versailles google tour

The Palace of Versailles Opens Its Digital Doors, A Free Tour of Everything

“It’s not a palace, it’s an entire city. Superb in its size, superb in its matter.” — Charles Perrault, 1687

Here’s my guide to taking a virtual tour of the Palace of Versailles. Versailles is the most ornate and famous royal chateau in France. Once hidden away behind closed doors, the palace is now yours for digital viewing at home from your couch or computer screen.

Versailles is honestly one of my least favorite places in France to visit in real life. The lines are spectacularly long. The palace spectacularly crowded. It’s hard to really admire the royal handiwork with the crush of people.

READ : Tourist Traps To Skip in Paris

But in this time of global uncertainly and angst — a time of canceled vacations and missed travel opportunities — the Palace of Versailles has generously opened its digital doors, at least temporarily.

The palace is offering an unprecedented free virtual tour to experience from home. Everything can be seen; nothing is omitted.

Short History of the Palace of Versailles

The UNESCO-listed Palace of Versailles was once the center and cultural heartbeat of Europe, until the French Revolution. The Sun King Louis XIV transformed his father’s hunting lodge into a monumental palace in the mid 17th century.

The palace was France’s political capital and royal seat from 1682 to 1789. The royal court had 3,000 residents.

The Palace of Versailles is ornately decorated, to say the least. It’s massive, flashy, and very, very gold. The opulence is overwhelming. Even the bathrooms are gold plated.

As exemplifies the Baroque style, the palace was decorated with gilding, stucco, arabesques, frescoed vaulted ceilings, mirrors, and tromp l’oeil effects. The king’s apartments were in the center, because the world revolved around him.

But the palace itself wasn’t enough for the king who ruled by divine right. In 1687, Louis XIV built the Grand Trianon. This swishy pad is where Louis XIV escaped the viper pit of court life and pursued his affair with Madame de Montespan.

The architect, Jules Hardouin-Mansart, described the refined structure as “a little palace of pink marble and porphyry, with marvelous gardens.”

Aside from Louis XIV, Versailles’ most famous occupant was Marie Antoinette . The queen made major changes to the palace’s decor in the 18th century. With the exception of the Hall of Mirrors, the interior is more Louis XVI style than Louis XIV style.

Marie Antoinette also adored the Petit Trianon, a little Neo-Classical palace on the grounds. When Louis XVI inherited it, he gifted it to his queen, saying “This pleasure house is yours.”

The Petit Trianon bears her distinctive decor and ornamentation — ornate floral motifs run amok in cornflower blue, lilac, and green, without the glitz of the main palace.

Not content with just the Petit Trianon, Marie Antoinette hired two architects to create a pastoral fantasy for her, the Hameau de la Reine.

On the surface, the Queen’s Hamlet appeared as a rural village of crackled tumbledown cottages and wisteria vines. (The countryside was fashionable at the time.) But inside, the cottages were decked out.

READ : Guide To the Marie Antoinette Trail in Paris

Designed by Andre Le Notre, the gardens of the Palace of Versailles are also a vast showstopper. Louis XIV wanted a verdant display to demonstrate his power and to entertain VIPs.

It’s one of the most influential landscape designs in French history — with a series of geometric gardens, groves, fountains, and parks.

Virtual Tour of the Palace of Versailles

The palace has partnered with Google Arts & Culture to present its virtual exhibits online. Google takes users on a journey of the palace’s rich decor and art collection of over 22,000 pieces.

You can also take an amazing virtual tour on the Palace of Versailles’ website . Nothing is left out! For example, you can stroll through:

1. The famed Hall of Mirrors (one of the most famous rooms in the world). You

have a 360 view of the Hall of Mirrors here .

2. The King’s Apartments

3. The Queen’s Apartment s

4. The Royal Chapel

5. The Grand Trianon

6. The Petit Trianon

7. The Queen’s Hamlet

8. The amazing fountains in the garden

9. The lavish Le Notre gardens

10. The art galleries

11. The Napoleon Rooms

12. Marie Antoinette’s private chambers

13. The Coronation Room

And there are plenty of online virtual exhibitions and stories to whet your appetite or feed your soul. This is the perfect opportunity to discover the secrets behind the fashions of Versailles , how Louis XIV honed his political image , the jewelry worn at Versailles, or the gossip about Louis XIV’s long reigning mistress Madame de Montespan .

