The Palace of Versailles is one of the most famous landmarks in France, attracting millions of visitors every year. Known for its Hall of Mirrors, stunning gardens, and rich history, it’s a must-visit when in Paris. However, planning your trip can be overwhelming—long lines, different ticket options, and vast grounds.
🚆 How to Get to Versailles from Paris?
The Palace of Versailles is located about 20 km (12 miles) from Paris, and there are several ways to get there:
🚄 By Train (RER C) – The Most Popular Option
- Train: Take the RER C from central Paris to Versailles Château – Rive Gauche station.
- Travel time: 35-40 minutes by train and 10-minute walk
- Ticket price: 2,5€ one way
💡 Tip: Tickets can be purchased through the Bonjour RATP or Île-de-France Mobilités apps, or at official ticket machines in metro and RER stations.
🚖 Taxi, Private Transfer or By Car, – The Fastest and Most Convenient Option
- Taxi: Uber/Bolt from central Paris: 40€-60€.
- Private Transfers: For a stress-free experience, book a transfer with Kiwitaxi or Welcome Pickups for direct, comfortable service from your hotel or the airport.
- By car: Parking is available near the palace, but it fills up quickly.
🎟️ Versailles Tickets: Prices & Where to Buy
Types of Tickets:
| Ticket Type | Price (€) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport (low season) | 24€ | Palace, Gardens, Estate of Trianon, Gallery of Coaches, Royal Tennis Court, Musical Gardens or Musical Fountains Show (one entry). |
| Passport (high season) | 32€ | Same as above but during high season. |
| Palace Ticket | 21€ | Palace, temporary exhibitions, Gallery of Coaches, Royal Tennis Court, Gardens – including the ponds, parterres, statues, and the Orangerie – (from November 1 to March 30 only). To access the Gardens before November 1, you need a Passport ticket or a Gardens ticket. |
| Estate of Trianon Ticket | 12€ | Access to Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, and Queen’s Hamlet. |
| Night Fountains Show Ticket | 33€ | Evening access to the Gardens for a spectacular night show with fountains and fireworks. Available June 7 – Sep 20, 2025, plus special dates. |
| Musical Gardens Ticket | 10€ | Access to the gardens during musical performances. Available Tuesdays – Fridays (Apr 1 – Oct 31, 2025) (except certain special event days). |
| Musical Fountains Show Ticket | 11€ | Access to the gardens during the Musical Fountains Show. Available Saturdays and Sundays (Apr 5 – Oct 26, 2025), plus select weekdays. |
💵 Where to Buy Tickets?
- Official website – en.chateauversailles.fr
- It is recommended to buy tickets in advance on the official website.
💡 Tip: Entry is free for EU residents under 26 and is free for everyone on the first Sunday of the month (Nov-March). In both cases, a free ticket must be booked in advance on the official website.
⏳ Best Time to Visit the Palace of Versailles & Opening Hours
🌟 Best Days & Hours
- Worst days: Tuesdays & weekends (crowded).
- Best time to visit: Early morning (before 10 AM) or late afternoon (after 3 PM).
🕘 Opening Hours
- High Season (April – October):
- Palace: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM (closed Mondays).
- Gardens: Open daily, 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM.
- Trianon Palaces: 12:00 PM – 6:30 PM.
- Low Season (November – March):
- Palace: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (closed Mondays).
- Gardens: Open daily, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
- Trianon Palaces: 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM (closed Mondays).
💡 Tip: Versailles’ opening hours may change frequently. Check the official schedule here: Official opening hours
📅 Seasonal Tips for Visiting Versailles
🌸 Spring (March – May): The gardens begin to bloom, and crowds are smaller than in summer, but rain is possible. Average temperature in March 2025: 6–19°C.
☀️ Summer (June – August): Peak tourist season with musical fountains and night shows (June 7 – September 20, 2025). Expect large crowds and hot temperatures, sometimes reaching 30°C.
🍂 Autumn (September – October): Pleasant weather with autumn colors in the gardens. The last fountain shows run until the end of October.
❄️ Winter (November – February): Fewer crowds, free entry on the first Sunday of the month, but the gardens are less impressive without the fountains.
💡 Tip: Bring an umbrella in spring and autumn, and in summer, don’t forget a hat and sunscreen.
👀 What to See in Versailles?
