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The Best Tours of the Palace of Versailles in 2024 and Why

Brie Greenhalgh Last Updated: September 29, 2023

Ahh, Versailles. Its magnificence is almost unrivaled, which is why it’s one of the most popular attractions near Paris. The question is merely whether you want to explore on your own or enjoy an unforgettable day thanks to a passionate guide. If the latter sounds ideal, check out some of the best tours of the Palace of Versailles.

Pro Tip: Planning what to do on your trip to Versailles Palace? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. Check out our guide to Versailles for more planning resources, our top Versailles tours for a memorable trip, and if a Versailles tour is worth it.

Should You Take a Tour of Versailles Palace and Gardens?

The Palace of Versailles is a massive, opulent estate that will take your breath away. There’s so much to explore here but you’ll miss so much if you don’t have the help of a guide who knows about the rooms, art, and scandals here.

It’s located just outside of the city, so it takes extra planning and time to get here. You can leave the details to your guide and book an all-inclusive trip from Paris to Versailles with skip-the-line tickets for your guided tour of this incredible palace. Don’t trust us. Read our 5-star reviews!

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a Versailles tour is worth it .

Six of the Best Versailles Tours to Take and Why

Did you know that Versailles is a town and Versailles Palace is the attraction? Or that the palace grounds are 3.1 square miles with 2,300 rooms in the palace alone? If that sounds complicated, then trust a local guide to help you make the most of your day trip to Versailles and make it easy to see the highlights.

Our tours include skip-the-line tickets to the palace, but you can also decide if you want a guided tour of the gardens or the palace. And for extra convenience, our most popular Versailles tours leave from Paris, which means you don’t have to worry about how to get there on your own. Keep reading to choose which tour of Versailles is best for you.

• Versailles Bike Tours from Paris
• Skip the Line Palace of Versailles and Gardens Tour from Paris
• Versailles Gardens Tour from Paris with Skip-the-Line Palace Access
• From Versailles: Skip the Line Royal Palace of Versailles and Gardens Tour
• Private Golden Versailles Palace and Garden Tour
• Palace of Versailles and Eiffel Tower Full-Day Combo Tour

1. Versaille Bike Tour From Paris

The best tours remove all the complex logistics of getting into Europe’s mega-monuments or offer an experience that would only be possible with local knowledge and a guide’s expertise. The great tours do both! This is a great tour.

This is an exciting way to explore one of Paris’ most beautiful palaces. Join this unforgettable, guided bike tour of Versailles’ top sights! Cruise from an outdoor market to the Queen’s Hamlet, enjoy a picnic lunch on the Grand Canal, and visit the Grand Trianon.

Cap off your exploration with a visit inside the royal palace! Roundtrip trains from Paris, bicycle and helmet rentals, and entrance tickets are included, so all you need to do is enjoy the adventure!

• Friendly, local guide
• Bike rental with helmets
• Two-seater children’s trailers if needed
• Roundtrip train from Paris
• Visit Versailles’s outdoor market for Parisian picnic supplies (bring extra cash for purchases)
• Free time in Grand Trianon
• Tour inside the Hamlet
• Entry into the Chateau de Versailles to explore on your own

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  Versailles Guide for more resources.

2. Skip the Line Palace of Versailles and Gardens Tour from Paris

Round-trip Transportation from Paris

This tour takes all the hassle out of planning how to get to Versailles. Meet our local guide in the center of Paris and board the train towards the ideal stop for the Palace of Versailles. You’ll have round-trip tickets so you can return to Paris anytime after your tour ends.

Palace of Versailles

The lines at Versailles are notoriously long. Thankfully, you’ll have skip-the-line tickets that let you bypass the hoards of other tourists who will wait for hours just to get inside. Thanks to your headphones, you’ll be able to hear your guide as you navigate through the accessible areas of the palace. There are 2,300 rooms here, but you won’t have to wander through them all!

Gardens and Trianon Estate

Your guide will lead you through the ticket booth and into the famous gardens of Versailles. Hear a brief overview of how these gardens came to be and what to explore here. You’ll be free to wander the gardens on your own, and your tickets even include entry to the Petite and Trianon Estates, where King Louis XIV often used to escape his larger palace.

• 3 hours (plus travel time)
• Round-trip transportation from Paris (usually by train)
• Skip-the-line entry to Palace of Versailles
• Guided tour of the palace
• Entry to the gardens and Trianon Estate
• Free time to explore the gardens

3. Versailles Gardens Tour from Paris with Skip the Line Palace Access

When you’re staying in Paris, you don’t want to have to worry about how to get all the way out to Versailles to see the gardens. That’s why we’ve taken care of the round-trip transportation from central Paris on this tour. Just meet your guide and small group, hop aboard the train, get off at the ideal stop, then head to the palace.

This tour makes sure you get to explore the best of the Gardens of Versailles. If nature’s beauty is what really thrills you, then a guided tour of the perfectly planned gardens designed by then-famous André Le Nôtre. Your garden tickets also include access to the Petite and Trianon Estates, which are other popular spots to visit here.

After the guided garden tour, you’ll head to the ostentatious palace where your guide will share the most fascinating facts and stories about its creation and those who lived there. You’ll see long lines of people waiting to get in, but this tour includes skip-the-line tickets so you don’t waste any time getting in to explore on your own. Feel free to wander through the palace at your own pace.

• Round-trip transportation from Paris (usually train)
• Guided tour of the gardens
• Access to Trianon Estate

4. From Versailles: Skip the Line Royal Palace of Versailles and Gardens Tour

So what’s different about this tour? Well, we don’t assume that everyone visiting Versailles is staying in Paris. If that’s you, then this tour is ideal for you. It starts right at the edge of the Palace of Versailles, so you can simply meet your guide and group and off you go!

This tour also includes skip-the-line tickets, which means you’ll bypass that super-long line of tourists. Follow your guide, who knows exactly which rooms are worth spending more (or less) time in to maximize your visit. You’ll have plenty of time in the jaw-dropping Hall of Mirrors, of course.

With this tour, your guide will escort you through the ticket checkpoint to head out to the gardens. You’ll get an overview of what to see and how to see it all, from the fountains to the Trianon Estate. And yes, your tickets do include entry at both Petite and Trianon, so be sure to head over there on your own.

5. Private Golden Versailles Palace and Garden Tour

A private tour of Versailles is the way to go. Start in central Paris where your private guide will escort you onto the right train and off at the exactly right stop at Versailles. It’s about 40 minutes outside of the city, so leaving the details to your guide makes this day stress-free.

The crowds at Versailles are notorious, but booking this private tour ensures two things: you’ll skip past the lines and enter quickly, and you’ll be able to interact closely with your private guide despite the crowds. They’ll know just where to take you to find a quieter space to talk about what you’re seeing. And if you want more time in a certain area, like the Hall of Mirrors, just let them know!

The beauty of the gardens at Versailles almost rivals the beauty within the palace. These impeccable gardens are still well-maintained and worth exploring. Your private guide will talk about the incredible undertaking of planning and constructing these gardens. And you’re free to explore them and the Trianon Estate with your entry ticket here.

• Skip-the-line entry to the Palace of Versailles
• Entry to the gardens

6. Palace of Versailles and Eiffel Tower Full-Day Combo Tour

Roundtrip Train Journey

Versailles is located just outside the city, but you don’t want to miss it on your trip to Paris. On our day tour with the Palace of Versailles and Eiffel Tower , go on a roundtrip train journey to see the palace with countryside views along the way. With all the logistics taken care of, all you have to do is enjoy a day of French opulence. 

Palace of Versailles, Gardens of Versailles, and Trianon Estate

Get straight in with skip-the-line tickets and explore areas like the famed Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, the magnificent Gardens of Versailles, and Trianon Estate.

Seine River Cruise and Eiffel Tower

Back in the city, see more of Paris’ majesty from the river Seine as you cruise past the Louvre, Notre Dame, and other top sights. And the cherry on the cake: visit the iconic Eiffel Tower. Skip the line, get priority access to the elevator, and enjoy the incredible views from high up on the second floor. Is there a better way to see Paris?

Highlights:

• 8-hour tour
• Skip-the-line guided tour of the Palace of Versailles
• Round-trip transportation by train from Paris to Versailles
• 1-hour guided riverboat cruise on the Seine
• Skip-the-line elevator tickets to the Eiffel Tower second floor

Where To Stay in Paris

With a city as magnificent as Paris, it can be hard to find the perfect hotel at the perfect price. Explore the best hotels and places to stay in these incredible neighborhoods in Paris.

About Brie Greenhalgh

Writer, editor, teacher, hiker, traveler, dreamer. With a book or pen in hand and a majestic sunset on the horizon, life is never short of fulfilling moments for Brie. She has a background in history and writing, and enjoys writing and editing for BobVila.com, The Tour Guy, and her own business.

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All year long, concerts, operas, ballets... in famous places of the Palace: the Royal Opera and the Royal Chapel .

From the beginning of April to the end of October, enjoy the Musical Fountains Shows and the Musical Gardens .

Show in the Palace, access through  entrance B .

Shows in the Gardens, access through  the Princes courtyard .

Locate on the map

Fountains shows in one look

A simplified presentation of the tickets allowing access to the Musical Fountains Show, the Musical Gardens, the Royal Serenades or the Fountains Night Show.

Guided tours

Led by a tour guide from the palace of Versailles.

Tours of different parts of the Palace depending on the theme, such as the State Apartments or the Hall of Mirrors, and areas not open to the public on unaccompanied tours.

Except if otherwise indicated, the meeting point for guided tours is at the welcome desk is in the  North Ministers’ Wing .

Mandatory booking, as early as 3 months before the day of the visit (on the first working day in the month). On the form to request a guided visit for a group of adults , you can select up to three dates. Visits are possible every day that we are open except public holidays and free-admission Sundays , subject to availability of places.

Price : 600€ for all the visitors of  the group. After the visit, free access to the permanent collections (at the Palace of Versailles or the Estate of Trianon, depending on the theme of your visit).

Every ticket in one look

A summary of the "Groups" offer for tourism professionals and associations.

Self-guided tours

Self-guided tours :

• a time slot for direct access to the Palace within half an hour of the booked time slot.
• speaking rights for your guide.

Mandatory booking,  as early as 3 months before the day of the visit (on the first working day in the month).

For groups  : booking online, by email at [email protected] or by phone on +33 1 30 83 04 05.

Following new health guidelines, significant changes have been made to the reception of groups. Access new guidelines.

Audiophones

All groups (except for school groups and special audiences) must be equipped with audiophones , whether inside the palace or in the grounds. If you don't have your own equipment, you can hire it on site, by phone or by selecting the Audiophone product in the online ticket office.

Private tours

A unique private tour, with a Palace speaker.

A la carte tours with personalized themes during opening hours but in otherwise closed locations.

Price : 1000€. After the private tour, free access to permanent collections, to the Musical Fountains Show and Musical Gardens (from April to October). 

For more information, please send an email to [email protected] or telephone 00 33 (0)1 30 83 77 82

Mandatory booking through  [email protected]

Prestige Tours

Prestige Tours or private events, with a speaker from the Palace, in locations of the museum and estate of Versailles

Access to the main areas of the Palace : the State Apartments, the Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Opera House, the Royal Chapel...

