The Palace of Versailles is Paris’s most extravagant day‑trip and, if you’re not prepared, a logistical nightmare. This guide strips away the confusion and lines so you can spend your time gawking at gold. Keep reading to discover how to visit the Palace of Versailles with grace, ease, and skip-the-line tickets.
Versailles started as a humble hunting lodge, then Louis XIV got his hands on it and turned it into the most extravagant stage for royal drama in Europe. It was here that monarchs paraded their power, revolutions brewed, and treaties were signed in halls dripping with mirrors and ego.
Let’s jump into the most important things you need to know about visiting the Palace of Versailles.
The Palace of Versailles is located just 12 miles southwest of central Paris, but getting there can be tricky if you don’t know the system.
Train: Take the RER C to Versailles Château Rive Gauche. It’s the closest station and just 10 minutes on foot from the palace. Trains run every 15 minutes and take 35–45 minutes.
Bus: Bus 171 departs from Pont de Sèvres (Metro Line 9) and stops right outside the palace. It’s cheaper but slower.
Taxi: You’ll pay more (about €50–€70 each way), but it’s door to gate.
Interessante Fact: There are three train stations in Versailles—and only one puts you near the palace. Miss the right one and you could be walking 30+ minutes.
Make the most of Versailles with these expert visitor tips:
Arrive at Versailles Château Rive Gauche station; the others are long walks.
Book ahead, tickets can sell out between a few days and a few weeks in advance.
Don’t miss the gardens, they’re half the spectacle.
Dress in layers and wear comfy shoes.
Secret Tip for Visiting Versailles
Train in for the 9 am opening, but tour the gardens first. At noon, enjoy a picnic lakeside, then enter the palace around 2 pm when morning tour groups are gone. You’ll glide through the Hall of Mirrors with space to twirl.
A skip-the-line guided tour of the palace runs about 2.5 to 3 hours door-to-door from your Paris meeting point. Going solo with the free audio guide takes closer to 4 hours once you factor in train rides, ticket queues, and wandering time. Add the gardens, Trianons, or a rowboat on the Grand Canal, and you’re looking at a full 6 to 8-hour day trip.
What to See at the Palace and Gardens of Versailles
With 2,300 rooms and 3 square miles of gardens, you won’t see it all. Here’s what you can’t miss.
👀 Click the name for a detailed explanation.
The Hall of Mirrors: 357 mirrors reflecting garden light and royal ego. Site of the 1919 Treaty of Versailles.
Gallery of Battles: Created by Louis-Philippe I to honor France’s military history.
Gardens & Fountains: Latona, Neptune, Four Seasons, and the mile‑long Grand Canal—rent a rowboat or bike.
Queen’s Hamlet: Marie Antoinette’s faux farm where she “played peasant” while Paris starved.
Petit & Grand Trianon: Intimate palaces built for escape and, allegedly, illicit affairs.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Palace of Versailles
How early should I buy tickets for the Palace of Versailles?
At least a week ahead in summer, if not more. Same-day tickets are a rare find.
Can I visit just the gardens in the Palace of Versailles?
Yes, garden-only tickets are cheaper, and weekdays are free from November to March.
Is photography allowed inside the Palace of Versailles?
Yes, non-flash photography is allowed.
Is the Palace of Versailles wheelchair-accessible?
Ground-floor rooms and gardens have adapted routes, and elevators reach the Hall of Mirrors.
What’s the dress code for the Palace of Versailles?
No formal code, but you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes and pack a light layer.
What is the best way to get to the Palace of Versailles from Paris?
Take the RER C train toward “Versailles Château Rive Gauche” (35–45 min, departures every 15 min), then walk 10 minutes to the palace gates.
Are there promo codes and discounts for the Palace of Versailles?
Yes, from time to time, we offer a special price for Palace of Versailles tours. Check out and bookmark our dedicated Promo Codes and Discounts page!
Final Thoughts
Versailles is one of Europe’s greatest day trips, but only if you plan it right. Don’t wing it, don’t arrive late, and don’t expect to figure it all out at the gate. Whether you go with a guide or just use this article as your roadmap, you’re already ahead of the crowd.
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Sean is a co-founder and owner of The Tour Guy and its subsidiary The Roman Guy. He studied finance and statistics, but that is his "Dr. Jekyll" side! His "Mr. Hyde" is in love with travel, art, history, and culture. Sean has read libraries of historical text and believes that all internet content should come from books. A practice he follows!
