How to plan your visit to the Palace of Versailles? To make the most of your visit to Versailles, it is essential to book a time slot online. The ideal itinerary is to visit the Palace as soon as it opens at 9:00 a.m., then explore the Gardens and the Trianon Estate (open from 12:00 p.m.) in the afternoon. The estate is open from Tuesday to Sunday, closing on Mondays. For the rest, here is the tour with anecdotes to ensure you have a good time.
Versailles is the palace of the Sun King / Photo selected by Monsieur de France: gilmanshin via depositphotos
The essentials in 30 seconds:
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Reservation required: get a timed entry ticket (even if you're free).
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Prices range from €22 to €32 for French citizens and residents of the European Economic Area, and from €25 to €35 for others.
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Best plan : Castle from 9:00 a.m., puis Gardens + Trianon l’après-midi (Trianon opens at 12:00 p.m.).
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Closure: the castle is closed on Mondays (gardens often accessible).
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Ideal duration : 1 day (6–7h). 4h si vous ne faites pas Trianon.
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Easiest access : RER C → “Versailles Château – Left Bank” (10 min à pied).
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Tip to avoid lines: choose the first time slot (9 a.m.) and arrive 15 minutes early.
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Best days : Wednesday / Thursday (évitez le mardi et le week-end si possible).
Versailles: what we discover and what we feel
To the west of Paris, the Palace of Versailles rises like a golden and stone apparition. An absolute masterpiece of French classicism, it attracts more than seven million visitors each year, fascinated by its balance and excess. Originally a simple hunting lodge built by Louis XIII, under Louis XIV it became a complete universe: architecture, gardens, water, light, music, and protocol came together to create a truly royal symphony. Louis XV brought comfort to the palace. Marie Antoinette added simplicity, and the Republic finally turned it into a majestic venue for gathering elected officials or impressing official visitors.
The estate covers more than 800 hectares: the palace, French gardens, the Grand Canal, the Orangery, the Grand and Petit Trianon, and the Queen's Hamlet. Versailles is an orderly world, a city within a city, where everything obeyed the rhythm of the sovereign. Even today, the place is still alive: exhibitions, concerts, restaurants, and shows perpetuate the spirit of the Sun King. You will experience it too, and I am delighted for you!
Gardens and Palace of Versailles / photo Vivvi Smak/Shutterstock.com
Before you begin, discover 10 surprising and amusing facts about Versailles.
Must-see sights and activities in Versailles
The arrival in Versailles: the staging of power
The gold leaf gate bearing the French coat of arms that closes off the main courtyard at Versailles / photo chosen by Monsieur de France: by Rodrigo Pignatta from Pixabay
From the Place d'Armes, three avenues radiate from the castle towards the town, like the rays of the sun. It is from one of these three avenues that you arrive and see the castle emerge. Each step prepares you for wonder: the pavilions echo each other, the slate roofs frame the sky, and the large golden gate heralds magnificence. As you cross the Cour d'Honneur, you follow in the footsteps of the courtiers of the past and enter a world where everything is symbolic: geometry expresses order, gold reflects power, symbols signify authority. Versailles is a lesson in grandeur.
Take the time to look through the gates before entering the grounds and crossing the Marble Courtyard. Take the opportunity to admire the facades, their busts, and their style, which tells the story of this castle so well: a hunting lodge of Louis XIII (the Louis XIII architectural style can be seen in the bricks and white stonework), which his son, Louis XIV, would literally envelop in another, much larger construction. There was a final plan to bring this part up to 18th-century standards, with large columns and white stone, but it was halted by a lack of money and the French Revolution. You can see the beginnings of this on the right-hand side of the main courtyard, the courtyard preceding the marble courtyard, with a small colonnade. Once you have crossed the courtyard, you will go up to the first floor and discover:
The Marble Courtyard with the facades of the first castle, that of Louis XIII / Photo by Fotos593/Shutterstock.com
The Grand Apartments: the theater of power
The King's Grand Apartments form a series of mythological salons. Each room features a different deity—Hercules, Mars, Apollo, Diana. The Salon of Apollo encapsulates this solar symbolism: the king, the center of the world, shines over his kingdom. The ceilings painted by Charles Le Brun glorify the monarch's victories, while the gilding and mirrors project the light of power. The King's Chamber is still that of Louis XIV (except that Louis XV had a fireplace added). It was here that he died. It was customary to remove one's hat and bow before the king's bed, even when he was not there.
Photo of the King's Chamber at Versailles. Photo selected by Monsieur de France: by VICTOR TORRES/Shutterstock.com
Opposite, the Queen's Grand Apartment celebrates feminine elegance and dignity. In the queen's richly decorated bedroom, nineteen princes and princesses of France were born. The current decor is the one Marie Antoinette wanted. It features portraits of her family and an eagle symbolizing her Habsburg-Lorraine family. It was from this room that the queen fled to join the king when the rioters of the October Days took the castle. A door on the side of the bed is the one the queen used to leave. She would never return to this room.
The Queen's bedroom at Versailles. The bed and the piece of furniture on the left is the jewelry box that held Queen Marie Antoinette's jewelry.walter_g/Shutterstock.com
Between the two is the magnificent Hall of Mirrors, which overlooks the gardens and connects the Peace Room to the War Room. It was here that Louis XIV received foreign dignitaries to impress them, surrounded by silver furniture and the diamond-studded clothing of the king, his family, and even the court.
Detail of the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles Takashi Images/Shutterstock.com
Hercules's salon: 142 characters.
