grand Trianon

The ticket office is located inside the Grand Trianon, through the archway. 

Petit Trianon Entrance (Via The Swiss Guard House)

For guided tours only (for other visits, access through the Grand Trianon)

The entrance is on the left of the Petit Trianon gate. Open from midday to 6.30pm during high season (April to October) and from midday to 5.30pm during low season (November to March). Gardens open until 7.30pm during high season and until 6pm during low season.

Ticket Office - Petit Trianon

The ticket office is located beyond the information desk and the courtyard.

Electric Vehicle Hire - South Terrace

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Is a Tour of Versailles Worth It?

Sean Finelli Last Updated: March 3, 2023

Planning to visit Versailles near Paris and want to know if a guided tour is worth it and right for you? This article will go over the benefits of a guided Versailles tour so you can decide if it is right for you!

Pro Tip: Take 10 minutes and look through our other articles on Paris and Versailles . There are great reads about how to visit attractions, what to see, and where to eat nearby. Bookmark the articles you love so you can circle back to them while traveling.

Short answer: Yes, you’ll definitely want to visit Versailles with a tour. That could be a private Versailles tour , small group tour from Paris , or a tour that starts at the Palace of Versailles .

The more elaborate answer is that a monument like Versailles is so complex, beautiful, and complicated that a tour will improve your experience and make it more memorable. Imagine showing up and waiting in the massive queue that can form outside Versailles to wait for tickets. Or heading inside and suddenly realizing you have no idea what you’re really looking at?

Finding the proper entrance can take some time, and once inside, you know what will happen. You’ll scurry through, reading a few placards or looking for some snippets from your guide book. But a dedicated guide will point out the can’t-miss attractions and bring to life the immense history and drama that took place here for centuries. Not only that, but they may even bust some myths from the TV series “Versailles”!

Skip the Lines

Skipping the line at Versailles is a huge benefit. In my opinion, there are even better reasons to take a tour, especially if it is a high-quality, small group tour. But removing the guess work from entering a massive attraction is a significant benefit.

All of our Versailles tours include skip-the-line tickets, but be sure to read through carefully to ensure the tour you select includes what you want to see. Some tours only include guided tours of the gardens and others guide through the entire area. Some tours start in Paris and others start right at the Palace of Versailles. Feel free to choose the option that works best for you.

Know Where to Spend Your Time

The right guide will ensure your time and energy is spent in the right place. It’s very easy to walk past an area, room, painting, or under a fresco without recognizing its importance. There are also stories—some tragic—surrounding famous projects and buildings.

In the end, a guided tour will ensure you check your boxes and see everything you should see, and probably more! When you leave, you’ll be certain you had the full experience.

Great Tour Guides

We run small group and private tours that are higher quality due to our great guides who have strong backgrounds in art or history. Guides also enjoy leading our tours and activities since we keep the groups smaller. It is much easier to lead a group of 15 or 18 people than 35 or 50, and they get to interact with the guests more closely for a better experience. Therefore, we tend to attract the top guides which is what makes up at least 90% of a great tour experience.

As you wonder if Versailles is worth it, keep in mind that there’s a lot to see here and following a knowledgeable guide can make the experience so much more memorable.

Not ready to book a tour yet? Check out our guide to Versailles for more info.

What Does It Mean to “See Versailles”?

Versailles is one of those tremendous monuments like the Vatican that is both a place and an attraction. Versailles is a small town outside of Paris (about 40 mins by train) that was founded as a hunting village. You can read more about the history of Versailles here , but the town grew around a royal palace which took a few hundred years to build.

When people say they are going to see “Versailles” they are referring to the Château de Versailles or Palace of Versailles, which is a massive estate and cultural attraction. It functions the way the Louvre or Vatican functions except you’ll also find one of the world’s most beautiful gardens on the grounds here.

So, going to Versailles means you’ll go to the town of Versailles, but you’ll probably be spending a few hours at the Palace of Versailles.

Areas of Interest at Versailles

Versailles is broken up into a few main areas . The two most important areas are the palace (or residence) and the gardens of Versailles, which are accessible only with the right tickets. Each of those two areas have a lot to see and explore, some of which require additional tickets.

Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles should be your main objective. You’ll definitely want to explore this lavish estate, especially if you’ve never been here before. It’s a massive complex fit for a king—pun intended. This is where you’ll find the famous Hall of Mirrors that is truly a stunning room filled with chandeliers, windows, mirrors, and ornate gold decor and paintings.

Versailles Gardens

Versailles was originally designed as a hunting lodge so the grounds are extensive. What was once mostly forest and meadows eventually turned into manicured gardens and fountains. Today the grounds are arguably more impressive than the palace itself in their own way.

Borgo & Trianon

The Borgo and Trianon are other smaller chateaus on the same grounds as the main chateau. They are still more impressive than most houses even though they are designed to be a “getaway” from the main chateau—which was designed to be a getaway from Paris. Sound like a lavish lifestyle? Come and see for yourself!

The ostentatious design of Versailles is one of it’s most intriguing aspects that attracts visitors. The lifestyle of royals is very much the reason why the impoverished classes eventually overthrew the French government—more than once!

Most Popular Versailles Tours

There are a few different Versailles tours you could choose, but here are the most popular ones.

Skip the Line Palace of Versailles and Gardens Tour from Paris

This is our most popular small group tour which departs from Paris by train (round-trip tickets included) and includes a guided tour of the Palace of Versailles. You also get entrance to the gardens where your guide will give you an overview of what you’ll see. You can then explore on your own as long as you like before returning to Paris.

See tour itinerary, price, and description

Versailles Gardens Tour from Paris with Skip the Line Access

If you are less inclined to love guided tours and really enjoy spending more time in nature, then this tour of the Versailles gardens is for you. You’ll have a guided tour of the extensive gardens, and access to explore the palace on your own. Since this tour stars in Paris, you’ll also have round-trip transportation and the right entry tickets to the Versailles gardens and palace.

Private Golden Versailles Palace and Garden Tour

Like private tours? This is an excellent opportunity to visit Versailles from Paris with a private guide. The real advantage of a private guide is that you’ll find yourself more engaged with the guide and can ask to spend more time in certain areas. Private guided tours of Versailles are a great way to also set the pace and feel taken care of despite the other crowds.

Skip the Line Versailles and Gardens Tour from Versailles

Already in Versailles? Or staying somewhere other than Paris? Then opt for a guided tour of Versailles that starts right in front of the palace. You won’t have to pay extra for transportation on this tour. And you’ll still have the benefits of skip-the-line entry, a guided tour of the palace, and access to explore the gardens on your own.

Other Popular Tours in Paris

Best Selling

Privileged Access Eiffel Tower Night Tour with Champagne on the Seine

A magical experience aboard a luxury riverboat sipping champagne as the Eiffel Tower glows and sparkles just for you. After, enjoy elevator access to the 2nd level of the Eiffel Tower.

