The Palace of Versailles is a symbol of French grandeur, the embodiment of the era of Louis XIV, and a unique monument of global cultural heritage. Situated in the small town of Versailles, just 20 kilometers from Paris, this palace and garden complex attracts about 10 million visitors each year. Lavish halls, immaculate gardens, the Hall of Mirrors, and a rich history make Versailles a must-see destination for every traveler.
We’ve put together a comprehensive guide for visiting the Palace of Versailles. In this article, you’ll find information about ticket prices and guided tours of Versailles, where to purchase tickets, how to get to the palace, the key attractions to see, exploring the gardens and parks, and the best time to visit.
General Information
- Buy ticket to the Palace of Versailles and gardens
- Address: Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles
- Official website: link.
The Palace of Versailles Ticket Prices 2025
It’s highly recommended to purchase tickets for the Palace of Versailles online in advance. Due to the immense popularity of this landmark, booking your tickets online is the only guaranteed way to secure entry.
A complete list of available Versailles tickets can be found on the official website. The main ticket is called the “Passport,” which includes entry to the Palace of Versailles, the Trianon Palaces, Marie-Antoinette’s estate, all temporary exhibitions, the famous gardens, and the park.
Ticket prices vary depending on the season: from October to March (low season), prices are lower, while from April to September (high season), the entry cost nearly doubles.
At the time of publication, the ticket price for Versailles – including entry to the Palace, the Trianon, temporary exhibitions, gardens, and park – is €24.
A ticket with a fixed entry time to the Palace, access to temporary exhibitions, and park entry costs €21.
An entry ticket to the Trianon, including access to temporary exhibitions held there, is priced at €12.
The most convenient way to purchase tickets is through an authorized partner site such as GetYourGuide.
Guided Tours
Whether to choose a guided tour or explore Versailles independently depends on your personal preferences, budget, and the goal of your visit. If you want your visit to Versailles to be informative, exploring the palace with a professional guide is highly recommended.
You’ll learn more about historical figures associated with Versailles, such as Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette. Private tours also offer flexibility, allowing you to tailor the route to your specific interests. An additional advantage of a guided tour in Versailles is access to rooms that are typically closed to independent visitors, such as the King’s private apartments.
However, if you prefer to explore the palace complex on your own, you can download the official app, which includes an audio guide.
Palace of Versailles Opening Hours
The opening hours of Versailles depend on the season. During the low season (November 1 to March 31), the palace welcomes visitors from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with last admission at 5:00 PM. The palace is closed on Mondays.
In the low season, the Trianon Palaces are open every day except Monday, from 12:00 PM to 5:30 PM, with the last entry at 5:00 PM.
The gardens and park of Versailles are open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
During the high season (April 1 to October 31), the Palace of Versailles is open daily, except Mondays and May 1, from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM, with last entry at 6:00 PM. The Trianon Palaces during this period are open from 12:00 PM to 6:30 PM, with last admission at 6:00 PM.
The gardens of Versailles are open from 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM; however, on days when evening fountain shows are held, gardens close at 5:30 PM. The park is open every day from 7:00 AM to 8:30 PM.
Important: Admission to the gardens and park is free on days without fountain or evening shows. For current high-season ticket prices to Versailles, please check the GetYourGuide website.
How to Get to the Palace of Versailles
Versailles is located approximately 20 kilometers southwest of central Paris. The time it takes to reach the palace depends on your chosen mode of transportation.
Visiting Versailles from Paris in a Small-Group Tour
If you value comfort and efficiency, the most convenient option is to book a guided excursion to Versailles from Paris, which includes round-trip transfers. You’ll be picked up from your hotel or a central location in Paris and returned after the tour. Prices for these tours start at €99. To see what’s included in the tour price or to make a reservation, follow the link.
Train (RER)
Take the RER train line C (yellow line) heading towards the Versailles Château-Rive Gauche station, which is the closest stop to the palace. You can catch this train from the following stations in Paris: Saint-Michel, Notre-Dame, Musée d’Orsay, Invalides, Champ de Mars, and Tour Eiffel.
Travel time is approximately 40 minutes. Once you arrive at Versailles Château-Rive Gauche, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the palace entrance.
Since this station can get very crowded, it’s recommended to purchase your return ticket in advance. This way, you’ll avoid queues just for ticket purchases.
SNCF Train
This option is particularly convenient if you’re staying in western Paris. Take the SNCF train (line N) from Gare Montparnasse to the Versailles-Chantiers station. Travel time is about 20 minutes, and from there, it’s around a 15-minute walk to the entrance of Versailles. Again, it’s advisable to purchase your return ticket beforehand.
By Bus
If you prefer to travel to Versailles by bus, take bus No. 171 departing from the Pont de Sèvres metro station (line 9) and get off at the Versailles Place d’Armes stop. A one-way ticket costs approximately €2, and travel time is about 40 minutes.
What to See in Versailles
Versailles originally began as a hunting lodge for Louis XIII, but in 1661, Louis XIV transformed it into a magnificent palace symbolizing absolute monarchy and the power of France. Architects such as André Le Nôtre and Jules Mansart created a luxurious palace and garden complex. In the 18th century, Versailles became the center of court life, art, and significant historical events, including the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919. After the French Revolution, the palace lost its royal function but became a museum that now attracts millions of tourists each year. Today, Versailles continues to represent French grandeur.
Palace of Versailles
The main Palace of Versailles is renowned for its grandeur and opulence. One of its most famous attractions is the Hall of Mirrors, a magnificent gallery lined with 357 mirrors reflecting sunlight from its large arched windows. Visitors should also explore the Royal Apartments, which include the bedroom of Louis XIV, adorned with luxurious furniture and intricate frescoes.
The monumental Halls of War and Peace are captivating for their scale and beauty, while the Royal Chapel impresses visitors with its towering vaulted ceilings and ornate decorations. Additionally, the palace museum features artworks depicting pivotal moments in French history.
Grand Trianon
An elegant palace made of pink marble, built by Louis XIV as a retreat from the bustle of court life. Here, the king enjoyed peace and tranquility with his family and close associates, surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Petit Trianon
A charming palace gifted by Louis XVI to his wife, Marie Antoinette. It became her personal sanctuary, where the queen could enjoy a relaxed atmosphere away from the rigid formalities of the royal court.
Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet
This charming village complex, composed of picturesque cottages built in a rustic style, served as a retreat for the queen. Here, Marie Antoinette played the role of a shepherdess, surrounded by farm animals and tranquil ponds. The hamlet symbolizes the simplicity the queen sought as a contrast to her luxurious lifestyle.
Gardens of Versailles
The Gardens of Versailles are a masterpiece of French landscape design, created by André Le Nôtre. Extending across 800 hectares, they amaze visitors with their geometric symmetry, meticulously maintained paths, groves, and over 50 fountains. Among the highlights are the Latona Fountain, depicting the myth of peasants being transformed into frogs, and the Apollo Fountain, symbolizing the Sun King.
During summer evenings, the gardens host spectacular musical fountain shows – a must-see event.
What to Know Before Visiting Versailles
Plan your visit for the morning, especially if you’re traveling during peak season. It’s highly recommended to purchase your tickets in advance, as guaranteed entry to the Palace of Versailles is available only at your pre-booked time slot. The most convenient way to buy tickets is via the GetYourGuide website.
Avoid visiting on the first Sunday of the month from October through March, as these days offer free admission and tend to be very crowded. Additionally, it’s best to avoid weekends and public holidays.
Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Don’t forget to bring water and snacks. Food options are available within the complex, but they can be quite expensive.