It is the largest painted ceiling in the castle: 142 figures painted by François Lemoyne in just three years, from 1733 to 1736, after a nearly 20-year hiatus in the work begun by Louis XIV but suspended upon the king's death in 1715, before being resumed 18 years later.
The ceiling of the Salon d'Hercule in Versailles by François Lemoyne (painted between 1733 and 1736) Gilmanshin/Shutterstock.com
The Venus Salon: the gourmet salon
Venus was the Roman goddess of love. She is the gateway to the king's Grand Apartment. This is where snacks were served during the grand soirées of the court. These included oranges and lemons, infinitely luxurious products that the king grew in his orangery. It is still there, under the parterre, and you will walk over it when you visit the gardens.
Diane's living room: the billiard room
This room is dedicated to Diana, goddess of the hunt. It was here that the king played billiards. One can imagine crowds of people surrounding him, and even tiers of seats to accommodate his admirers. The king is still here, represented by a bust by Bernini.
Bust of Louis XIV by Bernini / own work by Louis le Grand Wikicommons
The March living room: the first reception room
Dedicated to Mars, god of war, this is the first official room in the king's apartment. It was here that the French guards who watched over the king were stationed. You will see a portrait of Louis XIV above the fireplace, painted by René-Antoine Houasse. You can also see two portraits by Carle Van Loo (originally from Nice), one of Louis XV and the other of his wife, Queen Marie.
Queen Marie Leščinska by Carl Van Loo (Palace of Versailles)
Mercure's salon: the king's first bedroom.
The Mercure lounge, interior view Fotos593/Shutterstock.com
Also known as the "bedroom" because this room was long used as the king's state room, even though he rarely slept there. This salon was completely refurnished in 2012. It features "folding chairs." These seats are a good illustration of etiquette (protocol) since only the most titled people were allowed to sit on them. Of course, one did not sit in the presence of the king.
The king's sun is everywhere in Versailles / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: gilmanshin via depositphotos
Apollo's salon: the throne room
This is the throne room (its location is marked by a raised platform). The throne was made of solid silver until the war forced the king to melt it down to finance his armies in 1689. (All the silver furniture in Versailles was melted down.) This is where the king held court. The room was also transformed into a ballroom during the "soirées d'appartements," receptions often given by Louis XIV for his courtiers. In the corners, we can see the four continents (not five, as Oceania was not discovered until well after the construction of Versailles). It is also in this salon that we see the portrait of Louis XIV (by Hyacinthe Rigaud) in his coronation costume.
Portrait of Louis XIV in coronation robes (Louvre Museum, oil on canvas, Hyacinthe Rigaud, 1701).
Looking at the painting, you will see all the attributes of the French monarchy: the golden fleurs-de-lis on a blue background scattered across the ermine mantle (ermine symbolizes sovereignty), the sword, the scepter, and the crown. Opposite the king is his great-great-great-grandson, Louis XVI.
The War Room: Gold and Marble
It opens onto the Hall of Mirrors and leads to its counterpart (and opposite) the Peace Room. Here we see Louis XIV victorious on his horse.
The War Room at the Palace of Versailles image for Frederic Legrand - COMEO/Shutterstock.com
The Hall of Mirrors: reflecting the glory of the king
This is the most famous room in Versailles. It is 73 meters long, 13 meters wide, and 12.50 meters high. It was added later than many of the other rooms, as there was originally a terrace with a small fountain here. The climate prompted the closure of this space, and it was converted into a large gallery suitable for receptions. It celebrates the grandeur of Louis XIV, notably with over 1,000 square meters of frescoes on the ceilings. They are the work of Charles Le Brun (1619-1690), who was already 60 years old when work began, but this did not prevent him from designing them (and it is very difficult to paint a ceiling).
The Hall of Mirrors and its famous torches / photo Shutterstock
It is decorated with marble and, above all, 357 mirrors, which was quite a feat at the time of its construction in 1679, as France was just beginning to learn how to make them. It must be said that Colbert managed to bring in Venetian workers at great expense to make these mirrors at a time when Venice was the only place that knew how to make large mirrors. It was forbidden to share the secret on pain of death. This shows how much France had to pay to carry out this textbook case of industrial espionage and bring in these workers, who were first settled in Paris before being sent to Cherbourg because the capital made them too rowdy (even back then, Parisian nights were wild!).
Louis XIV receives the Doge of Genoa from his throne at the end of the Hall of Mirrors. By Claude-Guy Hallé — w:de:Bild:Versailles1685.jpg. See also the Collections of the Palace of Versailles. Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=546043
This is where major historical events took place, such as the marriage of Louis XVI (then Duke of Berry) and Marie Antoinette in 1770. It was here that the German Empire was proclaimed after France's heavy defeat in 1871 (it lost Alsace and Moselle). It was here that the Treaty of Versailles was signed, bringing an end to the First World War. Many famous figures have visited here: de Gaulle invited President Kennedy, Elizabeth II of Great Britain visited, as did the heads of state of the G7 at the invitation of François Mitterrand.
Masquerade ball given by Louis XV in the "Grande Galerie"
The council chamber: the place where historic decisions are made.
In the middle of the Hall of Mirrors, a door leads to the Council Chamber. This is where Kings Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI decided the future of France from 1682 to 1789. Louis XIV sat there alone. Louis XV was often accompanied by his cat. It was also here that Louis XVI fell asleep in the middle of a council meeting.
The Council Chamber: detail / Photo by V_E/Shutterstock.com
The king's chamber: France watches over the monarch's sleep.