Outside of public opening times

Price : on request

Contact : [email protected]

The Petit Trianon of Marie-Antoinette

The Queen received the Petit Trianon as a gift by Louis XVI in 1774. The Estate will become her kingdom. Freed from the Etiquette, she created a world matching her personality and the fashion of her time.

The Petit Trianon

Enter several dates in the book form. This visit is available every

opening day except on public

holidays and on

free Sundays .

Splendorous Versailles

Versailles’s treasures down to the smallest details! Let yourself be amazed by the King’s chamber, a dazzling reflection of the King’s glory, by the sparkling Hall of Mirrors and its three hundred and fifty seven mirrors, and by all the wonders which contributed to the fame of the Sun King’s Palace.

North Ministers' wing

• Motor deficiencies
• Visual impairment

The King's Private Apartments

Beyond the walls and ceremonial life of the State Apartment, was the Kings' Private Apartment. Discover the intimate atmosphere and refined decoration of this "small apartment” which include the Clock Room, the recently restored Corner Room, the library and Louis XVI's Games Room.

The King's Private Apartments

The Petit Trianon and the Queen's theater

In 1774, Louis XVI gave the Queen the Petit Trianon. The estate will become her kingdom. Freed from the etiquette, she created there a world that reflects her personality and the trends of her time.

The Petit Trianon and the Queen's theater

Become a subscriber

Discover the estate and enjoy numerous visits with the membership "1 year in Versailles"

Patronage within everyone's reach

Contribute to the enhancement of a world heritage that is also yours.

• Trianon Palaces

Welcome to the Palace

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interactive map of the palace of versailles

Where are the entrances? Where can I buy tickets? Where is the Hall of Mirrors? How do I get to Marie-Antoinette’s Estate? Where are the toilets? etc.

This interactive map will accompany you throughout your visit to the Palace and the Estate . With over 500 points of interest, " Bienvenue" also lets you explore the estate at your own pace and increase your knowledge of Versailles.

start the visit

• change the background
• Gardens Explore
• Park Explore
• Trianon Palaces and Marie-Antoinette’s Estate Explore
• Exterior view
• Garden level
• First floor

Here are a few tips for preparing your visit to the Palace. If you already have your ticket, go directly to Palace Entrance A. From April to October, due to the high number of visitors, admission to the palace can only be guaranteed through online booking .

The Palace is open every day, except Mondays, from 9 am to 6.30 pm during the high season (April to October) and from 9 am to 5.30 pm during the low season (November to March).

Where can I buy a ticket? Which one should I choose?

Where are the entrances to the palace, where are the toilets located, how do i get to the gardens, where is the hall of mirrors, where to book a guided tour.

• How do I get to Marie-Antoinette's Estate?

On the garden level, the Royal Courtyard gives access to the different tour itineraries. We indicate the essential practical points before the start of the tour. Caution, the Palace gets very crowded during the high season. We recommend coming at 9.00 am to visit the Palace when it opens or plan your visit for late afternoon. We advise you to buy online. Due to the high number of visitors, admission to the palace can only be guaranteed through online booking.

Where does the tour begin?

Where can i find a map and audioguides, where are the toilets.

Continue your visit on the 1st floor with the King and Queen's Grand Apartments and the world-famous Hall of Mirrors. On certain days you can also visit the Gallery of Battles. Caution, the Palace gets very crowded during the summer. We advise you to buy online. Due to the high number of visitors, admission to the palace can only be guaranteed through online booking.

We recommend coming at 9.00 am to visit the Palace when it opens or plan your visit for late afternoon.

Where does the visit to the 1st floor begin?

• Where is the King's Chamber?
• Where is the Queen's Chamber?

The Mesdames’ Apartments, Daughters Of Louis Xv

The Mesdames' apartments are symmetrical to the apartments of the Dauphin and Dauphine. Like them, they were turned into museum rooms by Louis-Philippe and recently restored to their state of princely apartments. Mesdames, as the six daughters of Louis XV were referred to, settled there in 1752, but only two of them, Adelaide and Victoire, lived there until the Revolution.

The Empire Rooms

As a contemporary of Napoleon I, King Louis-Philippe was eager to obtain the support of former members of the Empire and the favour of Bonapartist opinion. At Versailles, he gathered most of the large paintings commissioned by Napoleon in the ground floor of the Palace’s South Wing, under the Gallery of Great Battles.

Main Entrance (Honour Gate )

Due to the anti-terrorist security plan, visitors with large baggage items are not admitted on the domain (exceeding 55x35x20 cm)

The Honour gate is the main entrance gate to the Estate. It separates the Honour courtyard  from the Place d'Armes and is surrounded north-side by sculptures of the Victory of France over the Empire, by Gaspard Marsy, and south-side by sculptures of the Victory of France over Spain, by François Girardon.

This gate is open daily from 7:00AM to 7:30PM (from April to October). Last admission: 7PM

This gate is open daily from 8:00AM to 6:00PM (from November to March). Last admission: 5:30PM

Entrance A - Entrance For Individual Visitors

Due to the anti-terrorist security plan, visitors with large baggage items are not admitted on the domain (exceeding 55x35x20 cm).

This entrance provides access to all unaccompanied routes including temporary exhibitions.

To enter the Palace, you must have a ticket with a reserved time slot. Buy your ticket online . Due to the high number of visitors, admission to the palace can only be guaranteed through online booking.

If you are eligible for free admission, you must have booked a free time slot on the online ticketing service.

Entrance B - Group Entrance

Groups with reservations should head directly to entrance B, at the top right of the Cour d'Honneur. It provides access to all unaccompanied routes.

Entrance H - Chapel Courtyard Access

Entrance H will be the entrance for the European Heritage Days.

Access To The Gardens Accès Jardins - Cour Des Princes

To access the garden, head to the left at the top of the Courtyard of Honour. Access is through the courtyard of the Princes, at the left-side of the entrance A.

Main Ticket Office - South Ministers' Wing

Located in the South Ministers' Wing (to the left of the Honour Courtyard), the main ticket office sells tickets for unaccompanied visits to the Estate: 'Passeport', Palace tickets and 'Paris Museum Pass'.

From April to October, due to the high number of visitors, admission to the palace can only be guaranteed through online booking .

Guided Tours And Subscriptions

Located in the North Ministers' wing, this facility offers tickets for guided tours and the annual "1 year in Versailles " pass. It is also the start point for guided tours.

Information Point-Pavillon Gabriel

Having crossed the Royal Courtyard and before you begin your visit, you can pick up information, maps and leaflets at the audioguide kiosk.

Toilets-South Ministers’ Wing

Free toilets are located just beyond the Information desk.

Toilets-Pavillon Dufour

The toilets are accessible in the basement of the Dufour Pavilion after entrance A.

Shop Of The Chapel

In this shop you can purchase a range of themed products, books, guides, postcards, etc.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:45 pm

Grand Café D’Orléans

The Grand Café d'Orléans serves eat-in and takeaway food in a restaurant with a contemporary décor that covers over 700 m². It also offers group menus (60 pers. max). It is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30am to 6pm (10am to 5pm November to March). It is accessible from the Princes Courtyard.

Reservations: +33 (0)1 39 50 29 79

Angelina Tea Room And Restaurant

The Angelina restaurant and tea room offers sweet and savoury fare in a refined and elegant setting, to eat in. There is also a shop and groups are catered for (60 pers. max).

The restaurant is open Tuesday to Sunday:

• from 10am to 5:30pm (November to March)
• from 10am to 6:30pm (April to October)

It is accessible from the Royal Courtyard or at the end of the tour of the Grand Apartments.

Reservations: +33 (0)1 39 20 08 32

Honour Courtyard

The Honour courtyard is located between the Place d'Armes and the Cour Royale. From this courtyard, you can access the Ministers' wings and the entrances to the Palace and Gardens.

Royal Courtyard

The Royal Courtyard is located behind the Royal Gate and is only accessible with a ticket. It gives access to the different visitor routes around the Palace.

Marble Courtyard

The Marble Courtyard is the original courtyard of the palace, built by Louis XIII in 1623. Its black and white tiles come from the castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte.

Apartment Of The Dauphin And The Dauphine

Currently closed

These apartments were always reserved to the leading members of the royal family. Their current decoration corresponds to the period in which they was occupied by Louis XV's son and his second wife, Maria Josepha of Saxony.

The Appartments Of Louis Xv’S Daughters

The Louis XV’s daughters apartments are symmetrical to the apartments of the Dauphin and Dauphine. Like them, they were turned into museum rooms by Louis-Philippe and recently restored to their state of princely apartments. Mesdames, as the six daughters of Louis XV were referred to, settled there in 1752, but only two of them, Adelaide and Victoire, lived there until the Revolution.

See the rooms

Grand Apartments (Hall Of Mirrors, King’S Chamber)

Visitors arrive at the Grand Apartments through the Gallery of the History of the Palace or the sculpture gallery. By taking this tour, visitors can explore the apartments of the King and Queen of France.

Gallery Of Battles

On the mobile app, listen to the audio commentaries of the paintings at the bottom of this screen.

Much larger than the Hall of Mirrors, the Gallery of Battles was the first ensemble chosen by Louis-Philippe for his Museum of the History of France. It presents an important series of historical paintings dedicated "to all the glories of France" and thus constitutes a "national record".

Gallery Of The History Of The Palace

With the main Palace, the Trianon palaces, the gardens and the park, Versailles is a site whose topography and history are rich. Located at the beginning of the Grand Apartments tour, the Gallery of the History of the Palace is an essential introduction to the visit. Under the Ancien Régime, these rooms were the apartments of the royal princes, before Louis-Philippe transformed them to present a brief history of France through works ranging from the Baptism of Clovis to Louis XVI giving La Pérouse his instructions .

Upper Stone Gallery

Following the Gallery of the History of the Palace, this gallery connects to the second part of the tour: the Grand Apartments. Known as the Upper sculpture gallery due to its contents, it contains sculptures by Grand Condé, Turenne and Le Bossuet.

Royal Chapel

The construction of the Royal Chapel lasted between 1689 and 1710. Every day, usually in the morning at 10am, the court would assemble for the King's mass. Every Thursday, an orchestra gives audiences the chance to discover the full range of the European repertoire from the 17th and 18th centuries. The Royal Chapel is accessible as part of a guided tour.

The construction of the Royal Chapel lasted between 1689 and 1710. Every day, usually in the morning at 10am, the court would assemble for the King's mass. Every Thursday, an orchestra gives audiences the chance to discover selections the European repertoire from the 17th and 18th centuries. The Royal Chapel is accessible as part of a guided tour.

Access Grand Apartments (Hall Of Mirrors, King’S Chamber) - Gl

Access To The Gardens - Cour Des Princes

Toilets-pavillon gabriel.

Toilets are located next to the Gabriel staircase in the basement. These toilets are not accessible to the disabled.

Information Desk - South Ministers’ Wing

The information desk dispenses all information relating to visits, along with maps and leaflets. Guided tours can also be booked here.

Marble Courtyard Shop

This large souvenir shop offers a range of products: books, guides, postcards, gifts, etc. It can be found after the tour of the State Apartments, at the foot of the Queen's staircase, or straight after the Royal Courtyard.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5:45pm. From November to March, the shop closes at 4:45pm.

