Palace of Versailles
Versailles · France · Founded 1837
Quick answer
Palace of Versailles in Versailles, France — the Palace of Versailles was the seat of French royal power from 1682 until the Revolution of 1789. Open Tuesday–Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (extended to 6:30 PM April–October); closed Mondays. Admission: €21 full-day passport (includes palace and gardens); Passport Plus Fountains Show: €30 on show days. Allow 4–6 hours and book a timed ticket ahead.
Visitor information last reviewed 30 June 2026. Check the official museum site for current details.
Palace of Versailles at a glance: hours, tickets and time needed
| Opening hours | Tuesday–Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (extended to 6:30 PM April–October) |
|---|---|
| Closed | Mondays |
| Admission | €21 full-day passport (includes palace and gardens); Passport Plus Fountains Show: €30 on show days |
| Booking | Book a timed ticket in advance — peak slots sell out |
| Time needed | 4–6 hours |
| Best time to visit | Tuesday–Thursday mornings at 9 AM opening for the quietest palace experience. |
| Getting there | Train: RER C to Versailles-Château-Rive Gauche — 10-minute walk to the palace entrance |
| Address | Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles, France |
| Official website | en.chateauversailles.fr |
Checked 2026-06-30 against the official website. Prices and hours change — confirm before you travel.
What is Palace of Versailles known for?
The Palace of Versailles was the seat of French royal power from 1682 until the Revolution of 1789. Louis XIV, the Sun King, transformed a modest hunting lodge into the largest palace in Europe to project the absolute authority of the French monarchy.
Converted into a museum by King Louis-Philippe in 1837, the palace holds 2,300 rooms including the dazzling Hall of Mirrors — a 73-metre gallery lined with 357 mirrors reflecting 17 arched windows overlooking André Le Nôtre's formal gardens.
The formal gardens extend across 800 hectares and include the Grand Canal, the Musical Fountains, the Petit Trianon, and Marie Antoinette's Hameau. The palace hosted the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919.
Versailles is one of France's most visited sites. A full-day passport covers the palace, gardens, and Trianon estates; fountain show days require a supplement.
Best for: History Enthusiasts · Garden Enthusiasts · First-timers
How long do you need at Palace of Versailles?
Allow 4–6 hours. A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at Palace of Versailles without museum fatigue. Follow the stops in order:
- 1
Hall of Mirrors
📍 State Apartments, first floor
A 73-metre gallery of gilt stucco, crystal chandeliers, and 357 mirrors facing the gardens.
- 2
The King's Bedchamber
📍 State Apartments
Louis XIV's ceremonial bedroom, where the king performed the daily lever and coucher rituals before the court.
- 3
Marie Antoinette's Petit Trianon
📍 Trianon estate, west of the palace
A neoclassical retreat where Marie Antoinette escaped court formality.
- 4
Latona Fountain
📍 Grand Perspective, gardens
The centrepiece of the garden's central axis, with gilded lead sculptures depicting the myth of Latona.
What are the must-see works at Palace of Versailles?
4 highlights that define the collection: Hall of Mirrors, The King's Bedchamber, Marie Antoinette's Petit Trianon and more.
Hall of Mirrors
Jules Hardouin-Mansart · 1678–1684
📍 State Apartments, first floor
A 73-metre gallery of gilt stucco, crystal chandeliers, and 357 mirrors facing the gardens. Scene of the 1919 Treaty of Versailles and the daily ceremonies of Louis XIV's court.
The King's Bedchamber
Royal craftsmen · 1701
📍 State Apartments
Louis XIV's ceremonial bedroom, where the king performed the daily lever and coucher rituals before the court. The bed is draped in gold brocade beneath a painted ceiling of Apollo.
Marie Antoinette's Petit Trianon
Ange-Jacques Gabriel · 1768
📍 Trianon estate, west of the palace
A neoclassical retreat where Marie Antoinette escaped court formality. The adjoining English-style gardens and Hameau de la Reine recreate a rustic village for the queen's private amusement.
Latona Fountain
André Le Nôtre · 1666–1689
📍 Grand Perspective, gardens
The centrepiece of the garden's central axis, with gilded lead sculptures depicting the myth of Latona. At its most spectacular during the Musical Fountains Show.
