Palace and Park of Versailles was the principal residence of the Kings of France from 1682 to 1789, from the reign of Louis XIV through to the beginning of French Revolution. The Grand Apartments have survived in an excellent condition to our days, as well as the King’s Chamber, the Queen’s Chamber, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Apartments of Mesdames. The visitors of the Royal Palace can explore the whole Versailles domain, including the estates of Marie Antoinette, the estate of Trianon and luxurious Versailles gardens with numerous admirable fountains, sculptures, and neatly manicured lawns.
The Palace is open daily from 9:00 am, except on Mondays. However, Trianon and the Coach Gallery open later in the afternoon. The Gardens and the Park are open daily too and offer free access, except the days when Musical Fountains Shows take place.
The best time to visit depends on your priorities—if you want to visit the famous palace without the queues, the low season from November to March is the best. But to make the best of the Versailles Gardens, you have to choose the busy season. Summer months are the most popular. Also, note that weekends and Tuesdays are the most crowded days in a week.
A ticket bought online is the best way to bypass the admission line, but you'll still have to wait at the security checkpoint. A guided tour is the best way not to miss anything and get access to closed rooms.
Versailles is located 20 km (14 miles) from Paris city centre which is about 30-minute drive. For the fullest experience, we recommend spending at least one or two days at the estate.
Practical info
When is the best time to visit Palace of Versailles?
If you want to avoid crowds at Palace of Versailles, visit during November to March, the low season. In summer, the gardens and fountains are in full effect. Expect big crowds on weekends and Tuesdays. The time you visit depends on what you prioritize between avoiding crowds, experiencing the gardens and fountains, or both. Show more
Where are the estates of Marie Antoinette located within the Versailles domain?
On the north end of the Palace of Versailles park sit the Petit Trianon and the Queen's Hamlet, the estates of Marie-Antoinette. The Hamlet replicates a rustic village. Both estates occupy space at the edge of the park. You may explore the site and see the architecture and environment of 18th-century French royalty at this location. Show more
How can I avoid the queues at Palace of Versailles?
The simplest way to skip admission lines at the Palace of Versailles is to book tickets online before your visit. However, security checkpoints will still occur. To ensure access to closed rooms, consider using guided tours that grant special access to visitors. Nonetheless, expect queues during the peak season, and booking beforehand is no guarantee. Show more
What is the distance between Paris city center and Palace of Versailles?
The Palace of Versailles lies about 20 kilometers (14 miles) from central Paris, and a 30-minute trip by car is common. Buses, trains, and taxis all offer transportation modes from the city center. The train from Paris to Versailles lasts 15-20 minutes, and you can reach the palace grounds through different routes. Show more
What is the significance of the Hall of Mirrors in Palace of Versailles?
The Hall of Mirrors is the foremost symbolic room out of the Palace of Versailles's total 2300 spaces. It houses 17 great mirrors on one side, making it a photogenic feature of the palace. The palace’s important ceremonies, including the historic Treaty of Versailles signing in 1919, happened in the Hall of Mirrors. The grandeur present in the hall points back to the grand reign of Louis XIV, or the Grand Siècle, which initiated the palace's construction. Show more
