Palace of Versailles: Guide to Opening and Closing Times

The Palace of Versailles is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, offering a wide range of attractions to discover. Each area of the complex may have different opening hours, so it is essential to plan your visit carefully to make the most of the time available.

Before we begin, here is a summary table with all the hours to visit the Palace of Versailles complex, its gardens, and the Trianon Estates.

Attraction	April – October	November – March	Weekly closures	Special closures
Palace of Versailles	09:00 – 18:30	09:00 – 17:30	Mondays	december 25, January 1
Trianon Estates (Grand and Petit)	12:00 – 18:30	12:00 – 17:30	Mondays	dec. 25, Jan. 1
Gardens of Versailles	08:00 – 18:30	08:00 – 18:00	None	May close due to inclement weather
Park of Versailles	08:00 – 18:30	08:00 – 18:00	None	May close due to inclement weather
Carriage Museum	12:00 – 18:30	12:30 – 17:30	Mondays	dec. 25, Jan. 1
Night Fountains Show	8:30 p.m. – 11:05 p.m. (Saturday)	Not available	–	–

WARNING Before we continue our journey through the hours of the Palace of Versailles, a brief preamble: to avoid long lines and ensure a smooth experience, it is recommended that you purchase your entrance tickets online. That way you can access the Palace directly, without wasting time at the ticket office, and enjoy your visit to the fullest.

Versailles opening and closing times

Now let’s find out what are the opening and closing times of individual attractions in the Palace of Versailles complex.

Opening hours of the Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles, a masterpiece of the French Baroque, is the main attraction. Its opening hours vary according to the season:

• April to October: 09:00 – 18:30
• November to March: 09:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m
• Weekly closure: Monday
• Special closures: December 25 and January 1

For a stress-free visit, we recommend that you arrive prepared by planning your trip well in advance, especially if you decide to participate in a guided tour. Remember that you need to go through a security check at the entrance, so factor this into your schedule.

Trianon Estates Opening Hours

The Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon, located within the complex, offer a more intimate look at royal life. These smaller palaces, surrounded by enchanting gardens, have different hours than the main palace:

• April to October: 12 noon – 6:30 p.m
• November to March: 12:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m
• Weekly closing: Monday
• Special closures: December 25 and January 1

These attractions open later than the Palace and Gardens, so it may be worthwhile to plan your visit so that you explore them after seeing the other parts of the complex.

Opening hours for the Gardens of Versailles

The famous French-style gardens, with their fountains and sculptures, are another must-see attraction. Opening hours are:

• April to October: 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m
• November to March: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m
• Open daily (may close in case of bad weather)

To fully appreciate the beauty of the gardens, it is advisable to set aside at least two hours for a visit. If you are planning a picnic, you may want to extend your stay in the designated areas, such as those around the Grand Canal.

Opening hours of the Park of Versailles

The park, which extends around the Grand Canal, is ideal for leisurely walks and offers splendid views of the palace. Opening hours are:

• April to October: 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m
• November to March: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m
• Open daily (may close in case of bad weather)

In the park you can also enjoy a boat trip on the Grand Canal or just relax in one of the many quiet corners.

Opening hours of the Carriage Museum

The Carriage Museum, with its collection of regal vehicles, offers a journey through time through the history of France:

• April to October: 12:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m
• November to March: 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m
• Weekly closing: Monday
• Special closures: Dec. 25 and Jan. 1

Opening hours for the Night Fountains show

The Night Fountains show is a magical event and offers a breathtaking perspective of the illuminated gardens:

• June through September: Saturdays, 8:30 p.m. – 11:05 p.m
• Event days: every Saturday from June 12 to Sept. 18, as well as Aug. 15 and Sept. 25

Ticketing hours

Ticket offices in the complex have specific closing times, which are important to know if you wish to purchase tickets on site:

• Palace ticket office: 4:50 p.m. (November-March) and 5:45 p.m. (April-October)
• Domaine de Trianon ticket office: 5 p.m. (November-March) and 5:50 p.m. (April-October)
• Carriage Museum ticket office: 16:50 (November-March) and 17:50 (April-October)

If you wish to purchase tickets online, however, click on the banner below.

Pedestrian access hours

The park has several gates of access for visitors on foot. The latest access times are:

• Main gate: 5:30 pm
• Queen’s Gate: 5:30 p.m
• Sailor’s Gate: 5:30 p.m
• St. Anthony’s Gate: 5:30 p.m

How long does it take to visit Versailles?

Versailles is much more than just the main palace. It also includes the famous gardens, the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon, and the charming Queen’s Village. Given the amount of attractions available, it is important to plan ahead and decide what you want to see.

Here is an estimate of the time needed to visit each attraction:

• Visit to the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon and Queen’s Village: about 1 hour.
• Palace of Versailles: about 1.5 to 2 hours
• Walk through the gardens: about 2 hours.

Palace of Versailles schedule: frequently asked questions

Conclusions

Here we come to the end of this article with all the opening and closing times of the beautiful Palace of Versailles.

With hours varying depending on the seasons and the different attractions in the complex, it is crucial to inquire in advance to avoid surprises and maximize the experience.

Visiting the Palace in the early morning or late afternoon allows you to avoid crowds, while knowing about closing days and free admission opportunities can make your visit even more enjoyable.

Plan your itinerary carefully to best experience this UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece. Find out all the details to better plan your visit!