Versailles 3D , created by Google, also gives you an impressive 3D tour of Versailles. For the latest photos and stories, you can check out the Palace of Versailles’ Facebook page .

If you’ve watched the BBC’s Versailles TV series, you visit the filming locations via my guide .

READ : 3 Day itinerary for Paris

I hope you’ve enjoyed my virtual Versailles guide. You may enjoy these other virtual tours of France attractions:

French landmarks

Paris landmarks

Paris museums

French chateaux

Virtual Musee d’Orsay

Virtual Louvre

If you’d like to take a virtual tour of Versailles, pin it for later.

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Last Updated on November 9, 2021 by Leslie Livingston

VersaillesVR: The Palace is Yours

September 2019 | By Artist in Residence at Google Arts & Culture: Jonathan Tanant

Explore the Palace of Versailles in VR

Collection:

Built with:

Versailles 3D

Discover the palace of versailles in 3d throughout the ages.

The Google and Versailles teams have worked together for the past year on the Palace History Gallery opening, developing digital assets to make this visit interactive and educational.

Discover the history of the Palace through 3D models in Google Earth plus educational videos, interactive games for kids and a beautiful Chrome Experiment "Chaos to Perfection" with soundtrack by Phoenix.

Learn about the palace and the history of its construction with four scale models built in 3D. Each model includes commentaries and links to historical data which allow users to understand how they were built.

From Chaos to Perfection; an interactive stroll around the palace

We used the 3D models to build an innovative Chrome Experiment named Chaos to Perfection . This allows users to wander around iconic parts of the palace, accompanied by an original soundtrack from the French band, Phoenix.

Behind the scenes

This project pushed the boundaries of 3D modelling in Google Earth and WebGL. Google worked closely with our partners Aloest, Westimages, le FabShop and Les 84.

• Google plus

Opening of the Palace history gallery

Discover the 3D scale models

Help Louis XIV to build his Palace !

Chaos to Perfection, an interactive experience

Versailles in 1624, 5 centuries of creation.

Over the centuries

The new exhibition rooms

The Versailles 3D projects

Chaos to perfection.

From the Grand Canal to the King’s bedchamber, including the Orangerie, the Hall of Mirrors and the Colonnade grove, Chaos to Perfection takes the visitor on a tour of Versailles.

For more information

Shambles at Versailles

The 3d scale models for mobiles.

Immersion into the Palace’s history on telephones and tablets.

THE 10 BEST Versailles Tours & Excursions

Versailles tours.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Versailles Palace Live Tour with Gardens Access from Paris

2. Versailles Palace Classic Guided Tour

3. Versailles Palace and Gardens Skip-the-Line Tour from Paris

4. Versailles Domain Bike Tour with Palace and Trianon Estate Access

5. Versailles Palace and Gardens Tour by Train from Paris with Skip-the-Line

6. Versailles Small Group Guided Tour with tranportation from Paris

7. Versailles Bike Tour with Market, Gardens & Guided Palace Tour

8. Versailles Full-Day Saver Tour: Palace, Gardens, and Estate of Marie Antoinette

9. Versailles Palace timed entrance ticket with Audio

10. Versailles Guided Tour and Priority Access with Hotel Pickup

11. Full-Day Electric Bike Tour from Paris to Versailles

12. Versailles Palace Skip the Line Small Group Guided Tour

13. Versailles Domain Day Bike Tour with Trianon Estate from Paris

14. Versailles Timed Entrance Ticket and Giverny Small Group Day Trip from Paris

15. Versailles Palace Skip the line Guided Full Day or Half Day Tour

16. Versailles Palace and Giverny Monet House Guided Visit with Lunch from Paris

17. Versailles Domain Bike Tour with Palace Entry by Train from Paris

18. Versailles Palace Private Half Day Guided Tour including Hotel Pickup from Paris

19. Versailles Royal Palace & Gardens Private Tour by Golf Cart

20. Versailles Palace & Marie-Antoinette's Estate Private Guided Tour with Lunch

21. Giverny's Monet House & Versailles Palace Day Trip from Paris

22. Giverny Monet's House & Versailles Palace Private Day Trip from Paris

23. Small Group Paris to Versailles Guided Day Trip & Garden Access

24. Paris: Priority Pass to Versailles Palace with Gardens & Estate

25. Priority Entrance Ticket to Versailles Palace, Gardens and Estate

26. Versailles Palace, Gardens and Trianon Estate Entry Ticket

27. Versailles Domain Half or Full Day Private Guided Tour from Paris

28. Versailles Palace and Gardens Half Day Guided Tour from Paris

29. Versailles Palace Guided Tour with Coach Transfer from Paris

30. Versailles Palace Half Day Private & Tailored Guided Tour

What travelers are saying.

