The Palace of Versailles is the ultimate day trip from Paris, offering an easy train journey to one of Europe’s most opulent and historically rich landmarks , the palace stands as one of the most opulent and historically significant landmarks in all of Europe. Versailles captivates visitors with its stunning architecture, royal history, exquisite gardens, and culinary delights. A visit to this iconic palace promises something for everyone, making it a must-see destination.

Before You Go

Buy Tickets in Advance
Versailles is one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, and lines can be long. It’s highly recommended to purchase tickets online in advance to avoid waiting to purchase tickets. Your online ticket also includes a time slot for entry, making planning your day easier. Ticket are available to purchase up to 3 months in advance, if your trip is planned farther in advance, we suggest setting a reminder 3 months out and purchase asap to get an early time slot.

There are several types of ticket options, but we recommend the Passport price is €32. This ticket will give you full access the grounds including the palace, gardens and Trianon estate.

If you’re looking to visit just the palace and skip the gardens and Trianon estate, tickets are €21.

Arrive Early
The palace opens at 9:00 AM, and arriving early will help you beat the crowds, especially in popular areas like the Hall of Mirrors.

Plan to be Gone All Day
You will want to spend the entire day out, there’s so much to see! From the palace itself to the expansive gardens, Trianon estates and the town itself, don’t make any afternoon plans in Paris.

Wear Comfortable Shoes
Versailles is vast, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is essential.

Bring Essentials
We recommend bringing a few essentials like band aids or blister pads (you will be walking a lot), a fan if you’re going during the summer, a hat and sunscreen and snacks. There are several restaurants and cafes around the grounds, but they can be spaced out and buys during lunch time. If you want to be overprepared, pack a picnic lunch, the gardens are the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely picnic, and there are designated areas where visitors are welcome to dine al fresco.

Explore the Town of Versailles
While the palace is undoubtedly the main attraction, the surrounding town offers has plenty on offer. After immersing yourself in the grandeur of royal history, take some time to explore the quieter, more local side of this historic town.

Little Train
The trolley system at Versailles offers a convenient way to explore the expansive grounds. With so much to see, the trolleys allow visitors to easily navigate from the palace to the gardens and key attractions like the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, and Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet. The hop-on, hop-off service runs regularly throughout the day, making it an ideal option for those who want to experience all Versailles has to offer without the long walks between sites. It's a helpful tool, especially if you're looking to maximize your time and energy during your visit.

It take about 30 minutes to walk from the palace to the Petit Trianon, but about 15 minutes on the trolly.

Note, the Little Train does not start running until 11:00 AM, if you had an early time slot to the palace and have time to kill, explore the gardens and grab a snack before heading out to the Trianon Estate.

Getting There

The journey to Versailles from Paris is both easy, the most convenient way to arrive is the RER C train, which departs regularly from various stations in Paris, including Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame and Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel. The trip takes about 40 minutes, and you’ll arrive at the Versailles Château Rive Gauche station, just a short walk from the palace’s main gates.

Alternatively, you can take an SNCF train from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers, or from Gare Saint-Lazare to Versailles Rive Droite. Both stations are about a 15-minute walk from the palace, offering more options depending on where you’re staying in Paris.

We also suggest purchasing a round trip ticket for your journey to save time returning. The RER is about €3.65 each way while the SNCF train can range from €4-€7 each way depending on the time and day of the week.

A Brief History of Versailles

Originally built as a modest hunting lodge in 1624 by Louis XIII, Versailles underwent an extraordinary transformation under his son, Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King. Louis XIV moved the French court and government to Versailles in 1682, transforming it into the seat of absolute monarchy and one of the most luxurious palaces ever constructed. Over the next century, Versailles continued to grow in grandeur, with its halls witnessing many of the pivotal moments of French history, including the French Revolution in 1789, which saw the fall of the monarchy and the exile of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.

Today, Versailles is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of both the excesses of the French monarchy and the architectural brilliance of the Baroque period.

The Palace of Versailles: A Tour of the Splendor

Walking up to the palace’s golden gates, visitors are immediately struck by the grandeur of Versailles. The sheer size and opulence of the palace are overwhelming, and once inside, the wonders continue to unfold.

