Tips for Visiting the Palace of Versailles: Ultimate Guide
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I’ll never forget my first visit to the incredible Palace of Versailles.
After visiting the incredible château several times – falling in love with its French extravagance more and more each time – I’ve compiled the best tips for visiting the Palace of Versailles!
It was a sunny September morning. That distinct Parisian fall chill, right before the weather cools dramatically, had Lily, my mom and I wearing cozy cardigans and worn-out denim. We had our walking shoes on – laces tightened – for a full day of exploration at the sprawling 17th century palace.
Originally built in the 1630’s to serve as a hunting lodge for King Louis XIII, the Palace of Versailles saw the peak of its grandeur during the reign of Louis XIV, the “Sun King”. Louis XIV was notorious for his absolutist ideologies, believing that his power as King was a right granted to him by God. He was not only a champion of the Catholic faith, he also was a monumental patron of the arts.
The Palace of Versailles was expanded and lavishly decorated to house the King’s royal court, with every inch reflecting Louis XIV’s devotion to Catholicism and the arts. One of the most visited spaces in the palace, the Hall of Mirrors, was among the first rooms to undergo the King’s grand redesign. The expansive gardens, which Louis XIV regarded as equally important as the palace, underwent a similar extravagant transformation.
Portrayed all around the palace are sun motifs, Louis XIV’s emblem, symbolizing not only Apollo, the god of peace and art, but also the fact that the sun is the “star which gives light to all things”. Like the planets in the solar system, the Sun King believed himself to be the center of everything.
We have Louis XIV to thank for the incredible palace that today stands as an extravagant museum!
I was awestruck when I first walked through the gates of Versailles, baffled by the amount of gold that dazzled every corner of the facade. But it wasn’t until I walked through the gardens during my second visit that I realized why exactly it was my mom’s favorite place in the entire world. With 17th and 18th century extravagance and luxury at every turn – from the ornately decorated bed chambers to the expansive gardens – who couldn’t love the incredible palace?
If there’s one thing you add to your Paris itinerary, it’s a visit to the Palace of Versailles!
For even more MUST-SEE Paris adventures, check out my ultimate Paris travel guide!
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Here’s a collection of MY BEST tips for visiting the Palace of Versailles!
How to Get to the Palace of Versailles from Paris
The best way to get from the city of Paris to the Palace of Versailles is to take the RER C to the Versailles-Château-Rive Gauche metro station. Metro stops all over Paris will connect you to the regional train lines (RER – Réseau Express Régional) which transfer to locations in and out of the city of Paris. The Paris metro is the most affordable and convenient way to travel around the city!
A metro ticket to Versailles is usually between $3–4 USD, making it the best way to get to Versailles for families, budget travelers, and anyone who would rather not take a private taxi (which can be very expensive!). This is the most affordable tip for visiting the Palace of Versailles!
NOTE: Be sure to keep your tickets on you when exiting the train and metro stations! During my first trip to Paris, I made the mistake of throwing away my paper ticket after I scanned through the station entry. This earned me a hefty fine ($80 USD!) and a slap on the wrist, despite the fact that I had evidence that I had just purchased the ticket minutes prior. Don’t make the same mistake I did, hold onto your scanned ticket until you EXIT the station!
Versailles Ticket Packages and Tour Options
There are plenty of ticket packages to choose from when visiting the Palace of Versailles! Whether you’d rather explore the main palace – weaving in and out of the royal bed chambers and dancing along the Hall of Mirrors – or prefer to find respite in the expansive gardens, here’s an overview of the available ticket packages and tour options at the Palace of Versailles!
The Palace Ticket
The Palace Ticket is the most basic entry ticket to the Palace of Versailles, offering visitors the chance to see the main palace and the gardens. This ticket includes entry to the Sculpture Gallery, Gallery of the Coaches, and the main garden. Guests also have the option to add on the Equestrian Show and a self-guided tour of the Equestrian Academy for an extra cost.
The Equestrian Show, featuring choreographed routines on horseback, occurs every SATURDAY at 5pm (peak season) and SUNDAY at 3pm. Following the show, visitors are offered a tour of the Royal Stables!
The Passport Ticket
The Passport Ticket is an all-encompassing ticket providing guests with access to the palace, the gardens and the Estate of Trianon. This ticket includes the Sculpture Gallery, Gallery of the Coaches, and entry to the park outside the palace. Visitors have the option to purchase several add-ons including lunch at La Petite Venise, a bike ride in the park, a row-boat in the Grand Canal, and other add-ons!
I recommend purchasing THIS Passport ticket so you can have full access to the entirety of the grand Palace of Versailles. Passport ticket holders can also purchase audio guides for a small fee. I HIGHLY recommend adding the audio guide so you can better learn about the palace’s intricate history!
Did you know?
Travelers under the age of 18 (or 26 if residing in the EU – study abroad students with visas included!) can get FREE access to the Palace of Versailles!
NOTE: you are still REQUIRED to reserve a time slot, even if your ticket is free!
This is one of the BEST tips for visiting the Palace of Versailles on a budget, especially if you’re a student!
The Estate of Trianon Ticket
The Estate of Trianon, including the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon, and the Queen’s Hamlet, is a MUST SEE when you visit the Palace of Versailles. Originally Louis XIV’s place of retreat, the Estate of Trianon became home to Marie Antoinette. This ticket ONLY provides access to the Estate of Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet. NO other access to the palace or gardens is included. I recommend this ticket for travelers who have already visited Versailles, but would like to return for a short picnic in the park outside the Estate of Trianon! NOTE: Food is not permitted in the gardens, however IT IS permitted in the park!
