El Palace of Versailles is a must-visit when traveling to Paris. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is conveniently located a short distance from the French capital (it’s situated in the city of Versailles, about 22 km from Paris, and is easily accessible by RER train or bus). It’s one of the most popular day trips, along with a visit to Eurodisney.
It is one of the most famous palaces in the world, and together with its stunning gardens, it makes for one of the best excursions from Paris. The estate is a one-of-a-kind construction, renowned for its impressive main Palace and its unmatched gardens in Europe. Many French monarchs lived here for centuries, and today, it is used for state receptions.
The Palace interior is open to visitors, but the most breathtaking aspect is the vast gardens. Here, you can take a break and enjoy a drink on the grass or at one of the terrace cafés. The grounds feature large open spaces, numerous fountains, and lakes, making it an unforgettable visit.
In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know to experience the Palace and its gardens in the most organized way: tickets, schedules, transportation, and must-see highlights.
History of the Palace of Versailles
The palace was built in the 17th century by order of King Louis XIV of France, who desired a retreat outside Paris to relax from the city’s demands.
The construction of this colossal project unfolded in three distinct phases:
- The first phase lasted seven years, from 1661 to 1668, during which two lateral wings were added to expand the main palace.
- The second phase was longer, spanning about ten years, and involved further enlarging the palace to accommodate the king’s plan to move permanently to Versailles. Two additional wings were constructed, providing more space.
- The third phase was the longest, from 1678 to 1692, during which the Royal Chapel was built, a masterpiece by the French architect Mansart.
Tickets for the Palace of Versailles
To visit the interior of the Palace of Versailles, there are several ticket options available:
1. General Admission
This ticket grants access to the entire estate and can be purchased at the on-site ticket office or online. It is highly recommended to buy your tickets online to skip the long queues at the Palace, which can sometimes take up to 2-3 hours, especially on sunny days.
BOOK2. Guided Tour
This is ideal if you wish to delve deeper into the history and anecdotes of the palace and its gardens. Instead of wandering aimlessly, you will follow a structured tour led by a professional guide.
The guided visit lasts four hours (with two hours of guided commentary) and is conducted entirely in Spanish—a significant advantage, as most tours are in English.
3. Excursion
The third option is a five-hour excursion that includes skip-the-line entry, an expert Spanish-speaking guide, and bus transportation from Paris. Everything is arranged so that you only have to focus on enjoying the experience.
This way, you won’t need to worry about transportation, buying tickets in advance, or dealing with long lines at the ticket booths. Additionally, the tour is fully refundable up to a day before.
On this tour, you will be transported from Paris in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus. Once there, the guide will take you through the gardens and palace, providing essential insights into the estate’s history.
Additional Tip: It’s helpful to know that the Palace also hosts various events and seasonal shows, so planning your visit around these can add an extra layer of excitement to your trip.
4. Go City Paris Pass
With this card, you can enter the palace for free and skip the lines. It’s a great option if you plan to visit many museums, take part in tourist attractions, or enjoy discounts. Overall, it grants access to over 75 attractions in the city, including a river cruise, the Eiffel Tower, and a hop-on, hop-off bus tour.
5. Access to the Gardens
Entrance to the gardens is free on days when the famous fountain shows are not taking place.
On days of the fountain show, held on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, children under 5 years old enter for free, while everyone else pays €10 for entry to the Versailles Gardens.
Free Entry to the Palace of Versailles
Admission can be free in the following cases:
- Minors visiting Versailles
- People with disabilities (with valid ID) and one accompanying person
- First Sunday of the month during the winter season (from November to March)
- European Union citizens under the age of 26
- Children under 18 years of age
As you can see, the ticket price for Versailles is quite reasonable, making it a must-visit during your vacation in Paris.
Tip: Remember to take advantage of the free entry options if you meet the criteria; it’s a fantastic way to explore the opulence of Versailles without extra cost.
Palace of Versailles Opening Hours
The Palace of Versailles is open in two different seasons:
Summer Season
- You can visit the interior of the Palace of Versailles from April to October, Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM
- During a visit to the Palace of Versailles, the gardens are open from April to October, Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM
Winter Season Hours
- Visit the palace interior from November to March, Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- The gardens are open from November to March, Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Visitor Insight: The best time to visit is early in the morning to make the most of your day, especially if you wish to explore both the interior and the gardens.