Ladurée is a Parisian patisserie founded in 1862, and visitors are invited to explore their retail outlet. The company offers its fine delicatessen range, not forgetting their famous macaroons. The shop is open every day from 9.30am to 6.30pm in high season (April to October) and from 9.30am to 5pm during low season (November to March). It is accessible from the Royal Courtyard or at the end of the tour of the Grand Apartments, at the foot of the Queen's Staircase.

Built by architect Frédéric Nepveu in the nineteenth century, the Gallery of Battles was the first room commissioned by King Louis-Philippe for his museum of French history. The gallery was designed to represent his desire for national reconciliation, and presents a major series of historic paintings dedicated "to all the glories of France".

Librairie Des Princes

The Librairie des Princes bookshop offers a range of products over 200 m²: books, children's books, postcards, table decoration etc. The bookshop is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10.30am to 6.15pm during high season (April to October) and from 9.30am to 5.15pm during low season (November to March). Although it is not part of the visitor route, it can be accessed from Cour d'Honneur.

The library also presents the cabinet of the King's medals, where are sold medals from the Arthus-Bertrand Versailles collection.

Louis Xiv Rooms ?

Louis XIV Rooms give visitors a vast panorama of the 17th century featuring the King, his family, the court and the major political, military and artistic events that marked his reign.

Information Point- Dufour’S Pavillion

The information desk dispenses all information relating to visits, along with maps and leaflets.

Changing Table-Pavillon Dufour

A baby-changing table is located in the basement near the toilets.

Dufour Pavillion Shop

Located in the basement of the Palace, this large souvenir shop offers a range of products: books, guides, postcards, gifts, etc.

The shop is accessible in the basement after the entrance A or at the exit of the visit.

The shop is open every day from 10.15am to 6pm during high season (April to October) and from 9.30am to 5.15pm during low season (November to March).

Access Dufour Pavillion Shop

This large souvenir shop offers a range of products: books, guides, postcards, gifts, etc.

The shop is open every day from 10.15am to 6pm during high season (April to October) and from 9.30am to 6pm during low season (November to March).

Access Ore - Ducasse Au Château De Versailles

During the day, the restaurant ore is open to the public. An exceptional setting and view to take a break or to eat during the Palace's opening hours. A French inspired menu with classics of our cuisine, alongside light and quick snacks, desserts and gourmet pastries. Children are welcome here with their very own Prince & Princess menu.

You can access the restaurant ore - Ducasse from the vestibule of the Dufour Pavilion, accessible by the door on the left side of the entrance A.

Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10AM to 6:30Pm in high season (April to October) and 10AM to 5:30PM in low season (November to March). Access to the restaurant through the courtyard of Princes independantly of the tour of the Palace.

Reservation: +33 (0)1 30 84 12 96 – [email protected] Groups and events: +33 (0)1 30 84 12 98 – [email protected]

Chapel Gate

The gate of the Chapel is closed.

Located in Léon Gambetta place, the Chapel Gate gives access, on foot, to the Palace (entrances A and B). It is accessible by skirting the Palace on the right, rue Robert de Cotte.

It is advised for groups to enter through the Chapel Gate that is much less used than the Honour Gate. In addition, it will give you direct access to entrance B, where you must present your scheduled booking (self-guided tour). However, the access through the Honour Gate is recommended for people with disabilities.

Open every day except Monday, from 9am to 5.30pm.

Audioguide - Dufour's Pavillon

The audioguide desk is located in the entrance hall of the Pavillon Dufour: every day when the château is open and 30 minutes before the last admission, i.e. 5.30pm in high season and 4.30pm in low season.

The audioguides are returned at the end of the tour, on the ground floor of the Dufour Pavilion.

For the permanent tour, the audio guide is available in 13 languages: French, English, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Korean, Russian, Ukrainian, Polish and Arabic. A children's version is also available in French.

Audioguide - Dufour's Pavilion

Ore - Ducasse Au Château De Versailles

Acces To Dufour Pavilion's Auditorium

Installed on the 2nd floor of the Dufour Pavilion, this 148-seat auditorium is used as a reception area for conferences and seminars organized at the palace.

The access to the auditorium is the same one that of the restaurant ORE - Ducasse: from the vestibule of the Dufour Pavilion, accessible by the door on the left side of the entrance A.

Automatic Deposits

Some automatic deposits (school children only) are available in different information points, and allow you to leave items that do not exceed the limited format (46x43x26 cm maximum).

Parking-Place D'armes (Cars And Coaches)

At the Place d'Armes, parking is offered for cars, minibuses and coaches (charge payable).

Coach parking is only available at the Place d'Armes or at the crossroads of the Grand and Petit Trianon in the park.

Parking is free for disabled visitors on presentation of a valid permit.

Start Of The Tour

Visit the Apartments of the Daughters of Louis XV (entrance 1) before discovering the Grands Appartements (entrance 2).

Drinking Fountain

Open access drinking water supply point.

To access to the Palace, buy a Palace or "Passport" ticket (full access to the Versailles Estate). Buy your ticket online . Due to the high number of visitors, admission to the palace can only be guaranteed through online booking. To buy your ticket on site, go to the Ticket Office on the left, in the South Ministers Wing, then go to Entrance A with your ticket. Visitors eligible for free admission are nonetheless required to book a free of charge time slot on the online ticket office to access the Palace.

If you would like to book a guided tour, buy on line and go to the dedicated area in the North Ministers Wing to the right of the Honour Courtyard.

 From April to October, access to the gardens is subject to a fee from Tuesday to Sunday (days of the Fountain Shows and Musical Gardens). In this case, buy a Passport ticket online (access to the entire estate) or a Grandes Eaux / Jardins Musicaux ticket (at the entrance of the gardens or preferably online ). Buy your tickets on line .

Entrance A is reserved to individual visitors with tickets. Visitors eligible for free admission are required to book a free of charge time slot on the online ticket office to access the Palace.

Entrance B is reserved to groups that have booked their visit.

If you have booked a guided tour, the meeting place is at the North Ministers Wing to the right in the Cour d'Honneur.

For access to the toilets, cross the courtyard and enter the Gabriel Pavilion. The toilets are on your right in the basement by the Gabriel Stairs. Other  toilets, accessible for disabled visitors, are available at the end of the Gallery of Palace History. Caution, there are no toilets on the first floor of the Palace.

Toilets-North Wing

Toilets are available by taking the lift at the end of the Gallery of Palace History.

When you arrive at the Palace, you can go directly to the gardens by going to the top left-hand side of the Cour d'Honneur, then entering the Courtyard of the Princes (left-side of the entrance A).

From 29 March to 31 October, access to the gardens is subject to a fee from Tuesday to Sunday (days of the Fountain Shows and Musical Gardens). In this case, buy a Passport ticket (preferably online) or if you only visit the gardens a Grandes Eaux / Jardins Musicaux ticket (at the entrance of the gardens).

After coming in through Entrance A, your tour begins in the Royal Courtyard.

Enter the Cour de Marbre to visit the Apartments of the Daughters of Louis XV. Next, head for the Pavillon Gabriel to visit the Grands Appartements.

The Marble Courtyard

The Marble Courtyard is the original courtyard of the palace, built by Louis XIII in 1623. Its black and white tiles come from the castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte.

Audioguides are located in the Gabriel pavilion.

For a map, go to the Information Centre located on the ground garden at the Dufour pavilion (after entry A).

The Hall of Mirrors is located on the first floor of the Palace and is part of the self-guided tour of the Grand Apartments. After entering, cross the Royal Courtyard and follow the signs to the Grand Apartments.

Access Grand Apartments (Hall Of Mirrors, King’S Chamber) - Gv

After taking the stairs at the end of the Gallery of History, your visit continues through the Galerie de Pierre Haute or the Louis XIV rooms.

Questel Staircase

The Questel staircase gives access to the first floor from the Gallery of the History of the Palace.

The Louis Xiv's Childhood

After 23 years of marriage to Anne of Austria, Louis XIII finally gained his much-longed-for heir in Louis XIV, who was acclaimed as 'Louis-Dieudonné', or 'Louis, the gift from God'. The portraits in this room depict him as a child, heir to the throne of France, who became king at a very young age.

Early Military Campaigns

Louis XIV was a warrior king for whom victory was a means of cementing his authority. After his marriage to Maria Theresa, daughter of the King of Spain, Louis XIV claimed certain Spanish territories in Flanders, thus triggering what is known as the War of Devolution.

The Académie Royale De Peinture Et De Sculpture

The king called upon the artists of the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture to illustrate the glory of his kingdom and its ruler. The academy, which was established in 1648 and overhauled in 1660, was a centre of training in and development of aesthetic principles. To be admitted to it, prospective members had to present a 'reception piece', i.e. a work on a given subject.

The Arts At The Start Of His Reign

Ever since 'La Fronde' (the French civil wars between 1640 and 1650 sparked by a double revolt by parliament and the princes who opposed Louis XIV and his family), Louis XIV mistrusted Paris. He therefore set up and oversaw the court at Versailles, where spectacular parties were organised and to which the great artists of the day were invited.  In this way, Louis XIV contributed to the advancement of the arts.

The Exercise Of Power

Louis XIV was an absolute monarch. He governed alone and relied on counsellors and ministers, whose role was to carry out royal wishes.

Versailles And Europe

Louis XIV turned France into the leading power in Europe and the world. He expanded the kingdom and furthered the reputation of the country beyond its borders.

At The Turn Of The Reign (The 1690S)

In France, the crown passes from father to son according to primogeniture. Of Louis XIV's six children, only his firstborn survived to adulthood. He was given the title of dauphin. However, the succession to the throne was not completely assured…

The King At War

Louis XIV has been portrayed many times as a war commander. These portraits create an image of him as a great and conquering king, and symbolise the military might of France.

Royal Residences

In 1682, Versailles became the seat of government. As an absolute monarch, Louis XIV increased the number of royal residences as a way of extending his power. His successors and the royal family liked to spend time in these places, far from the Palace, often, simply, to get away from life at court.

The Hall of Mirrors is halfway through the Grand Apartments tour in the central section of the Palace.

Hall Of Mirrors

The Hall of Mirrors replaced a large terrace overlooking the garden that was considered too exposed to inclement weather. Its seventeen arches decorated with mirrors face seventeen arched windows, creating a commingling of the interior and exterior. The Hall of Mirrors was  a place for both social events and demonstrating the political might of Louis XIV.

Where is the King's Chamber?

This room adjoining the Hall of Mirrors is in the central section of the Palace. The Chamber can be visited halfway through the self-guided tour of the Grand Apartments.

The King's Chamber

Room currently not open to visitors

This room was used several times a day: for the King's getting-up and going-to-bed ceremonies; for his private meals, i.e. when he would eat alone; and for receiving certain courtiers and ambassadors. The room was therefore subject to strict etiquette. Only Louis XIV ever slept there.

Where is the Queen's Chamber?

This room is in the central section of the Palace. It is located at the end of the Grand Apartments tour, after the Hall of Mirrors and the King's Chamber.

Queen's Chamber

The Queen's Bedchamber is located opposite the Apollo Room. It is where the queen slept, hosted her private audiences and went through the public going-to-bed ceremony. Contrary to the King's Bedchamber, this room was occupied by the various queens up to 1789.