Likely to Sell Out

Skip the Line Palace of Versailles Tour from Paris

The golden palace of Versailles is a site to be seen and the stories for Marie Antionette and all the “Louie” Kings come alive with a passionate guide. Skip the line admissions and train tickets to/from Paris included!

Secrets of the Louvre Museum Tour with Mona Lisa

Enjoy the Louvre at its least crowded time with early morning access and let your storytelling guide whisk you away in the palace’s charming history

About Sean Finelli

Sean is a co-founder and owner of The Tour Guy and its subsidiary The Roman Guy. He studied finance and statistics, but that is his "Dr. Jekyll" side! His "Mr. Hyde" is in love with travel, art, history, and culture. Sean has read libraries of historical text and believes that all internet content should come from books. A practice he follows!

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Free admissions and reduced rates

Find all the conditions for free or reduced rates, as well as the passes giving unlimited access to all or part of the Estate.

Free admission

Visitors eligible for free admission are nonetheless required to book a free of charge time slot on the online ticket office to access the Palace.

Access to the Estate

Free admission to the Palace and the Estate of Trianon

On the first Sunday of every month from November to March , the entire estate, including the Palace of Versailles and the Estate of Trianon , is open free of charge to all. On this occasion, booking a time slot remains mandatory to visit the Palace (the Trianon domain is freely accessible).

On presentation of a receipt, access to the permanent collections of the Palace , the Estate of Trianon and the temporary exhibitions is free for: 

• people under 26 years for European Union residents,
• people under 18 years for non-European Union residents,
• schoolchildren, teachers in a French establishment, upon presentation of the Pass Education card, issued by the french authorities,
• disabled people and the person accompanying them (a reduced price is offered for guided tours and "family" activities),
• job seekers in France and recipients of minimum social benefits upon presentation of proof dated no more than 6 months previously,
• Culture card holders benefit from free access to the Palace, the Estate of Trianon and the Fountain Shows and Musical Gardens  for the holder and an accompanying person, 
• Ecole d’Art students.

Qualify for free admission

If you qualify for free admission, book a free admission ticket with timed entry and go to entrance A in the Dufour Pavilion when you arrive at the Palace for your visit, with proof of your right to free entry and proof of identity.

Free admission to the Gardens

The Park and Gardens are open every day. The access is free except during  Musical Fountains Shows and Musical Gardens .

WARNING: on the days of the Fountains Shows and Musical Gardens, the access to the gardens is free only for children from 0 to 5 years old.

Others free admissions

• The Park is open everyday and free for pedestrians and cyclists.
• The Coach Gallery is open every weekend and during the Christmas holidays. The access is free.
• The Estate of Marly  is free.

Audioguide 

The audioguide is free for :

• Disabled people (with proof) and their companions. 
• Holders of the cultural relay card.

Mobile application

The mobile application for visiting the Palace, gardens and Estate of Trianon is available for free on the App Store and Google Play .

Guided tours

Guided tours are free for children under 10 years old.

The following groups are also entitled to free entry upon presentation of proof or a free entry application stamped by Versailles:

Disabled people People far from museums School and activity centre parties

Reduced rates

Reduced rates to the Palace and the Estate of Trianon

Special reduced rates are available for: 

• the Palace ticket (€13),
• the Estate of Trianon ticket (€8),

for the folowwing people :

• members of societies of friends of national museums,

If you benefit from free admission  for the Palace, the reduced rate of the Passport   (10 euros) allows access to the Fountains Shows or the Musical Gardens and to the Estate of Trianon, and gives a priority access to the Palace (according to the schedule).

Upon presentation of proof during access control.

For holders of the Musée du Quai Branly's "Pass annuel", the reduced rate for admission to the Château is granted, i.e. €13 including tax instead of €18 including tax. In addition, the "1 Year in Versailles" SOLO card is offered at a reduced rate of €50 (incl. tax) instead of €55 (incl. tax). The "1 Year in Versailles" DUO card is available at a rate of €80 (incl. tax) instead of €90 (incl. tax).

Reduced rates to the Gardens

To access only the Gardens, you also have the possibility to buy tickets for  The Musical Fountains Show  (€8) and Musical Gardens  (€7,50), online or on site, at the entrance of the Gardens: from the Palace by the Courtyard of the Princes or from the Park by the Queen's Gate .

The conditions for reduced rates for the Musical Fountains Show, the Musical Gardens and other shows are available directly on the Château de Versailles Spectacles website .

The reduced rate of €4 is available to : 

• holders of the "1 Year in Versailles" SOLO or DUO card, 
• students under 26 from the EU or under 18 from outside the EU (with proof),
• jobseekers in France (with proof),
• holders of a valid culture card,
• recipients of minimum social benefits (with proof).

The reduced rate of €7 is available to:

• members of the Society Les Amis de Versailles,
• minors aged 10 to 17 accompanying them,
• disabled people and their companions.

Proof of entitlement must be presented on site.

Cards and passes

• Annual subscription with the SOLO (€65) or DUO (€98) "1 Year in Versailles" card
• Year-long pass for the gardens on Musical Fountains show and Musical Gardens days (€25)
• The "Château de Versailles Spectacles 2021-2022" card

The subscription card for access by car (€260) available at toll booths and by phone at +33(0)1 30 83 78 00

Paris Museum Pass

The Paris Museum Pass grants admission to the Palace of Versailles, the Estate of Trianon and more than 60 museums and monuments in Paris and the Paris region.

In order to access to the Palace of Versailles with the Paris Museum Pass, you need to book a free timed entry "Palace Ticket" online . 

It does not grant admission to the Gardens on  Musical Fountains show and Musical Gardens .

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Versailles Tickets and Discounts

This post provides information about visiting Versailles.

We include how to get tickets plus opportunities to save money on admission, and what is included for free.

With experience providing tours to more than 1 million travelers, you can trust that we'll cover all the details needed to plan your trip ahead of time and make sure everything goes smoothly!

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INTRODUCTION TO VERSAILLES

The Palace of Versailles is one of the most spectacular landmarks in France, if not the world.

There's so much to see at this Palace, we've created this guide to help you plan your visit to this historic site.

In addition to tours of the main palace, there are the magnificent gardens of Louis XIV, Marie Antoinette's Estate, the Trianon palaces, the Queen's Hamlet, the Royal Chapel, the Royal Opera, the State Apartments, and more.

On select days, you can see the musical garden and fountain show in which the water performs a dance of sorts, synchronized to Baroque music. (See below for musical garden and fountain days for 2023).

For an in-depth look at what to expect of the sites at Versailles, see our post, Things to See and Do at Versailles .

No matter what you want to see while you’re here, chances are there’s a ticket that includes access to most locations of interest.