How to Get to the Palace of Versailles from Paris
Palace of Versailles Location: It is located in the city of Versailles, southwest of Paris. The distance between Paris and Versailles is 17 km, making it very close, with several transport options available:
RER Train
The RER is Paris’s regional express train. Take Line C towards Versailles – Rive Gauche. The journey on the Paris-Versailles train takes about half an hour and is quite comfortable.
Trains depart every 15-20 minutes, and you need to go to the final stop, which is just a 10-minute walk from the Palace of Versailles.
SNCF Train
Another quick way to get to the palace from the city is by using the Transilien trains operated by SNCF.
Take the Transilien Line N from “Paris Montparnasse” station (departing every 15 minutes or so) and get off at “Versailles Chantiers.” From there, it’s a 15-20 minute walk to the Palace of Versailles. The train journey is fast, taking around 25-30 minutes.
Public Bus
The first option is the Versailles Express Bus, departing from the Eiffel Tower and taking about an hour to arrive.
The second is bus number 171, which takes you to Versailles in about 40 minutes, making frequent stops in villages along the way. It departs from Pont de Sevres station, which is on Line 9 of the Paris Metro.
Advice: Be sure to double-check train and bus schedules, especially if visiting during off-peak seasons or holidays.
Excursions
Finally, a great option is to book an excursion from Paris to the Palace of Versailles, which includes transportation. These tours provide a Spanish-speaking guide who will explain the history of the Palace, ensuring you don’t miss any important details during your visit.
What to See at the Palace of Versailles
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hyaq7EiX45Y
Main Façade
The facade of the Palace of Versailles features a Baroque style. Like many contemporary palaces, it consists of an elongated central structure flanked by two wings that extend inward toward the gardens. This design gives a cohesive and monumental appearance to the construction.
One of the most significant features of the Palace of Versailles is its symmetry, organized on either side of a central axis at the main entrance. The rooftops also play a crucial role in the architectural ensemble. They are of French style, forming a prism shape from which dormer windows harmoniously emerge.
The King’s Apartments
The King’s Apartments consist of the King’s Bedchamber, Apollo Salon, and the Council Chamber:
- King’s Bedchamber: One of the most important rooms, this is where King Louis XIV slept and held official public ceremonies. The room features gilded furniture, rich tapestries, and a grand four-poster bed. The highlight is the large balcony from which the King would greet the courtiers and gaze out over the gardens.
- Apollo Salon: The room where the King received ambassadors and diplomats. The space is decorated with a golden throne, large mirrors, and numerous artworks. As a fun fact, there are paintings of the god Apollo (the sun god), referencing the monarch’s nickname, the Sun King.
- Council Chamber: This room was used by the King for private meetings with his closest ministers and advisors.
Features: The chamber is adorned with richly carved and gilded wooden panels, and a large ceiling painting depicting Wisdom and Justice.
Highlight: The central table surrounded by red velvet chairs, where crucial decisions for the kingdom were made.
The Queen’s Apartments
The Queen’s Apartments were the private quarters used by Maria Theresa of Austria. The most notable rooms are her bedchamber, the grand salon, and the wardrobe room. Here’s an overview:
- Queen’s Bedchamber: Similar to the King’s Bedchamber, this was where the Queen slept and held private ceremonies. The decor features abundant gilding, luxurious tapestries, and a large four-poster bed. The walls are adorned with portraits of the royal family. There is also a small balcony with a view of the Versailles gardens.
- Grand Salon: The Queen’s favorite space, where she would entertain visitors and spend time with her ladies-in-waiting. It is lavishly decorated with mirrors, chandeliers, and gilded furniture. Look up to see the ceiling paintings depicting scenes from the life of Marie Antoinette, the last queen to use these apartments.
- Wardrobe Room: A room where the Queen’s finest dresses and jewels were stored. It features built-in wardrobes, glass display cases, and many mirrors that give the room a bright and spacious feel.
Spend at least an hour exploring the King’s and Queen’s Apartments to fully appreciate their opulence.
The Hall of Mirrors
This is one of the most iconic rooms in the palace and the world. When you enter, you’ll be amazed by the sheer opulence, representing the power and grandeur of the French monarchy.
The hall is a 73-meter-long gallery with 357 lavish mirrors adorning the 17 arches along the wall. These mirrors were intended to make the space appear even larger and to reflect the sunlight pouring in through the windows. Historically, it was used as a passageway or gathering area rather than for official ceremonies.
Today, it is a must-see for tourists (who will likely be snapping lots of photos), and it occasionally hosts events such as concerts and temporary exhibitions.