• Versailles Palace & Garden Tour w. Skip The Line Entry from Paris
• Versailles Palace Classic Guided Tour
• Versailles Domain Bike Tour with Palace and Trianon Estate Access
• Versailles Palace and Gardens Half Day Guided Tour from Paris
• Versailles Palace, Gardens and Trianon Estate Entry Ticket
• LivTours Versailles
• Paris To Versailles Private Tours
• Private Tours Paris
• TRIP IN TROTT
• GetYourGuide Versailles
• Hégé-Hélicoptère
• PARIS HELICOPTERE

Arts & Culture

Make the Palace of Versailles yours on Google Arts & Culture

Sep 30, 2019

[[read-time]] min read

One of the first things I saw when I arrived at the Palace of Versailles in 2011 was a construction site. In partnership with Google, we were building the History Gallery , an exhibit that brought together our art collections and digital reconstructions of the palace in 3D. The History Gallery gave people a better understanding of Versailles, and eight years later, the partnership between the Palace of Versailles and Google Arts & Culture continues to give everyone access to this cultural treasure through technology. Today, we’re launching a new online exhibition for everyone who can’t make it to Paris or who wants to explore this majestic place in a new way: Versailles: The Palace is Yours .

Our new app VersaillesVR —a technological first in the cultural world—takes visitors on a virtual reality tour of the Royal Grand Apartments, the Chapel and the Opera. To capture the imagery, we used photogrammetry—a technology that reconstructs three-dimensional models of objects and landmarks from two-dimensional photographs. It’s an invitation to discover the secrets of Versailles, and a magnificent sneak peek for those who might plan to visit in person. Though nothing will ever replace the emotion of actually stepping into the Palace, we hope this visual immersion might inspire you to do just that.

View of the Palace of Versailles ©THOMAS GARNIER

Explore 24 rooms and 150 objects in the Palace of Versailles  through a new VR app available on HTC vive and Oculus Rift

Inside the VR experience (here the famous Hall of Mirrors)

3D model of the Royal Opera House

Behind the scene of a high resolution Art Camera capture

Portrait of Marie Antoinett e by Elisabeth Vigée Lebrun

Come and take a seat at the King’s table and learn about delicacies served in the royal dining room

There are also 18 new online exhibitions featuring 340 artworks—including portraits of the royal family digitized in ultra high resolution and archival photos of Versailles dating from the 19th century—as well as 18 never-before-seen 3D models of iconic rooms and objects. Explore the 73-meter long Hall of Mirrors ,  the King’s Bed or Marie-Antoinette’s jewelry cabinet .

Versailles has always been an incredible place to visit. Today, opening the doors of Versailles to the world means opening them virtually, too.

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• Trianon Palaces

Welcome to the Palace

• Don't miss
• Restaurants and shops
• Practical information
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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 North 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

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• Visits and advice

Essential information about opening times and access 

• The Palace and the estate of Trianon are open every day except on Mondays. The Palace opens at 9:00 am, the estate of Trianon opens at 12:00 pm.
• The Park and Gardens are open every day. Access to the Gardens is free except on days of fountains shows  and musical gardens . 
• There are three train stations in Versailles : Versailles Château Rive Gauche station, Versailles Rive Droite station and the Chantiers station.
• Accessibility measures have been put in place to facilitate the visit of visitors with disabilities. 
• Access to the Park through the Queen's Gate (pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles), the entrance fee is 12 euros per vehicle and through the Sailors' Gate (pedestrians and cyclists). Read all access and times below.
• A car park is available at the Place d'Armes  (consult rates ). Several bicycle parks are available.
• Remember to book the audioguide , available in 12 languages. A distribution desk is available in the Vestibule of the Gabriel Pavilion (every day except on Mondays).
• Consult the interactive map to locate the places to visit and the services available to you (restaurants, toilets, access, etc.).
• See the rules of visit , which are essential for the comfort of visitors and the protection of the heritage.