Night Fountains Show Ticket
During peak season, the Palace of Versailles offers several unique experiences for visitors. The Night Fountains Show is a spectacular fireworks show in the gardens of Versailles. Visitors who purchase the Night Fountains Show Ticket get access to the gardens on the evening of the show, however, palace entry is NOT included. I recommend this show for travelers who want to experience Versailles, but would rather not spend the day exploring the museum! Otherwise, travelers who have already visited the palace would enjoy this evening show to see a whole different side of the palace!
Considering a guided tour of the Palace of Versailles?
Get Your Guide has so many incredible guided tours with skip-the-line entry into the palace.
Get Your Guide tours are a great option for families and travelers who want to see the highlights of the palace with a knowledgeable guide, but would rather not spend the entire day exploring the grand palace!
How Long Should I Spend At the Palace of Versailles?
With over 60,000 artworks spanning five centuries of French history, visitors can get lost exploring the magnificent Palace of Versailles. I’ve visited the palace twice, both times spending the entire day exploring the grandeur of the palace!
I recommend spending ONE whole day exploring Versailles. The morning can be spent exploring the galleries in the palace, perusing through the ornately decorated bed chambers, and enjoying a quick bite at the Grand Cafe d’Orleans, which offers French pastries and sandwiches.
On my first visit to Versailles, I stopped for lunch at Angelina. I enjoyed a classic French onion soup while I rested my feet after walking around the palace all morning. There are ALWAYS lines for the cafe and restaurant in Versailles, so if you plan on stopping for lunch, I recommend eating an early or a late lunch to avoid the 11am-2pm lunch crowd.
FAQ
Can I bring food in the Palace of Versailles?
Food is NOT permitted in the palace or the gardens, so plan to eat a big breakfast if you don’t want to stop and buy food! There are several options for quick bites or sit down lunch options at Versailles, but prices are definitely EXPENSIVE!
The afternoon can be spent strolling around the vast gardens. Make sure to visit the Estate of Trianon! Located a short train ride away (or a thirty-minute walk…), the Queen’s Hamlet is straight out of a Disney fairytale!
After spending the day at Versailles, you can choose a restaurant outside the palace gates, or head back to Paris via the RER C to grab dinner in the city!
What are the BEST Things to See in Versailles?
There are so many incredible things to see in the Palace of Versailles! I loved walking through the bed chambers and seeing all the different decor in each room. Louis XIV knew how to live lavishly!
My favorite part of Versailles was the Estate of Trianon, specifically the Queen’s Hamlet. On my first visit to Versailles, I skipped the gardens and the Estate of Trianon completely. Having spent so much time exploring the palace, I didn’t realize that the expansive gardens would capture my attention even more than the ornately decorated golden bedroom of Louis XIV! The Queen’s Hamlet, a train ride away (additional cost) or a short walk (free) from the palace looked as if the scenery and story of Snow White jumped out of a story book. I kept looking around the gardens of the Queen’s Hamlet for little dwarves!
Make sure to set aside some time to enjoy the palace gardens and the Estate of Trianon! And if you’re an equestrian like me, definitely book the Equestrian Show!
TOP 5 Tips for Visiting the Palace ofVersailles
1. Arrive Early
I can’t stress this tip enough. When you get off the RER C and walk to the palace gates, you’ll see crowds bigger than those at Disneyland! The early bird gets the worm (…covered in gold flakes, if you’re Louis XIV)! Book the early time slot and beat the crowds, especially if you want pictures in the Hall of Mirrors without stragglers in the background!
2. Visit During the Week (If You CAN)
Like most tourist attractions, weekends can be a nightmare for crowds at Versailles, especially during peak season! If your travel plans permit, book your ticket to Versailles during the week so you can enjoy fewer crowds!
Note: the palace will still be pretty crowded, but certainly not as much as a Saturday or Sunday! One of the best tips for visiting the Palace of Versailles is to VISIT EARLY and go DURING THE WEEK!
3. Don’t Skip the Audio Guide
The Palace of Versailles has so much history woven into the beautiful architecture and decor. If you’re not planning on joining a guided tour, I HIGHLY recommend picking up an audio guide (extra cost, but affordable!) to enhance your experience at Versailles. The palace offers audio guides you can hang around your neck and hold up to your ear, like a telephone!
4. Eat a BIG Breakfast Before Your Visit
If you’re planning on exploring the palace all day, make sure to fuel up with a healthy breakfast! I had to remind myself that a croissant is NOT going to keep me full for a full day at Versailles. Most people would rather skip out on purchasing food in Versailles, which is recommended due to the high prices at the cafes and restaurants! There are plenty of restaurants and cafes outside the palace grounds, but re-entry is NOT PERMITTED. Additionally, outside food and drink is not allowed!
5. Set Aside Time to Explore the Gardens
I WISH I knew this before my first visit to Versailles! I couldn’t believe all the extravagant beauty I missed out on during my first visit to Versailles, after visiting the gardens and the Estate of Trianon on my SECOND VISIT to the palace! Note: the gardens open an HOUR earlier than the palace. If you’re feeling bold, explore the gardens BEFORE visiting the palace and the Estate of Trianon!
These are some my BEST tips for visiting the Palace of Versailles! I hope your visit to Versailles is as extravagant as the King’s chambers!
Enjoy the beautiful palace and gardens!
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