A true testimony to a part of the History of France, the Château de Versailles welcomes millions of visitors each year. When passing through Paris, this historic site is one of the must-sees, and so as not to miss anything of the immensity of the Versailles estate, we have put together an itinerary for you and gathered all the necessary information to visit the Palace of Versailles.
Visit to the Palace of Versailles: our recommended itinerary
Extended over more than 8 km², the estate of Versailles is a vast space that you don’t want to miss anything. Between the castle, the gardens, or even the Trianon estate, you need to be well organized to be able to visit everything in one day. You are ready ? Follow the leader !
Your morning at the Palace of Versailles
As soon as you arrive, between 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., start by visit the castle. This emblematic place has more than 2,300 rooms, 1,000 of which are regularly open to visitors. It will therefore take at least 1 hour 30 minutes to visit, ending, of course, with the sublime Hall of Mirrors.
Then, we advise you to continue your visit with the magnificent gardens of Versailles. If you are lucky enough to be present during the days of Great Musical Waters, you will then be able to admire the exceptionally watered fountains, notably at the Miroir basin and the Neptune basin, as well as at the Water Theater grove. The days of Musical Gardens, these are the groves which are open to the public. You can stroll there to the sound of ambient music, offering you a truly immersive experience in the time of Louis XIV.
Good to know: the Grandes Eaux Musicales and the Musical Gardens take place from April 1 to October 31.
Your afternoon at the Versailles estate
After lunch, which you can have in one of the castle’s catering outlets, such as La Petite Venise or La Flotille, head to the Trianon estate.
Open from noon (10 a.m. in summer), the estate allows you to discover the Grand Trianon, the second home of Louis XIV, and the Little Trianon, the private haven of Queen Marie-Antoinette. You can reach the area with the little train, stopping at the Grand Canal or at the Parterre d’eau, but small electric vehicles are also available for rental.
You can then choose the self-guided tour or take advantage of a guided tour, to discover the Petit and Grand Trianon, as well as the Queen’s Hamlet.
If you have time before closing, we recommend a visit to the gallery of Sculptures and Castings, or a visit to the Carriage Gallery. These sites are only open on weekends. You can also treat yourself to the privilege of discovering Marie-Antoinette’s Petit Trianon or the private apartments of the King during a guided tour in the presence of a speaker.
Your evening at the royal castle
Every Saturday, from June to September, the gardens of Versailles organize a magical evening that immerses you in the life of the Court at the time of the Sun King. There Royal Serenade, in the Hall of Mirrors, invites you to discover the French ball, then you can go to the gardens to attend the spectacle of Great Night Waters.
Allow 2 hours 30 minutes to discover Versailles by night and enjoy the final fireworks, at 10:50 p.m.
Palace of Versailles: practical information
To prepare your visit and ensure a dream day, some useful information are to be taken into account.
Domain opening hours
Each area of the estate opens at different times.
- The Castle: 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.;
- The Trianon estate: 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.;
- The gardens: 8 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.;
- The park: 7 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
The gardens and park are open every day, while the castle and estate of Trianon are closed on Monday.
Access to the Palace of Versailles
The castle is located on the parade, in Versailles (78000). You can access it from 3 stations: Versailles Château Rive Gauche station, Versailles Rive Droite station, and Versailles Chantiers station. Numerous parking lots are also available around the castle.
To access the castle, you will have to go through the courtyard. To reach the park, two entrances are available: the queen’s grille or the sailors grid. Finally, to access the Trianon estate, you will have to go through the castle, and cross the gardens and the park (30 minutes on foot).
Good to know: to facilitate access for people with reduced mobility, accessibility measures have been put in place throughout the area.
During your visit, you have the opportunity to rent an audio guide (available in 12 languages), to reserve a guided tour, or to download the audio tour on the Château de Versailles mobile application.
Prices for the Palace of Versailles
Access to the gardens and the castle, in high and low season, is subject to payment. Discounted rates apply under certain conditions, and offers are also available.
- The Passport ticket : this entry ticket includes the castle, the Trianon estate, the temporary exhibitions, the castle gardens and the park. From €21.50;
- The billet Château : this ticket includes access to the castle, temporary exhibitions and the park. From €19.50;
- The Trianon estate ticket : this ticket includes access to the Trianon estate, temporary exhibitions and the park. From €12;
- The “1 year at Versailles” card: this card offers you unlimited access to the entire estate for one year, exclusive cultural programming, priority skip-the-line access to the castle, as well as numerous advantages. From €55.
Passing through Paris, the visit to the Palace of Versailles is almost unavoidable. The discovery of the gardens and the castle of King Louis XIV is a poignant testimony to the history of the country and a magical escape for adults and children alike.