There are no toilets on the 1st floor of the Palace. Take either the Queen's Stairway at the end of the Grand Apartments tour to the garden level and the Royal Courtyard or the Princes' Stairway to the exit and the groundfloor of the Dufour Pavilion

The Queen’S Staircase

Built in 1680, this staircase soon became the busiest in the Palace, as it led to the King and Queen's apartments. It now gives access to the Royal Courtyard before finishing the tour of the Grand Apartments.

Princes’ Staircase

This staircase links the first floor to the garden level of the Midi Wing and to the ground floor of the Dufour Pavilion . Its décor is largely from the 17th century.

Toilets are available in the basement of the Dufour pavilion after entrance A.

After this, for access to the toilets, cross the courtyard and enter the Gabriel Pavilion. The toilets are on your right in the basement by the Gabriel Stairs. Other accessible toilets are available at the end of the Gallery of Palace History. Caution, there are no toilets on the first floor of the Palace.

The reservation desk for guided tours is located in the South Ministers' Wing.

You can also book a guided tour on the online ticket office: https://billetterie.chateauversailles.fr

How do I get there from the Palace?

It is possible to reach the Estate of Trianon from the city of Versailles or from the Palace and its gardens.

From the Palace, there are three ways to reach the Trianon Palaces and Marie-Antoinette's Estate:

• By foot through the gardens (around 30 minutes)  
• With the Little Train: from the Palace stop (North Terrace in the Gardens) to the Grand Trianon stop (around 20 minutes / Admission price : 8.50 €, reduced admission : 6.50 € and to only come back to the Palace : 4.60 €)   
• From the Water parterre by renting electric vehicles (34 € per hour)

Important information: access to the Petit Trianon and to the Queen's Hamlet is through the Grand Trianon only.

Access to the gardens is free of charge, except for Fountain Show and Musical Gardens days from April to October. However, the Passport ticket entitles you to visit the Palace, the Trianon palaces and the Marie-Antoinette's Estate as well as giving you access to the gardens, including Fountain Show and Musical Garden days.

See the dates for Fountains shows, Musical Garden and Fountains Night Show.

Mini Train - Grand Trianon Stop

The little train, leaving from the Grand Trianon, serves the Petit Trianon, then the Palace. Return ticket to the Palace *: €5 * Visitors can get off at each stop and get back on the next train.

It is possible to pay by credit card directly to the drivers.

Opening hours: open every day except Mondays

• January: 11:10am to 5:10pm ( January 1st : 12am to 5pm )
• February: 11:10am to 5:10pm.
• March: 11:10am to 5:10pm
• April to August : 11:10am to 6:10pm (in July and August: 10am to 6.10pm)
• September: 11:10am at 6:10pm
• October: 11:10am to 6:10pm
• November: 11:10am to 5:10pm.
• December: 11:10am to 5:10pm. ( December 25th : 12am to 5pm )

Mini Train - Petit Trianon Stop

The little train, leaving from the Petit Trianon, serves the Palace. Return ticket to the Château: €5

Mini-Train - Grand Canal Stop

The little train, leaving from the Grand Canal, serves the Grand Trianon then the Petit Trianon and the Palace.

Ticket "Retour Château" (Back to the Palace) * : €5 * Visitors can get off at each stop and get back on the next train.

• April to August : 11:10am to 6:10pm

Electric Vehicle Hire - Petite Venise

The electric vehicles with audioguides will help you to discover the park of Versailles at your own pace. Rental is available every day.

April to October, daily from 10am to 6.45pm (last departure at 5.45pm). From March to November, daily from 10am to 5pm (last departure at 4pm).

For the months of February and March, every day from 10am to 5.30pm (last departure at 4.30pm).

Early closure on Fountain shows. Closed in January

In February & March, daily from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm (last departure at 4:30pm)

• 42 € per vehicle per hour,
• 10,50 € per additional 15 minutes.
• Discount for disabled people (-40%) and Subscribers (-30%).

Telephone: +33 (0)1 39 66 97 66 6 have been adapted for wheelchair users.

Mini-Train - Palace Station

The little train, leaving from the Château, serves the Grand Canal, then the Grand Trianon and finally the Petit Trianon, before returning to the Château. From April to October, it is accessible with a Passport, Grandes Eaux Musicales or Jardins Musicaux ticket.

Return ticket* :

• Full price: €9
• Reduced price: €7
• Return to the Château: €5

* Visitors can disembark at each stop and board another mini-train later.

Opening hours : open every day except Mondays

• January: 11:10am to 5:10pm ( January 1st : 12am to 5pm ) .

The Grand Trianon Entrance

The entrance to the Grand Trianon is on the left as you face the building. Open from midday to 6.30pm during high season (April to October) and from midday to 5.30pm during low season (November to March). Gardens open until 7.30pm during high season and until 6pm during low season.

Ticket Office - Grand Trianon

The ticket office is located inside the Grand Trianon, through the archway. 

Petit Trianon Entrance (Via The Swiss Guard House)

For guided tours only (for other visits, access through the Grand Trianon)

The entrance is on the left of the Petit Trianon gate. Open from midday to 6.30pm during high season (April to October) and from midday to 5.30pm during low season (November to March). Gardens open until 7.30pm during high season and until 6pm during low season.

Ticket Office - Petit Trianon

The ticket office is located beyond the information desk and the courtyard.

Electric Vehicle Hire - South Terrace

Home > Side Trips from Paris > Plan the Perfect Day Trip to Versailles from Paris – A Local’s Guide

Plan the Perfect Day Trip to Versailles from Paris – A Local’s Guide

Paris to versailles day trip.

Most people planning a holiday to Paris manage to squeeze a day in their itinerary for a day trip to Versailles. And for a reason!

Versailles is more than a French château; it is a royal domain that extends over 800 hectares! Here, nature and culture converge, and the sun shines even when it rains.

The Château de Versailles is a jewel of French Baroque architecture, and the grounds are stunning. The beauty of this site and its proximity to the French capital make a day trip to Versailles from Paris easy to organize and one of the top places on everyone’s Paris Bucket List .

Are you planning your Versailles trip last minute?

Below are some of the best Versailles tours, hotels, and more!

Book your transfer from a Paris airport to Versailles with Welcome Pickups .

Looking to travel around Versailles independently? Click here for the best rental car rates in Versailles .

Top Experiences and Tours in Versailles:

• Entry Ticket Château de Versailles, Gardens, and Estate of Trianon
• Château de Versailles Priority Entrance Ticket and Guided Tour
• Afternoon in the Petit Trianon and Estate of Marie-Antoinette
• Versailles Bike Tour with Château and Estate of Marie-Antoinette

Save money with the Paris & Versailles Bundle (Château de Versailles + Louvre Museum + Seine River Cruise), 100% digital!

Top Places to Stay in Versailles:

• Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Trianon Palace (by the Park of the Château de Versailles)
• Hotel Le Versailles (close to the Old Town and the famous Château)
• Hotel des Lys  (close to Notre Dame Market and the famous Château)

Don’t leave for Versailles without travel insurance!

Compare plans, prices, and coverage with  Travel Insurance Master , a comparison site that will find the perfect fit for you amongst the world’s leading programs.  Travel Insurance Master is also the best place to look for senior travelers .

The downside of Versailles’ fame and beauty are the crowds and the long lines to visit the Château. Indeed, with nearly 10 million visitors every year, the Château de Versailles is one of the world’s most visited historic sites! Also, there are so many things to see and do that a Paris to Versailles day trip can be a terrible experience if you arrive there without any plan.

How to plan a Versailles day trip from Paris? What is the best Versailles itinerary? This Versailles guide gives information and our best tips for planning the perfect day trip to Versailles from Paris. After reading this quick guide, you will see that it is very easy to visit Versailles!

Versailles is one of the most popular day trips from Paris. Check out the list of best day trips from Paris .

Table of Contents:

• Best Time to Visit Versailles
• Ways to Travel from Paris to Versailles
• Book your Skip-the-line Tickets to Versailles in Advance
• Why a Versailles Tour from Paris is a Good Idea
• Things to Do on a Versailles Day Trip from Paris
• Best Versailles Shows
• Extend your Versailles Trip
• Versailles Tips & Practical Info

1. Best Time to Visit Versailles

The best time to visit Versailles is in spring or autumn because the site is less crowded than in summer. The garden shows usually take place between April and October, and they are also lovely in the shoulder seasons. During this time, the French-style gardens that surround the Château are not free to visit, but there is Baroque music, and the fountains are running, so it is well worth the extra fee.

Winter is ideal for visiting the Château, but you will miss the beauty of the gardens in bloom, which is a shame. The French-style gardens are free to visit in winter, but many grooves are closed to the public. A day of snow can be nice, but it is rare!

Best Day to Visit Versailles

With your Versailles skip-the-line tickets, you will avoid the longest lines. Also, you may want to avoid the biggest crowds when you visit the Château of Versailles inside.

Versailles is particularly crowded on Tuesdays and during the weekends. If your schedule is flexible, prioritize Wednesdays and Thursdays for visiting Versailles, when there are fewer crowds. In our opinion, Wednesdays and Thursdays are the best days to visit Versailles .

The Château of Versailles is one of the top sights to visit near Paris. We recommend a day trip to Versailles from Paris in the following Paris itineraries:

• 4 days in Paris itinerary
• 5 days in Paris itinerary
• 6 days in Paris itinerary
• 7 days in Paris itinerary

2. Ways to Travel from Paris to Versailles

A Versailles trip from Paris is easy to organize. Read our article about all the ways to get to Versailles from Paris , public and private.

How far is Versailles from Paris? The distance from Paris to Versailles is about 25 km (15.5 miles).

3. Book your Skip-the-line Tickets to Versailles in Advance

If you decide to visit Versailles without a guided tour, buy your tickets well in advance. With the skip-the-line tickets, you will choose a date and a time slot, so you are sure to enter the Château within 30 minutes of your time slot.

Versailles offers different kinds of tickets, so it is essential to understand what you can visit with each ticket.

Compare the best Versailles Tickets

DID YOU KNOW? The Paris Museum Pass for 2, 4, or 6 days also includes access to Château de Versailles and the Trianons!

4. Why a Versailles Tour from Paris is a Good Idea

A Versailles tour from Paris is a popular option, especially among first-time visitors. Here’s why you should consider a guided tour for visiting Versailles:

» Your time is limited, and Versailles Estate is huge! Tour guides know how to get the most out of your time on a day trip from Paris to Versailles by showing the main sights at perfect times to avoid crowds.

» Guided tours with a knowledgeable guide are more interesting and interactive experiences. You can always ask your guide as many questions as you want, and they always seem to have many stories to tell.

» Versailles guided tours use a separate entrance to the Château, which is super cool. While Versailles skip-the-line tickets guarantee access to the Château within 30 minutes (the 30 minutes of your time slot), the access to the Château with a guided tour is immediate thanks to this separate entrance.

» Some of these tours also include the pickup and drop off at your hotel. After visiting Versailles for hours, how cool is it to go back straight to your hotel on a comfortable van or coach?

» Some Versailles guided tours allow people to visit otherwise closed rooms. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy these unique parts of the Château with a small group and far from the crowds.