The Hall of Mirrors

One of the most iconic rooms in the palace, the Hall of Mirrors is a dazzling display of luxury and artistry. This long gallery is lined with 357 mirrors that reflect the light from 17 grand windows, offering spectacular views of the gardens. The glittering chandeliers, gilded statues, and ornate ceiling frescoes create a sense of awe, befitting the place where Louis XIV would receive dignitaries and host lavish celebrations. The Hall of Mirrors is also famous as the site of the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, which ended World War I.

The King’s and Queen’s Apartments

Exploring the royal apartments offers a glimpse into the lives of the French kings and queens. The King’s Grand Apartment includes a series of seven salons, each dedicated to a different Roman god, and is richly decorated with tapestries, paintings, and intricate woodwork. The Queen’s Grand Apartment, located on the opposite side of the palace, was home to the queens of France, including Marie Antoinette. Her bedroom is one of the most visited rooms in the palace, with its lavish bed canopy, gilded walls, and floral motifs, offering a glimpse into the life of one of history’s most infamous monarchs.

The Royal Chapel

Another architectural masterpiece, the Royal Chapel at Versailles is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. Its soaring ceilings, elaborate stained glass windows, and intricate sculptures make it one of the palace’s most breathtaking spaces. The chapel was the site of royal weddings and baptisms, and its organ, designed by François-Henri Clicquot, is still used during special events today.

Galerie des Batailles

One of the most impressive rooms in the Palace of Versailles is the Galerie des Batailles (Hall of Battles), a grand hall that spans over 120 meters. Lined with immense paintings, it depicts significant military victories from French history, starting with Clovis I and extending to the Napoleonic Wars. The scale and grandeur of the gallery are overwhelming, and the detailed paintings bring to life the triumphs and turmoil of the nation’s past. It is a must-see for history enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates French art and craftsmanship.

Opéra Royal

The Opéra Royal is one of the jewels of Versailles, and one of the finest 18th-century theaters in the world. Completed under Louis XV, it was originally designed to host royal operas, ballets, and grand state events, including the marriage of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Its lavish gold and blue decor, intricate woodwork, and remarkable acoustics make it a must-see for visitors interested in performing arts and royal ceremonies. Note, the Opéra Royal is only available to see on select private tours of the palace.

The Gardens of Versailles

While the interior of the palace is awe-inspiring, the Gardens of Versailles are just as impressive. Covering nearly 2,000 acres, the gardens are a masterpiece of landscape architecture, designed by André Le Nôtre. The perfectly manicured lawns, tree-lined avenues, and elaborate fountains create a sense of order and grandeur that is truly breathtaking.

At the heart of the gardens is the Grand Canal, a vast body of water where visitors can rent rowboats and take in the views of the palace from a distance. Surrounding the canal are numerous groves and fountains, each with its own unique design and story. The most famous of these is the Latona Fountain, which tells the story of Latona, the mother of Apollo and Diana, and her transformation of peasants into frogs.

If you visit during the summer months, you can experience the Musical Fountains Show, where the fountains come to life, synchronized to classical music. It’s a spectacular display that adds to the magical atmosphere of the gardens.

Hidden within the palace’s expansive gardens, the Queen’s Grotto offers a more intimate, serene escape. Constructed as part of Marie Antoinette's Hamlet, this picturesque grotto was designed as a private retreat for the queen. Its rustic, naturalistic design, complete with artificial rocks and water features, stands in stark contrast to the formal grandeur of the palace. Visitors can wander through this charming space and imagine the queen taking refuge from the formalities of court life.

The Orangerie

The Orangerie of Versailles is not just a garden—it’s a living piece of history. Built under Louis XIV, the sun-drenched terraced space houses over a thousand orange, lemon, and pomegranate trees that are moved indoors during the winter months. The meticulously manicured parterres and stonework offer a tranquil setting for a peaceful stroll. The Orangerie’s symmetry and attention to detail are marvels of landscape architecture, reflecting the king’s desire to demonstrate power through order and beauty.