There is also a guided tour of Versailles and a self-guided tour available which provide a closer look at Versailles.

If you have a set budget, there are also several deals on tickets to the Versailles Palace and other activities which we will cover in our discounts section .

TICKETS TO PALACE OF VERSAILLES

There are several different types of Versailles tickets, each of which gives you access to varying parts of the estate.

Some options include not just the Palace but admission to the gardens, the Marie Antoinette Estate, the Trianon Palaces, the Fountain Show, and more.

Though you can purchase tickets in person at the ticket office, it is often cheaper and much easier (no lines!) to buy them online in advance.

When you purchase admission before arrival, you can avoid the ticket queue, essentially making them skip-the-line Versailles tickets.

Each of the tickets you can purchase ahead of time comes with an audio guide.

Note that Versailles is closed on Mondays and you can find more details about availability below in our Versailles Hours section.

Palace of Versailles Entrance Ticket

• Audio guide for Palace of Versailles.
• Versailles Gardens.
• Temporary Exhibitions.
• Gallery of Coaches.
• Sculptures and Mouldings Gallery.
• Musical Fountains Show not included.
• From €19.50 per person

Passport Ticket

• Palace of Versailles audio guide.
• Musical Gardens of Versailles.
• Musical Fountains Show.
• Available for 1 or 2 days at a time.
• 1 Day: €28.50 per person

Palace, Gardens, Audio Guide & Fountain Show

• Includes entrance to the Palace of Versailles, the gardens, an audio guide and the musical fountain show.
• Does not include a ticket to Marie Antoinette Estate or Trianons.
• €30 per person
• Not currently available as of December 2023.

Marie Antoinette’s Estate and The Trianon Palaces

• An excellent addition to the basic ticket which provides access to additional sites in the area.
• Includes admission to the gardens and temporary exhibitions held in Grand Trianon.
• Does not include admission to the Palace of Versailles, the fountain show, or the garden show.
• €12 per person

Musical Gardens Ticket

• Only covers access to the Versailles Gardens.
• Does not include admission to the Palace or Trianon Palaces.
• €10 per person
• Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
• Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
• Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday

Musical Fountains Show Ticket

• Only covers access to the Musical Fountains Show
• Does not include admission to the Palace, Trianon Palaces, or the rest of the Versailles Gardens.
• €10.50 per person
• April 1st - October 29th
• May 2nd - June 27th
• August 15th

In addition to these options, there are also several tickets that include a skip-the-line guided tour of the Palace, admission to the fountain show, and even breakfast inside the palace!

Here are a few of the best 3rd party tours of Versailles Palace:

Closing Time at Versailles

• Includes transportation to Versailles via train.
• See the palace after everyone else has left.
• Includes access to the Versailles Gardens.
• €139/Adults | €129/Children

Skip-the-Line Access Louvre & Versailles Day Trip

• Includes admission & tour of the Louvre.
• Includes admission & tour of Versailles Palace.
• See the Mona Lisa, Venus di Milo, Winged Victory, and more.
• €139/Adults | €135/Students | €129/Children
• Not currently available as of September 2023.

For more details about these options, please check our section on guided tours of Versailles .

Please note that while many of the 3rd party tour operators also cover entrance fees to the Palace, some do not.

Make sure you know if you need to purchase a ticket separately before taking a tour.

Versailles Hours

There are actually different opening hours for the various different areas of this estate, and we will break down the differences below.

Palace of Versailles Hours

• Closed on Monday
• Last admission at 18:00 (6 pm)
• Ticket office closes at 17:45 (5:45 pm)

Estate of Trianon Hours

• Ticket office closes at 17:50 (5:50 pm)

Gardens of Versailles Hours

• Last admission at 19:00 (7 pm)

Versailles Park Hours

• Last admission at 19:45 (7:45 pm)

DEALS AND DISCOUNTS

This section will cover the best ways to save money on admission to the Palace of Versailles, including tourist passes, combo packages, and more.

TOURIST PASSES

If you’re looking for a good way to save money on tickets to the Palace of Versailles, there are currently 3 tourist passes that offer free admission to this attraction in addition to many other activities and tours.

Depending on how you use these passes, you could save anywhere from 20% - 50% off general admission prices for all attractions visited.

• The Paris Pass
• Paris Turbo Pass
• Paris Museum Pass

If you’re curious about some of the additional attractions included with these passes, here is a short list of some notable examples:

• Arc De Triomphe
• The Orsay Museum
• Hop on Hop off Bus Tour
• Seine River Cruise
• Musée Picasso
• Opera Garnier Tour
• Paris Aquarium
• Montparnasse Tower
• Grevin Wax Museum

For more information about these discount services, please read our post covering Paris tourist passes .

COMBO PACKAGES

If you’re looking for an alternative to tourist passes, these packages combine admission to the Palace of Versailles with a few additional attractions, activities, or tours.

Although you won’t save as much money with this option, combo deals at least offer you the chance for a discount without the need to plan out dozens of activities.

The Louvre & Versailles w/ Private Transport

• Includes skip-the-line admission to the Louvre.
• Covers a full Versailles trip w/ Gardens and Music Show.
• Provides private round-trip transportation to and from Versailles.
• Expert guides will offer useful information about both locations.
• From €210 per person

Monet’s Giverny & Versailles Palace Trip

• Includes admission to the Palace of Versailles and gardens.
• Includes entrance ticket to Monet’s house and gardens.
• Covers round-trip transportation to and from each site.
• The tour guide will provide headsets to make sure you can hear them.
• From €139 per person

Versailles Guided Bike & Palace Tour

• Includes admission to the Palace of Versailles.
• Includes entrance to Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon.
• Includes entrance to Marie Antoinette’s Estate.
• Provides garden tickets on fountain days.
• Bike rental and tour guide included.
• Round trip train transport provided.
• €109 per person

Eiffel Tower, Versailles, Arc de Triomphe & River Cruise

• Includes 2nd-floor access to Eiffel Tower.
• Covers admission for all four locations.
• The audio guide is provided at Versailles and on the cruise.
• €89.90 per person
• Not currently available as of December 2022.

Free Sundays at the Palace

On the first Sunday of every month from November to March, the Palace of Versailles offers free admission to all visitors.

This is a great way to save a few euros on tickets, but you should expect large crowds.

Always Free Areas of the Grounds

Admission to the Palace Gardens and the Park with the Grand Canal, is free on most days, with the exception of dates with planned musical fountain shows. (See dates below).

Children under 5 years old always get free admission to the gardens!

Here are a few other locations in the area and services that are free to access:

• The Coach Gallery
• The Estate of Marly
• The Royal Tennis Court
• Tours are free for kids under 10
• Audio guides are free to loan for anyone over the age of 8.