This is the heart of the palace. Here sleeps the King (although Louis XV and Louis XVI only officially rose here, preferring warmer rooms in the small apartments and going to the state bedroom a few moments before the courtiers entered. They therefore no longer slept in the room, which was very cold in winter. More than a bedroom, it is a ceremonial room where the king receives visitors when he rises or retires for the night. Only those who are important at court or chosen by the king may attend these moments. Some pay for access. For example, one could be given a "brevet de chaise d'affaire" to be present when the king relieved himself. He would then chat with his entourage while doing "what nature commands". This is also where the king dined in public. At night, under the sculpture of France watching over the king's sleep, he slept, watched over by his first valet, who unfolded a small camp bed and whose wrist was connected by a silk cord to that of the king in case of need. When the king is not there, it is customary to bow before the monarch's bed.
The king's chamber / Gabriela Beres/Shutterstock.com No one could pass the balustrades unless authorized by the Etiquette.
It was in this room that Louis XIV died on September 1, 1715, at the age of 76. It was also here that he underwent the famous anal fistula operation. This was a very dangerous operation at the time, which was also performed on poor people (several of whom died) by the king's physician, Charles François Felix. The king did not scream. He merely said "my God" at one point. The operation was successful and the king's life was saved. Several "Te Deums" were sung throughout France, including a hymn of joy which, through the surprising twists and turns of history, became... "God Save the King," the British national anthem.
King's chamber photo by VICTOR TORRES/Shutterstock.com
If you turn your head, you will see the balcony and the marble courtyard. You will remember Marie Antoinette, on October 6, 1789, stepping out onto the balcony, while the armed people of Paris chanted "the queen on the balcony," and the heads of the castle guards were held up to the sky, impaled on pikes. The queen was greeted by a deathly silence. She bowed to the crowd, which finally applauded her.
the antechamber of the bull's-eye window
It takes its name from the bull's-eye window that illuminates it. This is where courtiers wait to be summoned to enter the king's chamber. You walk through it without knowing it, but imagine the immense stress felt by the courtiers as they wondered whether the king had noticed them enough to invite them into his chamber or, better still, say a word to them.
The Peace Fair... and the Game Fair
Opposite the War Room, it is located at the far end of the Hall of Mirrors. Part of the Queen's apartments, it was separated from them during the reign of Louis XV by a removable partition that was (rarely) taken down for special occasions. It was here that Queen Marie indulged in one of her rare vices: gambling. Her husband was often forced to bail her out. In her defense, it must be said that she gave generously to charity. In the center of the ceiling: France brings peace to Europe. Above the fireplace is a portrait of King Louis XIV.
The Queen's Bedroom: Marie Antoinette's bedroom.
The Queen's bedroom at Versailles. The bed; the piece of furniture on the left is the jewelry box that contained Queen Marie Antoinette's jewels. walter_g/Shutterstock.com
This has been the Queen's chamber since the beginning. It was here that Maria Theresa of Austria slept (and died in 1683), as well as Queen Maria Leščinska (who would not recognize the place at all, since her successor had everything redone). It was also here that the queens of France gave birth in public, so that the people could witness that the child born was indeed a son or daughter of France. Twenty "children of France" were born here, including the future Louis XV, Louis XVI, Louis XVIII, and Charles X.
Queen Marie Antoinette by Elisabeth Vigée-Lebrun
This is where Marie Antoinette slept when she became Queen of France and had everything refurnished. Here you can see the "duchess's bed," whose canopy is decorated with the eagles of the House of Austria, Marie Antoinette's family, and a few family portraits. In the morning, around 10 a.m., visitors can watch the queen rise, if they are allowed. In the evening, they can watch her go to bed. Everything is public when she is in Versailles, and Marie Antoinette finds this very difficult to bear. It must be said that etiquette is very restrictive.
The Queen's Chamber at Versailles. The bed. The balustrade separated the Queen and the authorized ladies from the rest of the court. It was here that Marie Antoinette gave birth in public. There were so many people that Louis XVI had to push the courtiers aside to break a windowpane and open the window. V_E.Shutterstock.com
Look closely at the photo. On the left side of the bed, there is a hidden door. This is where Marie Antoinette fled when the people of Paris stormed the palace on October 6, 1789.
Queen's bed / Detail Photo by Sophie Louisnard on Unsplash
The noblemen's lounge
This room served as the antechamber for the queens of France. They were awaited here. They also received visitors here. The body of the Queen was laid out here at the time of her death.
Salon of the Nobles at the Palace of Versailles Gabriela Beres/Shutterstock.com
Antechamber to the Queen's Grand Dining Room
It is, in a way, the royal couple's dining room. They eat their meals there in public. It's a spectacle. An orchestra plays music, everyone stands, and the king and queen dine. Louis XIV and Louis XVI had ferocious appetites. They were served several dishes at once and took whatever they liked. Sometimes they had to wait, especially to drink, as it was a privilege to serve them. It was therefore necessary to wait for a whole series of people to intervene, and there was no other option because it was an honor and, very often, they had paid for that honor. This is where the wine freezes in King Louis XIV's glass during the terrible winter of 1709, which did not spare Versailles (the Seine froze from Paris to its mouth, and the trees literally burst under the effect of the frost).
Queen's Guard Room
This is the room where the 12 bodyguards watch over the Queen. Several of them were killed in October 1789 while trying to prevent the people who had come from Paris from entering the Queen's chamber. The decor is entirely from the reign of Louis XIV. It has never changed. What you see here is exactly what visitors saw more than three centuries ago.