Collections and highlights
- • Hall of Mirrors and Royal Apartments of Louis XIV
- • Gardens of Versailles — 800 hectares of formal French landscape
- • Petit Trianon and Grand Trianon
- • Marie Antoinette's Hameau de la Reine
- • Musical Fountains Show (Grandes Eaux Musicales)
- • Royal Chapel and Opera
- • Gallery of Battles — 33 paintings of French military victories
Tips for visiting Palace of Versailles
- 1.
Best time to visit
Tuesday–Thursday mornings at 9 AM opening for the quietest palace experience. Visit gardens on Musical Fountains Show days (weekends April–October).
- 2.
Crowds & busy periods
Among the most visited sites in France. Palace corridors are packed by mid-morning in peak season. Gardens absorb visitors better than the State Apartments.
- 3.
Tickets & booking
€21 full-day passport online at chateauversailles.fr. Passport Plus Fountains Show €30 on show days. Timed entry strongly recommended.
- 4.
Food & cafés nearby
Angelina tea room in the palace; Ore restaurant by Alain Ducasse; restaurants and cafés in Versailles town centre.
- 5.
Accessibility
Partial wheelchair access to the State Apartments. Gardens have gravel paths. Audio guides available in multiple languages.
How do you get to Palace of Versailles?
- train RER C to Versailles-Château-Rive Gauche — 10-minute walk to the palace entrance
- train SNCF from Paris Montparnasse to Versailles-Chantiers — 15-minute walk
- car A13 motorway from Paris; paid parking at Place d'Armes and Trianon
Address: Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles, France
Palace of Versailles: frequently asked questions
How far is Versailles from Paris?
About 45 minutes from central Paris by RER C train to Versailles-Château-Rive Gauche station, which is a 10-minute walk from the palace entrance.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Yes — booking online is strongly recommended, especially in peak season (April–September). The palace is one of the most visited sites in France and queues without pre-booked tickets can be very long.
When are the fountain shows?
The famous Musical Fountains Show (Grandes Eaux Musicales) takes place on weekends from April to October, and on some Tuesdays in summer. Check the official website for specific dates.
How long should I spend at Palace of Versailles?
Plan 4–6 hours for the highlights of Palace of Versailles. Our 4-stop route — Hall of Mirrors, The King's Bedchamber, Marie Antoinette's Petit Trianon and more — is designed to fit that time. Add extra time for temporary exhibitions, the shop and the café.
What is Palace of Versailles best known for?
The Palace of Versailles was the seat of French royal power from 1682 until the Revolution of 1789. Louis XIV, the Sun King, transformed a hunting lodge into the largest palace in Europe to project the absolute authority of the French monarchy — a statement of power that inspired royal courts across the continent for a century. Key highlights include Hall of Mirrors — 73 metres of gilt and mirror, scene of the 1919 Treaty of Versailles, The Royal Apartments of Louis XIV — the Sun King's state rooms, Gardens of Versailles — 800 hectares of formal French landscape design.
How do I get tickets for Palace of Versailles?
Admission: €21 full-day passport (includes palace and gardens); Passport Plus Fountains Show: €30 on show days. Book a timed-entry ticket on the official website before you go — popular slots sell out in peak season. Official site: https://en.chateauversailles.fr/
Can I visit the Trianon estates on the same ticket?
Yes — the full-day passport includes the Palace, Gardens, Grand Trianon, and Petit Trianon. Allow an extra 2–3 hours if you plan to see the Trianon area.
What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are essential for the gardens. There is no strict dress code, but the palace involves significant walking and standing.
Is the palace open on Mondays?
No — Versailles is closed every Monday. Plan accordingly and check the website for any additional closures during state events.
What are Palace of Versailles's opening hours?
Palace of Versailles is open Tuesday–Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (extended to 6:30 PM April–October), and closed Mondays. Hours can change for holidays and events, so check the official website before you go.
Is Palace of Versailles free to visit?
No — standard admission is €21 full-day passport (includes palace and gardens); Passport Plus Fountains Show: €30 on show days.