Concessions

The Palace of Versailles and the Estate of Trianon offer free admission for the following groups of people:

• International visitors under the age of 18 (with ID)
• European Union residents under the age of 26 (with ID)
• Disabled people and the aids accompanying them (with proof of disability)

Reduced Rates

Certain visitors are eligible for discounted rates at the Palace of Versailles, the Trianon Estate, and Marie Antoinette’s Estate.

This discount is available for subscribers or ticket holders of the Arras Musée des Beaux-Arts, SoFNAM members, visitors with large family reduction cards, and anyone paying with a Chèques-Vacances.

The reduced rates are as follows:

• Palace of Versailles: €14.50 (€5 off)
• Palace of Trianon & Marie Antoinette’s Estate: €8 (€4 off)

Discount and Coupon Sites

Check discount sites such as Groupon to see if they are currently offering any deals on either admission to the Palace of Versailles or day trips which include the attraction.

In addition to any discounts they may offer, these sites also frequently offer coupon codes for an extra 10% - 20% off or more on local activities.

Before you make any purchases, check both the top and bottom of the page for any banners which may include coupons you can use to save even more money!

Things to See in Versailles

There are a lot of interesting things to see and do at the Palace of Versailles and its surrounding estate. Here are some of the more interesting attractions:

• Versailles Palace
• Versailles Gardens
• Trianon Palaces
• Musical Gardens
• Musical Fountain Show
• Versailles Bike Tour
• Versailles Segway Tour
• Gallery of Coaches
• Equestrian Academy
• Versailles Hall of Mirrors

For even more noteworthy sites and sounds, make sure to check our post covering things to do in Versailles .

DAY TRIPS FROM PARIS

There are several day trips available at and around Versailles that provide a compelling look at the historic location.

Some guided outings include transportation to and from the palace, so you don’t have to worry about paying for train or bus tickets.

Other guided excursions include additional activities such as breakfast or lunch at the palace, a look at some of the secret rooms of Versailles, bike rides, segway rides, and even an after-hours experience!

One of the best options is listed in our Versailles Palace tickets section above: Closing Time at Versailles .

Each of these outings includes transportation to and from Versailles Palace.

If you’re curious about some of these opportunities, please check this list of guided tours of Versailles for more details.

Directions to Versailles

If you choose to travel to the Château de Versailles on your own and not with a tour, it is easy to do.

From Paris, take the RER C line to the "Versailles Château Rive Gauche" stop, the closest of the three train stations near Versailles.

From the station, it is a 12-minute walk to the entrance to Versailles. (See this Google Map link for exact directions).

Find out more from our post, How to Get from Paris to Versailles by Train .

Musical Fountain dates

In 2023, the Musical Fountain Show takes place:

• Every Saturday and Sunday from April 1 to October 29.
• Every Tuesday from May 2-June 27.
• Plus: Friday April 7, Monday April 10, Monday May 8, Thursday May 18, Monday May 29, Friday July 14, and Tuesday August 15.
• Note that the Gardens close early 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.

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9 Best Versailles Tours from Paris for a Journey into French History

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Wandering the regal halls of the Palace of Versailles is often cited as one of the best things to do in Paris , keeping history lovers, art buffs and sightseeing enthusiasts entertained.

From the extravagant Hall of Mirrors to the Queen’s Hamlet and elaborate palatial gardens, the royal residence is one of the most beloved jewels of Paris , allowing a peek behind the curtain into the privileges, and responsibilities of the kings and queens of France.

Uncover the essence of Versailles with our top 3 picks, including the most highly-rated excursion, a delightful bike tour option, and the ultimate private exploration. Or scroll down to see our entire list of the best Versailles tours from Paris .

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

• Versailles tours from Paris

1 – Palace of Versailles Skip-the-Line Guided Tour with Transfers

Rating: ⭐️ 4.4/5 ( 2564 reviews )

“Everything and everyone was on Time!!! It was exactly as you described in the Page. I highly recommend your services!” Karla, Headout

Encouraging your education and enjoyment of the “City of Lights,” this Versailles tour from Paris transports you on a journey back to the 17th century when the now UNESCO-listed landmark was erected.

You’ll discover the grand Baroque interior of the palace, including its Hall of Mirrors, which was designed to showcase the strength and power of King Louis XIV — also referred to as Louis the Great.

As well as this opulent room, you’ll also explore some of the 60,000 artworks covering the history of France and the surrounding palatial gardens, which serve as a creative masterpiece, brought to life by the respected landscape architect, André Le Nôtre.

This Versailles tour from Paris perfectly combines everything you need for your experience into one neat package. The transportation is arranged efficiently and the guides are both friendly and expertly educated on the former royal residence.

Read more: Versailles Palace Tickets Price

2 – Bike Tour with Market, Gardens & Guided Palace Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 570 reviews )

“This was my favorite experience during my entire trip to Paris! Clara was the most wonderful tour guide…she made everything interesting and fun! I would absolutely recommend this tour to anyone and everyone!” Jason, Viator

If you wish to experience the area surrounding Paris up close, you may instead consider choosing this cycling experience, operated by Boutique Bike Tours .

Leaving the hustle and bustle of the city center behind, you’ll enjoy a high-speed train journey to the historic town of Versailles where you’ll mount a bicycle to explore the area, including its esteemed farmers market filled with residents showcasing a vibrant display of locally-grown produce.

Alongside the main palace, you’ll also visit the Queen’s Hamlet — built for Marie Antoinette in the second half of the 18th century — before ending your experience with a gourmet picnic overlooking the magnificent site.

• Check offer

While you may not be able to count on the weather for this tour, you can certainly count on the attention of the fantastic group of guides who run this experience.

You’ll discover local cuisine, which can be devoured while gazing upon one of the most spectacular architectural landmarks of the 17th century, discover the sheer magnitude of the palace and enjoy a leisurely cycle, all while accompanied by a welcoming and fun local.

Read more: Versailles Tours – Which One is Best?

3 – Private Half-Day Trip with Macarons

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 57 reviews )

“Our Viator tour with Claudio was excellent. We learned so much and he really brought the chateau experience to life!” Natasha, Viator

Enjoy the ultimate French experience with this excursion that combines the artistic and historic wonders of the Palace of Versailles with the luxury of delicate macarons, which you can feast on decadently throughout the rest of the day.

Provided by Paris to Versailles Private Tours , this trip is ideal for those who wish to enjoy a more personalized experience than can be attained on a group tour. With a private guide, you’ll enjoy chatting one-on-one about the various points of interest you see, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions along the way.

You can tailor this experience to the topics that fascinate you most and after your exploration, you’re bound to enjoy the sweet taste of a pastel-colored macaron.

You’ll benefit from convenient touches on this private tour, including a hotel pickup service, which enables you to relax, put your feet up and enjoy the experience. The guides are attentive to your needs and you’ll feel as though you’ve made a friend as you discuss the most notable events in French history together.