Furniture from the Palace of Versailles walter_g/Shutterstock.com
The Royal Chapel: faith in the service of power
Completed in 1710, the Royal Chapel combines majesty and spirituality. It was the Sun King's very last building project. Louis XIV attended mass from the upper gallery, overlooking the nave and his congregation. The architecture becomes a prayer in stone. The Corinthian columns, colored marble, and painted vault by Jouvenet remind us that, for Louis XIV, the kingdom and faith were one and the same. Even today, the chapel resounds with concerts of sacred music that recall the fervor of the Grand Siècle.
Versailles: interior of the chapel seen from the upper salon / Image by Michelle Pitzel from Pixabay
Explore the park of Versailles: gardens, fountains, and must-see walks
Gardens and Palace of Versailles / photo Vivvi Smak/Shutterstock.com
The genius of Le Nôtre: Understanding perspective and symmetry.
Designed by André Le Nôtre, the French formal gardens extend the palace; it is impossible to imagine Versailles without them. They were Louis XIV's great passion, and he even wrote a guide to visiting them. Descending towards the Parterre d'Eau, the statues and basins are aligned in perfect geometric order. The Bassin de Latone evokes the divine justice of royal power: the goddess punishes those who dare to challenge authority. Another element that contributes to the magic of the gardens is the light. It changes with the seasons. In the evening, it beautifully colors the pale stone of the château and can transform the Grand Canal into a golden mirror.
The Latona Fountain/ Image by 365 Focus Photography/Shutterstock.com
Further on, the Bassin d'Apollon shows the chariot of the sun god, a direct allegory of the Sun King himself. At Versailles, mythology becomes political language.
The Fountain of Apollo / Image by Mistervlad/Shutterstock.com
To learn more about Le Nôtre and the gardens of Versailles, click here for a dedicated article.
The Groves and Fountains: The King's secret places.
What makes the groves scattered throughout the park of Versailles so charming is that they hide a thousand surprises: the Ballroom, the Colonnade, the Water Theater... These are all green salons where parties and ballets were held. The 1.5-kilometer-long Grand Canal extends the perspective and invites visitors to take a stroll. In his day, Louis XIV had gondolas from Venice sail on it. The Orangerie, a huge stone nave, houses hundreds of orange, lemon and laurel trees that perfume the estate in summer. It is a Versailles of the South, bathed in light.
Water has always been scarce in Versailles, and it is a real privilege for us today to see the fountains flowing freely / Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: depositphotos
What is commonplace today, seeing water flowing in fountains, was not so in the days of kings. Water has always been a headache for Versailles, even though the estate was built on very marshy ground. Louis XIV planned to divert the course of a river to supply his park, but he never managed to do so due to a lack of time and manpower, as he was often preoccupied with war. A few kilometers away, a wooden machine, the Marly machine, supplied the park with water, but this was not enough. So, when the king visited his gardens, whistles were blown to warn the fountain keepers that he was coming, and they would turn on the water in the fountain in the grove where the king was arriving, while others turned off the water in the grove he had just left. In short, consider yourself lucky to see so many fountains in action at Versailles; even Louis XIV did not have this pleasure.
The Grand Canal: infinity as far as the eye can see
It is the visual signature of the Versailles park, a technical feat that seems to extend the garden to the horizon. 1.6 kilometers long, the Grand Canal drained water from the surrounding area. It was not only an aesthetic pleasure for Louis XIV, but also a veritable mirror of water designed to reflect the sunsets in line with the Hall of Mirrors. At the time, replicas of warships and even Venetian gondolas, donated by the Republic of Venice, could be seen there, with their crews staying in the nearby "Little Venice" district.
The Grand Canal / Palace of Versailles / Image by Vladimir Osipov/Shutterstock
Monsieur de France's special tip: For an unforgettable experience, I highly recommend renting a rowboat. It's the only place on the estate that offers enough distance to admire the castle's facade in all its majesty, far from the hustle and bustle of the courtyard. It's also the ideal spot for a lunch break on the grass, in the shade of the ancient trees that line the banks.
Orangery flowerbed and Swiss guards' pond / Image by Artem Avetisyan/Shutterstock
If you are in a hurry and are not going to Trianon:
If you want to save time, cross the main path leaving the Grand Canal on your left, then turn right and head up towards the castle via one of the paths on the left as you come from the Grand Canal. At one point, you will pass the sublime bosquet known as "Apollo's Baths". Here you can see Apollo (god of the sun), whom the sculptor modeled after Louis XIV, being bathed by nymphs after his day's work. Finally, you will walk up towards the château to discover the North Parterre with its designs and waterfalls, and you will arrive at the esplanade.
The Fountains of Versailles
In Versailles, water speaks and music responds. Every year, from April to October, the Grandes Eaux Musicales bring the fountains and pools designed by André Le Nôtre back to life. The water rises, dances, and falls to the rhythm of compositions by Lully, Rameau, and Charpentier. It is a dialogue between nature, art, and light, a moment suspended in time when Versailles rediscovers the voice of the Sun King. The Grandes Eaux Musicales take place on Saturdays, Sundays, and certain Tuesdays, while the Grandes Eaux Nocturnes, held on Saturday evenings, offer a magical spectacle of water features, lights, and fireworks. The entire garden is illuminated, the ponds come alive and music fills the paths: it is Versailles alive, just as it was in the 17th century.
Experiencing the Grandes Eaux is like reliving the lavish evenings of the Sun King, when the garden became a theater and France became a spectacle. Schedules vary depending on the season: during the day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and at night from 8:30 p.m. to 11:05 p.m.
