The Palace of Versailles

Welcome to the portal dedicated to the majestic Palace of Versailles. Discover every detail of this masterpiece of French architecture, from its rich history to practical information for planning your visit.

Discover 350 years of history

Palace of Versailles:
history in brief

The history of the Palace of Versailles begins in the 17th century, when Louis XIV transformed a modest hunting pavilion into a symbol of absolute power. Having become the official residence of the royal court, the palace is now an icon of European Baroque, with its vast gardens, opulent interiors, and famous Gallery of Mirrors. Discover the complete history of the Palace of Versailles.

Visit the Palace of Versailles

Prepare your trip to explore the magnificence of the “Palais de Versailles.” Book a guided tour now to admire the interior of the palace and lose yourself in its endless gardens, filled with fountains, statues and works of art.

palace of versailles inner court
palace of versailles gate detail

Opening Hours

The Palace of Versailles complex is open to the public every day except Monday. The Palace opens at 9 a.m., and closing times vary depending on the season. It is advisable to visit the Court of Versailles early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid rush hours.

Monday closed
Tuesday 09:00 – 18:30
Wednesday 09:00 – 18:30
Thursday 09:00 – 18:30
Friday 09:00 – 18:30
Saturday 09:00 – 18:30
Sunday 09:00 – 18:30

Where is the
Right of Versailles

The Château de Versailles is located about 20 kilometers southwest of Paris, in the heart of the city of Versailles. Immerse yourself in history by exploring not only the palace but also the picturesque surroundings, rich in culture and charm.

map palace of versailles

How to get to the Palace of Versailles from Paris

If you are planning your trip to visit the Palace of Versailles, here are some tips on how to get there conveniently:

By car

The journey from Paris via the A13 or N118 highways can take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The most parking is located at Place d’Armes, a short walk from the entrance to the Palace.

Cycling

Following the bicycle path from the Bois de Boulogne through Saint-Cloud Park, for example, allows you to enjoy a ride of about two hours surrounded by nature and then arrive at the Palace.

By train

The train from Paris takes you directly to the Versailles Château Rive Gauche station in about a 50-minute ride from the capital, leaving you a short distance from the main entrance of the palace.

By bus

RATP bus 171 offers a direct connection from Pont de Sèvres, the terminus of metro line 9, to Versailles. The trip from Paris to Versailles has a total duration of about 30 minutes.

Where to sleep near the Court of Versailles

If you are planning a stay in Versailles, you can choose from many hotel accommodations that offer spectacular views of the palace and its gardens.

Where to eat in Versailles near the Palace

After visiting the palace, you deserve a gourmet break. Discover the best restaurants and bistros nearby, where you can enjoy French cuisine in all its finesse.

fountain gardens versailles

Info and trivia about the Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is an architectural masterpiece and a symbol of French royal power. Here is some technical information and trivia that might interest you:

Surface

The palace covers an area of about 67,000 square meters.

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Interior

Inside the palace are more than 700 rooms.

Gardens

The gardens of Versailles cover an area of about 800 hectares.

Mirrors

The famous Mirror Gallery contains 357 mirrors, arranged along the 73 meters of the hall.

Fountains

The fountains of Versailles require a hydraulic system consisting of 35 km of pipelines, 221 fountains and 1,252 water jets.

Tourists

Versailles, with more than 10 million visitors a year, is one of the most visited attractions in the world.

What to see in
Versailles beyond the Palace

In addition to the main palace and castle, the Versailles estate also includes the gardens, the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon and Hameau de la Reine. Explore every corner of this complex to fully experience the grandeur of the French monarchical period.

Tickets to the Palace of Versailles

Visit the Court of Versailles, one of France’s most iconic attractions. To avoid long lines, it is highly recommended to purchase tickets online.

Tickets to the Palace of Versailles, the gardens and the Trianon estate

Purchase online. Choose the time of your choice. Visit the Palace of Versailles, its gardens and more.

You can cancel for free up to the day before the visit.

Tourism at the Palace and Park of Versailles: FAQ

Do you have questions about the famous Château de Versailles? Check out our FAQ section for detailed answers to common questions, such as how long it takes to visit the entire complex, what are the best seasons to visit, and other trivia.

The Palace of Versailles is famous for its opulence and historical importance. It was the principal residence of the kings of France from 1682 until the French Revolution. A symbol of Louis XIV’s absolute power, the palace is known for its spectacular gardens, Gallery of Mirrors, and luxurious interiors.

A full tour of the Palace of Versailles can take 2 to 4 hours. This includes the palace, gardens, Trianon, and the queen’s village. For those who wish to explore at their leisure, devoting a full day is an ideal option.

Is the Palace of Caserta or Versailles bigger? The Palace of Versailles is considered one of the largest and most luxurious royal residences in the world, with an area of more than 63,000 m² and more than 2,300 rooms. However, the largest residence in the world is the Royal Palace of Caserta in Italy.

Inside the Palace of Versailles are opulent rooms such as the Gallery of Mirrors, the royal chambers, and a series of state apartments. The complex also includes the Grand and Small Trianon, as well as the famous gardens and the queen’s village.

A visit to the Palace of Versailles requires the purchase of an entrance ticket, which may include access to the palace, gardens, and Trianon. It is recommended to book tickets online to avoid long lines. Guided tours and audio guides are available to explore the site in depth.

The trip from Paris to Versailles takes about 50 minutes by RER C train, depending on the station of departure. By car, the travel time can vary from 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. By bus, on the other hand, the trip from Paris to Versailles takes about 30 minutes in total.