4 – Palace & Gardens: Small-group Guided Tour + Roundtrip

Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 ( 62 reviews )

“Driver was wonderful… informative, engaging, and funny. Transportation was so comfortable. Small group size was ideal. The whole day was amazing! Couldn’t have asked for more.” Britt, Tiqets

Those looking for a more intimate experience can select one of several small-group Versailles tours from Paris. This one, in particular, operated by Paris TRIP , takes care of all transportation, enabling you to simply enjoy sightseeing without worrying over organization details.

You’ll gain priority entrance to the Palace of Versailles and enjoy a guided tour , hosted by a qualified expert. Wander in the footsteps of royalty as you discover the history of several monarchs, including Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, both of whom were beheaded during the French Revolution.

Gain a broad overview of life at the palace as you wander through state apartments, chapels, gardens and grand halls, all while listening to an entertaining commentary.

From royalty to architectural styles, you’ll gain a wide array of knowledge surrounding French history by embarking on this Palace of Versailles tour from Paris. If you wish to experience the site at its most serene, choose the early morning tour to beat the crowds.

5 – Versailles Palace and Trianon Guided Day Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4/5 ( 161 reviews )

“This was the most incredible tour I have ever been on. Our guide Claire was funny, informative and an absolute delight to spend the day with. I have wanted to go to Versailles for years and she absolutely made in a memorable experience.” Shelley, Viator

One of the best Versailles tours from Paris is hosted by Paris City Vision and covers numerous landmarks, arming travelers with a plethora of insider knowledge on the French monarchy.

Alongside popular features of the Palace of Versailles, such as the Hall of Mirrors, you’ll also have the opportunity to discover the Gallery of Battles, which depicts almost 1,500 years of the country’s military victories, including the Battle of Tolbiac and the Battle of Wagram.

Stroll through the tranquil gardens at your leisure before reassembling with your group to explore the Trianon estate , which served as a refuge for the kings and queens of France away from their royal duties, as well as the Queen’s Hamlet where you’ll dive into the history of Marie Antoinette.

The perfect option for those who wish to combine a guided experience with independent exploration. The palace complex is enormous and those who choose a tour that lasts all day, like this one, should have a moderate level of fitness to enjoy the experience fully.

6 – Versailles Palace & Giverny Monet House Guided Visit with Lunch

Rating: ⭐️ 4/5 ( 1715 reviews )

“The gardens at Monet’s house were stunning. The place for lunch was charming and the lunch and wine were great! (…) Versailles was spectacular. It was a very fun day!” Carol, Viator

Those whose interests lie in the artistic endeavors of France can combine the Palace of Versailles’ colossal collection of paintings with the garden that served as a source of inspiration for the 19th-century impressionist mastermind, Claude Monet.

You’ll visit the home of the esteemed painter and the peaceful haven he created in his own backyard, which art lovers may recognize from the artists’ “Nymphéas” series.

After wandering these famed gardens, you’ll travel to the Palace of Versailles where you’ll gain an insight into the extravagant lifestyle of France’s elite through history, learning plenty of fascinating tidbits of information along the way from your Paris City Vision guide.

Those who are short on time to experience Paris can enjoy this fast-paced tour that covers several of the area’s most significant historic landmarks. You’ll pack plenty of sightseeing and information into just one day, ensuring you leave Paris as an expert on its art scene.

7 – Palace and Gardens Tour by Train with Skip-the-Line

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 216 reviews )

“Amazing experience! Our tour guide was great and went at a great pace! We were able to fully enjoy our tour and take pictures.” Angela, Viator

If you’re seeking flexibility, one of the best options for exploring the Palace of Versailles is this tour from Memories France , which operates several times per day, ensuring every traveler can experience this lavish landmark.

You’ll enjoy skip-the-line access to the palace, enabling you to spend your precious vacation time exploring instead of queueing, and discovering the rooms that, while luxurious, contributed to Marie Antoinette’s hatred of Versailles.

Those who wish to delve further into the history of the site can upgrade to explore the Trianon, where the Austrian princess-turned-French queen found respite from the routines and expectations of the main palace.

Travelers rave over how well-organized and paced this tour of the Palace of Versailles is. From traveling to the site via train to ambling through some of the palace’s impressive rooms, you’ll always be expertly guided by a lively and passionate individual keen to show you their city.

Read More: Versailles Palace Last Minute Tickets

8 – Morning tour of Versailles Palace and Gardens

Rating: ⭐️ 4.4/5 ( 14 reviews )

“Katherine our tour guide was absolutely phenomenal! She was friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable about everything having to do with Versailles. The bus ride was quick and comfortable, and we found it was just the right amount of time to explore Versailles – highly recommend!” Musement

The early hours of the morning are undoubtedly the best time to explore the Palace of Versailles before an influx of tourists swarms upon the landmark.

With fewer crowds than at other times of day, you’ll be able to take in the details of the paintings that line the walls, the gilded walls of the state apartments and the glistening chandeliers located in the Hall of Mirrors.

This Paris City Vision tour also gives you ample opportunity to stroll through the palace gardens, admiring countless statues, fountains and floral displays.

This excursion is well-planned to ensure you spend the perfect amount of time exploring the Palace of Versailles without tiring. Discovering the palace so early in the day leaves you the afternoon free to embark on a tour of the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre, allowing you to optimize your time in the French capital.

9 – Helicopter Flight over Paris & the Château de Versailles

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 5 reviews )

There are several bucket list moments to experience in Paris. However, there is no adventure more memorable than gliding over the city’s skyline in a helicopter , discovering its many arrondissements from above with Helipass .

Alongside the city center, you’ll also gain a birds-eye view over the Palace of Versailles before landing next to the exquisite landmark where you can admire its architectural details in all their glory.

Then, climb back on board and enjoy an engaging flight back to Paris, passing over the ornate fountains of the Trocadéro and the Montparnasse Tower, which stands alone more than 200 meters above the city streets.

This excursion can only be described as remarkable and is without a doubt one of the best Versailles tours from Paris. Whether you wish to surprise a loved one with a once-in-a-lifetime experience or simply enjoy a view of Paris that other tourists aren’t privy to, you’ll find yourself boasting about your trip as soon as your feet touch down back in Paris.

How to book Versaille tours from Paris?

There are an abundance of companies offering Versailles tours from Paris across several travel websites. However, by using the Tourscanner search engine, you can view all of your options in one place, compare prices and deals, and even choose combination experiences, such as a Paris & Versailles Bundle .

You’ll also be able to read reviews from real travelers, ensuring that you select the tour best suited to your needs.

• compare Versailles tours from Paris

How to Get from Paris to Versailles

• See & Do
• Palace of Versailles
• Getting from Paris to Versailles

How to Get from Paris to Versailles Palace

Planning your first trip to the Palace of Versailles?  If so, you may be wondering: "What's the best way to get there from Paris?"

