versailles tour time

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Today the Palace is open from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm.

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• For families
• Visits and advice

Essential information about opening times and access 

• The Palace and the estate of Trianon are open every day except on Mondays. The Palace opens at 9:00 am, the estate of Trianon opens at 12:00 pm.
• The Park and Gardens are open every day. Access to the Gardens is free except on days of fountains shows  and musical gardens . 
• There are three train stations in Versailles : Versailles Château Rive Gauche station, Versailles Rive Droite station and the Chantiers station.
• Accessibility measures have been put in place to facilitate the visit of visitors with disabilities. 
• Access to the Park through the Queen's Gate (pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles), the entrance fee is 12 euros per vehicle and through the Sailors' Gate (pedestrians and cyclists). Read all access and times below.
• A car park is available at the Place d'Armes  (consult rates ). Several bicycle parks are available.
• Remember to book the audioguide , available in 12 languages. A distribution desk is available in the Vestibule of the Gabriel Pavilion (every day except on Mondays).
• Consult the interactive map to locate the places to visit and the services available to you (restaurants, toilets, access, etc.).
• See the rules of visit , which are essential for the comfort of visitors and the protection of the heritage.

Read the FAQ   Conditions for free admission  

Opening times

The Palace 9.00 am - 6.30 pm Closed on Mondays and on 1 st of May

The Estate of Trianon 12.00 pm - 6.30 pm Closed on Mondays and on 1 st of May

The Gardens 8.00 am - 8.30 pm Open every day

The Park 7.00 am - 8.30 pm Open every day

Exceptions and detailed opening times

Open every day except on Mondays and on 1 st of May Opening times: 9.00 am – 6.30 pm Last admission: 6 pm Ticket office closes at  5.45 pm

The Estate of Trianon

Open every day except on Mondays and on 1 st of May Opening times:  12.00 am – 6.30pm

Last admission: 6.00 pm Ticket office closes at 5.50 pm

The gardens close at 7.30 pm (evacuation begins at 7.00 pm)

The Gallery of Coaches

Open every WE and French Bank holidays (except Mondays).  Opening hours:  12.30 pm - 6.30 pm  Last admission : 5.45 pm

From 1 st July to 30 th September: open Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Last admission : 5.45 pm Access : Free

The Sculptures and Mouldings Gallery Open every WE and French Bank holidays (except Mondays).  Opening hours:  12.30 pm - 6.30 pm  Last admission : 5.45 pm From 1 st July to 30 th September: open Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Last admission : 5.45 pm Access : Free

The Estate of Marly

Open every day from 7 am to 7.30 pm (last access: 7 pm )

Extended opening on Saturdays and Sundays from mid-May to mid-September: 

• until 9.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays from 14 May 2024 to 29 August 2023 inclusive,
• until 8.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays from 3 September 2023 to 18 September 2023 inclusive.

The Gardens

Open every day from  8.00 am to 8.30 pm Last admission: 7.00 pm save exceptional weather (snow, violent winds...)

Early closing at 5:30pm every Saturday from June 8 to September 21 (Night Fountains Shows), as well as March 29, 30 and 31, Saturday May 18, Friday June 28, Sunday July 14, Friday August 9, Sunday August 11 and Thursday August 15, and October 27, 29, 30 and 31. Early closing at 6.30pm on Wednesday June 26.

Pedestrian access through the honour courtyard or through the Park (gates of Little Venice , Menagerie and Neptune ) from 7 am to 8.30 pm and through the Dragon Gate from 7 am to 7.30 pm (last access 7 pm).

Open every day from 7.00 am to 8.30 pm Last admission at 7.45 p.m save exceptional weather (snow, violent winds...)

Pedestrian access via :

• The Queen's Gate (7.00 am - 8.30 pm, last admission at 7.45 pm)
• The Sailors' Gate (7.00 am - 7.30 pm, last admission at 7.00 pm)
• The Saint-Anthony's Gate (7.00 am - 7.30 pm, last admission at 7.00 pm)
• The Honour Gate (7.00 am - 7.30 pm, last admission at 7.00 pm)
• The Royal Star Gate  is closed
• The Chapel Gate (9.00am - 5.30pm, except on monday)

Access for vehicles via :

• The Queen's Gate (9.00 am - last admission 5.50 pm)
• The Saint-Anthony's Gate (9.00 am - last admission 5.50 pm - only on weekends and on French bank holidays)

The Royal Tennis Court

The Royal Tennis court is open on WE Opening hours:  12.30 pm - 6.30 pm 

Open every day except on Mondays Opening times: 9.00am – 5.30pm Last admission: 5pm Ticket office closes at 4.50pm

Closed on December 25 th , 2023 and January 1st, 2024

Open every day except on Mondays Opening Times: 12.00pm – 5.30pm Last admission: 5.00pm Ticket office closes at 4.50 pm

Opened every Saturday and Sunday : Opening hours: 12.30pm - 5.30pm  Last admission : 4.45pm Access : Free

The Sculptures and Mouldings Gallery

The Sculptures and Mouldings Gallery is closed.

Pedestrian access opened every day via the Bourg gate (RD7) from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm . Last admission : 5.30 pm

Access every day from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm via the Royal gate, the two doors gate, the flying heart gate, the King's gate and the Stadium's gate.

Open every day, from  8.00 am to 6.00 pm  save exceptional weather (snow, violent winds...).

Pedestrian access through the honour courtyard or through the Park (gates of Little Venice , Menagerie and Neptune ) from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm and through the Dragon Gate every saturday, sunday and on French bank holidays from 1.00 pm to 6.30 pm (last admission 6.00 pm).

Open every day from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm  (last admission 5.30 pm) save exceptional weather (snow, violent winds...).

Pedestrian and bicyles access via:

• The Queen's Gate (pedestrian and bicyles access, 8.00 am - 5.30 pm)
• The Sailors' Gate  (pedestrian and bicyles access, 8.00 am - 5.30 pm)
• The Saint Anthony's Gate  (pedestrian and bicyles access, 8.00 am - 5.30 pm)
• The Honour Gate  (pedestrian access, 8.00 am - 5.30 pm)
• The Chapel Gate (9.00 am - 5.30pm, except on monday)

Access for vehicles every day from 9.00 am to 4.50 pm via the Queen's Gate and the Saint Anthony's Gate .

The Royal Tennis court is open for guided tours.

Getting to the Palace

Château de Versailles Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles

Your route on Google Maps

Versailles Château Rive Gauche train station 10 minutes on foot to get to the Palace

More transportation options

RER line C arrives at Versailles Château - Rive Gauche  train station, just 10 minutes’ walk to the Palace.  Please note that  no RER C trains will be running between Paris Austerlitz and Javel stations from 15 July to 26 August.

SNCF trains from Gare Montparnasse arrive at  Versailles Chantiers train station , which is 18 minutes on foot to the Palace.

SNCF trains from Gare Saint Lazare arrive at  Versailles Rive Droite train station , 17 minutes on foot to the Palace.

Purchase  two ticket (two-way trip) from your point of departure to the Versailles train station, or use a pass (Navigo, Mobilis or Paris Visite) covering zones 1 to 4, if you come from Paris. T+ tickets cannot be used for this journey .

RER C and SNCF train times are available on www.transilien.com

Figure out your route and rates

The  RATP bus line 171 runs between Pont de Sèvres (terminus of the Paris metro line 9) and the Palace of Versailles in 30 minutes without traffic.

T+ tickets can be used for this journey .

Journey times and routes available on the RATP website

With Tootbus, take advantage of a combined ticket (bus journey + Passport ticket )

See the offer

Two return trips per day

From the A13 motorway, take exit no.5 Versailles Centre and follow the signs for the Palace of Versailles. GPS coordinates for the Palace of Versailles: 48.48'17N and 2.07'15E

Paying parkings

There are several paying car parks.  See the access and parking possibilities on the interactive map In front of the Palace:   Place d’Armes  cars and coaches – open 24 hours a day (consult rates ). In the park:  at the Grand Canal, Petit Trianon, Grand Trianon, Queen’s Hamlet. Parking for coaches only at the Trianon crossroads – paying access via:

• The Queen’s Gate, open for vehicles from 9am to 4.50pm or 5.50pm (in low or high season respectively)

• The Saint Anthony's Gate, open for vehicles from 9am to 5.50pm (only on weekends during high season)  

Parkings and disabled access

All types of admission and parking listed above are free upon presentation of proof of disability (disability card or European disabled parking permit), with reserved parking spaces. In addition to these car parks, the car park at the Neptune Gate is reserved for disabled people. Upon presentation of proof of disability, you may park or be dropped off right next to the Palace in the Main Courtyard near entrance B.

• via the Queen's Gate 

• via the Sailors' Gate

• via the Saint Anthony Gate 

All about cycling in the Estate of Versailles here .

The main entrance to the Palace of Versailles is through the Cour d'Honneur.

The Estate of Trianon can be reached from the Palace by crossing the Gardens and the Park (30 minutes on foot).

All detailed accesses

The main entrance to the Place of Versailles is through the Main Courtyard .

• If you do not have a ticket upon arrival, go to the ticket office first, situated on the left in the Main Courtyard in the South Ministers’ Wing , and then to  entrance A  of the Palace, which is reserved for individuals.

• If you have reserved your ticket online and have already printed it, go directly to  entrance A  of the Palace with your proof of identity or ticket.

• Visitors to the Palace arriving in groups enter at Entrance B, Pavillon Gabriel , on the right of the Cour d'Honneur.

To visit only the Estate of Trianon , which is open from 12.00 pm, go  directly to the entrances of the Grand or the Petit Trianon  where you will also find a ticket office.

Deposit required Due to the health measures, the left luggage service is temporarily suspended. Pushchairs and small bags are exceptionally tolerated inside the rooms. When the left luggage service is open, some objects ( pushchairs, metal baby carriers, suitcases, umbrellas ... ) are not allowed inside the rooms. 

Guided tours The guided tours welcome desk is in the North   M inisters’ Wing (on the right in the Main Courtyard). If you have booked a  guided tour  via our online ticket office , check the point of departure of the tour and go directly to this point.

Disabled access A pedestrian path from the Main Gate grants easy access to the Royal Gate and entrance A. Guide dogs and animal trainers are allowed upon presentation of proof of eligibility. Non-motorized wheelchairs are provided free of charge for the visit of the Palace.

Access to these visit areas: the permanent collections of the Palace, the Estate of Trianon, and the temporary exhibitions, are free for people with disabilities and their companion: a reduced rate is offered for guided tours and activities "family".

The Estate of Trianon is open from 12.00 pm.