Best Versailles Guided Tours in English (with skip-the-line tickets)

5. things to do on a versailles day trip from paris.

The Versailles Estate is vast, and there are many interesting things to visit. Here’s the list.

TIP: check out our suggested Versailles itinerary, self-guided.

Château de Versailles

Château de Versailles is the beating heart of the Versailles Estate. One of the most beautiful castles in France , the Palace of Versailles has two floors – the garden floor and the first floor – with a total surface of 63,000 m2 divided into 2,300 rooms and halls.

The most famous room in the Château is the Hall of Mirrors, used for ceremonies and exceptional occasions such as the masked ball for Marie-Antoinette and Louis XVI ‘s wedding. But of course, there’s much more!

Don’t miss one of the best castles near Paris . The articles below are in-depth articles about the Palace of Versailles and our best skip-the-line tips for visiting it.

Gardens of Versailles

Designed by André Le Notre , the same landscaper designer who created the gardens of Château de Chantilly , the magnificent French-style Gardens of Versailles is one of the jewels of the Versailles Estate.

The Gardens of Versailles surround the Château on three sides, and they are decorated with many fountains, grooves, statues, colonnades, and even an obelisk. From April to October, they host beautiful music and water shows, and there’s an entrance fee to access them. The access is free from November to March, but some grooves are closed.

If you want to know more about these stunning gardens, the articles below are in-depth articles about the Gardens of Versailles and the fountains that decorate these gardens.

The Estate of Trianon

The Estate of Trianon  is home to the Grand Trianon and the Petit Trianon pavilions, the Queen’s Hamlet , and various ornamental gardens.

The Kings built these intimate spaces close to the Palace of Versailles to gain some brief respite from courtly etiquette and enjoy nature. The Queen’s Hamlet was constructed for Queen Marie-Antoinette and her children to play the peasants, and it had a farm, a mill, and many animals.

The Park of Versailles is the green extension surrounding the Grand Canal, and it is always free to visit. This part is very popular amongst locals and Parisians for family picnics, jogging, or bike rides.

The Grand Canal is André Le Nôtre’s most original design. With its huge dimensions (1,700 m east-west and 1000 m north-south) and 60 m in width, the Grand Canal was used for ship battles by the King and his court.

If you are fit, walk down to the Royal Star , a viewpoint at the edge of the western branch with amazing views.

This area is home to the famous Lime Tree Walk , which links the Château to the Mortemets, the waterfowl reserve within King Louis XIV’s hunting estate.

Le Potager du Roi

Le Potager du Roi (the King’s vegetable garden) was built between 1678 and 1683 by Jean-Baptiste La Quintinie at King Louis XIV’s request.

Well known for his experience with fruit gardens and vegetable gardens, La Quintinie was responsible for providing fruits and vegetables at the King’s table. 

The prodigies accomplished by La Quintinie attracted the interest and admiration of his master, the King, who liked to come for a walk in the vegetable garden. A gardening enthusiast, King Louis XIV liked to show his vegetable garden to his illustrious guests, and he even learned how to prune fruit trees with his gardener.

Le Potager du Roi is a listed historical monument and a “remarkable garden.” Its gardeners perpetuate the art of pruning and grow a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.

Le Potager du Roi is an independent visit, not included in any ticket shown above. The entrance is located at 10 Rue du Maréchal-Joffre. Tickets cost 5€ – 3€ (high season – November to March).

The Royal Stables (Gallery of Coaches)

The Royal Stables consists of two buildings – the Great Stables and the Small Stables – identical in size but with different uses.

The Great Stables are where the hunting horses were kept (hundreds of horses according to their race and coat), while the Small Stables were used to keep the carriages, sleds, and coaches.

Today, the Great Stables’ ground floor hosts an impressive display of coaches, mainly grand ceremonial Berlin Coaches from Napoleon I’s coronation and second marriage.

The Royal Stables are located at 1 Avenue Rockefeller, just in front of the Palace, and they are open on Saturday and Sunday, from 12.30 pm to 5.30 pm November to March, and from 12.30 pm to 6.30 pm April to October.

6. Best Versailles Garden & Fountain Shows

If you plan a day trip from Paris to Versailles during the high season (from April to October), you can enjoy beautiful shows around the gardens: the Musical Fountains Show , the Musical Gardens Show , and the Versailles Fountains Night Show .

Check out our dedicated guide to the fountains of Versailles for the show days and fountains schedule.

Versailles Musical Fountains Show

The Musical Fountains Show is our favorite Versailles Garden show. Explore the gardens and grooves while listening to Baroque music, and watch the fountains’ water displays with special effects. Skip the lines and save money by purchasing the Versailles Passport, with the Musical Fountains Show included

Versailles Musical Gardens Show

Wander through the largest open-air museum, decorated with amazing sculptures, while listening to the beautiful sounds of Baroque music. In the Musical Gardens Show , the Versailles fountains are not running – Click here to buy the Versailles Passport, with the Musical Gardens Show included

Versailles Fountains Night Show

The Versailles Gardens are transformed into a striking visual and musical experience during the Fountains Night Show . Stroll the gardens beautifully illuminated, with the fountains and grooves displaying water at the sound of music. The show ends with a ‘grande finale,’ fireworks display in front of the Grand Canal – Click here to buy the tickets for the Fountains Night Show

7. Extend your Versailles Trip

The Versailles Estate is huge, so you’ll probably need more than a Paris day trip to Versailles to explore everything at a leisurely pace. You will also find yourself staying late if you watch the  Saturday night Fountain Show . Traveling back to your hotel in Paris after the show will be difficult because everybody leaves the show at the same time (after the Grand Finale), the train station is always crowded, and taxis back to Paris are hard to find. 

Fortunately, there are several comfortable and luxurious hotels near the Château that will make your visit more convenient and that extra bit special. Here are the best-rated hotels near Versailles Palace , with something for every traveler. Spend two days rather than a day in Versailles and also visit some of the best things to do in Versailles town .

8. Versailles Tips & Practical Info

This is what you need to know to plan your Paris – Versailles day trip:

» The Versailles Estate is FREE for everyone on the first Sunday of the month, from November to March. Long lines to visit the different buildings are guaranteed, though.

» The Park and the Gallery of Coaches are always FREE to visit. If you only want to visit one of these places, there is no ticket to buy.

» The Gardens (the French-style Gardens around the Palace) are FREE to visit from November to March. From April to October, there’s a fee to access the Gardens, and the price depends on the kind of show on that day (Musical Fountains Show or Musical Gardens Show).

Versailles Opening Hours – Low Season (November to March)

• During the low season, Château de Versailles opens from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. The last admission is at 5:00 pm.
• The Trianon and Marie-Antoinette’s domain opens from 12:00 to 5:30 pm. The last admission is at 5:00 pm.
• The Park and Gardens are open from 8:00 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the last admission at 5:30 p.m. During the low season, some grooves in the Gardens are closed.
• The waiting time to visit the different buildings is definitely shorter during the low season, so your Versailles itinerary can be more flexible.

Versailles Opening Hours – High Season (April to October)

• During the high season, Château de Versailles opens from 9 am to 6.30 pm. The last admission is at 6:00 pm.
• The Trianon and Marie-Antoinette’s domain is open from 12 to 6:30 p.m., with the last admission at 6:00 p.m.
• The Park and Gardens are open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., with the last admission at 7:00 p.m.
• During the high season, the average waiting time to enter the Château is one hour without any Versailles skip-the-line tickets.
• There’s one line to access the Château and one different line to buy the tickets. If you want to buy your Versailles tickets on-site, you need to add one extra hour to this time.

Versailles Main Access Points

The Versailles Estate is vast, with many entrance gates, but some gates are permanently closed for security reasons. Find below the main gates or points of access to the Versailles Estate, which are always open.

GOOD TO KNOW: Remember that due to the anti-terrorist security plan, visitors with large baggage items (exceeding 55x35x20 cm) are not admitted on the domain, and every bag or vehicle is controlled upon access.

» The main entrance to the Place of Versailles is through the MAIN COURTYARD.

• ACCESS A is for individual visitors with their tickets already bought and printed (or on mobile phone)
• ACCESS B, on the opposite side of the courtyard, is for groups with reservations
• If you do not have a ticket upon arrival and are not eligible for free admission, go to the ticket office first, situated on the left in the Main Courtyard in the South Ministers’ Wing, and then to ACCESS A to validate it.

» You can access the Estate of Trianon by the Gardens and Park (entrances located at Allée des 2 Trianons) or from the city via SAINT-ANTHONY GATE (located on the D186 arriving from le Chesnay)

» The DRAGON GATE gives access to the Gardens from rue de la Parroisse.

» The QUEENS GATE, on Boulevard de la Reine, provides pedestrian access and car access to the Park.

» The SAILORS GATE, on the route de Saint-Cyr (D10), provides access to the Park and Sailors Walk.

» Access to the Potager du Roi is at 10, rue du Maréchal-Joffre.

» Access to the Royal Stables is on Avenue de Rockefeller, in front of the Palace.

So there you have it, our Versailles guide with everything you need to know for a wonderful day trip Paris to Versailles.

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The Complete Versailles – Three Tours

• Paris Day Trips and Excursions

Experience the legendary Château that’s been residence to countless historic royal figures.

Tour description, versailles – small-group bike tour.

Biking is the best way to discover the grandeur of this 2,000-acre Royal Domain! You’ll start your tour by exploring the local market and pick up the best supplies for a picnic lunch along the lake, after a bike through the forest of Versailles. Then spend the day discovering the royal grounds, the inside of Marie Antoinette’s private domain, the Grand & Petit Trianons, culminating with your Skip-the-Line tickets into the Palace itself with its famous Hall of Mirrors. [Includes tickets and transportation via Train to Versailles with a guide. The group may include up to 14 persons.]

Tour Length: 8 hours

Privately Guided Versailles Tour

Travel to Versailles with your personal certified guide to visit the magnificent Palace, the ornamental gardens, and Marie Antoinette’s getaway residence at the other end of the park. Stop for a lovely garden lunch near the beautiful Grand Canal. If time allows, walk on to the Petit Trianon where Marie Antoinette held her private parties as well as the quaint little hamlet of cottages she created as a backdrop for her picnics.

Tour Length: Tour is 5 hours, transportation time is 1.5 hours, lunch break is 1 hour

Versailles “Exclusive Behind the Scenes”

Don’t miss this exclusive offer –for an additional fee, in addition to the tour described above, it is possible to go into the beautiful private apartments of Louis XV and Louis XVI, pending availability for the time slot. This area is not open to the general public.

Tour Length: 6 hours (includes 3.5-hour tour of the castle & grounds, transportation time of 1.5 hours, 1-hour lunch)

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The Château de Fontainebleau, just 35 miles southeast of central Paris, can proudly claim to have been a sovereign residence for eight centuries. Capétiens, Valois, Bourbons, Bonaparte and Orléans, all members of French ruling dynasties, have lived within these walls. The chateau dates back to 1137—and centuries of royals have expanded this former royal hunting lodge to a more than 1,500-room estate. Most of what you’ll see dates back to the 16th century, a combination of Italian Renaissance art and French design, these rooms are some of the most intricate and breathtaking in France. If times allows, you can enjoy lunch in this charming area.