⚠️ Tickets can only be purchased on the official website of the National Estate of Versailles (www.chateauversailles.fr). Be wary of the first sponsored results on search engines, as these are often private resellers offering inflated prices or invalid offers.
The Trianons and the Queen's Hamlet: Versailles "in the countryside."
The Grand Trianon: elegance in pink marble
The facades of the Grand Trianon / Image by Mistervlad/shutterstock
It was the place of leisure for Louis XIV, where he would relax and unwind from the constraints of his "job." Built by Jules Hardouin Mansard, Louis XIV's architect, it was completed in 1683. Residence of the Republic, which can accommodate prestigious guests (Queen Elizabeth II has stayed there), it was the Residence of Emperor Napoleon I and was appreciated by Eugénie de Montijo, the wife of Emperor Napoleon III. It is three centuries of history of decoration, furniture, and of course French history that can be discovered at Trianon, whose very Italian colonnades and gardens are enchanting.
Columns of the Grand Trianon / Photo by Andre Quinou/Shutterstock.com
The Petit Trianon: Marie Antoinette's "home."
The Temple of Love in the gardens of the Petit Trianon / Image Jacky D/Shutterstock.com
A gift, initially. The one that Louis XV gave in 1769 to the Comtesse du Barry, his mistress. Designed by the architect Gabriel, in the middle of a botanical garden and not far from the menagerie (Versailles had its own zoo for a long time, open to the public, which notably featured a rhinoceros), the estate was given by Louis XVI to his wifeMarie Antoinette, who made it her favorite private retreat.
The Comtesse du Barry as "Flora" by François-Hubert Drouais (1769) collections of the Palace of Versailles
Par Jean-Pol GRANDMONT — Travail personnel, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=94865171
Eager for peace and quiet, she, who could not stand "Etiquette" (the protocol of Versailles), had apartments fitted out there, invited her friends, and did not hesitate to have the windows covered so that she could not be seen. An ingenious system of pulleys allowed mirrors to be lowered, concealing the exterior while "virtually" enlarging the interior.
The Petit Trianon / Image Pack-Shot/Shutterstock.com
This is one of the most beautiful places in Versailles. A delicate setting, imbued with the art of living of the aristocracy of the Age of Enlightenment. It is worth visiting at least once, especially as there are many rooms to discover and most tourists who rush into the Hall of Mirrors do not go this far. You may even find yourself alone and, who knows, meet Marie Antoinette as did some English tourists in the 1900s. They described a woman and her children sitting peacefully in the grass before a gentleman in a wig came rolling up and announced that they had to return to the palace because a large crowd was arriving at Versailles. They said they thought it was a reenactment. When questioned several times, they never wavered, leading some to say that the Petit Trianon is a little "haunted" or a corridor of time... So many mysteries!
Marie Antoinette with a Rose / By Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun — Google Arts & Culture — qwHgKqLoAQb9FQ, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=13398897
Trianon is home to Marie Antoinette's small theater (difficult to find and difficult to visit), designed by architect Richard Mique and inaugurated in 1780. It was here that the Queen indulged her passion for the theater and staged a few plays for her close friends. Louis XVI saw some of them and, deeply in love with his wife, applauded each time. Much of the interior simulates marble or gilding, when in fact it is made of papier-mâché and copper. It is truly astonishing.
The Temple of Love / Photo by Fabianodp/Shutterstock.com
You will also discover the uniquely shaped French pavilion, located in the middle of the French garden's paths, the cool pavilion (with its green trellis) where the Queen would sit and drink fresh milk on sunny summer days. Further on, as you head towards the Queen's hamlet, , you will come across the very moving temple of love, above the water, with columns and a rounded roof, inside which is a copy of "Hercules carving his club" by the sculptor Bouchardon. Further on, heading towards the Queen's Hamlet, you will discover the English garden. It is very poetic...
The Queen's Hamlet: Marie Antoinette's dream of nature
For once, we didn't invent anything: the 18th century was fascinated by nature long before we were. It was this fashion for country living that Marie Antoinette succumbed to when she treated herself to a "hamlet" like the one her cousin by marriage, Condé, had in Chantilly. It featured a kind of ideal farm (for the time), inspired by Normandy farms, where the queen came to see her chickens (which were sometimes served at the royal table) and cows, and had fruit and vegetables brought in, which were served to her children in particular. In a way, she invented the short supply chain from producer to consumer...
The Marlborough Tower and the Queen's Hamlet / Versailles / Image by Takashi Images
The Queen's hamlet consists of a small lake, where people used to fish in small boats, and 11 houses, including the Queen's house (which has just been restored), the "clean dairy" and the famous Marlborough Tower. This is where Marie Antoinette was taken when the Parisian mob arrived in October 1789. Note the vegetable gardens surrounding the small houses.
One of the buildings in the Queen's Hamlet POC/shutterstock.com
Versailles: the secret places of the palace
Palace of Versailles / At night / younes_bkl/Shutterstock
The Small Apartments and the Royal Opera House
There are many different tours available to explore the Palace of Versailles. By reservation, you can visit Madame du Barry's apartments (on the second floor) or the king's small apartments (including his magnificent office) and the Opera of Versailles, pictured here in a photo by Isogood_patrick/shutterstock.com.
Behind the castle's grandiose façade lie more secret places: the King and Queen's private apartments, reserved for the sovereigns' private life. Here, there is no ceremony: pomp gives way to gentleness and intimacy. Here you can discover the private salons of Louis XV and Louis XVI, their libraries, their studies, the boudoirs of Marie-Antoinette, a whole world of refinement and silence. These spaces are only accessible on guided tours, offered by the castle's lecturers, in groups limited to a maximum of twenty people.