From the Palace via the Gardens and Park On foot (30 minutes), on the little train or in an electric vehicle (20 minutes). Go through the Prince’s Courtyard to enter the gardens. NB: the admission to the Gardens is charged during Musical Fountains Shows and Musical Gardens  (included with the Passport ).

From the city via the Park, in high season:

Pedestrian access via:

• The Main Gate (8.00 am - 8.30pm, last admission at 7.00 pm)
• The Queen's Gate (7.00 am - 8.30 pm, last admission at 8.00 pm)
• The Sailors' Gate (9.30 am, last admission at 6.30pm)  
• The Saint Anthony's Gate (9.30 am, last admission at 6.30pm) 

Paying access for vehicles via :

• The Queen's Gate (9.00 am - 4.50 pm)
• The Saint Anthony's Gate (only on weekends, 9.00 am - last admission 5.50 pm)  

Disabled access It is advisable to go to the Trianon Palaces and Marie-Antoinette’s Estate by car or bus from the city, or in an electric vehicle from the Palace. Entry via the Queen’s Gate and parking are free upon presentation of proof of disability (proof of disability card or European disabled parking permit) with reserved spaces. There are access ramps at the entrances to the Trianon Palaces. Only the garden level of the Petit Trianon is accessible to disabled visitors.

The Park is open every day (except during exceptional weather: snow, violent winds, etc) with access via the gardens or the city.

See the points of access on the interactive map

You can enter the park via three entrances from the city, depending on what you want to see:

•  The Queen’s Gate (north-east): located on Boulevard de la Reine, near the gardens. Open for pedestrians and bike from 7.00 am to 6.00 pm or 8.30pm according to the season, and for vehicles from 9.00 am to 4.50pm or 5.50pm (paying access for vehicles).

•  The Saint Anthony Gate (north): situated on the D186 from Le Chesnay, near Marie-Antoinette’s Estate. Open for pedestrians and bikes from 9.30 am to 6.00 pm or 7.30 pm according to the season. Open for vehicles from 9am to 5.50pm only on weekends and holidays during high season (paying access for vehicles, last access 5:50pm). 

•  The Sailors’ Gate (south) : situated on the road to Saint-Cyr (D10). Open for pedestrians and bikes from 9.30am to 6.00 pm or 7.30 pm according to the season.  

The gardens are open every day (except during exceptional weather: snow, violent winds, etc). Admission is free except during  Musical Fountains Shows and Musical Gardens  (included with the Passport ). 

See the entry points on the interactive map

The Gardens can only be accessed on foot, in the little train or in an electric vehicle hired on site. Bikes, horses and all other forms are transport are forbidden in the Gardens.

You can access the Gardens from the Palace through the Princes’ Courtyard (next to the entrance A and the exit from the Palace).

There are two entrances to the Gardens from the Park:

• The Main Gate
•  The Neptune Gate : at the northern end of the gardens next to the Neptune Fountain.
•  The Little Venice Gate and the Menagerie gate : at the western end of the gardens next to the Grand Canal.

For shows in the Palace , the Royal Opera House, the Royal Chapel or for the Royal Serenada, admission is via entrance B of the Palace. Those who wish to collect a ticket at the desk or buy a ticket for the show on site must use the same entrance.

See entrance B and the Princes’ Courtyard on the interactive map

See the points of access on www.chateauversailles-spectacles.fr

More information : + 33 (0) 1 30 83 78 89 or [email protected] 

The Coach Gallery is located on the ground floor of the Great Stables.

See location on the interactive map

Admission is free and it is open every Saturday and Sunday, from 12.30 pm to 5.30 pm or 6.30 pm (in low season and high season respectively).

The National Equestrian Academy of the Estate of Versauilles  is located next to the Gallery of Coaches.

Quick access

The daily life of the king

A day in the life of Louis XIV

Services on site.

Discover the Estate, the history and the collections

Explore an oustanding Estate

What's on

Discover all the current and upcoming events

Home > Side Trips from Paris > Plan the Perfect Day Trip to Versailles from Paris – A Local’s Guide

Plan the Perfect Day Trip to Versailles from Paris – A Local’s Guide

Paris to versailles day trip.

Most people planning a holiday to Paris manage to squeeze a day in their itinerary for a day trip to Versailles. And for a reason!

Versailles is more than a French château; it is a royal domain that extends over 800 hectares! Here, nature and culture converge, and the sun shines even when it rains.

The Château de Versailles is a jewel of French Baroque architecture, and the grounds are stunning. The beauty of this site and its proximity to the French capital make a day trip to Versailles from Paris easy to organize and one of the top places on everyone’s Paris Bucket List .

Are you planning your Versailles trip last minute?

Below are some of the best Versailles tours, hotels, and more!

Book your transfer from a Paris airport to Versailles with Welcome Pickups .

Looking to travel around Versailles independently? Click here for the best rental car rates in Versailles .

Top Experiences and Tours in Versailles:

• Entry Ticket Château de Versailles, Gardens, and Estate of Trianon
• Château de Versailles Priority Entrance Ticket and Guided Tour
• Afternoon in the Petit Trianon and Estate of Marie-Antoinette
• Versailles Bike Tour with Château and Estate of Marie-Antoinette

Save money with the Paris & Versailles Bundle (Château de Versailles + Louvre Museum + Seine River Cruise), 100% digital!

Top Places to Stay in Versailles:

• Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Trianon Palace (by the Park of the Château de Versailles)
• Hotel Le Versailles (close to the Old Town and the famous Château)
• Hotel des Lys  (close to Notre Dame Market and the famous Château)

Don’t leave for Versailles without travel insurance!

Compare plans, prices, and coverage with  Travel Insurance Master , a comparison site that will find the perfect fit for you amongst the world’s leading programs.  Travel Insurance Master is also the best place to look for senior travelers .

The downside of Versailles’ fame and beauty are the crowds and the long lines to visit the Château. Indeed, with nearly 10 million visitors every year, the Château de Versailles is one of the world’s most visited historic sites! Also, there are so many things to see and do that a Paris to Versailles day trip can be a terrible experience if you arrive there without any plan.

How to plan a Versailles day trip from Paris? What is the best Versailles itinerary? This Versailles guide gives information and our best tips for planning the perfect day trip to Versailles from Paris. After reading this quick guide, you will see that it is very easy to visit Versailles!

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

Table of Contents:

• Best Time to Visit Versailles
• Ways to Travel from Paris to Versailles
• Book your Skip-the-line Tickets to Versailles in Advance
• Why a Versailles Tour from Paris is a Good Idea
• Things to Do on a Versailles Day Trip from Paris
• Best Versailles Shows
• Extend your Versailles Trip
• Versailles Tips & Practical Info

1. Best Time to Visit Versailles

The best time to visit Versailles is in spring or autumn because the site is less crowded than in summer. The garden shows usually take place between April and October, and they are also lovely in the shoulder seasons. During this time, the French-style gardens that surround the Château are not free to visit, but there is Baroque music, and the fountains are running, so it is well worth the extra fee.

Winter is ideal for visiting the Château, but you will miss the beauty of the gardens in bloom, which is a shame. The French-style gardens are free to visit in winter, but many grooves are closed to the public. A day of snow can be nice, but it is rare!

Best Day to Visit Versailles

With your Versailles skip-the-line tickets, you will avoid the longest lines. Also, you may want to avoid the biggest crowds when you visit the Château of Versailles inside.

Versailles is particularly crowded on Tuesdays and during the weekends. If your schedule is flexible, prioritize Wednesdays and Thursdays for visiting Versailles, when there are fewer crowds. In our opinion, Wednesdays and Thursdays are the best days to visit Versailles .

The Château of Versailles is one of the top sights to visit near Paris. We recommend a day trip to Versailles from Paris in the following Paris itineraries:

• 4 days in Paris itinerary
• 5 days in Paris itinerary
• 6 days in Paris itinerary
• 7 days in Paris itinerary

2. Ways to Travel from Paris to Versailles

A Versailles trip from Paris is easy to organize. Read our article about all the ways to get to Versailles from Paris , public and private.

How far is Versailles from Paris? The distance from Paris to Versailles is about 25 km (15.5 miles).

3. Book your Skip-the-line Tickets to Versailles in Advance

If you decide to visit Versailles without a guided tour, buy your tickets well in advance. With the skip-the-line tickets, you will choose a date and a time slot, so you are sure to enter the Château within 30 minutes of your time slot.

Versailles offers different kinds of tickets, so it is essential to understand what you can visit with each ticket.

Compare the best Versailles Tickets

DID YOU KNOW? The Paris Museum Pass for 2, 4, or 6 days also includes access to Château de Versailles and the Trianons!

4. Why a Versailles Tour from Paris is a Good Idea

A Versailles tour from Paris is a popular option, especially among first-time visitors. Here’s why you should consider a guided tour for visiting Versailles:

» Your time is limited, and Versailles Estate is huge! Tour guides know how to get the most out of your time on a day trip from Paris to Versailles by showing the main sights at perfect times to avoid crowds.

» Guided tours with a knowledgeable guide are more interesting and interactive experiences. You can always ask your guide as many questions as you want, and they always seem to have many stories to tell.

» Versailles guided tours use a separate entrance to the Château, which is super cool. While Versailles skip-the-line tickets guarantee access to the Château within 30 minutes (the 30 minutes of your time slot), the access to the Château with a guided tour is immediate thanks to this separate entrance.

» Some of these tours also include the pickup and drop off at your hotel. After visiting Versailles for hours, how cool is it to go back straight to your hotel on a comfortable van or coach?

» Some Versailles guided tours allow people to visit otherwise closed rooms. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy these unique parts of the Château with a small group and far from the crowds.

Best Versailles Guided Tours in English (with skip-the-line tickets)

5. things to do on a versailles day trip from paris.

The Versailles Estate is vast, and there are many interesting things to visit. Here’s the list.

TIP: check out our suggested Versailles itinerary, self-guided.

Château de Versailles

Château de Versailles is the beating heart of the Versailles Estate. One of the most beautiful castles in France , the Palace of Versailles has two floors – the garden floor and the first floor – with a total surface of 63,000 m2 divided into 2,300 rooms and halls.

The most famous room in the Château is the Hall of Mirrors, used for ceremonies and exceptional occasions such as the masked ball for Marie-Antoinette and Louis XVI ‘s wedding. But of course, there’s much more!

Don’t miss one of the best castles near Paris . The articles below are in-depth articles about the Palace of Versailles and our best skip-the-line tips for visiting it.

Gardens of Versailles

Designed by André Le Notre , the same landscaper designer who created the gardens of Château de Chantilly , the magnificent French-style Gardens of Versailles is one of the jewels of the Versailles Estate.

The Gardens of Versailles surround the Château on three sides, and they are decorated with many fountains, grooves, statues, colonnades, and even an obelisk. From April to October, they host beautiful music and water shows, and there’s an entrance fee to access them. The access is free from November to March, but some grooves are closed.

