Best tips for visiting the Palace of Versailles, its gardens and the Trianon estate
Everything you need to know before visiting the Palace of Versailles
In this guide you will find all the most important information and tips you need to know before buying your ticket to the Palace of Versailles or booking your guided tour of the majestic royal residence and its gardens.
Our tips for visiting the Palace will help you save time and money. This way you can make the most of your experience in one of France’s most iconic places.
When to visit the Palace of Versailles?
The Palace of Versailles is open most of the year, except on certain national holidays and during special events. Opening hours vary depending on the season and day of the week, so it is advisable to check them in advance.
Opening Hours
The opening hours of the Palace of Versailles vary throughout the year:
- January: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m
- February: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m
- March: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m
- April: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m
- May: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m
- June: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m
- July: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m
- August: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m
- September: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m
- October: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m
- November: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m
- December: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m
Last admission to the Palace is 30 minutes before closing, but to fully enjoy your visit, we recommend arriving well in advance.
Useful information about visiting the Palace of Versailles
Visiting the Palace of Versailles is a must-see experience for anyone in or around Paris. Before leaving, it is essential to know the opening hours and how to purchase tickets.
Read our guide to prepare you for an unforgettable visit to this magnificent royal palace.
We have gathered all the information you need to visit the Palace of Versailles! Read our tips and get ready to explore the grandeur of the French court.
What is the best day to visit the Versailles Estate?
Monday is the closing day, so it is not possible to visit the Palace. Also, on Mondays many stores and restaurants are closed in the city of Versailles, it is kind of like the day when the whole city rests!
Tuesdays are generally not recommended for visiting Versailles because they coincide with the closing of the Louvre Museum, which leads many tourists to choose Versailles as an alternative, making the crowds denser and the experience less enjoyable.
If possible, opt for Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, days when the estate is less crowded.
Weekends are usually busier, especially on Saturdays, when the “Grandes Eaux Nocturnes,” nighttime shows that attract many visitors, take place.
When to visit the Palace of Versailles for free?
The Palace of Versailles offers free admission on the first Sunday of each month from November to March, while access to the Gardens is free except on days of fountain and musical garden performances. In addition, admission is free for children under 18, EU citizens under 26, people with disabilities and caregivers, and ICOM members.
What to see in Versailles (besides the Palace)?
In addition to the majestic Palace of Versailles, the royal complex offers a number of must-see attractions that enrich the visitor experience. The gardens of Versailles, designed by André Le Nôtre, represent one of the greatest examples of French-style gardens, with extensive parterres, dramatic fountains, sculptures and hidden groves offering enchanting views in every season. Among the most celebrated fountains, the Fountain of Apollo is particularly spectacular, especially during summer weekends when the fountains come to life with musical water features.
Not far from the main palace are the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon, two residences more intimate than the palace. The Grand Trianon, with its pink marble and surrounding gardens, was King Louis XIV’s retreat away from the stuffy etiquette of the court. The Petit Trianon, on the other hand, is known to have been Marie Antoinette’s personal retreat, where the queen sought to recreate an atmosphere of simplicity and intimacy, away from the eyes of the court.
Another fascinating attraction is theHameau of Marie Antoinette, an idyllic rustic village built at the request of the queen, where she delighted in interpreting country life. Consisting of quaint cottages, a mill and a dairy, the Hameau is surrounded by English gardens, ponds and meadows, offering a striking contrast to the rigor of French-style gardens. This corner of Versailles represents one of the most unique places in the complex, reflecting the complex personality and tastes of the queen.
How to get to the Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is easily accessible from Paris by public transportation, by car or by participating in organized tours.
The most common way to reach Versailles is by RER C train from the French capital, which will take you directly to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station, a few minutes’ walk from the main entrance.
Before visiting Versailles, plan your trip carefully. If you have booked a guided tour, check if it includes transportation.
How long does it take to visit the Palace of Versailles?
The Versailles complex includes several attractions, the most famous of which are the Palace of Versailles and its vast gardens. However, there is much more to discover, such as the separate residences known as the Grand Trianon and the Petit Trianon, as well as the charming gardens of the Queen’s Village.
Given the amount of things to see, it is essential to plan your visit carefully. You may simply want to take a stroll through the gardens with your family, or you may be an art enthusiast eager to immerse yourself in the palace’s splendid Baroque. Below is an estimate of the average time needed for each of the main attractions:
A visit to the Palace of Versailles takes about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, while a walk through the Gardens of Versailles can take about 2 hours. To explore the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon and the Queen’s Village, calculate an additional hour.
It is important to note that these attractions do not all open at the same time, but follow a staggered schedule, a detail that will help you better organize your itinerary.
Palace of Versailles Tickets
Are you looking for a ticket to visit the Palace of Versailles and the Palace complex?
Make the most of your visit by purchasing an online ticket with priority admission. You can choose the time of your visit and save time at the entrance. In addition, combined tickets for the Palace, gardens and Trianon offer the best value for money for a complete experience.
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.
What to know before you go to Versailles
Make sure you plan your trip to Versailles in advance. Find out how to get there and what tips you can use to best visit the Palace and other attractions in Versailles.
Tickets
Book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid long waits. Choose a ticket that includes access to the gardens and Trianon for a complete experience.
Recommended clothing
Wear comfortable shoes, as visiting the Palace requires a lot of walking, especially in the gardens. In rainy periods, bring an umbrella with you.
Visiting the Royal Palace with children
Strollers and metal baby carriers are not allowed inside the Versailles complex. It is recommended to visit Versailles with children at least 8-9 years old.
Handicapped accessibility
The Palace of Versailles offers easy access for visitors with disabilities, but some parts of the palace and gardens may be difficult to reach. Admission for people with disabilities and caregivers is free. Contact visitor assistance to best plan your visit.
Security Control
At the entrance, visitors will undergo security checks. Avoid carrying bulky items or backpacks.
Luggage storage
Due to the anti-terrorism security plan, you are not allowed to enter the Palace with luggage larger than 55x35x20 cm. Deposit any bags or backpacks at the free checkroom available at the entrance.
Pets allowed
Dogs, even on a leash, are strictly prohibited, with the exception of guide dogs accompanying visitors with the appropriate disability card as defined in Article L.
Visit the Palace of Versailles: FAQ
Do you have questions about the Palace of Versailles? Check out our FAQ section to find detailed answers to common questions.
A visit to the Palace of Versailles takes about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, while a walk through the Gardens of Versailles can take about 2 hours. To explore the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon and the Queen’s Village, calculate an additional hour.
The ticket price for the Palace of Versailles varies depending on the options chosen. The standard ticket for the full tour, which includes the palace, gardens and Trianon, costs around 20-30 euros. There are also combination tickets with guided tours or priority access, which can cost more.
The most affordable ticket depends on the type of experience you want. The“Passport” is the most comprehensive ticket, giving you access to all areas of the Palace, including the gardens, the Grand and Petit Trianon, and Marie Antoinette’s Hameau. If you only have half a day, you might opt for the ticket that includes only the palace and main gardens.
It is advisable to book your ticket to the Palace of Versailles at least a few weeks in advance of your visit, especially during peak season (April to October) or during special events. During the summer or holiday periods, the Palace can be very crowded, so booking in advance ensures you get in quicker and plan your visit better.
Besides the Palace of Versailles, there are many other attractions not to be missed. The gardens of Versailles are a landscaped masterpiece with fountains, sculptures and enchanting pathways. The Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon offer a glimpse into the more private life of the royal family. Marie Antoinette’s Hameau is a picturesque rustic village where the queen took refuge to escape court life. These places add depth and context to a visit to the Palace.