Visiting Versailles from Paris

See Also

• Top Hotels in Paris
• Places of accommodation in Paris

Best Versailles Guided Tours

• Versailles Bike Tour with Palace & Queen Farm Entrance – The best and most fun way to tour Versailles, with a picnic lunch and access to Marie Antoinette’s private village and farm. Includes bike rental, train fare, and entrance tickets.
• Barcelona Segway Fun – Small groups are led on guided tours throughout the historic city center lasting 90 to 180 minutes. Starting and concluding in Barri Gòtic, sights take in Port Vell and the waterfront district of Barceloneta as well as the medieval heart of the city. Departure location: a 2-minute walk.
• Ultimate Versailles: – 90-minute guided tour of the palace, with gardens access. Does not include transportation or access to Marie Antoinette’s estate.
• Private Versailles Tour for Families – A 2-hour excursion specifically designed for families with younger kids between the ages of 5-10. The guide caters to the needs of children on this tour.

Skip-the-Line Tickets in Versailles

• The Palace and Gardens – Includes transportation from Paris.
• Room Types: Premium Double – Deluxe Double – Junior Suite – Suite with Terrace – One-Bedroom Suite – List of all rooms

Visiting Versailles from Paris

The lavish royal residence and expansive grounds of Versailles represent an essential historic locale and UNESCO World Heritage Site in France. Planning a day excursion to the extravagant previous domicile of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette is a highlight for any trip to Paris, but preparation is required beforehand. Below are the key details to be aware of prior to visiting:

The Basics

• Hours: The palace is open year-round from 9am to 5pm or later, relying on the season. The gardens open an hour earlier at 8am. The Trianon estate and the Coach Gallery are only open in the afternoon. Versailles is closed on Mondays, Christmas, and New Years Day.
• Area: Versailles sits around 20 km southwest of Paris, about an hour from the center of the city by vehicle or train.

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Do I need to buy tickets to Versailles in advance?

Purchase of tickets in advance via the online portal of the Versailles site and other venues is highly recommended as it allows bypassing of long entrance queues to dedicate more time exploring the palace grounds.

This choice also involves coach bus transportation from Paris.

How do I get there?

The best way to get to Versailles from Paris is via Line C of the RER regional train system. A round trip ticket to Versailles is a little over €7 per person, saving time in return lines. The trip takes between one to one and a half hours. While not difficult, hesitant travelers or those wanting guidance can take guided tours with train escort or private transport. See the blue box above for recommendations.

• On most stops in Paris along the RER C line, you can just board in the direction of Versailles Rive Gauche/Chateau de Versailles and disembark at the last stop (the closest Versailles station to the palace).
• To get to Versailles Rive Gauche/Chateau de Versailles station from northwestern Paris using the RER C train, one must first ride toward Pont de Rungis-Aeroport d’Orly and switch at Champs de Mars Tour Eiffel station.
• It is a 13-minute walk from the Versailles Rive Gauche/Chateau de Versailles station to the Versailles palace.

Shuttle bus schedules and maps can be found here.

How long should I plan to spend at Versailles?

Spending time exploring the extensive grounds and interior of the palace can fill an entire day, and even if only planning to spend a few hours there, the round trip travel time to and from can take up most of the day. Normally touring inside takes around an hour and a half; investigating the gardens and summer residences alone can easily consume over 2 more hours. Be sure to also allot time required for a meals like a picnic lunch there or breakfast or lunch at the palace restaurant or a nearby establishment.

What food and drink options are available at Versailles?

There are multiple dining choices on the Versaille grounds, ranging from elegant fine dining to a take-away market for picnics. There are also many fast food and cafe-style restaurants and a lovely covered market ( Marché Notre Dame) not far from the train station. You are able to bring your own food for picnicking, but note that food and drink are not permitted in the palace, and will have to be checked at the entrance.

The very best eatery near Versailles is Gordon Ramsey’s Michelin-starred Au Trianon in the Waldorf Astoria Trianon Palace.

Is Versailles good for kids?

Small kids usually do not get overly excited about the palace itself, but the gardens provide ample room for running around, and there’s a little farm in the Queen’s Hamlet that kids enjoy exploring. If you will be visiting Versailles with kids, consider an interactive family experience or bike tour, to maintain the young ones` interest. Children under 18 gain free admission to the palace, but will need tickets for expedited entry and access to the Fountain Shows and Musical Garden program. Note that strollers and baby carriers with metal frames are not permitted inside the palace and will have to be checked free of charge at the entrance.

When are the Fountain Shows and Musical Gardens?

Throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons, the gardens at Versailles are brought to life with magical choreographed fountains shows and chamber music performances. Separate tickets must be purchased to tour the gardens during these times and can be procured in advance online. Ticketing and schedule information can be found here.

What are the best hotels in Versailles?

It is relatively straightforward to get between Paris and Versailles using the regional RER train, but for travelers who want to stay closer to the Palace, there are many wonderful accommodation choices. We recommend:

• The regal Waldorf Astoria Trianon Palace
• Le Louis Versailles Château
• Novotel Château de Versailles
• Hotel Le Versailles

Versailles Tips and Regulations

• Strollers are prohibited inside the palace, only fabric baby carriers without an underlying metallic framework are permitted.
• Pets, food, drink, flash photography, tripods, umbrellas, and selfie sticks are not allowed inside the palace.
• A smart device and tablet app is accessible that includes audio tours and interactive maps of the palace and grounds. It can be utilized with or without a wi-fi connection.
• There are two complimentary WiFi zones: one at the entrance of the Cour d’Honneur, and one at the entrance to the gardens. Free and safe cellphone charging stations can be found in two locations inside the palace.
• The Versailles grounds cover a large area, and every trip will incorporate a lot of walking and at least some time outdoors; be sure to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes suitable for strolling, dress appropriately for the weather, and carry sunscreen during summer months.