If you want to know more about these stunning gardens, the articles below are in-depth articles about the Gardens of Versailles and the fountains that decorate these gardens.

The Estate of Trianon

The Estate of Trianon  is home to the Grand Trianon and the Petit Trianon pavilions, the Queen’s Hamlet , and various ornamental gardens.

The Kings built these intimate spaces close to the Palace of Versailles to gain some brief respite from courtly etiquette and enjoy nature. The Queen’s Hamlet was constructed for Queen Marie-Antoinette and her children to play the peasants, and it had a farm, a mill, and many animals.

The Park of Versailles is the green extension surrounding the Grand Canal, and it is always free to visit. This part is very popular amongst locals and Parisians for family picnics, jogging, or bike rides.

The Grand Canal is André Le Nôtre’s most original design. With its huge dimensions (1,700 m east-west and 1000 m north-south) and 60 m in width, the Grand Canal was used for ship battles by the King and his court.

If you are fit, walk down to the Royal Star , a viewpoint at the edge of the western branch with amazing views.

This area is home to the famous Lime Tree Walk , which links the Château to the Mortemets, the waterfowl reserve within King Louis XIV’s hunting estate.

Le Potager du Roi

Le Potager du Roi (the King’s vegetable garden) was built between 1678 and 1683 by Jean-Baptiste La Quintinie at King Louis XIV’s request.

Well known for his experience with fruit gardens and vegetable gardens, La Quintinie was responsible for providing fruits and vegetables at the King’s table. 

The prodigies accomplished by La Quintinie attracted the interest and admiration of his master, the King, who liked to come for a walk in the vegetable garden. A gardening enthusiast, King Louis XIV liked to show his vegetable garden to his illustrious guests, and he even learned how to prune fruit trees with his gardener.

Le Potager du Roi is a listed historical monument and a “remarkable garden.” Its gardeners perpetuate the art of pruning and grow a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.

Le Potager du Roi is an independent visit, not included in any ticket shown above. The entrance is located at 10 Rue du Maréchal-Joffre. Tickets cost 5€ – 3€ (high season – November to March).

The Royal Stables (Gallery of Coaches)

The Royal Stables consists of two buildings – the Great Stables and the Small Stables – identical in size but with different uses.

The Great Stables are where the hunting horses were kept (hundreds of horses according to their race and coat), while the Small Stables were used to keep the carriages, sleds, and coaches.

Today, the Great Stables’ ground floor hosts an impressive display of coaches, mainly grand ceremonial Berlin Coaches from Napoleon I’s coronation and second marriage.

The Royal Stables are located at 1 Avenue Rockefeller, just in front of the Palace, and they are open on Saturday and Sunday, from 12.30 pm to 5.30 pm November to March, and from 12.30 pm to 6.30 pm April to October.

6. Best Versailles Garden & Fountain Shows

If you plan a day trip from Paris to Versailles during the high season (from April to October), you can enjoy beautiful shows around the gardens: the Musical Fountains Show , the Musical Gardens Show , and the Versailles Fountains Night Show .

Check out our dedicated guide to the fountains of Versailles for the show days and fountains schedule.

Versailles Musical Fountains Show

The Musical Fountains Show is our favorite Versailles Garden show. Explore the gardens and grooves while listening to Baroque music, and watch the fountains’ water displays with special effects. Skip the lines and save money by purchasing the Versailles Passport, with the Musical Fountains Show included

Versailles Musical Gardens Show

Wander through the largest open-air museum, decorated with amazing sculptures, while listening to the beautiful sounds of Baroque music. In the Musical Gardens Show , the Versailles fountains are not running – Click here to buy the Versailles Passport, with the Musical Gardens Show included

Versailles Fountains Night Show

The Versailles Gardens are transformed into a striking visual and musical experience during the Fountains Night Show . Stroll the gardens beautifully illuminated, with the fountains and grooves displaying water at the sound of music. The show ends with a ‘grande finale,’ fireworks display in front of the Grand Canal – Click here to buy the tickets for the Fountains Night Show

7. Extend your Versailles Trip

The Versailles Estate is huge, so you’ll probably need more than a Paris day trip to Versailles to explore everything at a leisurely pace. You will also find yourself staying late if you watch the  Saturday night Fountain Show . Traveling back to your hotel in Paris after the show will be difficult because everybody leaves the show at the same time (after the Grand Finale), the train station is always crowded, and taxis back to Paris are hard to find. 

Fortunately, there are several comfortable and luxurious hotels near the Château that will make your visit more convenient and that extra bit special. Here are the best-rated hotels near Versailles Palace , with something for every traveler. Spend two days rather than a day in Versailles and also visit some of the best things to do in Versailles town .

8. Versailles Tips & Practical Info

This is what you need to know to plan your Paris – Versailles day trip:

» The Versailles Estate is FREE for everyone on the first Sunday of the month, from November to March. Long lines to visit the different buildings are guaranteed, though.

» The Park and the Gallery of Coaches are always FREE to visit. If you only want to visit one of these places, there is no ticket to buy.

» The Gardens (the French-style Gardens around the Palace) are FREE to visit from November to March. From April to October, there’s a fee to access the Gardens, and the price depends on the kind of show on that day (Musical Fountains Show or Musical Gardens Show).

Versailles Opening Hours – Low Season (November to March)

• During the low season, Château de Versailles opens from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. The last admission is at 5:00 pm.
• The Trianon and Marie-Antoinette’s domain opens from 12:00 to 5:30 pm. The last admission is at 5:00 pm.
• The Park and Gardens are open from 8:00 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the last admission at 5:30 p.m. During the low season, some grooves in the Gardens are closed.
• The waiting time to visit the different buildings is definitely shorter during the low season, so your Versailles itinerary can be more flexible.

Versailles Opening Hours – High Season (April to October)

• During the high season, Château de Versailles opens from 9 am to 6.30 pm. The last admission is at 6:00 pm.
• The Trianon and Marie-Antoinette’s domain is open from 12 to 6:30 p.m., with the last admission at 6:00 p.m.
• The Park and Gardens are open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., with the last admission at 7:00 p.m.
• During the high season, the average waiting time to enter the Château is one hour without any Versailles skip-the-line tickets.
• There’s one line to access the Château and one different line to buy the tickets. If you want to buy your Versailles tickets on-site, you need to add one extra hour to this time.

Versailles Main Access Points

The Versailles Estate is vast, with many entrance gates, but some gates are permanently closed for security reasons. Find below the main gates or points of access to the Versailles Estate, which are always open.

GOOD TO KNOW: Remember that due to the anti-terrorist security plan, visitors with large baggage items (exceeding 55x35x20 cm) are not admitted on the domain, and every bag or vehicle is controlled upon access.

» The main entrance to the Place of Versailles is through the MAIN COURTYARD.

• ACCESS A is for individual visitors with their tickets already bought and printed (or on mobile phone)
• ACCESS B, on the opposite side of the courtyard, is for groups with reservations
• If you do not have a ticket upon arrival and are not eligible for free admission, go to the ticket office first, situated on the left in the Main Courtyard in the South Ministers’ Wing, and then to ACCESS A to validate it.

» You can access the Estate of Trianon by the Gardens and Park (entrances located at Allée des 2 Trianons) or from the city via SAINT-ANTHONY GATE (located on the D186 arriving from le Chesnay)

» The DRAGON GATE gives access to the Gardens from rue de la Parroisse.

» The QUEENS GATE, on Boulevard de la Reine, provides pedestrian access and car access to the Park.

» The SAILORS GATE, on the route de Saint-Cyr (D10), provides access to the Park and Sailors Walk.

» Access to the Potager du Roi is at 10, rue du Maréchal-Joffre.

» Access to the Royal Stables is on Avenue de Rockefeller, in front of the Palace.

So there you have it, our Versailles guide with everything you need to know for a wonderful day trip Paris to Versailles.

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Visiting Versailles: hours, visiting hours…

The Versailles Palace includes an immense 2,644 acre garden and a number of buildings, including the palace itself, the queen’s hamlet, and the Petit Trianon, to name a few. Together, these sites make up a museum among the most visited landmarks in France, an exceptional showcase for French culture and history. Here is some essential information so you can enjoy the Palace of Versailles under the right conditions.

Palace of Versailles, hours of operation and peak hours

Looking to visit the palace, commissioned by Louis XIV to be a symbol of the Sun King’s omnipotence? Be sure to consult the following hours to ensure a successful visit at any time of the year.

Palace of Versailles hours

For the palace, there are daylong operating hours : enter the most beautiful rooms from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The Trianon estate is open from 12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The Versailles gardens have extended hours from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Be sure to double-check before your visit, as palace hours are sometimes subject to modification.

Peak times and season

Here are some handy tips to avoid long wait times. As a rule of thumb, it is not recommended that you visit Versailles between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. without a skip-the-line ticket. Naturally, the off season (November to March) is generally when wait times are the shortest. Also be sure to avoid “deal days” like the Journées du Patrimoine or July 14th. At any rate, despite any precautions, you are sure to encounter a number of other tourists.

With more than 7 million visitors each year, the Palace of Versailles is a major destination. It attracts visitors from France and the four corners of the globe.

Getting the most out of your time at the Palace of Versailles

It can be limiting to write a to-do list of things to see at the Palace of Versailles. Unfortunately, one day is simply not enough, which is why you may want to first visit the most remarkable areas in the palace. Here are five things you must see at Versailles, for their beauty, history, or simply the pleasure of experiencing such an emblematic space: - the king’s bedchamber, a collection of rooms named “the king’s apartments” in the center of the palace,

• The Hall of Mirrors
• The Royal Opera
• The Queen’s Hamlet , Marie-Antoinette’s nature retreat
• The Neptune Fountain in the center of the garden.

To get the most out of your time at the Palace of Versailles, you must prepare. It’s not so much about studying the map intensively before you visit, but rather getting the most out of the time you’ll spend there. By reserving your entry ticket and keeping in mind the things you’d most like to see, you can gain time and have more to say about your trip ! Here is the best of Versailles tickets by Paris City Vision.

Access to the Versailles Palace and gardens

Tickets may be purchased every day except Monday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:50 p.m. The entire estate can be accessed during this time, except the Trianon area and the gallery of coaches, which can only be visited in the afternoon. To start your visit, you will pass two entry points: one before you purchase tickets and another when you go through security. The wait time for each of these is one hour, according to testimonials. In other words, you must wait in line twice for one visit.

That’s why we recommend you always purchase an entry ticket in advance . Not only does this allow you to avoid long waits, but also to use most of your time on the best part of the visit.