Outdoor Amphitheater

The outdoor amphitheater at Versailles, located within the gardens, provides a glimpse into the entertainment enjoyed by French royalty. This open-air theater is framed by greenery and is where extravagant performances, ballets, and operas were staged for the royal court. Today, visitors can sit and take in the peaceful surroundings, imagining the grand performances of centuries past. It’s the perfect spot for a moment of rest during your exploration of the gardens.

Neptune Fountain

The Neptune Fountain, one of the largest and most elaborate fountains in the gardens, showcases the incredible artistry and engineering that went into Versailles' water features. With over 100 jets of water, the fountain represents Neptune, the god of the sea, surrounded by mythological figures. Originally constructed in the 17th century, it has since become one of the most iconic features of the Versailles gardens. If you’re lucky, you may catch one of the musical fountain shows, which are truly a spectacle.

The Estate of Trianon: A Royal Escape

Just a short walk or mini-train ride from the main palace is the Estate of Trianon, a more intimate part of Versailles where the royal family would retreat from the formalities of court life.

The Grand Trianon

The Grand Trianon is a smaller palace built by Louis XIV as a private retreat. Its pink marble columns and understated elegance stand in contrast to the grandeur of the main palace. The Grand Trianon was used by successive monarchs, including Napoleon Bonaparte, and offers a more relaxed and personal glimpse into royal life.

The Petit Trianon and Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet

Perhaps one of the most charming parts of Versailles is Marie Antoinette’s Estate, where the queen sought refuge from the rigidity of court life. The Petit Trianon was Marie Antoinette’s personal retreat, where she could escape the scrutiny of the palace and enjoy more simple pleasures.

The most whimsical part of her estate is Le Hameau de la Reine (The Queen’s Hamlet), a small village built in the style of a rustic Norman farm. Complete with cottages, a working farm, and a mill, the hamlet allowed Marie Antoinette to indulge in her fantasy of rural life. Today, visitors can explore the hamlet’s picturesque buildings and gardens, which provide a charming contrast to the formality of the palace.

The Town of Versailles

If time allows, the charming town of Versailles offers plenty of additional sights and experiences to explore beyond the palace. Here are a few highlights you won’t want to miss.

1. Versailles Market (Marché Notre-Dame)

One of the highlights of the town is the Marché Notre-Dame, one of the best food markets in the Paris region. Located just a short walk from the palace, this vibrant market operates from Tuesday to Sunday, offering a fantastic array of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and baked goods. It’s the perfect spot to pick up picnic supplies or try local specialties. Surrounding the market square are cafés and shops where you can enjoy a leisurely meal or coffee while people-watching.

2. Notre-Dame de Versailles

Just a stone’s throw from the market is the Notre-Dame de Versailles, a stunning 17th-century church that once served as the royal parish church. It was here that royal births, marriages, and funerals were held during the reign of Louis XIV. While smaller and more intimate than the grand churches of Paris, it is rich in history and beautiful architectural details, making it worth a visit.

3. Potager du Roi (The King’s Vegetable Garden)

Step away from the opulence of the palace grounds and visit the Potager du Roi, a fascinating 9-hectare vegetable garden created in 1683 to supply fresh produce to the royal court. Today, the garden is still a working farm, growing an incredible variety of fruits and vegetables. It’s a peaceful spot to stroll around, learn about royal horticulture, and even purchase seasonal produce.

4. The Antiquaires District

If you love antique shopping or simply enjoy browsing quaint boutiques, head to the Antiquaires District. This charming area, located near the Saint-Louis Cathedral, is home to antique dealers, art galleries, and unique shops selling vintage treasures. It’s a great place to discover something special to take home, from period furniture to rare books.

5. The Saint-Louis Neighborhood

Explore the historic Saint-Louis district, one of the oldest areas of Versailles. Stroll through quiet streets lined with classic French architecture and visit the Saint-Louis Cathedral, a beautiful Baroque church. This neighborhood also offers cozy cafés and local restaurants, perfect for enjoying a relaxing meal after your day of sightseeing.

VERSAILLES: the ultimate paris daytrip