Planning a Trip to Paris? Here’s Everything You Need to Know to Visit the Palace of Versailles, a Historic Symbol of the Kingdom of France!
Globally renowned and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Palace of Versailles is a place that one must visit at least once in a lifetime! Entering it means stepping into the heart of French history, being awestruck by its grandeur, beauty, and finesse, and also enjoying an unforgettable moment in one of the world’s most beautiful monuments. Don’t wait any longer and come discover the residence of the Kings of France, which has been the pride of French art for over 300 years!
To help you visit the Palace of Versailles and uncover all its secrets, we’ve prepared a mini-guide with all the important information you need to know.
History of the Palace of Versailles
The origins of the Palace of Versailles date back to the 17th century, initially serving as a hunting lodge where King Louis XIII enjoyed hunting with his father Henry IV. In 1623, a first castle was built for the king to stay overnight. It was expanded in 1631, and the French-style gardens were created. Then, new expansion works were requested by the king in 1660. Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, Royal Chapel, Theatre… Over the years, new interior and exterior arrangements were made, the gardens expanded, and annexes were built.
The Palace of Versailles was the permanent residence of kings and the court until 1789, the year of the French Revolution. Following this historic event, the 8000 ha park was reduced to just over 800 ha. Even though Napoleon I established his residence at the Grand Trianon, the Palace of Versailles was never again a royal residence but remained a symbolic place for certain leaders, where important events in the country’s history took place, such as the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919. Since 1995, the Palace of Versailles has been open to the public for visits.
What to See and Do at the Palace of Versailles?
Visiting the Palace of Versailles will allow you to relive a part of History and to project yourself into the time of the Sun King.
We advise you to download the interactive map of the estate, which will assist you during your visit.
To avoid wasting time at the audioguide counter, you can now download the official visit app for free here on your mobile. It contains all the audioguides and additional visit information.
The Palace of Versailles estate, which spans nearly 800 ha, contains several parts to see or revisit:
- The palace: The Palace of Versailles now has 2,300 rooms spread over 63,154 m2. Wander through the Hall of Mirrors, visit the king’s apartments, the favorites’ apartments, or observe the magnificent paintings in the Hall of Battles.
- The Trianon estate: The Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, and the hamlet will no longer hold any secrets for you. Discover this enchanted place and walk in the footsteps of Marie Antoinette.
- The Coach Gallery: Head to the Great Stables of the Palace of Versailles to discover an exceptional collection of carriages and period vehicles.
- The gardens and the park: Visiting the Palace of Versailles necessarily involves what makes it famous: its gardens and Park. Created by André Le Nôtre, you will be literally amazed by the beauty of its basins, statues, and other perfectly trimmed flower and plant alleys!
- Musical Fountains Show and Musical Gardens: From April 2 to October 29, 2019, discover a breathtaking spectacle in the gardens of the Palace of Versailles: The Musical Fountains Show, Musical Gardens, and the Night Fountains Show.
How to get to the Palace of Versailles?
There are several ways to get to the Palace of Versailles, located at Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles.
By car
When arriving from the A13 motorway, take exit n°5 Versailles Centre and follow the signs for the Palace of Versailles. Note that there are several parking lots (paid) in front of the palace and in the park.
By RER or train
The city of Versailles is served by three train stations.
- Versailles Château Rive Gauche (RER C): 10 minutes walk from the Palace
- Versailles Chantiers: 18 minutes walk from the Palace
- Versailles Rive Droite: 17 minutes walk from the Palace
By bus?
The “Versailles Express” shuttle provides transfers to the Palace of Versailles from the Eiffel Tower, Tuesday to Sunday:
- Departure at 7:45 am, return at 3:15 pm
- Departure at 9:45 am, return at 3:15 pm
- Departure at 1:30 pm, return at 6 pm
The bus 171 from Pont de Sèvres will take you to the Palace of Versailles in about 30 minutes.
Hours & Prices of the Palace of Versailles
HOURS
- The Palace is open every day except Monday, from 9 am to 5:30 pm.
- The Trianon estate and the Coach Gallery are open every day except Monday, and only in the afternoon, from 12 pm to 5:30 pm.
- The gardens and the park are also open every day, from 8 am to 6 pm.
PRICES
- For free
- Access to the Palace and the Trianon estate is free for those under 18 (under 26 for EU residents).
- The Park and gardens (except on days of the Musical Fountains Show or Musical Gardens)
- The audioguides
- The Versailles estate is open for free visits on the first Sundays of the months from November to March.
- Passport ticket: €20
The Passport gives access to the entire Estate: the Palace, the Trianon estate, temporary exhibitions, the Gardens and the Park, the Musical Fountains Show or the Musical Gardens, and the Coach Gallery.
- Palace ticket: €18
The Palace ticket gives access to the Palace, temporary exhibitions presented at the Palace, the Gardens (except on days of the Musical Fountains Show or Musical Gardens), the Park, and the Coach Gallery.
- 2-day passport: €25
The 2-day Passport gives access for 2 consecutive days to the entire Estate. If you want to attend the Equestrian Show presented at the Versailles Equestrian Academy on Saturdays at 6 pm, Sundays at 3 pm (5 pm from July 7 to August 18 inclusive) and certain weekdays at 3 pm, count 40€.
- Trianon Estate Ticket: 12€
The Trianon Estate ticket gives access to the Trianon estate, temporary exhibitions presented at the Grand Trianon, the Gardens (except on days of the Musical Fountains Show or Musical Gardens), the Park, and the Coach Gallery. We advise you to visit the palace’s website to see all the rates concerning the palace’s shows.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
To help you visit the Palace of Versailles in the best conditions, we have selected the most frequently asked questions about this visit:
What is the best time to visit the Palace of Versailles?
If you want to visit the Palace of Versailles when it’s not too crowded, it is recommended to go right at the opening at 9 am, and to head to the Trianon estate right at noon.
Tip: to avoid queues, we strongly advise you to buy your tickets online in advance.
How do I get to the castle?
The main entrance to the Palace of Versailles is through the Cour d’Honneur. To buy your tickets, head to the ticket office on the left in the Cour d’Honneur in the South Ministers’ Wing, then to entrance A of the Palace. If you already have your tickets bought online, go directly to entrance A.
Prohibited items:
- Strollers, metal baby carriers, bulky luggage, umbrellas… must be left at the free cloakrooms.
- Photography without flash is allowed, selfie sticks are prohibited.
Are pets allowed?
Only guide dogs for the visually impaired are allowed within the park’s premises.
Accessibility:
Elevators serve the different levels of the Palace. It allows visitors to explore the entire circuit of the Grand Apartments or to access the restrooms. Non-motorized wheelchairs are available free of charge for visiting the Palace.