Most Popular Paris Day Trips to Palace of Versailles

These top-rated day trips to Versailles fill up fast, so book early to get the dates you want:

Popular Versailles day trips with transportation from Paris:

• Versailles Skip-the-Line Guided Tour & Gardens  - Optional garden tour
• Palace of Versailles & Gardens - Audio tour; choose a full-day or half-day trip
• Giverny & Versailles Guided Day Trip - See 2 iconic attractions in one day
• Versailles Bike Tour with Palace & Queen's Farm Entrance  - Highly-rated

Traveling to Versailles on your own?  Book a ticket with a reserved time slot for fast entry:

• Versailles Palace & Gardens Full Access Ticket - Includes entire Estate, including 3 palaces, the gardens (including Musical Gardens or Fountain show from April-October), & Marie-Antoinette's Hameau (farm and village)

If you're like many visitors, the opulent Palace and its vast Estate and Gardens may be near the top of famous attractions you want to see during your time in the City of Light.

And for good reasons.  The spectacular architecture, lavish interiors, and magnificent gardens of the Château de Versailles and its surrounding Estate dazzle and enchant visitors today just as they did when the French monarchy called it "home."  From Louis "The Sun King" XIV who created the Palace to the doomed Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette who fled in disgrace to escape an angry mob on the eve of the French Revolution, each generation of kings and queens contributed to the over-the-top luxury you see today.

Fortunately, the Chateau's location just 12 miles (20 km) outside Paris makes it ideal for a day trip.

You can choose from six ways to get from Paris to Versailles Palace, although some may work better for you than others. In this article, we point out the advantages and disadvantages of each option to help you decide which way to travel will be the best fit for you.

Here's what you'll find in this article:

• How to get from Paris to Versailles with a tour group
• How to go from Paris to Versailles by train
• How to get to Versailles from Paris on the bus
• When to consider going to Versailles by car
• Should you use Uber to go from Paris to Versailles?
• Can you bike to Versailles from Paris?

Top photo: The Palace of Versailles and Apollo Fountain - Photo credit: Tiffany Cade/Unsplash

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1.  How to Get from Paris to Versailles with a Tour Group

The easiest and most stress-free way to get to Versailles Palace is to join a group tour that includes transportation from Paris on a luxury coach or train.   Then, all you have to do is show up at a designated meeting spot in central Paris. 

Your tour organizer handles everything else, including transportation, your ticket to the Palace, and fast-track priority entry through a special gate available only to guided tour groups.  And of course, you also get the benefit of an expert guide who will make sure you see all the most spectacular rooms such as the dazzling Hall of Mirrors and Royal Apartments, the magnificent Gardens, and perhaps other parts of the estate.

If you want to make the most of your visit to Versailles while not spending (and perhaps wasting) time figuring out all the details, these transportation-included tours are the way to go.

What's the Difference between Coach & Train Tours to Versailles?

So which is better:  tours offering transportation to Versailles by coach (ie, luxury bus or sometimes even a minivan) - or by train? 

Both ways of travel are quite comfortable, but there is a key difference.  When you choose a coach tour, you'll re-board the bus  at a designated time and ride back to Paris with your group. 

However, when you choose a guided tour with train transportation included, you'll receive a ticket for your return trip by train back to Paris.  This gives you a lot of flexibility.  

When your tour ends, you usually have the choice of returning to the city by train with your guide and perhaps others from your tour group - or head back whenever you please, which allows you to spend time exploring Versailles on your own or perhaps even have dinner at one of the local restaurants. 

You will need to walk back to the train station on your own, but that's super-easy to do.  The station is only a 5-10 minute walk from the Palace gates and you'll see plenty of signs and directions along the way. 

Of course, if you come to Versailles from Paris by coach or minivan with a group tour and want to stay longer, you can always return to Paris on your own on the train.  Tickets cost only a few euros.  Just be sure to get a 1-way ticket - and let your tour guide know you'll be returning on your own.

Popular Versailles Tours with Coach or Train Transportation from Paris

Here are three of the most popular choices:

• Full-Day Guided Tour of Versailles by air-conditioned coach from Paris - On this comprehensive tour, you will visit the most spectacular Palace attractions such as the Hall of Mirrors, the beautiful Palace Gardens, and other important sights such as the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, and Marie Antoinette's Estate including her charming Hamlet before re-boarding your coach for your relaxing return to Paris.
• Skip-the-Line Versailles Palace Tour by Train - If you choose this guided tour of Versailles, you'll travel with your guide by train from Paris to the Château, where you'll enjoy a 3-hour tour of the Royal Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, and other rooms, as well as the gorgeous Gardens.  Depending on which day you visit, you may also see the enchanting Musical Gardens or Musical Fountains show.  Use your return train ticket to head back to Paris whenever you choose. 
• Half-Day Versailles Guided Tour from Paris - This small-group guided tour from Paris by minivan includes pickup and drop-off at selected hotels, giving you the ultimate convenience when you have limited time.  Your guide will enrich your experience with stories about Versailles' famous history while taking you to see the most important rooms in the Palace as well as a quick visit to the Gardens.  Choose a morning or afternoon excursion.

Another excellent choice, especially if you have limited time but want to see both the Palace of Versailles and Monet's home in Giverny with its colorful garden and water lily pond is to join a day trip from Paris that includes coach transportation, lunch and guided or audio tours of both attractions, depending on which option you select.

Find more Versailles tours from Paris with transportation, including group bike tours

2.  How to Go from Paris to the Palace of Versailles by Train

Although three different trains to Versailles - RER C and SNCF Lines L and N - offer service from Paris, only one of them (RER C) stops at the Château Versailles Rive Gauche, the closest station to the front entrance gates at the Palace of Versailles.  Not surprisingly, this is the train most people choose because of the convenience, although depending on your location, you may want to opt for one of the others. 

Thanks to infrastructure and technology improvements made during the past decade, the trip to Versailles from Paris is now faster than ever.   It takes around 25-30 minutes on RER C and SNCF Line N, and between 35-40 minutes on SNCF Line L.

Here are the details for each option:

Getting to Versailles on the RER C Train

Going to Versailles on the RER C train is the easiest option and also the most popular because it puts you closest to the Versailles Palace entry gates.  In addition, trains on the RER C line typically run about every 5-10 minutes, vs about every 15 minutes for Line N and about every 20 minutes for Line L, so on average, you'll have less of a wait. 

Best of all, the RER C train runs along the Left Bank of the Seine River, and has nine stations within the city, so you can choose to depart from whichever station is closest to you. 

For most visitors to Versailles, RER C is the best choice.

Important to Know:  RER C has two branches in the direction of Versailles.  One of them terminates at the Versailles Château Rive-Gauche station (yes, that's the one you want), and the other terminates at Saint-Quentin en Yvelines but makes a stop at Versailles Chantiers (NOT the station you want). 