The gardens at Versailles have convenient extended hours and are free to enter year-round. Closure may occur in case of high wind alert. Similarly to the palace, entry must be paid on days when the Musical Gardens and Musical Fountains Show are being held. During these events, the fountains come alive during a specially orchestrated concert. Spend time in the gardens in early morning during the summer and wander through the lines of shrubbery as  you enjoy the coolness and quiet of the grounds.

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Europe , France · April 17, 2020

First Time Guide to Visiting the Palace of Versailles

If you are planning a trip to Paris, the Palace of Versailles is an easy day trip to add on to your itinerary. However, there are a few things that you should know before you go. We’re here to share everything you need to know before your first time visiting the Palace of Versailles!

*This post contains affiliate links. If you book a guide through the link provided, we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Everything you need to know before visiting the Palace of Versailles

Where is the Palace of Versailles located?

The Palace is located in the city of Versailles in the Ile-de-France region, about 12 miles southwest of the Paris city center.

Versailles was once a small village dating back to the 11th century, but today it is a wealthy suburb of Paris.

Before our visit, I had pictured the Palace to be situated in the Paris countryside, when in fact, it is perched right in the heart of the city.

How do I get to the Palace of Versailles?

The best way to reach the Palace of Versailles is by train. Take the yellow RER C line to the Versailles-Chateau-Rive-Gauche station. This line can be easily accessed from any of the major train stations in Paris,

The RER is a train system connecting passengers from Paris to the surrounding suburbs. The RER line utilizes double-decker trains that are more spacious and clean compared to the Paris metro line.

The cost to ride the train from Paris to Versailles is 7.10 euros roundtrip and takes anywhere from 60-90 minutes, depending on which station you are departing from.

Once you arrive at the station, it is a short 10-minute walk to the Palace. The route is clearly marked with signs pointing visitors in the right direction.

If you prefer to not take the train, other options include renting a car or taking a tour .

History of the Palace of Versailles

Louis XIII enjoyed hunting in the surrounding forests of Versailles and commissioned a hunting lodge to be built in 1624 which he gradually expanded over the years into a small chateau.

Louis XIV played and hunted at the lodge with his father when he was younger, and even spent time there to escape the smallpox outbreak.

Several years after taking the throne, he wanted to establish the country estate as the seat of the French government where the Court of Versailles would reside.

From 1661 to 1715 the chateau underwent two stages of major renovations to create one of the largest palaces in the world. It became the center of political power in France and a symbol of absolute monarchy.

Louis XIV succeeded his father at the age of four and reigned for 72 years and 110 days. This is the longest reign of any monarch of a sovereign country in Europe. He died at the Palace of Versailles in 1715.

Perhaps the most well-known residents of the Palace of Versailles were King Louis XVI and Queen Marie-Antoinette.

Louis XVI was the last king of France. He reigned from 1774 until 1792 when the French Revolution stripped them of their power and resulted in their beheadings.

During the revolution, the palace was looted by revolutionaries and many of the furnishings and artifacts were destroyed.

After the French Revolution, the Palace fell into the hands of the new government where much of the remaining furnishings and artwork were sold or donated to the Louvre.

Many of the pieces have been returned in an effort to restore the palace to its original state. In 1837, the Palace of Versailles was reopened as the Museum of the History of France.

Another notable historic event that took place in the Palace was the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. On June 28, 1919, the treaty was signed in the Hall of Mirrors and solidified the end of WWI.

Best time to visit the Palace of Versailles

During peak season, the palace can see as many as 27,000 visitors a day, resulting in long lines and crowded corridors.

If you want to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit is November through March. We visited at the end of February and there was no wait at the entrance and security.

However, visiting during the winter means that the elaborate estate gardens are dormant. Spring and summer are the best time to fully experience the gardens at the Palace of Versailles.

You will also want to arrive as early as possible on the day of your visit.

The gardens open at 8 am and the palace opens at 9 am. If you arrive at 8 am, you can enjoy the tranquil gardens and avoid the tour bus crowds that start arriving shortly after 9 am.

Visitor information for visiting the Palace of Versailles

•  The Main Palace is open every day, except Mondays, from 9 am to 5:30 pm (6:30 during peak season). The Gardens are open every day from 8 am to 6 pm (8:30 pm during peak season). The Estate of Trianon is open every day, except Mondays, from 12 pm to 5:30 pm.
• The best value is the Passport with Timed Entry for 20 euros. This includes access to all 4 areas of the palace. It also includes an audioguide and timed entry to avoid the lines.
• There are a variety of ticket options available, check this link for a comparison of the tickets .
• Entry is free on the first Sunday of the month from November to March.
• Guided tours are an additional 10 euros. Knowledgeable guides dive deep into the history and allow visitors to access portions of the palace that are closed off to regular visitors.
• From April thru the beginning of November, guests can view the fountain show and musical gardens at an additional charge.
• Be sure to download the free Palace of Versailles app that includes audioguides at no additional charge.
• Beware of pickpocketers in and around the palace grounds.
• Large bags, metal strollers, umbrellas, and selfie sticks are prohibited.

What to expect when visiting the Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles consists of four main areas:

• The Main Palace
• The Gardens and Park
• The Estate of Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet
• The Royal Stables. 

1. Touring the Main Palace of Versailles

The opulent palace has been listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. It contains 2,300 rooms spread over almost 680,000 square feet.

The basic ticket includes a self-guided audio tour of the most popular rooms comprising a small portion of the palace.

I will admit that the audioguide left me longing for more. It was very informative as far as the function and decor of each room, but it lacked in the fascinating history and stories that I was craving.

If you are looking to delve deeper into the history, a guided tour would be a better option.

These are the rooms that are included in the basic tour of the Palace of Versailles:

The Royal Chapel

After picking up an audio guide, guests will head upstairs where they can view the two-story Royal Chapel. The court gathered here every morning at 10 am for the King’s mass.

Visitors can then catch a glimpse of the Upper Stone Gallery adjacent to the upper floor of the chapel.

The Hercules Drawing Room

From here, guests will tour the King’s State Apartments. This is a collection of 7 elaborate rooms, beginning with the Hercules Drawing Room.

This regal room once served as the palace chapel until the current Royal Chapel was completed.

It later served as a ballroom and hosted a variety of diplomatic functions.

The room features a massive fireplace and an astounding ceiling painting, Apotheosis of Hercules , which gave the room its name.

The famed Feast in the House of Simon can also be found adorning the wall. This Veronese painting was a diplomatic gift from the Doge of Venice.

The Venus Room

The King often hosted evening gatherings and utilized the Venus Room for serving refreshments.

Tables were decorated with floral bouquets and topped with delectable rare fruits.

The Diana Room

The themed rooms centered around Greek and astrological mythology. The Diana Room was in honor of Diana, the Greek Goddess of the Hunt, with much of the artwork depicting hunting scenes.

This room served as the billiards room during the evening gatherings. In this room, you’ll also find a marble bust of Louis XIV created by Italian artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1665.

It has been referred to as the “grandest piece of portraiture of the baroque age”.

The Mars Room

The Mars Room originally served as the guardroom and celebrates the king’s military triumphs.

This room was often used for music and dancing during the evening social gatherings.

The Mercury Room

The Mercury Room served as the State Bedchamber. Louis XIV’s grandson slept here for three weeks before traveling to Spain to take the throne as the king of Spain.

This is also the room where Louis XIV’s coffin was on display for 8 days after his death.

The Apollo Room

The Apollo Room was originally designed as a ceremonial room, but was used as the throne room beginning in 1682.

The artwork in the room is dedicated to the “Sun King” the self-proclaimed title by Louis XIV.

His lavish 8 1/2 foot silver throne once stood in this room until it was melted down to help finance one of the wars.

A copy of the most famous portrait of Louis XIV hangs above the fireplace, the original can be found at the Louvre.

The War Room

The War Room and Peace Room flank the Hall of Mirrors and combine to make up the Grand Gallery.

The War Room pays tribute to the military victories and is decorated with trophies, gilded weapons, paintings, and a large stucco medallion of Louis XIV on horseback trampling his enemies.

From here, visitors enter into the Hall of Mirrors.

Hall of Mirrors

The Hall of Mirrors is the most popular room in the Palace of Versailles and once stood as an outdoor terrace overlooking the gardens.

The elaborate 240-foot long hall is lined with 17 arches comprised of 357 small mirrors.

The exterior wall is lined with 17 correlating arched windows reflecting sunlight onto the mirrors. The ceiling is hung with 24 ornate chandeliers.

During special occasions, as many as 20,000 candles were lit in the hall creating a “corridor of light” with the flames dancing in the mirrors.

The artwork lining the hall pays tribute to the political, economic, and artistic success of France.

The hall served as a daily passageway between the King and Queen’s state apartments, and occasionally hosted ceremonies and special events.

As mentioned before, it is here that the 1919 Treaty of Versailles was signed to end WWI. Today concerts are held year-round in the hall.

For a unique experience, you can actually spend the night at the Palace of Versailles where you get exclusive access to an after-hours tour without the crowds.

The Peace Room

After crossing the Hall of Mirrors, visitors will reach the Peace Room. This room pays homage to the peace that France brought to Europe after the wars represented in the War Room.

During the reign of Louis XV, this room was used for religious concerts every Sunday.

The King’s Bedchamber

The king commissioned a collection of rooms for his own private apartments.

These can be visited during a guided tour, however, his bedchamber can be viewed just off the Hall of Mirrors.

This regal room was once the State Drawing Room. In 1701 it became the king’s bedchamber in order to occupy the center of the palace.

The king even commissioned custom bed drapes to be made using real gold thread. It is on this bed that Louis XIV died of gangrene in his leg.

The Queen’s Apartments

The symmetrical first floor of the palace originally had identical layouts for both the Queen’s and King’s Apartments. The Queen resided on the south and the King resided on the north.

After the Queen’s death shortly after moving in, Louis XIV made changes and downsized the Queen’s Apartments in order to accommodate his own personal apartments.

It is also interesting to note that the paintings on the ceiling depict female characters throughout the Queen’s Apartments, whereas the King’s feature males.

The Queen’s Bedchamber

The Queen’s Bedchamber was occupied by three different queens over the years.

The luxurious decor was definitely fit for a queen, from the sculptured gilded ceiling to the peacock feathers adorning the canopied bed.

It is here where the queen spent much of her time holding private audiences. Her getting-up ceremony was a courtly affair mandated by strict etiquette.

Throughout the years, nineteen children of French royalty were born in this room, an event that was a public affair of the court.

The first two queens also passed away in this room. The last queen to occupy this room was the ostentatious Marie-Antoinette.

The Noble’s Room

The Noble’s Room served as the second antechamber where formal audiences were held.

Marie Antoinette took it upon herself to remodel this room in a more modern style.