Visits last approximately 1 hour 30 minutes and can only be booked on the official website of the National Estate of Versailles (www.chateauversailles.fr). The average price is €12 in addition to the admission ticket, free for European Union citizens under the age of 26. It is advisable to book several days in advance, especially at weekends. These apartments are the Versailles of whispers, perfumes, and everyday gestures: a place where power takes off its mask.
King Louis XV's desk is the most beautiful desk in the world and is full of secret compartments / By TCY — Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14185999
Another exceptional venue, the Royal Opera House, inaugurated in 1770 for the wedding of the future Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, is one of the most beautiful theaters in Europe. Made entirely of wood painted to imitate marble, it offers perfect acoustics and an atmosphere of gold and velvet. The Opera House can be visited during special tours, but can also be experienced during concerts, operas, and ballets performed on period instruments. Prices vary depending on the program, from €25 to over €100 for major events. Attending a concert at the Royal Opera House is like experiencing Versailles as an 18th-century spectator, surrounded by lights, music, and history brought back to life.
The history of the Palace of Versailles in a nutshell
The Construction of the Palace of Versailles By Adam François van der Meulen — 1. Adam Frans van der Meulen - Construction of the Palace of Versailles2. Web Gallery of Art: Image Info about artwork, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15463386
From hunting to royal glory
It all began in 1623, when Louis XIII had a simple hunting lodge built on marshy land. The location was appealing for its tranquility. His son, Louis XIV, saw it as a refuge from Paris, which he considered too hectic. In 1661, he ordered Le Vau, Le Brun, and Le Nôtre to enlarge the residence. Versailles then became the mirror of absolute power. The king wanted a palace that reflected the grandeur of France: art in the service of the state. The construction project lasted for decades and mobilized thousands of workers. Everything was designed to glorify the monarch.
Louis XIV par Charles Le Brun / Par ChaWeb Gallery of Art: Image Info about artwork, Domaine public, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15497120
Versailles, capital of the kingdom
In 1682, Louis XIV moved the court and government to Versailles. The palace became the beating heart of the kingdom. Every day, life was punctuated by rituals: the Lever, the Council, Mass, the King's Supper. The château became a machine for governing as much as for shining. Artists, scholars, and diplomats flocked there. Versailles was the showcase of France. Under Louis XV, the decor became more refined, the number of apartments increased, and the king's private life took root. Rococo art and delicacy replaced the pomp of the Grand Siècle.
The sun, symbol of Louis XIV, appears on many structures such as the gates of honor / Photo by trucic/Shutterstock.com
Marie Antoinette and the shattered dream
When Louis XVI ascended to the throne, Versailles remained the symbol of the monarchy, but also of its distance from the people. Marie Antoinette transformed the Petit Trianon into an intimate refuge, far from protocol. The Revolution of 1789 put an end to this world. On October 5, the people of Paris marched on Versailles and forced the royal family to leave the palace, never to return. During the Revolution, the furniture was sold and the gilding tarnished. Versailles became a museum of emptiness.
Marie Antoinette and her children, by Elisabeth Vigée-Lebrun. We can see the future "Madame Royale" Marie Thérèse (the Queen's eldest daughter), the first Dauphin (who died of tuberculosis in 1789), and the young Duke of Normandy (who became Dauphin and died in the Temple prison at the age of 12).
The empty cradle symbolizes the absence of "Madame Sophie," the last child of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI, who died as an infant very recently at the time the painting was created by the Queen's official painter.
Versailles is reborn
In the 19th century, Louis-Philippe transformed the palace into a museum of French history. Historical paintings and busts of heroes replaced the courtiers. In 1919, the Hall of Mirrors regained its role as a world stage: the Treaty of Versailles was signed there, marking the end of the Great War. Today, Versailles is experiencing a new renaissance. Thanks to restoration work and exhibitions, the palace lives on in the present. Visitors from all over the world come here in search of an image of eternal France.
Palace of Versailles: practical guide, opening hours, prices, and tips
Water has always been scarce in Versailles, and it is a real privilege for our era to see the fountains flowing freely / Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: depositphotos
Logistics and Access: Preparing for your trip to Versailles
The estate is located approximately 20 km southwest of Paris.
Address: Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles, France
Access:
While the car may seem comfortable, it is often a trap due to complex and expensive parking.
– By RER C from Paris: “Versailles Château – Rive Gauche” stop (10-minute walk from the palace)
– By train from Montparnasse: “Versailles Chantiers” station
– By car: A13 highway, Versailles Centre exit (paid parking around the palace)
Recommended access from Paris: RER C
This is the simplest and most reliable solution. Take the line towards Versailles Château – Rive Gauche.
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Travel time: Approximately 40 minutes from central Paris.
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Walking: The station is only a 10-minute walk from the Grille d'Honneur.
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Expert tip: Buy your return ticket in the morning to avoid queues in the evening.
Versailles opening hours
The success of your day depends on your punctuality.
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Castle: every day except Monday, from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (last admission at 6 p.m.)
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Gardens: open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (even on Mondays, when the castle is closed but the park remains open).
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Domaine de Trianon: opens at 12:00 p.m.
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Weekly closure:The Palace of Versailles is always closed on Mondays.
The Palace of Versailles, seen from the gardens / depositphotos
Versailles rates since 2026
Tourists from the European Economic Area (EEA)
To benefit from the EEA rate, please bring proof of identity (subject to verification).