Tour Length:  5 – 6 hours

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VERSAILLES GUIDED TOUR 2024

VERSAILLES CASTLE VISIT

Versailles palace priority access guided tour

OUR BEST TOURS : VERSAILLES DAY SMALL GROUP

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Versailles Half Day Guided Tours

Recommended on TripAdvisor & Rick Steves’ Paris RS10% Enjoy a group tour of the Palace with a professional guide who will provide insight on the history and secrets of the legendary royal residence. This tour includes a round-trip transfer from Paris to Versailles by minivan limited to 8 people. At the Palace, enjoy skip-the-line access. The guide will also walk you through the King’s State Apartments, the Hall of Mirrors, the Salon of Peace, the Hall of Battles and a few other rooms. Following the tour, you will have about 2.5 hours to explore the expansive gardens on your own.

Versailles Half Day Guided Tours & Hotel Pick-up

Recommended on TripAdvisor & Rick Steves’ Paris RS10% Welcome to this six-hour guided tour of Versailles, reserved for a group of 20 people maximum. You’ll be accompanied by an experienced tour guide who will show you the treasures of Versailles. The tour will begin with an in-depth visit to the Palace of Versailles. Your guide will accompany you for approximately two hours through the sumptuous King’s apartments, the Hall of Mirrors, the Throne Room, and other magnificent rooms. You’ll learn more about the life of the French royalty, court intrigues, and historical events that shaped this iconic location.

Versailles Small Group Guided Tour with hotel Pick-up 2024 (15% Off )

Recommended on TripAdvisor & Rick Steves’ Paris RS10%. Welcome to this six-hour guided tour of Versailles, reserved for a small group of 16 people maximum. You'll be accompanied by an experienced tour guide who will show you the treasures of Versailles. The tour will begin with an in-depth visit to the Palace of Versailles. Your guide will accompany you for approximately two hours through the sumptuous King's apartments, the Hall of Mirrors, the Throne Room, and other magnificent rooms. You'll learn more about the life of the French royalty, court intrigues, and historical events that shaped this iconic location.

Versailles Small Group Guided Tour with hotel Pick-up ( 11 pax )

Recommended on TripAdvisor & Rick Steves’ Paris RS10% Welcome to this six-hour guided tour of Versailles, reserved for a small group of 10 people maximum. You'll be accompanied by an experienced tour guide who will show you the treasures of Versailles. The tour will begin with an in-depth visit to the Palace of Versailles. Your guide will accompany you for approximately two hours through the sumptuous King's apartments, the Hall of Mirrors, the Throne Room, and other magnificent rooms. You'll learn more about the life of the French royalty, court intrigues, and historical events that shaped this iconic location.

OUR BEST TOURS : VERSAILLES FULL DAY SMALL GROUP

Versailles full day guided tour.

Recommended on TripAdvisor & Rick Steves’ Paris I RS10% A small group tour dedicated to the Versailles estate. Take a glimpse of the different facets of Royal lifestyle: the public life in the apartments, the lavish parties in the gardens and the hidden love affairs at the Trianons. This 8-hour tour includes pick-up and drop-off from Paris by a comfortable minivan limited to eight people. At the palace, enjoy skip-the-line access and tour the State Apartments and Hall of Mirrors with the guide who will bring to life the main figures of French Monarchy. Following the tour, you will have time to explore the expansive gardens and Trianons.

Versailles Small Group Guided - Full day Tour with hotel pick-up

Recommended on TripAdvisor & Rick Steves’ Paris RS10% Welcome to this 8-hours guided tour of Versailles, reserved for a small group of 16 people maximum. You'll be accompanied by an experienced tour guide who will show you the treasures of Versailles. The tour will begin with an in-depth visit to the Palace of Versailles. Your guide will accompany you for approximately two hours through the sumptuous King's apartments, the Hall of Mirrors, the Throne Room, and other magnificent rooms. You'll learn more about the life of the French royalty, court intrigues, and historical events that shaped this iconic location.

Versailles & Giverny Small group | Full Day | by Minivan (1 review)

Recommended on TripAdvisor & Rick Steves’ Paris I RS10% / Small Group 16 pax ( Versailles guided tour ) & 8 pax ( Giverny driver guide ) Visit two iconic French destinations in a single day on this shared transfer tour from Paris to Versailles to Giverny. Meet your driver in the morning, and travel in an air-conditioned minivan through the scenic French countryside. First, skip the lines at the Palace with your priority access, and embark on a guided tour of the jaw-dropping estate, home to generations of French monarchs. Pursue your visit with the charming town of Giverny, home to Claude Monet.

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The BEST Half-Day Versailles Tour from Paris (5 Top Tours)

Last updated on February 15th, 2024 at 07:29 pm

Table of Contents

Wondering which half-day Versailles Tour from Paris to take and whether it will work into your vacation schedule?

Well, I’ve done several tours of Versailles now, so I’ve created a list of the ones I enjoyed the most to help you choose.

I’m lucky enough to live in France, and Paris is just a two-hour train ride away. I love meeting friends and family here and playing tour guide. And a tour of Versailles is nearly always one we do.

My Top Pick for a Half-Day Versailles Tour from Paris

Half-Day Private Guided Tour Of The Versailles Palace With Skip-The-Line Access

✅ Skip-the-line access saves time and hassle

✅ Personalised tour with an experienced guide

✅ Over 190 five-star reviews ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A tour of the Palace of Versailles is on most people’s vacation lists when visiting Paris, meaning it can get very crowded.

And one of the best ways to avoid the crowds, and to get access to some of the rooms a general admission ticket doesn’t get you, is to book a tour.

Unfortunately, not all tours are created equal, and it comes down to knowing what you want to do and how much time you want to spend.

5 Half-Day Versailles Tour from Paris

No 1 – half day private guided tour of the versailles palace with skip the line access.

This half-day private tour allows you to explore Versailles with the expertise of an art historian as your guide.

⭐️ RATING: 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  4 Hours | ✅ Check Rates & Availability!

WHY YOU’LL WANT TO BOOK THIS TOUR

As good as the audio guides are, nothing beats doing a tour with a guide who is passionate about Versailles and knows stories that take you beyond the guidebook.

It’s the perfect blend of history and ease, with skip-the-line access ensuring you soak up more of Versailles and less of the waiting lines. 

What’s Included? Your tour starts at the State Apartments of Louis XIV , where you’ll get an intimate glimpse into the life of the Sun King. From there, you’ll explore the other royal apartments, as well as the breathtaking Hall of Mirrors . 

Your guide, a well-versed art historian, will unveil the layers of history and artistry that line this grand corridor. 

But it’s not all about the Palace as your tour will take you outside to the Gardens of Versailles . Here, you’ll have time to roam among the spectacular fountains and the statues , taking in the splendour of the gardens.

And the best part is you don’t need to worry about getting there and back. Round-trip transportation from your Paris accommodation is covered . And trust me, I had issues with cancelled RER trains on one of my trips, so it was great not to worry about that with the hotel pick-up included.

What I loved about this tour:

• Skip-the-line access saves time and hassle.
• Personalised attention and detailed insights from an art historian guide.
• Convenient round-trip transportation from Paris.

WHAT OTHERS HAVE SAID

Absolutely stunning! A can’t miss experience. Our guide, Julien, brought the entire history of beautiful Versailles to life with engaging stories, exceptional knowledge, and a finely tuned private tour. Our entire family learned so much and could not have fully appreciated this immersive tour without Julien’s guidance. Thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon. BELINDA (read more reviews )

▶︎ BOOK A PRIVATE HALF-DAY GUIDED TOUR OF VERSAILLES >>>

No 2 – Private Versailles Palace and Gardens Golf Cart Tour

Dive into the heart of French history with this private tour of the Palace of Versailles and its exquisite gardens.

⭐️ RATING: 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  3 Hours | ✅ Check Rates & Availability!

This private guided tour is an invitation to explore the opulence of Versailles with a personal touch, led by a historian who’ll reveal the secrets and stories of this grand estate. 

The added perk of skip-the-line access ensures there is no queuing involved.

What’s Included? Your journey begins in the Versailles Gardens , where you’ll be driven in style in a comfortable four-seat golf cart allowing you to cover more ground, possibly catching a glimpse of the spectacular seasonal water shows. 

After your garden exploration, it’s time to go into the Palace itself. The Galerie des Glaces, with its 357 mirrors , is a highlight, reflecting centuries of history and grandeur. But there’s more, the 18th-century Royal Chapel captivates with its vibrant ceiling paintings and historic organ.

The tour doesn’t stop at the public spaces. You’ll also visit the more personal quarters of the king and queen, uncovering intimate stories of royal life and the army of servants that supported it. 

This includes the State Apartment, where the king met dignitaries. You’ll also see the apartments of the King’s sisters, Mes Dames, Victoire and Adélaïde.

What I loved about the tour:

• The four-seat golf cart allowed us to see more of the gardens
• In-depth historical insights from a knowledgeable guide.
• Priority access to the palace, avoiding the long queues.

Claire was an absolutely fabulous guide! Our best guided tour in Paris !!! She was witty and humorous; able to explain the rich history of the Versailles Palace to us. The tour of the garden was thoroughly enjoyable! Highly recommended guide! MICHAEL (read more reviews )

▶︎ BOOK THE PRIVATE VERSAILLES PALACE & GARDEN GOLF CART TOUR

No 3 – Château of Versailles and Marie Antoinette’s Petit Trianon Private Tour

Ideal for history enthusiasts and those wanting an in-depth look at Versailles’ opulence this private tour offers a unique blend of grandeur and hidden stories.

⭐️ RATING: 4 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  5 Hours | ✅ Check Rates & Availability!

Step back in time with this private guided tour of the Palace of Versailles and gardens . From the luxurious apartments of the king to the intimate retreats of Marie Antoinette, it’s a journey through the heart of French regal history and splendour. 

What’s Included? Your guide will lead you through King Louis XIV’s luxurious apartment , revealing stories of the king’s life and the Dieudonné family. 

The Hall of Mirrors awaits with its opulent chandeliers and ornate mirrors, each telling a tale of Louis XIV’s ascent.

Next, the gardens. Here, you’ll explore Marie Antoinette’s personal sanctuary, the Domaine de Marie Antoinette , complete with lush gardens and intricate fountains. 

The tour then takes you to the Petit Trianon , offering a glimpse into the life of the iconic French Queen, Marie Antoinette. 

Spend the afternoon wandering through her Hamlet, exploring the farm, windmill, and cottages, remnants of royal leisure and intrigue.

• A comprehensive tour of the Palace, and the private areas of Marie Antoinette, such as the Petit Trianon.
• Personalised experience with a dedicated guide and private transportation.
• Skip-the-line access ensures more time is spent discovering and less waiting.

Myriam is an absolute legend. The tour was educational, fast-paced, and FUN! We really went there to learn about the history and lore of the French monarchy, so this tour was a great choice for us. Do. Not. Miss. The. Trianons. It’s a must. AIMEE (read more reviews )

▶︎ BOOK THE CHATEAU OF VERSAILLES AND PETIT TRIANON PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR >>>

No 4 – Versailles Palace Entrance Ticket and Breakfast at Restaurant ORE

Your Versailles experience begins with a luxurious breakfast at Ore, an Alain Ducasse restaurant located within the Palace.