Once you're in the RER station and have your ticket, you'll see the announcements board for incoming trains.  Be sure to board one that's going to Versailles Chateau Rive-Gauche.  (But if the worst happens and you accidentally board the other train, get off once you reach Versailles Chantiers; the walk to the Palace will take you 10-15 minutes instead of 5-10, so it's not a big set back.)

Bonus:  If you take the RER-C, you may be in one of the new "Museum" train cars with interior decor featuring murals of Versailles or other famous Paris museums.

Getting to Versailles on the SNCF N Train

The SNCF N Train has only one Paris departure point:  the Montparnasse Station ( Gare ) located close to where the 6th, 14th, and 15th arrondissements intersect.  In Versailles, it arrives at the Versailles Chantiers station, slightly over half a mile (1 km) from the Palace entrance and about a 10-15 minute walk from the Palace.  

Although the trip to Versailles takes about the same length of time (30 minutes) as the RER C train, departures happen slightly less frequently - about every 15 minutes, on average.  Unless you have a strong reason to take the Line N train (for example, you're staying close to Gare Montparnasse), RER C is likely to be a better choice because of the more-frequent departures.

Good to Know:   Although the N train has several branches, they happen after the Versailles Chantiers station - so no need to worry about them as long as you take one of the trains heading toward the Palace.

Getting to Versailles from Paris on SNCF Line L

The SNCF L train also has only one Paris station: Gare Saint-Lazare in the 8th arrondissement.  The trip to Versailles takes about 35-40 minutes, train frequency is about every 20 minutes, and it arrives at the Versailles Rive Droite station, about three-quarters of a mile (1.3 km) or an almost-20 minute walk from the Palace entrance. 

Similar to the N train, the SNCF L train may not be your best choice unless you're staying close to Gare Saint-Lazare, Galeries Lafayette, Opéra Garnier (the Paris Opera House), or possibly Montmartre.  Even if you are, you may still prefer to take the Metro to the nearest RER C station. 

Find details about getting your Vernon train tickets at Gare Saint-Lazare

Important to Know:  SNCF Line L also has several branches - so make sure you take the one to Versailles Rive-Droite, which is the last station on the line.

How to Get Your RER or Train Tickets to Versailles

When you arrive at your departure station in Paris, you will need to buy tickets for your trip. 

The only exception is that if you have a weekly or monthly "all zones" Navigo pass or an "all zone" Paris Visite travel pass that's valid for the day you want to travel (make sure sign and date your card), you can use it for the trip. That's because Versailles is in "Zone 4" of the Ile de France regional transportation network.  In other words, if you have the all-zone Navigo or Visite pass, you do not need an additional ticket so your trip to Versailles and back will cost you nothing extra.

Otherwise, you must buy a round-trip ticket (which means you'll actually get two 1-way tickets, one in each direction) at one of the ticket machines, whether you are going by RER or train.  Or, if that option isn't available, buy a 1-way ticket to the Versailles station and then when you return to the station later in the day, buy another 1-way ticket to Paris.  Select the language option for "English" (or another language), follow the instructions on the screen, and pay for your ticket with your credit card.  The process is quick and easy, but if you make a mistake, just hit "cancel" and start over.

Remember, if you're using a round-trip or 1-way train or metro ticket, keep your ticket once you get on the train because you'll need to show it to the conductor and then insert it in a turnstile in order to exit the station. If you don't have it, you'll most likely be fined.

Please note:   You cannot use a regular Metro ticket to travel between Paris and Versailles because regular Metro tickets include travel on the RER ( a suburban train line that is technically not part of the Metro system) only for Zone 1, which is central Paris.  Versailles is in Zone 4, which is why you need an RER ticket.  If you do try to use a Metro ticket for this trip, you risk a hefty fine.

3.  How to Get to Versailles from Paris on a Bus

To take a local bus to the Chateau Versailles Rive Gauche station, first take the metro to the Pont de Sèvres station on the western edge of the city.  Outside the station, find the bus stop for the southwest-bound #171 bus outside the station, and take the bus to Versailles. 

Here's the tricky part:   Not all #171 buses going in the direction of Versailles go all the way to Versailles; some terminate much sooner. 

You should see "Versailles" listed as the destination on the bus, but if in doubt, confirm with the driver when you get on.  Even if you don't speak any French, the polite way to do this is to say, "Bonjour, Monsieur (or Madame).  Versailles?" 

They'll understand what you're asking, and even if you don't understand their response, watch their gestures to figure out if you should find a seat on the bus or get off and wait for the next one.  In either case, nod and reply, "Merci, Monsieur (or Madame)."

The ride from the Pont de Sèvres station to the chateau takes about 30 minutes (occasionally longer if you hit traffic or road construction), and the cost is normally just one metro/bus ticket each way (unless somehow the length of your trip exceeds 90 minutes, in which case you'll need a second ticket).  If you have a valid weekly or monthly "all zones" Navigo pass or an "all zone" Paris Visite travel card, the cost is zero.

In case you're wondering, you cannot reuse your metro ticket to Pont de Sèvres for the bus, because metro/bus transfers using the same ticket are not permitted. 

You can find the #171 bus schedule on ratp.fr.

Should you consider taking the bus to Versailles?   It is slightly more difficult than taking the train, especially if you don't speak much French (but still relatively easy), and the possibility of boarding the wrong bus, however slight, also makes it somewhat more stressful. 

For most people, taking the RER C will be more convenient.  However, the bus is the cheapest option and if your travel budget means that every Euro counts (for example, if you're a student), then it's a fine choice.  It's also a wonderful way to see more of the Paris suburbs and Ile de France countryside.

Pro Tip:   If you do decide to take the bus, do yourself a big favor and download the RATP app on your phone, which provides clear directions and a useful map for finding the station location.

More about Visiting the Palace of Versailles

• Top Things to See & Do at the Palace of Versailles - Plus visitor tips
• Best Tours of Palace of Versailles
• Best Hotels & Apartments near the Palace of Versailles

4.  When to Consider Going to Versailles by Car

Normally, as a Paris visitor, you don't want to be burdened with a car in Paris because a) driving in Paris can be a nightmare if you're not used to it, and b) parking can cost more than dinner.  Getting around Paris on the metro is much faster, cheaper, and easier. 

But if you are planning to make a trip outside the city to multiple destinations including Versailles, then renting a car and stopping at the Palace for a day or more along the way can make a lot of sense. 

If you are considering doing this, here are a couple of tips:

First, instead of renting a car in Paris and having to battle city traffic on congested roads, consider picking up your rental in the nearby business district of La Défense, easily reached on Line 1 of the metro.  You'll find European, British, and even American car rental agencies such as Avis and Budget.  From La Défense, you'll have an easy drive to Versailles.