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Versailles (low season from November 1 to March 31):
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Passport ticket: €22
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Trianon Estate ticket: €12
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End-of-day pass (castle admission from 4:00 p.m.): €15
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- Versailles (high season from April 1 to October 31):
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Passport ticket: €32
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Domaine de Trianon ticket: €12
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Late-afternoon Passport (castle admission from 4 p.m.): €25
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List of EEA countries (30): Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden.
Non-European tourists (outside the EEA: Americans, Chinese, British, etc.)
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Versailles (low season from November 1 to March 31):
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Passport ticket: €25
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Trianon Estate ticket: €15
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End-of-day pass (castle admission from 4:00 PM): €18
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Versailles (high season from April 1 to October 31):
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Passport ticket: €35
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Trianon Estate ticket: €15
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End-of-day pass (castle admission from 3:00 p.m.): €28
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Ticket prices and updated rates are available on the official website of the Palace of Versailles.
Image par Laurent Verdier de Pixabay
Monsieur de France's tips for visiting Versailles more easily
Official websites to help you plan your visit
For up-to-date information on schedules, prices, or exhibitions, always check the official websites.
– National Estate of Versailles: www.chateauversailles.fr
– Versailles Tourist Office: www.versailles-tourisme.com
⚠️ Tickets must only be purchased via these links. Be wary of the first search results, which are often unofficial resellers with inflated prices.
The best day to visit: avoid the pitfalls
While Versailles belongs to history, it also belongs to those who know how to choose their moment. In my experience, Wednesdays and Thursdays are the best days for a quiet visit.
Beware of the Tuesday trap: as the Louvre Museum is closed on Tuesdays, all tourist traffic is often diverted to Versailles, making it difficult to navigate the crowds at times. Similarly, weekends are best reserved for those who enjoy large crowds. Choose midweek visits to savor the serenity of the groves.
Mandatory reservations: understanding time slots
For several years now, the golden rule has been that booking a time slot is mandatory, even if you are eligible for free admission (such as EU residents under the age of 26). This system helps regulate entry to the castle and avoids long waits in the sun in the Cour d'Honneur.
My expert advice: choose the first time slot at 9:00 a.m. Arriving 15 minutes before opening allows you to be among the first in the Hall of Mirrors, a moment of pure magic before the crowds arrive.
The line-skipping trick: the "1 year in Versailles" card
If you live in the Paris area or plan to return even just twice a year, this is the ultimate investment. The "1 year in Versailles" subscription card is a real game changer. Not only does it give you unlimited access, but more importantly, it gives you priority access (Entrance A). It's the most radical and effective way to avoid the general queue, which remains impressive even with a timed ticket.
The secret entrance: the Queen's Gate
For those who want to start with the gardens or Marie Antoinette's estate without going through the hustle and bustle of the Cour d'Honneur, here's my secret: go through the Queen's Gate. Located on Boulevard de la Reine, it gives you direct access to the park. It's a much more peaceful and quicker way to get in, ideal if you already have your tickets on your smartphone.
Restrooms in Versailles, guidelines, and accessibility
The Versailles estate is immense, but everything has been designed for the comfort of visitors.
- Free restrooms are available in several locations: in the Ministers' Courtyard (before the entrance to the palace), near the Café d'Orléans, at the Grand Trianon, at the Petit Trianon, and around the Grand Canal.
- Free lockers are available at the entrance to the palace and the Grand Trianon for storing large bags, umbrellas, and strollers. Oversized items are not permitted inside in order to protect the collections.
- The site is partially accessible to people with reduced mobility: ramps, elevators, and wheelchairs are available upon request. Visitors with disabilities enjoy free admission for themselves and their companion.
- To facilitate your visit, the National Estate of Versailles also provides adapted access maps and audio guides compatible with hearing aids.
The honorary gate of the main courtyard. To its left is the entrance to the castle by Juan Esteban Villa/Shutterstock.com
Visit Versailles in 1 day: Itineraries, Tickets, and Secrets
Visiting Versailles in a single day is an exciting but demanding challenge. The estate covers more than 800 hectares: it is a city within a city, a condensed version of French history where every stone and every grove tells the story of the excesses of Louis XIV. To avoid turning this day into an exhausting marathon, meticulous planning is essential. Here is the most comprehensive guide to organizing your visit, optimizing your time, and understanding the soul of the most famous royal residence in the world. So, arrive early (8:30-8:45 a.m.) and remember to reserve your time slot (see above).
If you want to know what to see in Versailles in 2 hours, 4 hours, 1 day, or 2 days, click here.
The Two Strategic Paths of Monsieur de France
Here are two options for structuring your day according to how much depth you want.
Route 1 – Complete freedom (The simplest)
This route is ideal for a first visit without any fixed time constraints.
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9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | The Palace: Head straight to the King's Apartments and the Hall of Mirrors. By arriving early, you can enjoy the morning light reflecting off the 357 mirrors before the crowds arrive.
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12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Lunch: Enjoy the estate's restaurants or take a picnic break near the Grand Canal.
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1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | The Gardens: Head down to the Apollo Fountain. Now is the time to admire Le Nôtre's perspective stretching out into infinity.
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3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Trianons and Hamlet: Finish with Marie Antoinette's estate. The atmosphere here is more peaceful, far from the hustle and bustle of the main palace.
Madame Victoire / By Jean Marc Nattier in 1760.
Tour 2 – The Premium Experience (With guided tour)
This tour includes the official guided tour of the King's Private Apartments, which provides access to areas normally closed to the public.