Read the FAQ   Conditions for free admission  

Opening times

The Palace 9.00 am - 6.30 pm Closed on Mondays and on 1 st of May

The Estate of Trianon 12.00 pm - 6.30 pm Closed on Mondays and on 1 st of May

The Gardens 8.00 am - 8.30 pm Open every day

The Park 7.00 am - 8.30 pm Open every day

Exceptions and detailed opening times

Open every day except on Mondays and on 1 st of May Opening times: 9.00 am – 6.30 pm Last admission: 6 pm Ticket office closes at  5.45 pm

The Estate of Trianon

Open every day except on Mondays and on 1 st of May Opening times:  12.00 am – 6.30pm

Last admission: 6.00 pm Ticket office closes at 5.50 pm

The gardens close at 7.30 pm (evacuation begins at 7.00 pm)

The Gallery of Coaches

Open every WE and French Bank holidays (except Mondays).  Opening hours:  12.30 pm - 6.30 pm  Last admission : 5.45 pm

From 1 st July to 30 th September: open Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Last admission : 5.45 pm Access : Free

The Sculptures and Mouldings Gallery Open every WE and French Bank holidays (except Mondays).  Opening hours:  12.30 pm - 6.30 pm  Last admission : 5.45 pm From 1 st July to 30 th September: open Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Last admission : 5.45 pm Access : Free

The Estate of Marly

Open every day from 7 am to 7.30 pm (last access: 7 pm )

Extended opening on Saturdays and Sundays from mid-May to mid-September: 

• until 9.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays from 14 May 2024 to 29 August 2023 inclusive,
• until 8.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays from 3 September 2023 to 18 September 2023 inclusive.

The Gardens

Open every day from  8.00 am to 8.30 pm Last admission: 7.00 pm save exceptional weather (snow, violent winds...)

Early closing at 5:30pm every Saturday from June 8 to September 21 (Night Fountains Shows), as well as March 29, 30 and 31, Saturday May 18, Friday June 28, Sunday July 14, Friday August 9, Sunday August 11 and Thursday August 15, and October 27, 29, 30 and 31. Early closing at 6.30pm on Wednesday June 26.

Pedestrian access through the honour courtyard or through the Park (gates of Little Venice , Menagerie and Neptune ) from 7 am to 8.30 pm and through the Dragon Gate from 7 am to 7.30 pm (last access 7 pm).

Open every day from 7.00 am to 8.30 pm Last admission at 7.45 p.m save exceptional weather (snow, violent winds...)

Pedestrian access via :

• The Queen's Gate (7.00 am - 8.30 pm, last admission at 7.45 pm)
• The Sailors' Gate (7.00 am - 7.30 pm, last admission at 7.00 pm)
• The Saint-Anthony's Gate (7.00 am - 7.30 pm, last admission at 7.00 pm)
• The Honour Gate (7.00 am - 7.30 pm, last admission at 7.00 pm)
• The Royal Star Gate  is closed
• The Chapel Gate (9.00am - 5.30pm, except on monday)

Access for vehicles via :

• The Queen's Gate (9.00 am - last admission 5.50 pm)
• The Saint-Anthony's Gate (9.00 am - last admission 5.50 pm - only on weekends and on French bank holidays)

The Royal Tennis Court

The Royal Tennis court is open on WE Opening hours:  12.30 pm - 6.30 pm 

Open every day except on Mondays Opening times: 9.00am – 5.30pm Last admission: 5pm Ticket office closes at 4.50pm

Closed on December 25 th , 2023 and January 1st, 2024

Open every day except on Mondays Opening Times: 12.00pm – 5.30pm Last admission: 5.00pm Ticket office closes at 4.50 pm

Opened every Saturday and Sunday : Opening hours: 12.30pm - 5.30pm  Last admission : 4.45pm Access : Free

The Sculptures and Mouldings Gallery

The Sculptures and Mouldings Gallery is closed.

Pedestrian access opened every day via the Bourg gate (RD7) from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm . Last admission : 5.30 pm

Access every day from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm via the Royal gate, the two doors gate, the flying heart gate, the King's gate and the Stadium's gate.

Open every day, from  8.00 am to 6.00 pm  save exceptional weather (snow, violent winds...).

Pedestrian access through the honour courtyard or through the Park (gates of Little Venice , Menagerie and Neptune ) from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm and through the Dragon Gate every saturday, sunday and on French bank holidays from 1.00 pm to 6.30 pm (last admission 6.00 pm).