⭐️ RATING: 4 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  6 Hours | ✅ Check Rates & Availability!

This is the tour I have done most recently with my daughter, and starting the day with breakfast in the palace itself was a great way to begin our tour. 

One thing to note is that this is a self-guided tour, so there is no guide to take you around. It’s perfect for those who prefer to discover at their own pace with the help of an audio guide for each room.

You do still have skip-the-line tickets which are given to you in the restaurant once you’ve finished your breakfast. You’re then taken down the back stairs and straight into the security area, where there is airport-style security to go through. 

It did feel as though you were a bit of a celebrity being taken through this way, which definitely added a bit of fun.

You also have access to the gardens, which we didn’t do on this trip as it was winter and too cold to wander around.

• A fun start to the tour with a luxurious breakfast at Ore by Alain Ducasse.
• Skip-the-line entrance saves time and enhances the experience.
• Freedom to explore the palace independently

Walking at our own pace thru the castle was a great experience. Viewing the incredible artwork on the ceilings… it’s just not done anymore, was awe-inspiring. Beautiful tour. Breakfast was AMAZING, and filling. Loved all of it. ASHLEIGH (read more reviews )

▶︎ BOOK VERSAILLES PALACE TICKETS WITH BREAKFAST INCLUDED >>>

No 5 – Guided Tour of Versailles with Paris Pick-Up in a Deluxe Minibus

This Versailles Tour combines the insight of a professional guide with the freedom to discover at your own pace, including transport from and back to Paris.

⭐️ RATING: 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  2 Hours | ✅ Check Rates & Availability!

This group tour of the Palace of Versailles offers a comprehensive insight into the opulence and history of Versailles, coupled with the opportunity to wander and discover at your own pace. 

The convenience of transportation and the expertise of a professional guide make this an excellent choice for a hassle-free visit to one of France’s most historical sites.

What’s Included? Your guide, well-versed in the palace’s history, will lead you through its most famed spaces: The Queen’s Bedroom, the Great Apartments , and the iconic Hall of Mirrors . You’ll also explore the Gallery of Battles , immersing yourself in the artistic legacy of Louis XIV’s favourite painter, Le Brun, and the portraits of Versailles’ historic inhabitants.

After the guided segment, you’ll have time to wander through the “à la française” gardens, a testament to French landscaping artistry. 

• Expert guidance through the most significant areas of Versailles.
• Opportunity for independent exploration, especially in the gardens.
• Stress-free round-trip transportation from Paris.

Walter did a fantastic job! We ended up having a personal tour with him. His knowledge of the history of France is incredible. Walter answered all of our questions and provided us with an amazing tour. Having the round-trip transportation included was so helpful. If you are questioning whether this is worth the investment, it is! Book the tour. TERRA (read more reviews )

▶︎ BOOK A GUIDED TOUR OF VERSAILLES WITH TRANSPORT INCLUDED !

Compare the best Versailles Half Day Tours

The paris museum pass.

If you like the idea of visiting a few of the museums in and around Paris, I recommend getting the Paris Museum Pass . It includes entry into the Palace of Versailles and the Gardens. However, these will be self-guided tours.

You’ll have access to over 60 museums and monuments and can choose from a 2, 4 or 6-day pass.

Click here to see what’s included >>>

Things to consider when visiting Versailles

• Under 18s go free, and under 26s also have free entry, if they are residents of the EU
• The first Sunday of the month, from November to March, is free entry for everyone
• On days when the musical fountains have a show, you will have to purchase a separate ticket for the gardens
• The Park and the Gallery of Coaches do not require a ticket and are free to visit

FAQS: Booking a Guided Tour of Versailles

Can you do versailles in half a day.

Visiting Versailles in half a day is possible, but it’s a tight schedule. You’ll be able to see the main highlights like the Palace, the Hall of Mirrors, and the gardens. However, exploring the entire estate, including the Trianon Palaces and Marie-Antoinette’s Estate , would be challenging in this timeframe.

Is 2 hours enough for Versailles?

Two hours at Versailles allows for a brief visit. You can tour the main palace, including the main areas like the King’s and Queen’s State Apartments and the Hall of Mirrors. However, two hours isn’t really enough to fully experience the gardens or other parts of the estate.

Can you bring a water bottle into the Palace of Versailles?

Yes, you can bring a water bottle into the Palace of Versailles. It’s advisable to carry a reusable bottle as there are several water fountains on the grounds where you can refill it. However, drinking and eating inside the palace rooms are not allowed.

Can I bring a backpack into Versailles?

Backpacks are allowed in Versailles, but there are size restrictions. Large backpacks may need to be checked into the cloakroom. For a smoother visit, it’s recommended to bring a smaller bag to avoid long waits at the security check and cloakroom.

My Top Pick for a Half-Day Tour of Versailles!

• Personalised insights from your guide
• Round-trip transportation from Paris.

Final Thoughts: Taking a half-day Versailles tour from Paris

As you can see, I’ve been to Versailles five times , and I still feel like I haven’t seen everything there is to see. I still want to see Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet and Petit Trianon.

I highly recommend taking half-day tours as there is so much to see and do that it can be overwhelming trying to squeeze it into one day. 

Plus, with a tour guide, you get to ask questions such as, “Did Marie Antoinette really say, Let Them Eat Cake? ”.

If you can, make enough time to see the gardens, orangery and the Petit Trianon.

Just remember, if you’re making your own way and using the Metro and RER train , make sure to leave yourself plenty of time. Trains get cancelled regularly, and you don’t want to miss the time you have.

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Kylie Lang is the founder of Life in Rural France. She moved to France in 2016 and lives in the beautiful Charente region in the Nouvelle Aquitaine. Through the blog, she showcases the best places to visit in France, especially in the South West. From chateaux and winery tours to hotels and restaurants, she has first-hand experience of life in France.

How to Get from Paris to Versailles

• See & Do
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• Getting from Paris to Versailles

How to Get from Paris to Versailles Palace

Planning your first trip to the Palace of Versailles?  If so, you may be wondering: "What's the best way to get there from Paris?"

Most Popular Paris Day Trips to Palace of Versailles

These top-rated day trips to Versailles fill up fast, so book early to get the dates you want:

Popular Versailles day trips with transportation from Paris:

• Versailles Skip-the-Line Guided Tour & Gardens  - Optional garden tour
• Palace of Versailles & Gardens - Audio tour; choose a full-day or half-day trip
• Giverny & Versailles Guided Day Trip - See 2 iconic attractions in one day
• Versailles Bike Tour with Palace & Queen's Farm Entrance  - Highly-rated

Traveling to Versailles on your own?  Book a ticket with a reserved time slot for fast entry:

• Versailles Palace & Gardens Full Access Ticket - Includes entire Estate, including 3 palaces, the gardens (including Musical Gardens or Fountain show from April-October), & Marie-Antoinette's Hameau (farm and village)

If you're like many visitors, the opulent Palace and its vast Estate and Gardens may be near the top of famous attractions you want to see during your time in the City of Light.

And for good reasons.  The spectacular architecture, lavish interiors, and magnificent gardens of the Château de Versailles and its surrounding Estate dazzle and enchant visitors today just as they did when the French monarchy called it "home."  From Louis "The Sun King" XIV who created the Palace to the doomed Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette who fled in disgrace to escape an angry mob on the eve of the French Revolution, each generation of kings and queens contributed to the over-the-top luxury you see today.

Fortunately, the Chateau's location just 12 miles (20 km) outside Paris makes it ideal for a day trip.

You can choose from six ways to get from Paris to Versailles Palace, although some may work better for you than others. In this article, we point out the advantages and disadvantages of each option to help you decide which way to travel will be the best fit for you.

Here's what you'll find in this article:

• How to get from Paris to Versailles with a tour group
• How to go from Paris to Versailles by train
• How to get to Versailles from Paris on the bus
• When to consider going to Versailles by car
• Should you use Uber to go from Paris to Versailles?
• Can you bike to Versailles from Paris?

Top photo: The Palace of Versailles and Apollo Fountain - Photo credit: Tiffany Cade/Unsplash

Paris Discovery Guide is a reader-supported publication.  When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost for you.  Learn more

1.  How to Get from Paris to Versailles with a Tour Group

The easiest and most stress-free way to get to Versailles Palace is to join a group tour that includes transportation from Paris on a luxury coach or train.   Then, all you have to do is show up at a designated meeting spot in central Paris. 

Your tour organizer handles everything else, including transportation, your ticket to the Palace, and fast-track priority entry through a special gate available only to guided tour groups.  And of course, you also get the benefit of an expert guide who will make sure you see all the most spectacular rooms such as the dazzling Hall of Mirrors and Royal Apartments, the magnificent Gardens, and perhaps other parts of the estate.

If you want to make the most of your visit to Versailles while not spending (and perhaps wasting) time figuring out all the details, these transportation-included tours are the way to go.

What's the Difference between Coach & Train Tours to Versailles?

So which is better:  tours offering transportation to Versailles by coach (ie, luxury bus or sometimes even a minivan) - or by train? 

Both ways of travel are quite comfortable, but there is a key difference.  When you choose a coach tour, you'll re-board the bus  at a designated time and ride back to Paris with your group. 

However, when you choose a guided tour with train transportation included, you'll receive a ticket for your return trip by train back to Paris.  This gives you a lot of flexibility.  

When your tour ends, you usually have the choice of returning to the city by train with your guide and perhaps others from your tour group - or head back whenever you please, which allows you to spend time exploring Versailles on your own or perhaps even have dinner at one of the local restaurants. 

You will need to walk back to the train station on your own, but that's super-easy to do.  The station is only a 5-10 minute walk from the Palace gates and you'll see plenty of signs and directions along the way. 

Of course, if you come to Versailles from Paris by coach or minivan with a group tour and want to stay longer, you can always return to Paris on your own on the train.  Tickets cost only a few euros.  Just be sure to get a 1-way ticket - and let your tour guide know you'll be returning on your own.

Popular Versailles Tours with Coach or Train Transportation from Paris

Here are three of the most popular choices:

• Full-Day Guided Tour of Versailles by air-conditioned coach from Paris - On this comprehensive tour, you will visit the most spectacular Palace attractions such as the Hall of Mirrors, the beautiful Palace Gardens, and other important sights such as the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, and Marie Antoinette's Estate including her charming Hamlet before re-boarding your coach for your relaxing return to Paris.
• Skip-the-Line Versailles Palace Tour by Train - If you choose this guided tour of Versailles, you'll travel with your guide by train from Paris to the Château, where you'll enjoy a 3-hour tour of the Royal Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, and other rooms, as well as the gorgeous Gardens.  Depending on which day you visit, you may also see the enchanting Musical Gardens or Musical Fountains show.  Use your return train ticket to head back to Paris whenever you choose. 
• Half-Day Versailles Guided Tour from Paris - This small-group guided tour from Paris by minivan includes pickup and drop-off at selected hotels, giving you the ultimate convenience when you have limited time.  Your guide will enrich your experience with stories about Versailles' famous history while taking you to see the most important rooms in the Palace as well as a quick visit to the Gardens.  Choose a morning or afternoon excursion.