The Royal Antechamber

The King and Queen were required to eat certain meals in public and the Royal Antechamber is where this took place.

While the royal family were the only ones dining, the ceremony drew a large crowd of spectators from members of the court.

Those who were privileged enough to be granted access to the affair sat on stools or stood gathered around to watch.

The antechamber is also where the queen’s guests waited before entering the bedchamber.

The Queen’s Guard Room

Twelve guards were posted day and night in the Queen’s Guard Room.

The queen never entered this room and never felt the need to redecorate. As a result, this is the only room in the palace that reflects the original 17th-century decor.

In the early morning of October 6, 1789, hundreds of starving French citizens stormed the palace in an effort to abolish the absolute monarchy during the French Revolution.

The rioters tried to reach the Queen’s Apartments through this guard room. A guard warned one of the queen’s ladies in waiting, she was then able to bolt the door to the antechamber and help the queen escape through the King’s Apartments.

This concludes the self-guided portion of the palace tour. Cafes, shops, and restrooms are also situated throughout the palace. Click here for a map of the Palace of Versailles.

2. Visiting the Versailles Gardens

The Garden of Versailles is spread across 1,976 acres and is one of the largest gardens in the world. Entrance to the gardens is free, however, the musical fountain show is an additional charge.

Exploring the gardens can take an entire day. Bike rentals are a fun way to explore the gardens and help guests make the most of their time. Rentals are available from mid-February to mid-November.

This Food & Palace Bike Tour also comes highly recommended where you can explore the gardens, learn about the scandalous history, and have a picnic on the banks of the canal.

The audio guide included with the palace tour does not include the gardens. However, the free Palace of Versailles app has an audio guide available for the gardens.

Shortly after we set out to explore the gardens, a huge thunderstorm hit and we had to run for shelter.

But before it started raining, we strolled through the gardens appreciating the perfectly symmetrical lines and architectural layout.

We admired the sculptures, fountains, and the grandeur of the Grand Canal.

Guests can even rent a rowboat to glide along the canal from late February to mid-November.

We stopped in at the garden cafe for a panini when the rains hit and we had to make a run for it back to the train station.

I wish we had more time to explore the gardens, but we hope to return again someday!

Click the link for a detailed map of the Versailles gardens highlighting the must-see locations.

3. Visiting the Palaces of Trianon

The Palaces of Trianon are located in the northern quarter of the gardens. The estate includes the Grand Trianon, the Petite Trianon, and the Queen’s Hamlet.

Admission is included with the purchase of a passport ticket, or tickets can be purchased separately.

Visitors can walk the 1.4 miles to reach the Palaces of Trianon, or take the Little Train for 8 euros roundtrip. The train departs from the Palace of Versaille’s north terrace as well as the top of the Grand Canal.

The Grand Trianon

The Grand Trianon served as a private retreat for the king. It was a place for him to escape the pressure and crowds of courtesans and spend time with his mistress.

The expansive single-story palace is surrounded by its own private gardens and courtyard. Visitors can tour the King and Queen’s Apartments, State Apartments, and several other rooms, as well as the gardens.

The Petite Trianon

The Petite Trianon lies on the other end of the gardens opposite the Grand Trianon.

Louis XV wanted to expand the Grand Trianon in order to accommodate more guests, so he commissioned the Petite Trianon to be built.

It was here that he first began to experience symptoms of the pox which took his life a few days later.

Louis XVI had been heir to the French throne since the age of 11 when his father passed away, as well as his older brother.

When his grandfather, Louis XV passed away, he inherited the throne at age 20.

At this point, he had already been married to Marie-Antoinette for 5 years, she was 14 at the time of their marriage (and supposedly they did not consummate their marriage for seven years).

Upon taking the throne after the death of his grandfather, the Petit Trianon was given to his young wife as a gift.

Years later it was rumored that the Petit Trianon is where she would meet up with her lover, a Swedish diplomat.

Later, during the French Revolution, the Petit Trianon was turned into a hostel.

The Queen’s Hamlet

Marie-Antoinette was loathed by the people and seen as the symbol of the monarchy’s excess.

While the citizens of France were dying of starvation, she was remodeling the palace with the finest furnishings and focusing her attention on outlandish hairstyles.

Supposedly, when she was told the citizens had no bread to eat, she flippantly responded, “let them eat cake”. A luxury that no peasant could afford. However, scholars argue whether she really uttered those famous words.

The Queen’s Hamlet is another example of the excess she is known for. When she sought a place of refuge to escape palace life, she commissioned a small village to be built around an artificial lake within the Trianon Gardens.

The ten buildings composing the Queen’s Hamlet have a rustic exterior with extravagant interior details.

The hamlet is divided into three main areas. The first is the reception area that includes the windmill, the boudoir, the Queen’s House, the billiard room and the stove room. These facilities were used when the Queen entertained guests and hosted small parties.

The second area is used for agricultural purposes and includes a barn, working dairy, model dairy, fisherman’s cottage, and guardhouse. 

The third area is the farm and includes stables, a pig sty, sheep pen, and hen house. The Queen insisted that this was a functioning farm that was used for the palace kitchen and to educate the royal children.

4. Visiting The Royal Stables

The Royal Stables are the final stop while visiting the Palace of Versailles. The stables are located across the street just opposite the palace.

They are situated at the edge of Place d’Armes near the beginning of the three main avenues that fan out from the palace.

The Royal Stables consists of the Great and Small stables, both equal in size but different in function. The scale and majesty of the stables are astounding.

During the reign of Louis XIV, there were as many as 2,000 horses residing in the stables, with 1,500 men working there. The horses were trained for hunting and war.

Today guests can visit the Gallery of Coaches free of charge. The gallery is located on the ground floor of the Great Stables.

The gallery houses an extravagant collection of grand ceremonial coaches. Each carriage played a role in a historic event from marriages, to baptisms, coronations, and funerals.

Visitors can also view a short video chronicling the history of horse-drawn carriages.

I was amazed to see that there was so much more to explore at the Palace of Versailles beyond the palace itself.

I hope this guide has helped better prepare you to know what to expect when visiting the Palace of Versailles!

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September 30, 2022 at 5:45 pm

How long does the self guided audio guide tour last? Does it include the gallery of great battles?

September 30, 2022 at 9:48 pm

The self-guided audio tour inside the palace lasts for about an hour, but you can go at your own pace. Your ticket also gives you access to the gardens and a few other exhibits, but not the Gallery of Great Battles.

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A Day Trip To Versailles: Complete Guide & Visitor Tips

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This article is a guest post written by Abigail Dalton.

Are you wondering if you should take a day trip to Versailles? Well, we just visited this incredible place, and it’s definitely somewhere you should be adding to your Paris itinerary. It’s absolutely mind-blowing.

To be honest, a visit to Versailles Palace was not on our agenda, but the opportunity arose, and we decided to make it the last stop on our road trip before heading home. At the start of our trip, we visited Strasbourg and cruised around Alsaces’s wine region , but it never crossed our minds we would be ending the trip at this gorgeous site.

We’ve been to Paris before but didn’t manage to visit and so on this trip, and since it was our last stop in France , we were keen to make the most of our day out at Versailles Palace. And we did, even though it was rainy and windy.

In this article, I’m going to share everything we learned from our day trip to Versailles so you can plan an incredible visit as well.

Abigail is the owner and creator behind I’m Going On An Adventure . She focuses on world travel and outdoor adventure, giving first-hand experiences to help her readers plan their perfect travel and make the best memories.

Is A Day Trip To The Palace Of Versailles Worth It?

Even though we visited in mid-November on a cloudy and windy day, I genuinely enjoyed our day trip to Versailles. It was an attraction I have wanted to visit for a while now, having heard and read some interesting articles and seen many beautiful photos. 

You’ll find its sheer size quite breathtaking, along with the decor and manicured gardens. It was a lovely visit where we were able to explore the palace and gardens and learn about the French aristocracy. It’s certainly a place which would appeal if you’re looking for a blend of history and grandeur. 

I found the palace stunning, rooms like the Hall of Mirrors and the Apartments of Mesdames being my favourites. These are filled with intricate details, and if you get the audio guide (I recommend you do) you’ll learn a great deal about how daily life for these royals was carried out. 

It’s a destination for anyone who has a love for French culture, architecture and royal history.

For us, the vibe was just fantastic, even in early winter . It was still busy within the palace but not too bad, and although the gardens were not at their prettiest, it was nice to walk around and not be swamped by tourists.

It’s a superb choice for a day trip and promises a mix of awe and enjoyment, and since it’s super easy to get from Paris to Versailles, a visit can easily be added to any Paris itinerary.   

Best Day Trips From Paris To Versailles

Although we didn’t visit from Paris, most people enjoy day trips from the capital. It’s possible to book anything from full-day guided tours and skip-the-line tickets to basic entrance. However, it’s important to pre-book your visit, even in low season. ( Check availabilities here )

With this in mind and since we loved our visit, I wanted to highlight the top three Versailles day trips to help you plan whether you’re coming from Paris or not.

• Skip-the-Line-Tour of Palace & Gardens with Transfer from Paris – see prices here
• Versailles Palace & Garden, Full Access – check availabilities
• From Paris: Skip-the-Line Palace & Bike Tour – see booking info
• Versailles Golf Cart Tour with Palace Entry – check availabilities here

About the Versailles Estate

The Versailles Estate, which is generally what people refer to when discussing Versailles, comprises three main sections:

• the Palace of Versailles
• the Gardens
• & the Trianon Estate

Its history is marked by significant events over the centuries. For instance, the Hall of Mirrors witnessed the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, formally concluding World War I – an interesting fact we discovered during our visit.

It’s facts like these we absolutely love learning about, and Versailles is full of them.

The palace, initially a hunting lodge constructed in 1624, underwent a transformation in 1661 under Louis XIV, reflecting the absolute power of the French monarchy.  I previously mentioned its size, but its opulence is also breathtaking…it’s no wonder the French revolted.

Architect Louis Le Vau, landscape architect Andre Le Notre, and painter-decorator Charles Le Brun collaborated to bring Louis XIV’s vision to life, completing the palace in 1682.

The 18th century witnessed expansions, including the Petit Trianon (residence of Marie Antoinette) and the Queen’s Hamlet. Yet, it also experienced turbulent times with the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789. The royal family left Versailles, and the palace underwent various repurposing.

Today, Versailles holds UNESCO World Heritage status , attracting visitors globally. Its rich history, from royal decadence to revolutionary upheavals, adds a layer of intrigue to an iconic site.

Overview: A Day Trip To Versailles Palace

Time you should plan for your visit: 6 Hours

Cost: Passport €21.50 (recommended entrance-only ticket option, book here ) + Audio Guide €5

Overall, you can expect to find a lavish and well-kept royal palace turned museum with grand formal gardens. Inside, you’ll wander through rooms filled with centuries-old furniture, stone statues, paintings, intricate objects and historic artefacts. 

