Palace of Versailles

The basics

Visiting every one of the palace's rooms would take days. With less time, a Versailles highlights guided tour is the best option. Options range from skip-the-line tours to private and small-group history tours. Combo tours which visit Versailles alongside the Eiffel Tower and Louvre (or the village of Giverny) are great for first-time visitors.

However you visit, don’t miss the gold-framed windows in the Hall of Mirrors, the priceless antique furniture in the King’s Grand Chambers, and the regal Royal Chapel. Meanwhile, in the gardens, the Grand Canal dominates while musical fountains dance to classical music.

Things to know before you go

• The site is incredibly popular—book skip-the-line Palace of Versailles tickets to save time.

• Most Palace of Versailles tours from Paris include hotel pickup and drop-off.

• Select a tour that combines round-trip transport with an audio guide for a self-guided experience.

• The palace and trianons are wheel-chair accessible. As are the English and French Gardens.

How to get there

The palace is in the small township of Versailles, France, 13 miles (21 kilometers) outside of Paris. It’s easy to reach by train: Catch RER C from Paris to Versailles Rive Gauche station, only a 10-minute walk from the palace. You can take the SNCF train to Versailles Chantiers or Versailles Rive Droite stations.

When to get there

Enjoy free admission on the first Sunday of every month from November to March. The Musical Fountains in the gardens are most magical at night. Visit the gardens on Saturday evenings between June and September to see a special musical fountain show crowned with fireworks.

What to do in Versailles

While the Palace of Versailles is undeniably the main draw in the tiny town of Versailles, there's lots more to see and do. The decadent Musée Lambinet is a must, while the Versailles market is one of the largest in France. The Versailles Cathedral also makes for some great photos. Meanwhile, on the Versailles estate itself, don't miss the Hameau de la Reine, a tranquil spot overlooked by many.

How long do you need at the Palace of Versailles?

You’ll need at least three hours to get a feel for the Palace of Versailles and its gardens. But it’s worth devoting an entire day to explore at a relaxed pace. For lunch, bring a picnic or grab something to eat at one of the many food and drink outlets.

What is the best day of the week to visit the Palace of Versailles?

Visit the Palace of Versailles on Wednesdays and Thursdays to avoid crowds. The palace closes on Mondays, which leads a lot of early-week visitors to come on Tuesdays. Fridays attract pre-weekend crowds.

What is the best time to arrive at the Palace of Versailles?

The best time to arrive at the Palace of Versailles is as soon as it opens in the morning, when it’s the least crowded. If you only want to spend a couple of hours there, arrive later in the afternoon, when the majority of the people have gone.

What are the Palace of Versailles hours?

The Palace of Versailles is open from morning until early evening November to March and stays open an hour later between April and October. The gardens, park, and Estate of Trianon also stay open later during the high season.

Can you bring backpacks into the Palace of Versailles?

Yes, you can bring backpacks of a certain size into the Palace of Versailles. The maximum bag size allowed is 21.65 x 13.75 x 7.75 inches (55 x 35 x 20 centimeters). If your bag is larger, you’ll have to leave it in one of the free lockers in the South Ministers’ Wing.

When is the Palace of Versailles closed?

The Palace of Versailles, Estate of Trianon, and Gardens of Versailles close on Mondays and select public holidays. The surrounding park is open daily throughout the year. Note that the palace sometimes closes in severe weather.

Ways to explore

Visiting every one of the palace’s rooms would take days. With less time, a Versailles highlights guided tour is the best option. Options range from skip-the-line tours to private and small-group history tours. Combo tours that visit Versailles alongside the Eiffel Tower and Louvre (or the village of Giverny) are great for first-time visitors. However you visit, don’t miss the gold-framed windows in the Hall of Mirrors, the priceless antique furniture in the King’s Grand Chambers, and the regal Royal Chapel. Meanwhile, in the gardens, the Grand Canal dominates while musical fountains dance to classical music.

Accessibility

Every level of the palace is accessible by elevator, while the Trianon Estate and much of Versailles’ gardens are not easily accessed due to uneven surfaces.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunscreen or foldable umbrellas (if exploring the gardens), small clear reusable water bottles, small handheld bag

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, layers (dress for the weather if exploring outside)

Not allowed

Suitcases, other large items, food and drink, flash photography, tripods and selfie sticks, pets

Amenities

Restrooms, audio guides, restaurants, phone-charging stations, water fountains, bag storage

Address

The Palace of Versailles is located about 14 miles (22 kilometers) southwest of Paris. It’s possible to drive there or take mainline and commuter train services. Many tours from Paris also include round-trip transportation, which makes getting there easy.

Driving

If you’re driving from Paris to the Palace of Versailles, travel to the Boulevard Périphérique and take it to the A6. Take the A86 to the N12, then follow local routes to the palace. The journey ranges between 40 minutes and 1.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Paid parking is available on-site.

Public transportation

To get to the Palace of Versailles using public transportation, take the RER C from the Gare d’Austerlitz to Versailles Château Rive Gauche, which typically takes around 40 minutes. Alternatively, take mainline trains from the Gare Saint-Lazare to Versailles Rive Droite.

Best times to visit

If you’re hoping to beat the crowds—and especially if you plan to visit during the high season or on a popular day of the week—it’s best to arrive as soon as the palace opens.

Best days to visit

Weekends and Tuesdays are the most crowded days at Versailles, as the palace is closed on Mondays. Wednesdays and Thursdays are generally the calmest.

Best months to visit

The palace is much busier during the summer months and during holidays. While it’s a lovely time to take in the gardens and outdoor attractions, it’s worth aiming for the shoulder seasons if possible.

Special events

Versailles comes alive during the summer months, when its special series of outdoor events are held—its Musical Fountains shows are hosted on weekends, and Night Fountains on Saturday evenings. The palace also hosts a busy calendar of musical performances throughout the year.