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9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Palace (guided tour): Enjoy the Hall of Mirrors before the crowds arrive.
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10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | Guided tour: Meet at the Ministers' Wing. You will discover the Clock Room and the private salons where the kings actually lived.
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12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Lunch.
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1:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Gardens, Trianons, and Hamlet: An ideal transition after the historical richness of the morning.
The Marble Courtyard. This is where you will enter the castle /Photo by Andre Quinou/Shutterstock.com
Staying in Versailles for several days: what else is there to discover?
Versailles is so vast, with so much to discover, including over 60,000 works by the greatest artists of the 17th and 18th centuries, that you could easily spend two days there. You can take your time because one day is not enough to see the palace, the park, and the Trianon. And at Versailles, there are treasures that can only be discovered on guided tours. For example, the king's office, which has been recently renovated and features some of the most beautiful French furniture in history, Louis XVI's library, and Madame du Barry's apartment. Also not to be missed is the Opera House, which was for a long time the largest and most modern in Europe. Inaugurated for the wedding of Louis XVI (then Duke of Berry) and Marie Antoinette, it is truly sumptuous.
The themed guided tours can be found here.
There are many different tours available to explore the Palace of Versailles. Upon reservation, it is possible to visit Madame du Barry's apartments (on the second floor) or the king's small apartments (including his magnificent office) and the Opera of Versailles, pictured here in a photo by Isogood_patrick/shutterstock.com.
Near the palace: carriage gallery, city of Versailles, and other treasures
1 The carriage gallery
The carriage gallery is located in the King's Great Stables at Versailles / Photo by UlyssePixel/Shutterstock
Located just opposite the castle, in the large stable, it displays several carriages that were used during important moments in French history. The carriage used for Napoleon I's wedding, the carriage used for Charles X's coronation... This collection was created at the behest of Louis Philippe, King of the French. One of the carriages is particularly moving. It is the wheelchair of Louis Joseph, the first Dauphin, son of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Born in 1781, he died of a long illness in 1789 on the eve of the Estates General, which marked the beginning of the French Revolution.
2 The King's Vegetable Garden
An astonishing garden created by Monsieur de la Quintinie to supply the court, and especially the king's table, with fruit and vegetables. A French-style "square" garden, in which the gardener succeeded in growing the peas that Louis XIV loved and which the court made into a fashionable vegetable. It was also here that the technique of training pear trees was invented. Mushrooms were also first grown here. It's worth a visit for the pleasure of it, especially if you like botany. Horticultural training courses are also held here.
Admission is €5. Like all Versailles sites, it is closed on Mondays. From January to October, it is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. From November to December, it is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The website is here
Tulips were very fashionable under Louis XIV. They even caused the first financial crisis in modern history: the tulip crisis. Prices rose so quickly that buyers were purchasing bulbs before they even existed. When the fad passed, prices collapsed and fortunes fell with them. Photo by Claude Laprise on Unsplash
3 the city of Versailles:
The administrative capital of France for over 100 years, Versailles still boasts magnificent streets lined with numerous mansions. You will find nice little restaurants on the right as you leave the palace. Not far from the estate is the antique dealers' district. The Rocaille-style Notre Dame Cathedral was completed in 1754 and is well worth a visit.
To find out everything about tourism in Versailles, click here.
couple magnusprod47 de Pixabay
FAQ: everything you need to know about the Palace of Versailles
How many visitors does Versailles welcome each year?
Approximately 7 to 8 million visitors come each year to discover the castle and its gardens.
When is the best time to visit Versailles?
Spring and early fall are ideal: fewer crowds, soft light, gardens in bloom.
Can you visit the entire estate in one day?
It's possible, but difficult. It's better to allow two days: one for the palace and gardens, and one for the Trianons and the Hamlet.
The Temple of Love in the gardens of the Petit Trianon / Image Jacky D/Shutterstock.com
Are there night tours?
Yes, the Grandes Eaux Nocturnes every Saturday in summer offer a magical show of fountains and fireworks.
Are the gardens free?
Yes, except on days when the Grandes Eaux Musicales and Jardins Musicaux events are held, when a specific ticket is required.
Can you have a picnic in Versailles?
Not in the main area, but dedicated spaces exist near the Grand Canal.
Is Versailles accessible to people with reduced mobility?
Yes, most of the main areas are accessible, with free wheelchair loans and elevators in the wings.
Where to eat nearby?
Several restaurants are located around the castle and in the park, notably in the Petites Écuries and near the Grand Canal.
How long does it take to visit the Palace of Versailles?
A complete visit requires a full day (approximately 6 to 7 hours). Allow 1.5 hours for the Palace (Grand Apartments and Hall of Mirrors), 2 hours for the Gardens and Grand Canal, and 2 hours for the Trianon Estate and Queen's Hamlet. If you are pressed for time, the main parts of the Palace can be seen in 2 hours, but you will miss the soul of the estate.
Is it mandatory to make a reservation to visit Versailles?
Yes, booking a time slot is mandatory to access the Palace, including for those eligible for free admission (minors, EU residents under 26). Without a timed ticket, you may not be able to enter if there are large crowds. The gardens remain accessible without a reservation, except on days when the Grandes Eaux Musicales fountain show is held.
Is the Palace of Versailles open on Mondays?
No, the Palace of Versailles is closed every Monday. However, the Park and Gardens usually remain open and accessible free of charge on that day, which is an excellent option for a royal stroll without the crowds.
Jérôme Prod'homme Specialist in French heritage, gastronomy, and tourism. Find all my discoveries at monsieur-de-france.com
