Welcome to your complete Versailles Travel Guide. Just a short ride from Paris, Versailles is world-famous for its magnificent palace, sprawling gardens, regal fountains, and rich history. Whether you’re planning your visit to the Palace of Versailles, exploring the gardens, or organising a day trip from Paris, this guide gives you practical tips, ticket info, the best itineraries, and expert travel advice.
What to see in Versailles
We didn’t expect Versailles to be this grand. We spent way too long in the palace that we didn’t have the time to visit the Queen’s Hamlet. Be a time manager if you want to see everything in one day!
- The Main Palace: A palace with over 2,300 rooms.
- The Gardens: Lots of sculptures, fountains, flowers, and trees.
- Trianon Estate: Palaces to escape life at court.
- The Queen’s Hamlet: A quiet place for Queen Marie Antoinette.
How to get to Versailles
Take the RER C train from Paris to Château de Versailles (there are multiple RER C trains, so be careful) for 40 minutes. It’s a 15-minute walk to the palace from the station. Don’t buy your tickets there, but buy them online to skip 1 of the 2 waiting lines (the second one is to enter the building and go to security, no way of skipping this line).
A car park is also available at the Place d’Armes (consult rates). Several bicycle parks are also available.
Fun Fact: Entrance is free for people from the EU under 26!
Practical tips for your Versailles visit
Suggested visit durations
A full day is recommended to experience the highlights of Versailles, including the Palace, extensive Gardens, and the Trianon Estate (9AM – 5PM).
Audio guides & guided tours
Book the tour with the audioguide to learn more about every room in the palace, portraits, and stories.
Tickets & booking tips
The Passport ticket gives you access to everything (palace + gardens + Trianon). It’s €25 (low season) or €35 (high season). Residents of the EEA will benefit from a reduction (Belgians included), and the same goes for EU residents under 26.
The palace ticket (to only visit the place) is €18. EU residents younger than 26 have FREE entrance. Just stand in line to enter the building and have your ID with you.
Estate of Trianon ticket (to only visit the Trianon estate) is €15 (low season) or €20 (high season). Residents of the EEA will benefit from a reduction (Belgians included), and the same goes for EU residents under 26. Just show your ID upon entering with your ticket.
Opening hours
Palace
- High season: 9 AM – 6.30 PM, last admission: 6 PM
- Low season: 9 AM – 5.30 PM, last admission: 5 PM
- Always closed on Monday
- First Sunday of the month free entrance
Gardens
- High season: 8 AM – 8.30 PM, last admission: 8 PM
- Low season: 8 AM – 6 PM, last admission: 5.30 PM
- Always open unless bad weather or exceptional events.
Park
- High season: 7 AM – 8.30 PM, last admission: 8 PM pedestrians, 7 PM cyclists
- Low season: 8 AM – 6 PM, last admission: 5.30 PM
- Always open unless bad weather or exceptional events.
Estate of Trianon
- High season: 12 noon – 6.30 PM, last admission: 6 PM
- Low season: 12 noon – 5.30 PM, last admission: 5 PM
- Always closed on Monday
Gallery of Coaches
- High season: 12.30 PM – 6.30 PM, last admission: 5.45 PM
- Low season: 12.30 PM – 5.30 PM, last admission: 4.45 PM
- Always closed on Monday
Best times to go & crowd-avoidance tips
The best time to visit Versailles is on a weekday (Wednesday or Thursday) during the shoulder seasons of April-May or September-October. Arrive at p AM to beat the crowds or after 3.30 PM. Avoid Tuesdays and weekends.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions Versailles
What is the best time to visit Versailles?
The best time to visit Versailles is on a weekday (Wednesday or Thursday) during the shoulder seasons of April-May or September-October. Arrive at 9 AM to beat the crowds or after 3.30 PM. Avoid Tuesdays and weekends.
How far is Versailles from Paris?
It’s a 40-minute train ride from Paris to Versailles. It’s a 15-minute walk to the palace from the station. Don’t buy your tickets there, but buy them online to skip 1 of the 2 waiting lines (the second one is to enter the building and go to security, no way of skipping this line).
Do you need tickets in advance?
Yes, always book a timed-entry ticket in advance to avoid long queues at the ticket office.
Can I visit Versailles Gardens for free?
Access to the Gardens is free except on days of fountain shows and musical gardens.
How long should I spend in Versailles?
A full day is recommended to experience the highlights of Versailles, including the Palace, extensive Gardens, and the Trianon Estate.
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