Second, consider departing Paris (or La Defense) in the evening before in order to miss rush hour traffic, and spending the night at one of the wonderful hotels or apartments in Versailles (make sure you choose one with onsite parking) where both hotel rates and parking fees are significantly cheaper than in Paris.  This also allows you to arrive at the entrance gate early in the morning and gives you more time to explore the Palace and its magnificent gardens.

5.  Should You Use Uber or a Taxi to Go from Paris to Versailles?

Should you consider using a ride-share service such as Uber or a taxi for getting to Versailles from Paris?

A one-way trip between Paris and Versailles by Uber or taxi will typically cost you a minimum of around 40€ - 50€, assuming no major traffic jams and depending on your specific Paris location. 

Transit time (again, depending on where you are in the city) might be 30-45 minutes, but it can easily be longer if you get stuck in city traffic or on the Péripherique, the ring road around Paris.  Add in road congestion (an almost-constant condition on the Périph', and your fare and travel time can soar. 

Because Paris has such an extensive, fast, and affordable public transportation network, going to Versailles by Uber or taxi doesn't usually make sense for most people - but, of course, your circumstances may vary, especially if you're part of a group of several (or more) people.

In that case, compare prices, and do what suits you best.

You might also want to consider a private transfer service which provides pre-set fixed rates.

6.  Can You Bike to Versailles from Paris?

Yes!   And if you love biking, this may become one of your favorite memories of your trip.

The 15-mile (24 km) route to Versailles is easy and scenic, starting with a lovely stretch through the Bois de Boulogne in Paris's 16th arrondissement.  Once you reach the Palace of Versailles, you can enter the estate for free through one of the bike-friendly gates, and ride along picturesque paths through the woods and meadows. 

Unless you have your own bike, you can easily rent one for a day at a reasonable cost. 

Although you may be tempted to use one of the Vélib bikes available throughout Paris, don't; you need a sturdier road bike or maybe even an electric bike for this trip.  (Also, the rental cost for Velibs goes up the longer you keep it, so you'll end up paying more than you would for renting a good bike.) 

Three good rental services are Paris Bike Tour, Paris à Vélo , and Paris Bike Company.

You'll also need a route map, such as this one from bikemap.net which starts at Bois de Bologna:

You can find  detailed directions here.

The only areas of the Estate where bikes are not allowed are in the gardens and the Palace (and other buildings such as the Grand and Petit Trianons). 

If you want to visit those places, you should bring a sturdy bike lock, which you can probably get wherever you rent your bike; if not, go to the nearest Decathlon, the huge French sporting goods store which has multiple locations in Paris.

You'll also need a "Passport" entry ticket for the Palace, Gardens, and other ticketed areas.

If your goal is to explore Versailles Estate by bike (an excellent approach, considering its vast size), you may want to consider the Versailles Bike Tour with Palace & Queen's Farm Entrance,  which provides transporation to the estate but an extensive bike tour (plus free time) after you get there.

Bon voyage, and have fun!

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A Hotel Has Opened at Versailles-Here's Everything You Need to Know

I f you have ever fantasized about staying in one of the most opulent palaces in the world, your dream can now become a reality. In 2021, French hotel company Airelles opened Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle , a luxury hotel located within the the Château de Versailles, the famous royal residence that first opened in the 17th century and is perhaps most associated with the reign of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.

In the years since, the hotel has become one of the most coveted stays in France, recently picking up three Michelin keys in that guide's inaugural hotel rankings list. And, amazingly, despite the crowds expected to descend on the City of Light for this summer's Olympic Games, which run from July 26 to August 11, 2024, there are rooms available at the property during the festivities.

As of April 25, you can still book a stay at the property during the latter half of the Games, between Wednesday, August 7, and the closing ceremony on Sunday, August 11. But it'll cost you: Deluxe Rooms begin at $2,885 a night (excluding taxes and fees), while the grand Suite Necker will run you a little over $16,000 (excluding taxes and fees). With its 14-foot ceilings, the suite was the former private apartment of the Controller-General of Finances and last Chief Minister of Louis XVI, Jacques Necker, and a stay includes round-trip transfer from Paris or the airport in a Mercedes S-Class, one lunch and one dinner per day, and a private guide for exclusive tours.

Is anything special happening at Versailles during the Olympics?

The Château de Versailles will be one of the host venues of the Olympics, with a temporary outdoor arena being built in the Etoile Royale esplanade in the middle of the famed gardens. When the French Court moved into Versailles in 1682, Louis XVI had enormous stables built to accommodate 600 horses, and equestrian heritage has been part of the fabric of the place ever since. Appropriately, the arena will be the location of dressage and show jumping competitions during both the Olympics and the Paralympics. Elsewhere, the individual and team cross-country events will occur on the banks of the Grand Canal, and the grounds will also host the modern pentathlon events: swimming, fencing, riding, running, and shooting.

The UNESCO-designated palace has the distinction of being the only museum that will host events, and it's leaning into that unique intersection with a series of cultural programs. Majestic Horses at the Heart of Civilization (July 2 to November 3), for instance, is an exhibit highlighting the role of horses in civil and military society from the 16th century to the 20th century; it will sprawl across the palace, including the Hall of Mirrors and the King's State Apartment. And the palace will offer guided tours related to the themes of sports and the arts, including Versailles, Games, and Sports; Dancing at Court; Gods and Heroes; Versailles by Horse or by Carriage; and Horses in Art.

What is it like to stay at Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle?

Airelles converted a palace building that was originally envisioned in 1681 by Louis XIV's architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart into the opulent property. The 21st-century incarnation features dining by celebrated French chef Alain Ducasse, a spa by Swiss skincare brand La Maison Valmont, a 50-foot indoor pool, and views of the Orangerie, the section of the palace's iconic gardens known for its fruit trees, and of the Pièce d'Eau des Suisses, the large pond within the gardens.

The interior spaces were reimagined by architect and interior designer Christophe Tollemer , who drew inspiration from Marie Antoinette's Versailles estate, Petit Trianon, as well as from Louis XVI's opulent style. Each of the 14 rooms and suites is uniquely decorated and the property is outfitted with restored and recreated period furniture, artwork, fabrics, chandeliers, and artifacts.

Guests staying at Le Grand Contrôle will have exclusive access to areas of the Château and grounds that are normally closed to visitors and will be able to explore the palace gardens, halls, and apartments. Each stay includes a private morning tour of the Trianon and the Queen's Hamlet prior to the arrival of the general public, a private tour of the palace in the evening after visitors have departed, and unlimited access to the gardens, including boats and golf carts for exploring.

There is also the option to pay extra for a Marie Antoinette–themed costume fitting, a private performance at the Royal Opera, and private dining with a live string quartet in the former apartment of Louis XV's daughters, among other unique add-ons.

This story was originally published on October 19, 2019, and was updated on April 25, 2024, to include current information.