Another excellent choice, especially if you have limited time but want to see both the Palace of Versailles and Monet's home in Giverny with its colorful garden and water lily pond is to join a day trip from Paris that includes coach transportation, lunch and guided or audio tours of both attractions, depending on which option you select.

Find more Versailles tours from Paris with transportation, including group bike tours

2.  How to Go from Paris to the Palace of Versailles by Train

Although three different trains to Versailles - RER C and SNCF Lines L and N - offer service from Paris, only one of them (RER C) stops at the Château Versailles Rive Gauche, the closest station to the front entrance gates at the Palace of Versailles.  Not surprisingly, this is the train most people choose because of the convenience, although depending on your location, you may want to opt for one of the others. 

Thanks to infrastructure and technology improvements made during the past decade, the trip to Versailles from Paris is now faster than ever.   It takes around 25-30 minutes on RER C and SNCF Line N, and between 35-40 minutes on SNCF Line L.

Here are the details for each option:

Getting to Versailles on the RER C Train

Going to Versailles on the RER C train is the easiest option and also the most popular because it puts you closest to the Versailles Palace entry gates.  In addition, trains on the RER C line typically run about every 5-10 minutes, vs about every 15 minutes for Line N and about every 20 minutes for Line L, so on average, you'll have less of a wait. 

Best of all, the RER C train runs along the Left Bank of the Seine River, and has nine stations within the city, so you can choose to depart from whichever station is closest to you. 

For most visitors to Versailles, RER C is the best choice.

Important to Know:  RER C has two branches in the direction of Versailles.  One of them terminates at the Versailles Château Rive-Gauche station (yes, that's the one you want), and the other terminates at Saint-Quentin en Yvelines but makes a stop at Versailles Chantiers (NOT the station you want). 

Once you're in the RER station and have your ticket, you'll see the announcements board for incoming trains.  Be sure to board one that's going to Versailles Chateau Rive-Gauche.  (But if the worst happens and you accidentally board the other train, get off once you reach Versailles Chantiers; the walk to the Palace will take you 10-15 minutes instead of 5-10, so it's not a big set back.)

Bonus:  If you take the RER-C, you may be in one of the new "Museum" train cars with interior decor featuring murals of Versailles or other famous Paris museums.

Getting to Versailles on the SNCF N Train

The SNCF N Train has only one Paris departure point:  the Montparnasse Station ( Gare ) located close to where the 6th, 14th, and 15th arrondissements intersect.  In Versailles, it arrives at the Versailles Chantiers station, slightly over half a mile (1 km) from the Palace entrance and about a 10-15 minute walk from the Palace.  

Although the trip to Versailles takes about the same length of time (30 minutes) as the RER C train, departures happen slightly less frequently - about every 15 minutes, on average.  Unless you have a strong reason to take the Line N train (for example, you're staying close to Gare Montparnasse), RER C is likely to be a better choice because of the more-frequent departures.

Good to Know:   Although the N train has several branches, they happen after the Versailles Chantiers station - so no need to worry about them as long as you take one of the trains heading toward the Palace.

Getting to Versailles from Paris on SNCF Line L

The SNCF L train also has only one Paris station: Gare Saint-Lazare in the 8th arrondissement.  The trip to Versailles takes about 35-40 minutes, train frequency is about every 20 minutes, and it arrives at the Versailles Rive Droite station, about three-quarters of a mile (1.3 km) or an almost-20 minute walk from the Palace entrance. 

Similar to the N train, the SNCF L train may not be your best choice unless you're staying close to Gare Saint-Lazare, Galeries Lafayette, Opéra Garnier (the Paris Opera House), or possibly Montmartre.  Even if you are, you may still prefer to take the Metro to the nearest RER C station. 

Find details about getting your Vernon train tickets at Gare Saint-Lazare

Important to Know:  SNCF Line L also has several branches - so make sure you take the one to Versailles Rive-Droite, which is the last station on the line.

How to Get Your RER or Train Tickets to Versailles

When you arrive at your departure station in Paris, you will need to buy tickets for your trip. 

The only exception is that if you have a weekly or monthly "all zones" Navigo pass or an "all zone" Paris Visite travel pass that's valid for the day you want to travel (make sure sign and date your card), you can use it for the trip. That's because Versailles is in "Zone 4" of the Ile de France regional transportation network.  In other words, if you have the all-zone Navigo or Visite pass, you do not need an additional ticket so your trip to Versailles and back will cost you nothing extra.

Otherwise, you must buy a round-trip ticket (which means you'll actually get two 1-way tickets, one in each direction) at one of the ticket machines, whether you are going by RER or train.  Or, if that option isn't available, buy a 1-way ticket to the Versailles station and then when you return to the station later in the day, buy another 1-way ticket to Paris.  Select the language option for "English" (or another language), follow the instructions on the screen, and pay for your ticket with your credit card.  The process is quick and easy, but if you make a mistake, just hit "cancel" and start over.

Remember, if you're using a round-trip or 1-way train or metro ticket, keep your ticket once you get on the train because you'll need to show it to the conductor and then insert it in a turnstile in order to exit the station. If you don't have it, you'll most likely be fined.

Please note:   You cannot use a regular Metro ticket to travel between Paris and Versailles because regular Metro tickets include travel on the RER ( a suburban train line that is technically not part of the Metro system) only for Zone 1, which is central Paris.  Versailles is in Zone 4, which is why you need an RER ticket.  If you do try to use a Metro ticket for this trip, you risk a hefty fine.

3.  How to Get to Versailles from Paris on a Bus

To take a local bus to the Chateau Versailles Rive Gauche station, first take the metro to the Pont de Sèvres station on the western edge of the city.  Outside the station, find the bus stop for the southwest-bound #171 bus outside the station, and take the bus to Versailles. 

Here's the tricky part:   Not all #171 buses going in the direction of Versailles go all the way to Versailles; some terminate much sooner. 

You should see "Versailles" listed as the destination on the bus, but if in doubt, confirm with the driver when you get on.  Even if you don't speak any French, the polite way to do this is to say, "Bonjour, Monsieur (or Madame).  Versailles?" 

They'll understand what you're asking, and even if you don't understand their response, watch their gestures to figure out if you should find a seat on the bus or get off and wait for the next one.  In either case, nod and reply, "Merci, Monsieur (or Madame)."

The ride from the Pont de Sèvres station to the chateau takes about 30 minutes (occasionally longer if you hit traffic or road construction), and the cost is normally just one metro/bus ticket each way (unless somehow the length of your trip exceeds 90 minutes, in which case you'll need a second ticket).  If you have a valid weekly or monthly "all zones" Navigo pass or an "all zone" Paris Visite travel card, the cost is zero.

In case you're wondering, you cannot reuse your metro ticket to Pont de Sèvres for the bus, because metro/bus transfers using the same ticket are not permitted. 

You can find the #171 bus schedule on ratp.fr.

Should you consider taking the bus to Versailles?   It is slightly more difficult than taking the train, especially if you don't speak much French (but still relatively easy), and the possibility of boarding the wrong bus, however slight, also makes it somewhat more stressful. 

For most people, taking the RER C will be more convenient.  However, the bus is the cheapest option and if your travel budget means that every Euro counts (for example, if you're a student), then it's a fine choice.  It's also a wonderful way to see more of the Paris suburbs and Ile de France countryside.

Pro Tip:   If you do decide to take the bus, do yourself a big favor and download the RATP app on your phone, which provides clear directions and a useful map for finding the station location.

More about Visiting the Palace of Versailles

• Top Things to See & Do at the Palace of Versailles - Plus visitor tips
• Best Tours of Palace of Versailles
• Best Hotels & Apartments near the Palace of Versailles

4.  When to Consider Going to Versailles by Car

Normally, as a Paris visitor, you don't want to be burdened with a car in Paris because a) driving in Paris can be a nightmare if you're not used to it, and b) parking can cost more than dinner.  Getting around Paris on the metro is much faster, cheaper, and easier. 

But if you are planning to make a trip outside the city to multiple destinations including Versailles, then renting a car and stopping at the Palace for a day or more along the way can make a lot of sense. 

If you are considering doing this, here are a couple of tips:

First, instead of renting a car in Paris and having to battle city traffic on congested roads, consider picking up your rental in the nearby business district of La Défense, easily reached on Line 1 of the metro.  You'll find European, British, and even American car rental agencies such as Avis and Budget.  From La Défense, you'll have an easy drive to Versailles.

Second, consider departing Paris (or La Defense) in the evening before in order to miss rush hour traffic, and spending the night at one of the wonderful hotels or apartments in Versailles (make sure you choose one with onsite parking) where both hotel rates and parking fees are significantly cheaper than in Paris.  This also allows you to arrive at the entrance gate early in the morning and gives you more time to explore the Palace and its magnificent gardens.

5.  Should You Use Uber or a Taxi to Go from Paris to Versailles?

Should you consider using a ride-share service such as Uber or a taxi for getting to Versailles from Paris?

A one-way trip between Paris and Versailles by Uber or taxi will typically cost you a minimum of around 40€ - 50€, assuming no major traffic jams and depending on your specific Paris location. 

Transit time (again, depending on where you are in the city) might be 30-45 minutes, but it can easily be longer if you get stuck in city traffic or on the Péripherique, the ring road around Paris.  Add in road congestion (an almost-constant condition on the Périph', and your fare and travel time can soar. 

Because Paris has such an extensive, fast, and affordable public transportation network, going to Versailles by Uber or taxi doesn't usually make sense for most people - but, of course, your circumstances may vary, especially if you're part of a group of several (or more) people.

In that case, compare prices, and do what suits you best.

You might also want to consider a private transfer service which provides pre-set fixed rates.

6.  Can You Bike to Versailles from Paris?

Yes!   And if you love biking, this may become one of your favorite memories of your trip.

The 15-mile (24 km) route to Versailles is easy and scenic, starting with a lovely stretch through the Bois de Boulogne in Paris's 16th arrondissement.  Once you reach the Palace of Versailles, you can enter the estate for free through one of the bike-friendly gates, and ride along picturesque paths through the woods and meadows. 

Unless you have your own bike, you can easily rent one for a day at a reasonable cost. 

Although you may be tempted to use one of the Vélib bikes available throughout Paris, don't; you need a sturdier road bike or maybe even an electric bike for this trip.  (Also, the rental cost for Velibs goes up the longer you keep it, so you'll end up paying more than you would for renting a good bike.) 

Three good rental services are Paris Bike Tour, Paris à Vélo , and Paris Bike Company.

You'll also need a route map, such as this one from bikemap.net which starts at Bois de Bologna:

You can find  detailed directions here.

The only areas of the Estate where bikes are not allowed are in the gardens and the Palace (and other buildings such as the Grand and Petit Trianons). 

If you want to visit those places, you should bring a sturdy bike lock, which you can probably get wherever you rent your bike; if not, go to the nearest Decathlon, the huge French sporting goods store which has multiple locations in Paris.

You'll also need a "Passport" entry ticket for the Palace, Gardens, and other ticketed areas.

If your goal is to explore Versailles Estate by bike (an excellent approach, considering its vast size), you may want to consider the Versailles Bike Tour with Palace & Queen's Farm Entrance,  which provides transporation to the estate but an extensive bike tour (plus free time) after you get there.

Bon voyage, and have fun!

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