The Palace of Versailles is the pinnacle of French royal grandeur, built by Louis XIV as a symbol of absolute monarchy. Originally a hunting lodge, it was transformed into the largest palace in Europe with over 2,300 rooms, including the magnificent Hall of Mirrors. The UNESCO World Heritage Site includes stunning French gardens designed by Andre Le Notre, the Grand and Petit Trianon, and Marie Antoinette's Hamlet.
Palace only: 21 EUR. Passport (all access): 27 EUR (with fountains). FREE: under 18, EU residents under 26. Gardens free Nov-Mar
RER C to Versailles Chateau Rive Gauche (40 min from central Paris, 4.55 EUR). Alternative: SNCF train from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers or from Gare Saint-Lazare to Versailles Rive Droite.
Closed Mondays. High season (Apr-Oct): 9am-6:30pm. Low season (Nov-Mar): 9am-5:30pm. Gardens from 8am, Trianon from noon.
faq.subtitle Palace of Versailles
Plan at least 4-5 hours for Palace + Gardens. Full day (7-8 hours) to include Trianon and Marie Antoinette's estate.
Useful tips for visiting Palace of Versailles
Book time-slot tickets online in advance - mandatory in 2025! Arrive at 9am opening to see Hall of Mirrors before crowds. Visit Trianon and Marie Antoinette's estate in the afternoon when palace crowds peak. Musical Fountains shows run weekends Apr-Oct (extra 7 EUR).
RER C to Versailles Chateau Rive Gauche (40 min from central Paris, 4.55 EUR). Alternative: SNCF train from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers or from Gare Saint-Lazare to Versailles Rive Droite.
Average temperature by month
10°
18°7°18°7°17°6°16°6°17°5°
13°10°16°11°Interesting places nearby
