Palace of Versailles Tickets (2026)

What to See at Versailles

The Palace of Versailles, located about 20 km southwest of Paris, is one of the most magnificent achievements in French art and architecture. Originally a hunting lodge built for Louis XIII in 1623, it was massively expanded by Louis XIV beginning in 1661 and served as the seat of the French government from 1682 until the French Revolution in 1789.

Must-see highlights include:

Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces) — The iconic 73-metre-long gallery with 357 mirrors reflecting light from 357 windows. It was here that the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919.
King's Grand Apartments — Seven lavishly decorated rooms dedicated to the planets and the god Apollo, symbolising the Sun King.
Queen's Grand Apartments — Including Marie-Antoinette's bedchamber, where she was forced to flee during the October Days of 1789.
Royal Chapel — A stunning baroque chapel completed in 1710, where Louis XVI married Marie-Antoinette in 1770.
Opera Royal — One of the largest opera stages in Europe, inaugurated in 1770.
Gardens of Versailles — 800 hectares designed by André Le Nôtre, featuring fountains, sculptures, the Grand Canal (1.6 km long), and the Orangery.
Grand Trianon — An elegant pink marble palace built by Louis XIV as a retreat from court life.
Petit Trianon & Marie-Antoinette's Estate — Including the Queen's Hamlet (Hameau de la Reine), a picturesque miniature village.

The Palace contains over 2,300 rooms, 67 staircases, 6,000 paintings, and 5,000 items of furniture and decorative art.

Practical Information

Plan your visit with these essential details

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Location

Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles, France. Located about 20 km southwest of Paris. The Palace entrance faces the Place d'Armes, a large square in front of the main gate.

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Duration

Plan at least 2-3 hours for the Palace alone. To explore the Gardens, Trianon Estate, and Marie-Antoinette's Hamlet, a full day (5-7 hours) is recommended. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.

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Getting There

RER C to Versailles Château-Rive Gauche (~30 min from central Paris), then 10-minute walk. Train L from Gare Saint-Lazare to Versailles-Rive Droite (~35 min), then 15-minute walk. Bus 171 from Pont de Sèvres metro station.

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Tips

Visit the Trianon Estate first thing in the morning when it is quieter, then head to the Palace in the afternoon. Bring water and sunscreen for the gardens. A mini-train and small boats on the Grand Canal are available for a fee.

Visitors Guide FAQ

Common questions about visiting Versailles

How long do I need to visit Versailles?

For the Palace alone, plan 2-3 hours including the audioguide tour. To also explore the Gardens and Trianon Estate, allocate a full day (5-7 hours). The gardens alone can take 2-3 hours as they cover 800 hectares.

What are the must-see areas at Versailles?

The absolute must-sees are: the Hall of Mirrors, the King's Grand Apartments, the Queen's Grand Apartments, and the Royal Chapel inside the Palace. In the grounds, don't miss the Grand Canal, the Latona Fountain, the Grand Trianon, and Marie-Antoinette's Hamlet (Le Hameau de la Reine).

Is Versailles suitable for children?

Yes, children generally enjoy the opulent Palace rooms and especially the gardens, where they can run around freely. Strollers are not allowed inside the Palace but are fine in the gardens. The mini-train, rowing boats on the Grand Canal, and the Hamlet are particularly popular with children.

Can I re-enter the Palace with the same ticket?

No, Palace entry is one-time only. Once you exit the Palace, you cannot re-enter. However, your ticket for the Gardens and Trianon Estate is valid for the entire day. Plan your Palace visit carefully and see everything you want before leaving.

What is the Musical Fountains Show?

The Musical Fountains Show (Grandes Eaux Musicales) takes place on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from April to October. The gardens' fountains are set to baroque music composed for the court of Louis XIV. A separate garden ticket (€10-12) or the Passport ticket is required on show days.

Palace of Versailles Visitors Guide