Open every day from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm  (last admission 5.30 pm) save exceptional weather (snow, violent winds...).

Pedestrian and bicyles access via:

• The Queen's Gate (pedestrian and bicyles access, 8.00 am - 5.30 pm)
• The Sailors' Gate  (pedestrian and bicyles access, 8.00 am - 5.30 pm)
• The Saint Anthony's Gate  (pedestrian and bicyles access, 8.00 am - 5.30 pm)
• The Honour Gate  (pedestrian access, 8.00 am - 5.30 pm)
• The Chapel Gate (9.00 am - 5.30pm, except on monday)

Access for vehicles every day from 9.00 am to 4.50 pm via the Queen's Gate and the Saint Anthony's Gate .

The Royal Tennis court is open for guided tours.

Getting to the Palace

Château de Versailles Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles

Your route on Google Maps

Versailles Château Rive Gauche train station 10 minutes on foot to get to the Palace

More transportation options

RER line C arrives at Versailles Château - Rive Gauche  train station, just 10 minutes’ walk to the Palace.  Please note that  no RER C trains will be running between Paris Austerlitz and Javel stations from 15 July to 26 August.

SNCF trains from Gare Montparnasse arrive at  Versailles Chantiers train station , which is 18 minutes on foot to the Palace.

SNCF trains from Gare Saint Lazare arrive at  Versailles Rive Droite train station , 17 minutes on foot to the Palace.

Purchase  two ticket (two-way trip) from your point of departure to the Versailles train station, or use a pass (Navigo, Mobilis or Paris Visite) covering zones 1 to 4, if you come from Paris. T+ tickets cannot be used for this journey .

RER C and SNCF train times are available on www.transilien.com

Figure out your route and rates

The  RATP bus line 171 runs between Pont de Sèvres (terminus of the Paris metro line 9) and the Palace of Versailles in 30 minutes without traffic.

T+ tickets can be used for this journey .

Journey times and routes available on the RATP website

With Tootbus, take advantage of a combined ticket (bus journey + Passport ticket )

See the offer

Two return trips per day

From the A13 motorway, take exit no.5 Versailles Centre and follow the signs for the Palace of Versailles. GPS coordinates for the Palace of Versailles: 48.48'17N and 2.07'15E

Paying parkings

There are several paying car parks.  See the access and parking possibilities on the interactive map In front of the Palace:   Place d’Armes  cars and coaches – open 24 hours a day (consult rates ). In the park:  at the Grand Canal, Petit Trianon, Grand Trianon, Queen’s Hamlet. Parking for coaches only at the Trianon crossroads – paying access via:

• The Queen’s Gate, open for vehicles from 9am to 4.50pm or 5.50pm (in low or high season respectively)

• The Saint Anthony's Gate, open for vehicles from 9am to 5.50pm (only on weekends during high season)  

Parkings and disabled access

All types of admission and parking listed above are free upon presentation of proof of disability (disability card or European disabled parking permit), with reserved parking spaces. In addition to these car parks, the car park at the Neptune Gate is reserved for disabled people. Upon presentation of proof of disability, you may park or be dropped off right next to the Palace in the Main Courtyard near entrance B.

• via the Queen's Gate 

• via the Sailors' Gate

• via the Saint Anthony Gate 

All about cycling in the Estate of Versailles here .

The main entrance to the Palace of Versailles is through the Cour d'Honneur.

The Estate of Trianon can be reached from the Palace by crossing the Gardens and the Park (30 minutes on foot).

All detailed accesses

The main entrance to the Place of Versailles is through the Main Courtyard .

• If you do not have a ticket upon arrival, go to the ticket office first, situated on the left in the Main Courtyard in the South Ministers’ Wing , and then to  entrance A  of the Palace, which is reserved for individuals.

• If you have reserved your ticket online and have already printed it, go directly to  entrance A  of the Palace with your proof of identity or ticket.

• Visitors to the Palace arriving in groups enter at Entrance B, Pavillon Gabriel , on the right of the Cour d'Honneur.

To visit only the Estate of Trianon , which is open from 12.00 pm, go  directly to the entrances of the Grand or the Petit Trianon  where you will also find a ticket office.

