What is Versailles and why should you visit?
The Palace and Gardens of Versailles form one of the most impressive royal complexes in Europe. Commissioned by King Louis XIV, it was designed to display the power of the French monarchy. Today, it’s an open-air museum with luxurious halls, vast gardens, fountains, and pavilions. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Versailles is a perfect destination for a day trip from Paris.
How to get to Versailles from Paris?
Address: Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles, France.
The closest train station is Versailles Château – Rive Gauche (RER C line), about a 10-minute walk from the main entrance.
You can also take trains to Versailles Rive Droite or Versailles Chantiers with transfers from other metro or train lines. Tickets can be purchased at any Paris metro station. The journey takes about 40 minutes from central Paris.
How much does it cost to visit Versailles in 2025?
Updated ticket prices (for spring–summer 2025):
- Palace of Versailles ticket: €21
- Trianon Estate and Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet ticket: €12
- €32 (April 1 – October 31)
- €24 (November 1 – March 31)
Who can enter for free?
EU citizens under 26 and all children under 18. Don’t forget to bring ID.
Booking in advance on the official website is highly recommended.
What are the opening hours in 2025?
Spring and summer (April to October):
- Palace: daily except Monday, from 9:00 to 18:30 (last entry at 17:45)
- Gardens: from 8:00 to 20:30
- Park: from 7:00 to 20:30
- Trianon and Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet: from 12:00 to 18:30
Winter (November to March):
All areas close about an hour earlier.
When are the Musical Fountain Shows held?
The fountain season runs from late March to late October:
- Musical Fountains: Saturdays and Sundays (also July 14 and August 15)
- Musical Gardens: Tuesdays to Fridays
- Night Fountains: Saturdays from June to September (also July 14 and August 15)
On these days, access to the gardens is ticketed (free on other days).
What else is there to see besides the Palace?
- Hall of Mirrors – the most famous gallery, decorated with 357 mirrors
- Royal Apartments – where Louis XIV lived
- Versailles Gardens – perfectly symmetrical, with fountains, statues, and ponds
- Grand and Petit Trianon – smaller palaces for royal retreat
- Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet – a replica of a rustic village where the queen sought privacy
Can you have a picnic in Versailles?
Yes, picnicking is allowed in the park. You’ll find plenty of shaded spots and benches.
However, picnics are not permitted in the formal gardens near the Palace.
There are also cafés, restaurants, and rest areas within the estate.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring and early summer are ideal, when the gardens are in bloom and the fountain shows are running.
Avoid weekends and holidays if you want to escape the crowds.
Arrive early (around 9:00) or come after 16:00 — those are usually the quieter hours.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Yes, especially during peak season — summer, weekends, and event days.
Online tickets include access to a dedicated entrance and help skip the long ticket lines.
What should I bring with me?
- Comfortable shoes — the grounds are huge, even the electric shuttles can’t cover everything
- Water and a small snack if you plan to stay long
- A sunhat or umbrella — it can get hot in the open spaces
- A map app or audio guide — it makes exploring easier and more meaningful
Want to explore Versailles with a private guide?
A private tour with a local guide allows you to truly experience Versailles — not just walk through it, but understand its atmosphere, symbolism, and hidden details.
We’ll be happy to organize a personalized visit for you that will stay in your memory.
Contact us today — your unforgettable trip starts here.
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