Throughout the estate, there are information plaques providing details and usage of each chamber. Whether it be the royal apartments or galleries showcasing the history of the palace. 

When planning your day trip to Versailles, you’ll need to consider a few things. 

• Ensure you allocate enough time to explore the grounds, given the vastness of both the palace and the gardens. We spent a full day walking around. 
• With that said, remember to wear comfortable walking shoes as you’ll be covering a significant amount of ground. (You can book a Golf Cart Tour here )
• Take a look at the timetable for special events like the Musical Fountains Show or Musical Gardens to have the best experience. 
• Consider grabbing a guidebook or selecting an audio guide to get a better understanding of the history that Versailles presents.
• Don’t forget to pick up a map at the entrance!

Dates and Opening Times

• The Palace and the Estate of Trianon are open every day except on Mondays. 
• The Palace opens from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (6:30 pm during high season)
• The Estate of Trianon opens from 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm. (6:30 pm during high season)
• The Gardens are open daily from 8.00 am – 6.00 pm – (8:30 pm in high season)

High season runs from 1st of April to 31st of October, Low season from 1st of November to 31st of March.

#1 Visit The Palace Of Versailles

The Palace has two accessible levels and although not all areas are open to the public, there is enough on-show to keep you busy for a few hours. Especially if you like to absorb all the information. 

For us, we spent just over two hours inside the Palace . We do enjoy our history and purchased the audio guide, but I will say that towards the end it does become rather repetitive. We are also not huge fans of art, and so moved quicker through the galleries.

There is a route to follow, colour-coded and easy to navigate . I recommend following this route. 

You will start on the ground level in the Dauphin’s Apartment (green) before entering the Gallery of the History of the Palace (purple).

On the second level, you will start at Louis XIV Rooms (orange) before moving on to the Hall of Mirrors (red) and finally, the Gallery of Battles (blue). There are a few other rooms within these sections as well.

I enjoyed the Dauphin’s Apartments, the Apartments of Mesdames and the Hall of Mirrors the most. By the end, we were ready to explore the gardens and get some fresh air.

#2 Explore The Gardens of Versailles

Note: the gardens are free of charge from November to March

The gardens and groves are wonderfully manicured and even in winter were lovely to walk around. 

The Gardens of Versailles are incredibly vast! We didn’t walk around their entirety, as it would take hours, if not days. However, there is a route through them, passing the Grand Canal, to the estate of Trianon.

Most visitors will follow this route however I urge you to explore further, especially around the groves as there are many hidden fountains.

The largest is Neptune Fountain which has fountain shows during the summer alongside the Mirror Pool, Apollo’s Fountain, and Latona’s Fountain among others.

#3 Discover The Estate Of Trianon

The Estate of Trianon is a separate estate which was used as Louis XIV’s retreat to escape the pomp of court . There are three buildings located inside: the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet.

The whole estate is much more modest in comparison to the palace. Although the Grand Trianon still showcases a pink-marble facade. It served as the meeting place for Louis XIV and his lover Madame de Montespan. 

The Petit Trianon which was later inhabited by Marie Antoinette exudes a more intimate charm. It’s surrounded by English-style gardens, which you can wander around to reach the Queen’s Hamlet.

A surprise for us – it resembles more rustic farmhouse buildings than those fit for royalty.  

The estate therefore offers a glimpse into the private lives of royalty, surrounded by lovely gardens and picturesque lakes.

How To Get To Versailles?

There are many ways of getting to the Palace of Versailles, whether you’re coming from Paris or from another direction.

However, for the purpose of this article, I’m going to discuss getting to the Palace of Versailles from Paris. It’s possible to reach Versailles by train, car, and bus, or you can choose a guided tour. 

If you’re wondering how far the Palace of Versailles is from Paris, it’s between 20 min and 1h hours (by train). However, this can differ depending on where you depart from in Paris. 

#1 Join a Guided Tour

One of the best ways to take a day trip to Versailles is on a guided tour. Booking a tour gives you an easy and informative journey with a knowledgeable guide who will be able to provide historical insights while you explore. Personally, I enjoy these tours when I want a stress-free option.

It’s possible to arrange a guided tour from Paris which will include transport and expenses, or there are options to join tours at the Palace if you’re already in Versailles.

• From Paris: Transfer to Versailles with Skip the Line Tour & Garden Access ( book here )
• From Versailles: Skip the Line Tour of Palace and Garden Acess ( book her e )
• Time Saver: Combine Versailles with the Gardens in Giverny – More Info here

#2 Take the Train from Paris to Versailles

The most popular way to reach Versailles if you choose not to join a tour is to hop on the train. From Paris, it will take about 40 minutes. At most, it will take you 1.5 hours to reach Versailles, depending on where you are traveling from in Paris.

It’s quick and convenient, and that’s why day trips to Versailles from Paris are super popular!

You have three options travelling to Versailles by train: 

• The RER C train line (stops e.g., at the Eiffel Tower, St. Michel and Musée d’Orsay)
• The train line L (starting at Saint Lazare)
• The train line N (starting in the south of Paris at Montparnasse)

You can expect to pay around €7 – 10€ for a round trip. 

#3 Take the bus to Versailles

If you prefer a more scenic route then jumping on a bus might be a good option for you, although it’s not the fastest route. It does, however, provide a relaxed journey, allowing you to enjoy the surroundings and get a glimpse of suburban life outside Paris.

There are regular buses between Paris and Versailles. The most popular starting point is from the Pont de Sèvres bus stop in Paris — RATP bus line 171 which runs every 15–20 minutes — to the Place d’Armes Versailles bus stop and costs €4. 

#4 Drive to Paris in your Car

The fastest road connection between Paris and Versailles is via the N118 and the A86. Departing from the heart of Paris, travel west along the Seine using the D910 until reaching Pont de Sevres. Cross the bridge and stay to the left to proceed onto N118, before continuing on A86.

Simply follow the indicated signage, and in less than 40 minutes, you’ll arrive at the Palace of Versailles. Just be aware the traveling time can vary depending on rush hours.

#5 Take a Taxi (Uber)

If you are in a group and plan to travel to Versailles for around €60 you can book a taxi to get you there in 40 minutes!

Best Tips On Visiting Versailles

• Grab Your Tickets Early: It’s important to purchase your Versailles tickets in advance if you’re not visiting on a guided tour – the easiest way to book your ticket is here
• Time it Right: Mornings and weekdays are your best bet to avoid the crowds, although it’s busy throughout the year, winter is quieter. Make sure you check the website and official schedule for opening times.
• Garden Adventures: It’s not only the palace which is stunning, you’ll love exploring the Gardens of Versailles as well. Set aside a couple of hours to wander around the groves and fountains and if you visit in Summer, there are Fountain Shows and Musical Garden events.
• Joyride in a Golf Cart: We didn’t do it, but for €42 for the hour you can rent a golf cart and ride around the estate. It looked like a fun way to visit the Trianon Estate and discover more of the Gardens within the royal estate.
• Comfy Shoes are Key: Versailles is a walking attraction where you’ll be on your feet for most of the day, so it’s super important to wear comfy shoes.
• Check for Special Events: Before you book your day trip to Versailles, suss out any exhibitions or events. Temporary exhibits often reveal hidden gems of history or art.
• Take a Packed Lunch: If you’re looking to save a few bucks, then consider taking snacks with you. Most of the restaurants within the estate are rather pricey, although there are a few affordable options.

Where To Eat In Versailles

Since you’ll be spending most of the day at Versailles you’ll be happy to know that there are loads of places to eat within the grounds. Below are a handful of popular restaurants to help you plan your day trip (but there are more!).

Picnic – Free

You can bring your own food and enjoy a picnic in the park. The gardens are open every day from 8:00 am to 8:30 pm in the high season (April to October) and 8:00 am to 6:00 pm in the low season (November to March).

Tip: The Marché Notre Dame in Versailles is a lovely place to stock up on food for your picnic. The market halls are open Tuesday to Sunday. The outside market is open Tuesday, Friday and Sunday mornings.

Restaurant Angelina – Expensive

The restaurant Angelina is located at the end of the palace tour/route on the first floor. It was busy when we passed with a long queue already forming. 

It’s a tearoom which offers sweet and savoury dishes and is open from Tuesday to Friday, 10 am to 5.30 pm in high season (April to October) and 9:30 am to 5 pm in low season (November to March). Saturday to Sunday, 10 am to 6.30 pm, closed on 1 May, 25 December and 1 January.

La Girandole – Mid-Range

In the heart of the Gardens, La Gironde looked like a nice place for breakfast, lunch, or a snack. It has a terrace overlooking the grounds as well, if you visit on a sunny day and want a delightful view. 

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm, and closed on Monday. (Annual closure from 8 to 28 January 2024).

Le Dauphin – Budget

In the middle of the Groves, we stopped here for a coffee and to rest our tired feet. Le Daupin is a small café in between the Palace and the Estate of Trianon and great for grabbing a sweet or savoury snack and a warm drink. 

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. Closed on Monday. 

La Petite Venise – Expensive 

Tip: Book your table with The Fork and save €10 when signing up with the code 83FDC2B7

For Italian cuisine in a rustic setting, you can enjoy a lounge area and shaded terrace perfect for warm sunny days. It’s between Apollo’s Fountain and the Grand Canal.

Open every day from 11.45 am to 6 pm (closed at 5 pm from November to March).

In Summary: A Day Trip To Versailles Palace

I like to finish with a few final thoughts about our trip to Versailles, the parts we enjoyed the most and those we didn’t enjoy as much. However, overall, I think a day trip to Versailles is a superb idea – it’s a lovely attraction with a lot of history and educational elements. 

The sections we weren’t as keen on as others include the galleries and the Estate of Trianon. But, this is just personnel preference as the galleries, for example, would be stirring for anyone who enjoyed art.

As for the Estate of Trianon, I think had we visited in Spring/Summer it would have been more impressive, but the buildings lacked the same pizazz the Palace exudes and looked rather windswept.

That said, we did enjoy strolling around the grounds spotting mushrooms! And, as for the Queen’s Hamlet, it was a wonderful little rustic area. 

The Gardens and Groves as a whole we loved. The trees were still changing colours so we had some lovely yellow and orange foliage to enjoy, but most of the statues had already been covered up in preparation for winter.

With this in mind, we would like to return in summer, if only to stroll around the gardens again.

The Palace was very impressive and well-organized. I enjoyed my visit, and therefore would recommend a day trip to Versailles to anyone visiting Paris or the surrounding area as a must-do activity. 

