Chateau de Versailles

Visit Chateau de Versaillesone of the most famous and frequented landmarks in Europe. Francewas the home of kings Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI. It has also been the setting for many significant historical events.

Recognized as a World Heritage Site by theUNESCO since 1979, it represents an exceptional site, located in the commune of Versailles, France. Ile de France

In this article, we offer you a complete guide for your visit to the Château de Versailles, including its magnificent gardens, the Trianon estate and the Musée de l'Histoire de France. You'll find essential information for organizing your visit, discovering the must-see sites, and benefiting from practical advice for an enriching experience. Whether your interest lies in history, art or nature, the Château de Versailles promises to captivate you with its splendor and diversity.

Plan your visit to the Chateau de Versailles

Are you planning a visit to the Château de Versailles and wondering where to start? Don't worry, here are all the essential tips to help you plan your visit to this majestic site.

Choosing the right time to visit

The Château de Versailles welcomes you all year roundfrom Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 6:30pm (or 5:30pm in low season). The Domaine de Trianon is open from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. (or 5.30 p.m. in low season), while the gardens are open from 7 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. (or 5.30 p.m. in low season). The park is open from 7am to 8.30pm (or 6pm in low season), and the Domaine de Marly from 7am to 7pm. The Galerie des Carrosses and the Galerie des Sculptures et des Moulages, as well as the Salle du Jeu de Paume, are open from 12:30 to 18:30.

As it is very busy, especially during school vacations and weekends, we recommend that you book your ticket online and give priority to less busy times.

Consult the affluence calendar on the official Château de Versailles website to help you plan your visit. If you are interested in the Grandes Eaux Musicales or Jardins Musicaux shows, please also consult the site for their calendar, as these events require a specific ticket.

Types of tickets and passes available

Various types of tickets and passes give you access to the Château de Versailles and its various areas. Here are the main ones:

Visit Château ticket Admission: access to the Château, the Hall of Mirrors, the royal apartments, the Royal Chapel, the Battle Gallery, the Museum of French History, and temporary exhibitions for 18 euros. Free admission subject to conditions.
Visit ticket Domaine de Trianon Admission to the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, Hameau de la Reine and temporary exhibitions for 12 euros. Free admission under certain conditions.
Visit Domaine de Marly ticket Access to the Domaine de Marly for 10 euros. Free under certain conditions.
Visit Passport ticket Access to the entire estate, including the Grandes Eaux Musicales and Jardins Musicaux shows, for 27 euros. Free admission under certain conditions.

Buy your tickets online on the official Château de Versailles website or on site, with a handling fee of 1 euro per ticket for purchases at the box office.

Getting to the Chateau de Versailles

Located around 20 km from Paris, the Château de Versailles is easily accessible by car, train, bus or bike. Pay parking lots are available nearby. By train, take the RER C or the Transiliens L and N. RATP bus 171 takes you to the Château in 5 minutes' walk. For a more eco-friendly experience, there's a cycle path along the Seine from Paris.

Practical tips for an optimal experience

For an unforgettable visit to the Château de Versailles, here are a few recommendations:

Allow plenty of time to explore the Château and its outbuildings. Download the estate map or pick it up free of charge at the entrance.
Follow safety and civility guidelines. Use the free audioguides or the official Château app to enhance your visit.
Consider a guided tour to gain access to exclusive areas and deepen your discovery.
Dining options are available on the estate, or opt for a picnic in the park. For a refined meal, book a table at the Ore restaurant.
To extend your stay, partner hotels offer special rates. See the list on the Château's official website.

Explore the Chateau de Versailles

The Château de Versailles, a veritable a masterpiece of architecture and artsymbolizes the grandeur of the French monarchy. Discover its priceless treasures.

The Château's must-sees

With more than 2,000 pieces, some of which are open to the public, these are the gems you won't want to miss:

The Hall of Mirrors Versailles: famous for its receptions and ceremonies, this 73-meter-long gallery is adorned with 357 mirrors, crystal chandeliers and paintings of Louis XIV's victories. The historic site where the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919.
The King's and Queen's apartments Discover royal daily life through a suite of seven rooms for each sovereign, decorated according to the period, with period furniture, tapestries, paintings and precious objects.
The Royal Chapel Baroque masterpiece completed in 1710, with painted vault, sculptures, stained glass and organ. Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette were married here in 1770.
The Battle Gallery The largest room in the Château, it features 33 paintings of great French battles, from Tolbiac in 496 to Wagram in 1809, created by Louis-Philippe in 1837.
The Museum of French History The museum's collections of French history, from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, include portraits, historical scenes, sculptures, weapons, costumes and objets d'art.

The Trianon Estate and the Queen's Hamlet

The Domaine de Trianon, royal retirement and entertainment residences, includes :

The Grand Trianon A pink marble palace built in 1687 by Louis XIV, surrounded by formal gardens and inhabited by sovereigns including Napoleon I.
Le Petit Trianon Neoclassical pavilion built in 1768 by Louis XV for Madame de Pompadour, then Marie-Antoinette's private estate with English gardens.
Le Hameau de la Reine Rustic ensemble designed by Marie-Antoinette in 1783, including farmhouse, dairy and mill, for country pleasures.

Les Jardins et les Grandes Eaux

Visit Gardens of the Château de VersaillesThe gardens, designed by André Le Nôtre, extend over 800 hectares and are adorned with statues, fountains, basins and bosquets, offering flowerbeds and vistas that invite you to take a stroll.

Visit Grandes Eauxfountains and water fountains set to Baroque music, take place from April to October, Tuesday to Sunday, with a special ticket.