Deposit required Due to the health measures, the left luggage service is temporarily suspended. Pushchairs and small bags are exceptionally tolerated inside the rooms. When the left luggage service is open, some objects ( pushchairs, metal baby carriers, suitcases, umbrellas ... ) are not allowed inside the rooms. 

Guided tours The guided tours welcome desk is in the North   M inisters’ Wing (on the right in the Main Courtyard). If you have booked a  guided tour  via our online ticket office , check the point of departure of the tour and go directly to this point.

Disabled access A pedestrian path from the Main Gate grants easy access to the Royal Gate and entrance A. Guide dogs and animal trainers are allowed upon presentation of proof of eligibility. Non-motorized wheelchairs are provided free of charge for the visit of the Palace.

Access to these visit areas: the permanent collections of the Palace, the Estate of Trianon, and the temporary exhibitions, are free for people with disabilities and their companion: a reduced rate is offered for guided tours and activities "family".

The Estate of Trianon is open from 12.00 pm.

From the Palace via the Gardens and Park On foot (30 minutes), on the little train or in an electric vehicle (20 minutes). Go through the Prince’s Courtyard to enter the gardens. NB: the admission to the Gardens is charged during Musical Fountains Shows and Musical Gardens  (included with the Passport ).

From the city via the Park, in high season:

Pedestrian access via:

• The Main Gate (8.00 am - 8.30pm, last admission at 7.00 pm)
• The Queen's Gate (7.00 am - 8.30 pm, last admission at 8.00 pm)
• The Sailors' Gate (9.30 am, last admission at 6.30pm)  
• The Saint Anthony's Gate (9.30 am, last admission at 6.30pm) 

Paying access for vehicles via :

• The Queen's Gate (9.00 am - 4.50 pm)
• The Saint Anthony's Gate (only on weekends, 9.00 am - last admission 5.50 pm)  

Disabled access It is advisable to go to the Trianon Palaces and Marie-Antoinette’s Estate by car or bus from the city, or in an electric vehicle from the Palace. Entry via the Queen’s Gate and parking are free upon presentation of proof of disability (proof of disability card or European disabled parking permit) with reserved spaces. There are access ramps at the entrances to the Trianon Palaces. Only the garden level of the Petit Trianon is accessible to disabled visitors.

The Park is open every day (except during exceptional weather: snow, violent winds, etc) with access via the gardens or the city.

See the points of access on the interactive map

You can enter the park via three entrances from the city, depending on what you want to see:

•  The Queen’s Gate (north-east): located on Boulevard de la Reine, near the gardens. Open for pedestrians and bike from 7.00 am to 6.00 pm or 8.30pm according to the season, and for vehicles from 9.00 am to 4.50pm or 5.50pm (paying access for vehicles).

•  The Saint Anthony Gate (north): situated on the D186 from Le Chesnay, near Marie-Antoinette’s Estate. Open for pedestrians and bikes from 9.30 am to 6.00 pm or 7.30 pm according to the season. Open for vehicles from 9am to 5.50pm only on weekends and holidays during high season (paying access for vehicles, last access 5:50pm). 

•  The Sailors’ Gate (south) : situated on the road to Saint-Cyr (D10). Open for pedestrians and bikes from 9.30am to 6.00 pm or 7.30 pm according to the season.  

The gardens are open every day (except during exceptional weather: snow, violent winds, etc). Admission is free except during  Musical Fountains Shows and Musical Gardens  (included with the Passport ). 

See the entry points on the interactive map

The Gardens can only be accessed on foot, in the little train or in an electric vehicle hired on site. Bikes, horses and all other forms are transport are forbidden in the Gardens.

You can access the Gardens from the Palace through the Princes’ Courtyard (next to the entrance A and the exit from the Palace).

There are two entrances to the Gardens from the Park:

• The Main Gate
•  The Neptune Gate : at the northern end of the gardens next to the Neptune Fountain.
•  The Little Venice Gate and the Menagerie gate : at the western end of the gardens next to the Grand Canal.

For shows in the Palace , the Royal Opera House, the Royal Chapel or for the Royal Serenada, admission is via entrance B of the Palace. Those who wish to collect a ticket at the desk or buy a ticket for the show on site must use the same entrance.

See entrance B and the Princes’ Courtyard on the interactive map

See the points of access on www.chateauversailles-spectacles.fr

More information : + 33 (0) 1 30 83 78 89 or [email protected] 

The Coach Gallery is located on the ground floor of the Great Stables.