You might also like these articles :

• 22 memorable day trips from Paris by Train
• A Day trip to Reims from Paris: Champagne & History
• Monet’s Garden – visit Giverny from Paris (2024)

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The Ultimate Paris Day Trip to Versailles Itinerary & Guide

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Searching for the ultimate Paris to Versailles day trip itinerary? Luckily, it is easy to plan a Paris day trip to Versailles whether you want to visit on your own or with a tour. 

The only problem is that it is massive! The whole estate measures 3.147 square miles (just over 5 km), with the chateau itself measuring about 679,784 sq ft (63,154 sq meters). 

It can be a bit overwhelming just trying to figure out where to start on your day trip to Versailles!

But with this trip to Versailles guide and itinerary, I have all the tips on how to make the most of your trip to Versailles.

Ultimate Paris Day Trip to Versailles Guide

In this guide, we’ll be covering the following: 

• Brief History of the Palace of Versailles
• Paris to Versailles: How to Get There
• Best Day to Visit Versailles 
• Types of Tickets
• Best Tour of Versailles
• Best Versailles Day Trip Itinerary
• Shows to See in Versailles
• Where to Stay
• Other Information For Your Versailles Day Trip

A Brief History of the Palace of Versailles

While this chateau estate is quite imposing these days, it actually once started out as a relatively small hunting lodge for King Louis XIII. He fell in love with the land back when he was the dauphin and eventually created the lodge in 1624. 

However, he decided to rebuild the lodge in 1631 and made it bigger as well as purchased some of the fiefdom of Versailles in 1632. 

It wasn’t until King Louis XIV came onto the scene that vast improvements were made. He ordered and planned a lot of the construction of the South Wing, North Wing, Royal Chapel, Grand Commun, and more. He even had the Grand Trianon made for himself and his maîtresse-en-titre, and, of course, those lovely gardens. 

Then, he moved the French Court here in 1682. But when he died Versailles lay abandoned for a time, until King Louis XV decided to finish the work of the palace. He even had the Petit Trianon built for his mistress. 

Then, King Louis XVI came into power and brought Marie Antoinette to Versailles. He then gave her the Petit Trianon for her own use. She even had the Hamlet built, where she could enjoy the quiet country life. 

They lived at Versailles, where they threw extravagant parties, completely removed from the troubles of non-royal French citizens. Obviously, tensions rose and the French Revolution began, leaving Versailles largely abandoned and emptied of many of its contents. 

It had been used briefly for some things over the years but didn’t undergo large-scale renovations until the 20th and 21st centuries. Now, of course, it is easily one of the most visited places in France and definitely a France bucket list item ! 

Paris to Versailles: How to Get to the Palace of Versailles

There are 4 main ways to get to Versailles from Paris: train, bus, car, or take a tour. Let’s break it down. 

1. Paris to Versailles Train

If you want to see Versailles on your own, this is the best way to get to Versailles from Paris. Simply take the RER C train to Chateau Rive Gauche station . From here, it is roughly a 10-minute walk to the palace. This will take about an hour to get to the palace from Paris. 

This is definitely the easiest option and the Paris to Versailles train cost is €8.30 round trip. 

There is also the option to take the SNCF Line N Train from Montparnasse Train Station to Versailles Chantiers Train Station . From there, it is about a 20-minute walk to the palace. This is about a 15-minute ride from Montparnasse, meaning you’ll get to the chateau in about 35 minutes including walking. 

This Paris to Versailles train costs about €6 round-trip. 

Lastly, you could take the SNCF Line L Train from Saint-Lazare to the Versailles Rive Droite Station . From there, it is about a 20-minute walk to the palace.  The train journey is about 40 minutes long, meaning you’ll arrive at Versailles in about an hour. 

2. Paris to Versailles Via Bus

You can also get to Versailles by bus! This option begins at the Pont de Sèvres bus stop (last stop on the Line 9 Paris Metro) in Paris and ends at the Chateau de Versailles stop. The bus is RATP 171, and it is about a 25-minute ride. Then, it is about an 8-minute walk to the palace. 

This bus ticket costs about €4.30 round-trip if you purchase it ahead of time . 

3. Paris to Versailles by Car

You could also drive there if you wish. This journey takes about 40 minutes, most of it along N118. 

If you have a car and want to drive, this will likely offer you the most flexibility! 

There is also the option to take an Uber there, however, this will cost you. Plan to spend anywhere from €30-60 per way! Maybe it works if you have a group, but the other options are much cheaper.

4. Versailles Day Tour

And for the final option, you can take one of many day trips to Versailles ! Let your guide handle the stress of getting there and back and guide you around the palace and grounds. 

Prices range from $100-200 per person but usually include things like entrance to the palace, transportation, a guide, etc. 

Best Time and Best Day to Visit Versailles  

I’ll be honest upfront and say that the Palace of Versailles is busy quite a bit of the time. This is such a popular tourist attraction, that it can be hard to find popular spots, like the Hall of Mirrors, not surrounded by crowds. 

However, if you plan your visit correctly, you can try to avoid crowds! Here are some tips! 

• Go in the winter. There are no fountain shows, and mid-winter is the low travel season in France overall (except for the ski resorts, of course). Bundle up and you’ll have fewer crowds to contend with. 
• Go midweek versus weekends. You’ll find fewer people in the middle of the week than on weekends. 
• Whatever you do, avoid the first Sunday of the month from November through March. It is free admission for all, which means there will be crowds. 
• Best Time of Day to Visit Versailles? Either as soon as it opens or a couple of hours before closing is best to avoid crowds. 

Whatever you do, purchase a skip-the-line ticket so you don’t have to wait in line if you choose to go on your own!

Which Ticket to Versailles Should You Choose?

Perhaps you’re well into planning your perfect day trip to Versailles and have noticed on the Versailles website all of the ticket options. 

When I first saw this, I was incredibly overwhelmed with the options. So let’s talk about it! 

First of all, these are the ticket options and standard prices below:

Note that the Palace and Estate of Trianon are free for visitors under 18 or under 26 and residents of the EU. Admission is also free for people with disabilities and their companion. 

Children between 0-5 have free access to the Gardens during the Musical Gardens and Fountains Show days. 

The Gardens are free for everyone to visit except during Musical Fountains Shows and Musical Garden days. 

But… which ticket should you choose?

If you’re going all the way to Versailles, then you must see the palace itself. So either the Palace Ticket or Passport are the top choices. 

However, note that the Palace Ticket doesn’t include the Estate of Trianon, so if you are shorter on time and can only visit the palace and gardens, then this is a great option. However, you cannot visit the gardens on Musical Fountains Show or Musical Gardens days without an extra ticket for that. 

Honestly, though, your best bet is to just get the Passport . This ticket pretty much includes everything, so if you plan to spend the whole day at Versailles and are going to explore the grounds, then go on ahead and purchase that ticket. 

Book your passport ticket here ahead of time! 

There is also the option of going on a tour which includes admission and a guide! Let’s talk about that below.

Note that you will need a ticket to get into the Palace, meaning you’ll need to reserve ahead of time. This is due to the high number of people visiting.

Best Tours of Versailles

With Versailles being one of the most popular tourist attractions in France, you can only imagine that half-day and full-day tours abound. 

However, here are a few great tours to Versailles to choose from:

1. Skip-the-Line Guided Tour of Versailles

This is one of the more basic tours, especially as you’ll need to find your own way to Versailles yourself. 

This option allows you to skip the lines and have a 90-minute guided tour of the palace, and you can also add on a 45-minute guided tour of the gardens and/or an entrance ticket to Trianon and Marie Antoinette’s Estate.

Prices start at $68 per person. Book it here!  

2. From Paris to Versailles Guided Tour

Want some help getting to Versailles too? There is the option to take a guided tour that departs from Paris and explores Versailles. 

This half-day tour includes your guide, transportation to/from Paris, entrance to the palace, the Fountain Show on select dates, plus a guided tour of the palace. 

Prices start at $113 per person. Book it here!

3. Full-Day Guided Tour of Versailles From Paris

Want to enjoy a full day of exploring the Château de Versailles and the estate? Opt for a full-day trip from Paris on this tour. 

This tour includes transportation to/from Paris, your guide, and entrance to Versailles, Gardens, the Estate of Trianon, and the Queen’s Hamlet.

This is a great way to get the most out of Versailles and learn more! 

Prices start at $140 per person. Book it here! 

4. Bike Tour of Versailles From Paris

This is another great option to really enjoy the most that the estate has to offer in a short amount of time. 

Exploring the estate via bike is a great idea so it cuts down on your time getting from places like the gardens to the Queen’s Hamlet. 

This tour includes round-trip train tickets to Versailles, entrance to the castle, gardens, and the Queen’s Hamlet, and the guide, bike, and helmet. 

Plus, because you’re saving time with biking, you get the chance to stop in the town of Versailles and explore the Marche Notre-Dame for tasty food! 

Prices start at $119 per person. Book it here! 

Ultimate Versailles Day Trip Itinerary

I feel like the true ultimate day trip to Versailles has to include visiting most of the estate. And to do that, you may need a guide to help you find everything. 

So that’s why I ended up booking the aforementioned bike tour above ! It was such a great day trip to Versailles from Paris that I highly recommend it. Here is what we did! 

Start in Paris at Le Peloton Cafe

Begin your morning bright and early and head to Le Peloton Cafe in the Le Marais part of Paris at 8:15 am. After grabbing a coffee and getting fitted for your helmet, your guide will lead you to the train station to catch the RER C train to Versailles. 

Grab Your Bike and Marche Notre-Dame

After you arrive at the Versailles Château Rive Gauche station, you’ll pick up your bike with your guide and pedal over to Marche Notre-Dame. This giant market is full of locals picking up their produce, meats, and cheeses. 

The tour stops here for a bit so that you can pick up all the things you’ll need for a picnic later in the day. It is a lot of fun to stroll along the stands and find delicious treats. 

I happened to pick up some great cheeses, nuts, and then bread at a boulangerie nearby. 

Chateau Gardens

Now, while many would think to begin your day at the palace, I actually really enjoyed that we ended our day there, especially as it was far less crowded toward the end of the day. 

So we began our bike tour exploring some of the gardens of Versailles. We stopped by Apollo Grotto, the Water Theatre,  and saw the fountains even go off! 

It was a lovely place for a morning stroll without the crowds (who are likely in the palace at this time). 

Petit Trianon & the Queen’s Hamlet

Up next we hopped on our bikes to explore the Petit Trianon, where Marie Antoinette loved to spend her time. 

You get to walk through her little palace including her bedroom, courtyard, plus many rooms for entertaining. After that, you get to walk through the English Garden and spot the famous Temple of Love, the Grotto, and the Belvedere building, which Marie Antoinette used as a music room. 

