Google can tell you Versailles is a town outside of Paris but what should you expect when you get there? What train stop is it? Can you walk from the train to the Palace? How big is the palace? This article details where the Palace of Versailles is and what to expect when you arrive.
Pro Travel Tip: If you haven’t already, check out our dedicated page on Versailles. We update it with super-helpful content that covers everything from getting tickets, history, anecdotes, and tours.
Where is Versailles?
Short Answer: Versailles is a small city outside of Paris in France that is known for the Golden Palace of Versailles.
Every town has its charms and Versailles is undoubtedly one of them. It is an excellent choice for a day trip from Paris to see the famous hunting lodge turned opulent palace of the many “Louies” of France. It is one of the most splendid palaces which makes it a must for any multi-day visit to Paris.
Distance from Paris
Versailles is 20k outside of Paris and can be reached by train in 40 to 45mins. You could drive there in 30 mins or walk there in four hours, but the train is super convenient so I recommend it above the other options. Remember that Uber does work in Paris so taking a driver is not a bad option if you want to take a train there and then an Uber or taxi to ORLY airport on your way out of Paris.
How to get to Versailles
You will need to take the RER C to get to the Versailles Château Rive Gauche train station. Depending on where you are coming from, the train could stop at one of three stations in Versailles.
If you get off in the wrong one it is not a tragedy, but some additional work and maybe a taxi. Look for “Versailles Château Rive Gauche” train station. Once here, you’re about a 10-minute walk to the palace, but signs will clearly indicate which way to go so don’t worry.
Here are some train stations in Paris that head to Versailles.
- Saint Michel-Notre Dame
- Gare d’Austerlitz
- Musée d’Orsay
- Invalides
- Pont de l’Alma
- Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel
You’ll need to buy a special metro ticket to get to and from Versailles – A round trip will cost you €7.10. If you’re worried about buying the incorrect ticket, purchase the tickets from a metro service agent.
Using a metro ticket machine, make sure you indicate that your destination is the Versailles Rive Gauche station (there are three destinations in Versailles, so you need to choose the right one). Depending on your departure location, the train will take you anywhere from 30 to 60+ minutes, so plan accordingly.
Insider tip: Purchase both your tickets (to and from Versailles) while you’re in Paris. If you buy your return ticket to Paris at the Versailles station, there will likely be dozens of other people doing the same thing and the lines can get long.
The best way to get to Versailles is with a tour. You’ll get insights from an experienced guide without the guesswork of which train to catch or which ticket to buy to skip the lines.
Check Out Our Best Versailles & Paris Louvre Tours
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Royal Louvre Palace Tour with Mona Lisa & Crown Jewels
The Louvre is the largest art museum on Earth and the crowning jewel of Paris. It embodies the French vigor for life. Join a passionate English speaking guide for a tour of the most famous artwork. Skip the line admissions included.
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Skip the Line Palace of Versailles and Gardens Tour from Paris
Versailles isn’t that difficult to get to by train, but why stress? Our guide will meet you in central Paris, purchase your train tickets, and ensure you get off at the right stop. You’ll then have a guided tour of the palace and an overview of the gardens. Skip the line admissions included to the palace and gardens.
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What to Expect
Versailles is a relatively small town with a population of 85k people according to the INSEE. The area was completely barren when Louis XIII decided build a hunting lodge there in the 17th century. The lodge did not look even remotely to what we see today until Louis XIV decided that his hunting lodge should have all the luxurious of home.
Most visitors to Versailles will only see a two roads, Avenue de l’Europe and Avenue de Paris. Why? The train station to Versailles Rive Gauche is located on Avenue d’Europe. From there you walk 100 meters to Avenue de Paris, turn left, and the palace is within sight.
I am sure there are many pleasantries in the town of Versailles and I may one day have the opportunity to discover them. That said, the town itself is 10 square miles and the palace grounds are 3.1 square miles. More than 50% of the town is made up of green spaces.
If Versailles were not so close to Paris, it would likely attract more overnight visitors and grow in its charm. That said, it is within a train ride of Paris which is and has been a top European destination for centuries.
Check Out Our Best Versailles & Paris Louvre Tours
Top Rated Tour
Royal Louvre Palace Tour with Mona Lisa & Crown Jewels
The Louvre is the largest art museum on Earth and the crowning jewel of Paris. It embodies the French vigor for life. Join a passionate English speaking guide for a tour of the most famous artwork. Skip the line admissions included.
(85)
See Prices
Likely to Sell Out
Skip the Line Palace of Versailles and Gardens Tour from Paris
Versailles isn’t that difficult to get to by train, but why stress? Our guide will meet you in central Paris, purchase your train tickets, and ensure you get off at the right stop. You’ll then have a guided tour of the palace and an overview of the gardens. Skip the line admissions included to the palace and gardens.
(81)
See Prices
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