Grand Trianon
Located near the main palace, this elegant building is distinguished by its single-story structure and striking columned facade. It was built between 1687 and 1688 by order of King Louis XIV as a serene retreat for the royal family, away from the formalities and obligations of court life.
Additional Insight: The Grand Trianon features pink marble accents and is surrounded by peaceful gardens, making it a perfect spot to experience the more relaxed side of royal life. Be sure to wander through the lush surroundings to appreciate the tranquility that contrasts with the grandeur of the main palace.
Inside the Grand Trianon, there are several rooms you can explore at your own pace:
- The Courtyard of Honor: Upon entering, you’ll find a wide, open space that offers a beautiful view of the palace facade and its gardens.
- Marble Hall: This room features windows overlooking the main garden, and your attention will be drawn to the pink marble columns and its classical decor. It was used for important receptions and events.
- Hall of Mirrors: While smaller and more modest than the one in the main palace, this room also provides a luminous and spacious ambiance.
- Emperor’s Chamber: Decorated by Napoleon, who used the Trianon as a summer residence, the furnishings and decor reflect the neoclassical style of his era, which art lovers will appreciate.
Petit Trianon
Next, we visit another palace, the Petit Trianon. It was initially built as a retreat for King Louis XV’s mistress, Madame de Pompadour, though she passed away before its completion. It was later used by her successor, Madame du Barry.
When Louis XVI came to power, he gifted the Petit Trianon to his wife, Marie Antoinette, as her personal sanctuary. The architectural style is far simpler than that of the Grand Trianon, with a facade featuring only four Doric columns and minimal additional decoration.
The most notable features of the Petit Trianon include:
- Main Rooms: These include the Guard Room (where Marie Antoinette’s personal guards were stationed), the well-known Salon—an opulent space with Rococo furnishings for receptions—and the Queen’s Chamber, her private room adorned with luxurious furniture and expensive textiles.
- Palace Gardens: The first is the English Garden, redesigned by the queen, complete with charming bridges and streams. The Temple of Love is an island gazebo, perfect for picturesque photos. Lastly, there is the Rock and Grotto, a rustic setting where the queen would unwind and connect with nature.
Queen’s Hamlet
The famous Queen’s Hamlet (Hameau de la Reine) is a charming complex of buildings commissioned by Marie Antoinette to resemble a genuine countryside village. Located within the Petit Trianon grounds, it is one of the estate’s most delightful attractions.
The Hamlet features quaint cottages, a windmill, a barn, and a lake. It served as the queen’s refuge, where she could experience simple country living as a contrast to the strict formalities of court life.
Here, you’ll find the Queen’s House, the Windmill, the Farm, and the Dairy. Despite their rustic and humble exteriors, the interiors were luxurious, boasting all the comforts of the time. This was where Marie Antoinette would engage in hobbies like gardening and animal husbandry.
Royal Opera House
Of course, Versailles wouldn’t be complete without its own opera house. The Royal Opera was constructed later than the main palace as part of a series of enhancements aimed at showcasing the grandeur of the French monarchy.
The opera was designed for theatrical and musical performances as well as official ceremonies. Its neoclassical design features elegant symmetry and exquisite interior finishes.
Upon entering, you’ll be struck by the opulence and beauty of the lobby, known as the Hall of Mirrors. This space, adorned with mirrors and chandeliers, serves as a gathering area for guests before and during performances.
The concert hall itself is decorated in gold, blue, and pink hues, with intricate sculptures, reliefs, and oil paintings depicting mythological themes. It remains an active venue today, hosting a regular schedule of operas, concerts, and ballets.
The Gardens
The gardens of Versailles are undoubtedly some of the most spectacular you will ever see. Covering more than 800 hectares, they are filled with diverse plant life, fountains, lakes, trees, and flowers.
There are several ways to explore the gardens. The most common is on foot, but given their enormous size, you won’t be able to see everything this way. Alternatives include renting a bicycle or an electric cart, which allows you to move faster and independently.
For a budget-friendly option, you can also ride the group train, which is less expensive and offers a guided experience.
Around the gardens, aside from the main Palace of Versailles, you’ll find other noteworthy buildings like the Grand Trianon, a charming structure made of pink marble that is a true architectural gem.
Insider Tip: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring water, especially if you plan to explore on foot. The gardens offer endless photo opportunities, particularly near the ornate fountains and manicured flower beds.