After exploring the garden, head down to the Queen’s Hamlet. Built to resemble a simple Norman village, this place actually was a working farm complete with animals and a dairy.  

This wasn’t where Marie Antoinette simply played pretend that she was a peasant, but where she liked to go on relaxing walks and host people. 

Grand Trianon

After your visit to Marie Antoinette’s estate over at Petit Trianon, it is time to explore the Grand Trianon. This estate is also quite large with the Empress’ and Emperors’ rooms, plus rooms for entertaining. 

The Grand Trianon also has splendid gardens to enjoy. 

Picnic on the Grand Canal

At this point, it is early afternoon and the perfect time to finally tuck into those delicious treats you picked up at the market. 

Here you’ll find a place along the Grand Canal for a picnic and enjoy it all! From the Grand Canal, you can spot the rowboats as well as the main palace itself. 

Grand Finale: Palace of Versailles

It is after the picnic that you head back to the train station to drop off your bike and return your helmet. This is where your guide leaves you to explore the palace at your own pace with an audio guide. 

So from here you’ll head back to the palace and explore! Some rooms you must visit during your time at the palace include the Hall of Mirrors, King’s Chamber, Gallery of Battles, Royal Chapel, Marble Courtyard, Royal Courtyard, and Honour Courtyard out front. 

You also have more time to explore the gardens, and you cannot leave without trying some famous hot chocolate at Angelina’s located within the palace. It is rich and perfectly delicious.

After that, you can wander back to the train station and head back to Paris for dinner. 

Fountain & Garden Shows Schedule at Versailles

I’ve mentioned the Fountain Shows and such at Versailles, so here is a breakdown of when they occur. 

Musical Fountains Show

Enjoy the fountains flowing in sync to Baroque music. 

These occur on Saturdays and Sundays from April through October.

The show is also on Tuesdays from May through June, and on a few select holidays like Good Friday, Easter Monday, Victory in Europe Day, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, and Feast of the Assumption. 

Musical Gardens Show

For the chance to explore the gardens with Baroque music, then you must go during the Musical Gardens Show. 

These occur every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in April.

Every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from May until the end of June, the show occurs (except on May 1). Then every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from July through October it occurs. 

This doesn’t occur on holidays when the Musical Fountains Show occurs.

Night Fountains Show 

Discover the gardens lit up and fountains running to the rhythm of Baroque music! Plus, there is a fireworks display over the Grand Canal. 

This occurs every Saturday from mid-June until the end of September from 8:30 pm-11:05 pm. They also have this show on July 14 (Bastille Day) and on other select dates.

Where to Stay Near Versailles

Plan to spend more time in Versailles or even spend a couple of days exploring the grounds? Then why not stay in the charming town of Versailles ? 

Here are some hotel options based on your budget! 

Budget: Hotel Versailles Chantiers

This basic hotel is across from the Versailles Chantier train station and about 20 minutes from the palace on foot. This is a lovely place to easily catch the train back to Paris, and the rooms are nice and cozy. 

Book it here! 

Mid-Range: Hotel Le Louis Versailles Château – MGallery

Very close to the Palace of Versailles, you’ll easily be able to explore the town and estate on foot! This hotel also has lovely rooms, a bar/lounge, a fitness center, and a sauna- perfect for relaxing after a long day of exploring the chateau. 

Luxury: Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle

Did you know that you can stay at Versailles? Yes! 

A stay here includes a private after-hours tour (Hall of Mirrors by yourself anyone?!), your own butler, breakfast, tea service, complimentary minibar, unlimited access to electric golf carts and electric boats, oh, and views of the estate! 

You also can arrange yoga classes, spa treatments, and more! Feel like royalty here! 

And if you are searching for where to stay in Paris, check out our in-depth guide ! 

Other Information For Your Day Trip to Versailles From Paris

Here is some more important information to note before embarking on your one-day in Versailles itinerary. 

• Opening Hours: Every day except Mondays. The Palace opens at 9 am and the Estate of Trianon opens at 12 pm. They close at 5:30 pm during the low season (November-March), with the last admission at 5 pm. During high season (April-October) they close at 6:30 pm, with the last admission at 6 pm. 
• Park & Gardens are open every day from 8 am-6 pm during low season and are free to access. Gardens aren’t free on fountain and garden show days. The last admission to the park is at 5:30 pm. During the high season, the gardens close at 8:30 pm (with the last admission at 7 pm) and the park is open from 7 am-8:30 pm with the last admission at 7:45 pm. There are select dates that gardens close early for Night Fountain Shows and other events. 
• Coach Gallery is open on Saturday and Sunday from 12:30-5:30 pm during the low season. The last admission is at 4:45 pm. During the high season, they close at 6:30 pm with the last admission at 5:45 pm. 
• Parking is available at Place d’Armes.
• Entrances to the Park are at the Queen’s Gate, Sailors’ Gate, Saint Anthony’s Gate, Honour Gate, and Chapel Gate. For vehicles, you can enter at the Queen’s Gate and Saint Anthony’s Gate (only on weekends and holidays).  Bikes can enter through the Queen’s Gate, Sailors’ Gate, Saint Anthony’s Gate, and the Royal Star Gate (only in high season). 
• Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for your visit! These white sneakers are always popular! Plus, an anti-theft bag is a good idea to prevent pickpocketing during crowded visits and even on the ride to Versailles. 

That wraps up the ultimate day trip guide to Versailles and how to have the perfect Versailles day trip itinerary! 

Would you visit Versailles? 

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Soak in the royalty of the Palace of Versailles on this small group guided tour. Explore the different parts of the palace and uncover some hidden secrets about it.

Want to know more about the Palace of Versailles? Your expert tour guide will accompany you while sharing insights about this marvel with a small group of 15 guests.

The Hall of Mirrors is the largest room in the Palace! Hear all the interesting facts about this room from your guide.

Roam around the Gardens and explore 250 acres of perfectly manicured lawns and fountains.

Get a glimpse into the lives of French royalty’s most influential figures as you take your pick from English, Italian, Spanish, or French-guided tours.

Also get a chance to see one of the stunning fountains or musical shows in the Palace’s Gardens from Apr to Oct.

Fun fact: The Treaty of Versailles was signed in the Hall of Mirrors.

Guided tour of the Palace of Versailles with entry

Expert English, Italian, French, or Spanish-speaking tour guide (as per option selected)

15 or less guests/tour group

Guided tour of the Castle (Royal Apartments + Hall of Mirrors)

Access to the fountain and musical shows (when available)

Access to the Gardens

Access to Trianon Estate

Access to the King's Private Apartments

Transportation

Cancellation policy

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

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Why you should visit the palace of versailles.

The enchanting Palace of Versailles is one of the most extraordinary achievements in 17th-century European art. Each year, it is estimated that approximately 5 million people visit the Palace of Versailles, and between 8 and 10 million people walk through its Gardens.

Begin your visit by exploring the ornate King's State Apartments. Learn about the French monarchy and explore the themed salons and their elaborate ceiling paintings. It's time for some glitter! Make your way to the Hall of Mirrors, which is a grand Baroque-style gallery and one of the most emblematic rooms in the Royal Palace of Versailles.

Beautiful inside & out

After admiring the inside of the Palace, head outdoors and take in the grandeur of the estate’s impressive architecture. Stroll along the cobblestone grounds, through the beautiful French gardens, and pass by the gorgeous Versailles fountains.

For tips on how to navigate the palace, make the most of your time, and choose the best experience, refer to our Palace of Versailles tours and tickets collection . If you’d like to maximize your time at the Palace of Versailles and get a more in-depth Castle experience, check out the Versailles Half Day Guided Tour ticket.

Know before you go

What's not allowed.

• Note: Re-entry is not possible upon leaving the premises.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point. Students must show a valid student ID.

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• Please check your final voucher for the meeting point details and specific instructions.

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Don’t miss the epic palace and gardens of versailles, with easy transport from paris, skip-the-line entry & top-rated guides.

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Ultimate Palace of Versailles Tour from Paris

Breeze past the lines for the palace and gardens with a friendly English speaking guide

Versailles Gardens Tour from Paris with Skip the Line Palace Access

Guided tour of the gardens and the château, and round-trip transportation from Paris

Private Golden Versailles Palace and Garden Tour

Travel to Versailles from Paris for a private tour with free time in the gardens and Trianon Estate

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

Breeze past the crowds and uncover the secrets of Versailles Palace with an engaging local guide

Versailles Bike Tour from Paris

See the best of the palace and gardens & enjoy a picnic with Parisian delicacies

Monet’s House and Palace of Versailles Day Trip

Trade Paris' bustling streets for the tranquil village of Giverny and the Palace of Versailles

Beat the Traffic Half-Day Versailles Tour by Sidecar Motorcycle

Ride through Paris to visit the Palace of Versailles grounds, Marie Antoinette’s Temple, and more

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Walk in the footsteps of gladiators on the Colosseum floor and see the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

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Skip the line and gain direct access to the Raphael Rooms, Creation of Man, and St. Peter's Basilica

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Explore St. Mark's Square's most iconic attractions with skip-the-line tickets and an expert guide

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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

Paris Discovery Guide is a reader-supported publication.  When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost for you.  Learn more

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!

More Articles about Visiting the Palace of Versailles

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• Paris Museum Pass - How much money and time can you save with it?
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• Eiffel Tower - Enjoy sweeping views of Paris
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• Free concerts & movies, Rock En Seine

September in Paris

• European Heritage Days, Fashion Week

October in Paris

• Wine festival, Halloween, Motor Show

November in Paris

• Armistice Day, Salon du Chocolat

December in Paris

• Christmas, New Year's Eve

Hanukkuh in Paris

• Menorah lightings 

Christmas in Paris

• Holiday celebrations & decorations

Christmas Markets

• Gifts, holiday food, mulled wine, and Santa

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Book Your Paris Hotel

Eiffel Tower Hotels

• See the Eiffel Tower from your balcony

Arc de Triomphe Hotels

• Great hotels with bargain rates

New Hotels in Paris

• Experience the latest & greatest

Paris Hotels near the Louvre

• Where to stay near the famous palace museum

Central Paris Hotels

• Wonderful hotels close to top Paris attractions

Deals & Discounts

• How to save on your Paris hotel

Plan Your Paris Trip

• Why visit Paris?
• Best Paris guide books
• Find cheap flights to Paris
• Choose your Paris hotel  
• 7 Reasons why you need travel insurance
• Electric adapters and converters  
• Best ways to get Euros
• Check out 10 top Paris attractions
• How to skip the ticket lines
• Paris Museum Pass:  Should you get one?
• Which neighborhoods are best to stay in?
• What to do & see in each Paris district
• How to spend your first day in Paris