See location on the interactive map

Admission is free and it is open every Saturday and Sunday, from 12.30 pm to 5.30 pm or 6.30 pm (in low season and high season respectively).

The National Equestrian Academy of the Estate of Versauilles  is located next to the Gallery of Coaches.

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The daily life of the king

A day in the life of Louis XIV

Services on site.

Discover the Estate, the history and the collections

Explore an oustanding Estate

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Google Releases Highly-polished VR Tour of Versailles for Free

Built using photogrammetry

Google Arts & Culture partnered with Château de Versailles to create an extremely detailed VR tour of the iconic French palace, aptly named VersaillesVR – the palace is yours (2019) .

The free app, which is now available on Steam with support for Rift, Vive, and Index, takes you through the centuries-old palace, letting you inspect and learn about the UNESCO World Heritage site’s many paintings, sculptures, furniture, as well as few of its gilded halls.

Built for King Louis XIV in the mid-1600s, the Palace of Versailles was the principal royal residence of France until the start of the French Revolution in 1789. And it certainly makes for an interesting historical juxtaposition: what was once only available to the elite is now free for anyone with a PC VR headset to enjoy. Liberté, égalité, fraternité—all that jazz—and no throngs of tourist groups to swim through either.

Inside the experience, which is only available for VR headsets, you can click on artifacts and learn more about them, getting a text explanation as well as a closer look at the discrete 3D models.

A handy map also lets you move around the palace and tour a few of the its storied halls, including the King and Queen’s state apartments, the Royal Opera House, the Royal Chapel (sculpted by Corneil Van Clève in the 18th century), and the iconic 73 meter-long Hall of Mirrors.

Built using photogrammetry, Google’s Arts & Culture team took 132,000 high-res photos from different angles, and then fed it all into their software to build a 3D model. Coming in at over 7 GB in size, the experience is amazingly detailed to say the least.

“What makes this experience unique is the size of the digitization we’ve undertaken here in Versailles,” Google Arts & Culture Lab’s Damien Henry says. “We’ve captured 24 rooms in 12 days. We were able to capture 7,000 square meters, and if we count the walls and roof, the total amount is 36,000 square meters.”

Granted, the physical palace measures more than 67,000 square meters of floor space, making the VR experience more of an  aperitif  that the creators hope will stimulate an appetite for an in-person visit.

Any discussion of a Quest version? Experiences like this may drive me to get the upcoming link cable.

Tbh I recon this would work fine wirelessly streamed. Will try later

“what was once only available to the elite is now free for anyone with a PC VR headset to enjoy”

i.e. the elite?

#vrmasterrace

Well, yessish. You can get a PC VR headset for $200. Meanwhile, a trip to Versailles, for much of the world, is pretty much out of reach.

They’re obviously referring to the context in history… plebs like us couldn’t just waltz into the palace… only royalty. It’s a palace… so historically built for the “elite” of the time.

Derp. Whatever could they mean??

Just a friendly tip for any one trying to learn French? Here are some nice resources.

– Drops … for android or apple device, – Memrise … – Michel Thomas french. – Famous US state department FSI course but updated… http://www.drbrianslanguages.com/french.html – Rosetta stone – italki – frenchpod 101

Start with drops..

Really nice work from google.

Drops is really lovely…..

I wonder if there are any plans to implement this in WebXR….

Just looks like 360 images with 3d models you can spin?

Love it – but cannot seem to activate high gfx settings. Nothing happens from medium to high? – so its not sharp when you get close. But overall its still a nice experience. I like that there are actually small passages some places, that take you to rooms not easily visible if you just rush through.

For sure not highly polished. Just a very very average quality photogrammetry. Looks amateurish.

Yes downloaded it this morning and used with my Index, wasn’t impressed.

Google’s “Welcome to Light Fields” is well worth checking out, but it’s ruined photogrammetry for me. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/aac57e7772df132c1aeaed316e9af8eb281a717495884d0bc3353a89f36e7815.jpg

was looking for this comment. Its just trash.

Nice ! Now do the Louvre.

“Liberté, égalité, fraternité—all that jazz” Well no, the Versailles Palace is the symbol of the French monarchy, so it’s the opposite of “liberté, égalité, fraternité”…

You can see from the video that the photogrammetry was not done with “their software” but with RealityCapture.

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