🏰 The Palace – Must-See Highlights:
🌳 The Gardens – A Masterpiece of French Landscaping:
🔥 Essential Tips for Visiting the Palace of Versailles
👟 What to Wear in Versailles
- Shoes: Expect a lot of walking, so opt for sneakers.
- Clothes: It can get chilly in the park, so bring something warm—or a raincoat and umbrella if the weather is rainy.
🍱 Where to Eat in Versailles
- Angelina (inside the Palace) – Famous for its rich hot chocolate and delicious pastries.
- La Petite Venise (near the Grand Canal) – A charming Italian restaurant with great pasta.
- Gordon Ramsay au Trianon (luxury option) – A Michelin-starred fine dining experience.
- Picnic spots: The Gardens of Versailles are the perfect spot for a picnic. However, keep in mind that food and drinks are not allowed inside the palace—except for a small snack or a small bottle of water.
📷 Best Photo & Video Spots in Versailles
- The Hall of Mirrors – Capture the stunning reflections in the morning when crowds are thinner.
- The Latona Fountain – Best for symmetrical garden shots, especially at midday when the sun enhances the scenery.
- The Grand Canal – Ideal for panoramic landscape shots, especially at sunset (around 6:00 PM in March).
- The Queen’s Hamlet – Visit between 8:00–10:00 AM to capture the dreamy morning mist.
💡 Tip: Tripods are allowed in the gardens but not inside the palace. Drones are prohibited unless special permission is obtained from administration.
🎒Practical Tips for Visiting the Palace of Versailles
✔️ Buy your tickets in advance on the official website.
✔️ Wear comfortable shoes – You’ll be walking 10,000+ steps! Consider bringing a spare pair of socks if you plan to stay all day.
✔️ Bring snacks & water – Food inside is expensive, and lines at restaurants can be long.
✔️ Check the weather – Gardens are best on sunny days. Bring an umbrella or raincoat in case of unexpected showers.
✔️ Plan restroom breaks – Facilities inside the palace can get crowded, so take advantage of those near the gardens.
🌟Additional Versailles Visit Tips
⏳ Time Required: Plan 4–6 hours for your visit: 2-3 hours for the palace, and 2–3 hours for the gardens and Trianon Estate.
🚲 Transport Rentals: Electric carts (€8/hour) and bicycles (€10/hour) are available at Place d’Armes near the entrance to explore the vast gardens with ease.
🗺️ Lost? Ask palace staff in yellow vests – they speak English and can help with directions.
📶 Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available at cafés and near the entrance, but it’s weak in the gardens—download the map in advance.
🔋 Power Bank Tip: Taking photos and using the app can drain your phone battery quickly, so bring a power bank to stay charged all day.
♿👶 Accessibility at the Palace of Versailles for Visitors with Disabilities and Families
♿ Versailles Accessibility Information
- Entrance: Free for visitors with disabilities and one accompanying person (with valid documentation).
- Infrastructure: The palace is equipped with ramps and elevators, though the gardens and Trianon Estate can be challenging to navigate due to gravel paths and uneven terrain.
- Transport: Private transfer services like Kiwitaxi and Welcome Pickups offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles—confirm upon booking.
- Audio Guides: Available for hearing-impaired visitors through the official palace app.
👶 Visiting Versailles with Kids
- Strollers: Small strollers are allowed both inside the palace and in the gardens. However, large strollers may not be permitted indoors.
- Kid-Friendly Areas: The gardens and Queen’s Hamlet are perfect for children to explore.
- Family-Friendly Services: Some guided tours cater to families with interactive activities.
- Restrooms & Changing Facilities: Available near main attractions.
📱 Palace of Versailles Interactive Map and Official App
Use the Versailles App and Interactive Map:
- Official App: Free to download, includes audio guides and an interactive map covering the Palace, Gardens, and Trianon Estate. Available on App Store and Google Play.
- Map: Helps navigate the vast 800-hectare gardens and locate key attractions like the Grand Canal and Latona Fountain. View the official interactive map online.
💡 Tip: Download the app in advance to use it offline during your visit.
If you’re looking to continue your Paris adventure beyond the grandiose Versailles, make your experience truly unforgettable with these exclusive, insider-led tours by Vadim Hedonist—local Parisian, travel blogger, and expert guide:
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🎨 Montmartre Walking Tour – Old Paris Charm – Stroll through the artistic heart of Paris, where legends like Picasso and Van Gogh found inspiration.
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