Special activities and seasonal events

The Château de Versailles offers unique experiences:

The Royal Serenade visit in period costume with dance, music and theater, Saturdays from June to September.
Les Eaux Nocturnes Night-time stroll through the illuminated gardens, with candles, lanterns and fireworks, Saturdays from June to September.
The Baroque Music Festival Concerts in the Château's most emblematic venues, from September to July.
Christmas Market : craft products, gastronomy, decorations and events near the Château, in December.

Tips and tricks for your visit

Are you planning a getaway to the Château de Versailles and want to maximize your experience? Here are some essential tips and tricks to make the most of your visit.

Manage your time effectively

The Château de Versailles, with its countless treasures, demands careful time management. Here's how to make the most of your visit, according to your availability and budget:

For a quick tour of the must-see sites, the Château ticket is ideal. It gives you access to the Château, the Galerie des Glaces, the royal apartments, the Chapelle Royale, the Galerie des Batailles and the Musée de l'Histoire de France. Allow around 2 hours for the Château and 1 hour for the museum.
If you have more time or wish to explore the field in greater depth, the Passport ticket is recommended. It opens the doors to the entire estate, including the Grandes Eaux Musicales and Jardins Musicaux shows. Count 4 hours for the Château and Museum, 2 hours for the Domaine de Trianon and the Hameau de la Reine, and 2 hours for gardens.
For total immersion, the 2-day passport ticket allows you to discover the entire estate over two days, with access to the shows. You can organize your visit as you wish, spreading the attractions over two days.

Catering options at the Château

A multitude of catering options are available to satisfy your culinary desires during the visit:

The restaurant Ore at the Pavillon Dufour offers magnificent views and French cuisine inspired by the court of the Sun King. We recommend book in advance.
The tea room Angelinaknown for its hot chocolate and pastries, offers a gourmet break in elegant surroundings.
The brewery The Flotillaon the banks of the Grand Canal, serves traditional cuisine overlooking the gardens and fountains.
From kiosks and takeaways are scattered throughout the area, offering fast and economical options.

Using the Chateau de Versailles mobile application

The Château de Versailles mobile app, available free of charge, will enhance your visit with :

From themed tours guided tours, practical information and an interactive map to help you find your way around.
From games and quizzes for educational fun with family and friends.

Tips for avoiding queues

To avoid long waits, consider these tips:

Book your ticket online for direct access to the security checkpoint, and take advantage of entrance A, reserved for Passport ticket holders.
Consult the affluence calendar to choose the best time for your visit.
Start with the Trianon Estatebefore heading for the Château.
Use the free audio guides for a self-guided, in-depth tour of the Château and Domaine de Trianon.

Conclusion

As you have discovered, the Palace of Versailles is a destination extraordinary, inviting you on a journey through time and art. Whether your passion is history, culture or nature, this majestic place will meet your expectations with its many surprises and emotions.

Don't delay, reserve your ticket now online, via the official Château de Versailles website or mobile app. This will enable you to take full advantage of the benefits and services mentioned in this article, for a very competitive price. memorable experience.

We hope you have found this article useful, and that our tips and tricks have convinced you. We encourage you to share your impressions by leaving us a comment, share this article with your friends, and follow us on our social networks.

We wish you a special tour at the Château de Versailles!

FAQ

What are the opening times and prices of the Chateau de Versailles?

Visit Palace of Versailles welcomes you from Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.except Mondays. The Trianon estate is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 12 to 6:30 p.m.except Mondays, and runs from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in July and August.

Visit Gardens are open daily from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and are subject to a charge during the Grandes Eaux Musicales and Jardins Musicaux events. The Park is also open daily, from 7am to 8:30pm.

Visit Passport priceallowing access to the entire domain, is 32 € in high season and 21 € in low season. Admission to the Château, including temporary exhibitions, is 21 €. Tickets for the Trianon estate, giving access to the Grand and Petit Trianon and the Domaine de Marie-Antoinette, are priced at 12 €. Combined offers and the "1 year at Versailles" card for unlimited access all year round are also available.

How do I get to the Chateau de Versailles from Paris?

To join the Palace of Versailles from Paris, you have several options:

By train Take RER line C to Versailles-Château-Rive-Gauche station, just a 10-minute walk from the château. The journey takes around 40 minutes and costs €7 return.
By bus Take RATP line 171 from the Pont de Sèvres stop on line 9 of the Paris metro to the Place d'Armes Versailles stop, just opposite the château. The journey takes 40 minutes and costs €4 return.

What are the main attractions at the Chateau de Versailles?

Visit Palace of Versailles is full of wonders to discover:

The Hall of MirrorsThis emblematic 75-metre-long ballroom features 17 window-facing mirrors and paintings celebrating the victories of Louis XIV.
Le Grand Appartement du RoiThe King's Residence, with its seven themed salons dedicated to the planets, was the place to welcome his distinguished guests.
Visit gardensThe 800-hectare grounds are adorned with fountains, statues, groves and canals.
Visit Marie-Antoinette's estateincluding the Petit Trianon, the Queen's gardens and the Queen's hamlet, a replica of a Norman village with thatched cottages and vegetable gardens.

What sanitary rules must be observed when visiting the Chateau de Versailles?

To ensure a safe visit to the Palace of Versaillesit is imperative to :

Wear a mask mandatory for people aged 11 and over throughout the estate.
Respect the barrier gestures and maintain physical distance of 1 metre between each visitor.
Focus on online ticket purchasing and present your ticket on your smartphone.
Follow the direction of visit indicated by signage and avoid clusters.