Palace of Versailles
The Château de Versailles is one of the most famous and frequently visited landmarks near Paris and should not be missing on any excursion list. In addition to the opulent interiors of the vast palace of "Sun King" Louis XIV, the adjacent park, with its gardens, fountains, lakes, etc., offers many more highlights
Château de Versailles – Information on Admission Price, Opening Hours, Wait Times, and Additional Tips
The Château de Versailles is one of the most famous and frequently visited landmarks near Paris and should not be missing on any excursion list. In addition to the opulent interiors of the vast palace of "Sun King" Louis XIV, the adjacent park, with its gardens, fountains, lakes, etc., offers many more highlights. The Château de Versailles is located approximately 20 km outside of Paris and can be easily reached by public transport. We have compiled all important information for you here, such as admission prices, how to get there, opening hours, as well as additional information and tips.
Château de Versailles was built in the 17th century by King Louis XIV as a summer residence for the French royal family and later served as the government seat during the French Revolution.
The history of Château de Versailles began in 1623 when King Louis XIII decided to build a hunting lodge in Versailles. Under his son, Louis XIV, however, the lodge was transformed into a magnificent palace that served as a symbol of the power and wealth of the Kingdom of France.
Construction work on the palace lasted nearly 20 years and it was designed by famous architects such as Jules Hardouin-Mansart and André Le Nôtre. It houses an impressive collection of artworks, including paintings by famous artists such as Vermeer and Frans Hals, as well as exquisite furniture and decorative art.
Château de Versailles also played a significant role in the history of France, particularly during the French Revolution. In 1789, the National Assembly was convened there, and it later served as a prison for King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Today, Château de Versailles is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How do I get to Château de Versailles?
The Parisian suburb of Versailles, where the palace is located, can be most easily reached by train, either via the RER line C or the Transilien N and U train services. These depart from many stations in Paris and stop at two different stations in Versailles. From both stations, “Versailles – Rive Gauche” & “Versailles – Chantiers”, it is a 5–10 minutes' walk to the entrance of the palace. Since the complex is located in Zone 4 of the Paris transport network, you will need a ticket that covers Zone 4, or you can also purchase a single ticket. From Paris, this costs 3.55 Euros. There is also the option to book a day trip directly to Château de Versailles. The luxurious coach will take you directly to the entrance of the palace and later back to Paris.
| Address | Transport |
|---|---|
Place d'Armes 78000 Versailles |   Gare de Versailles Château Rive Gauche |
|
How Much is the Admission to Château de Versailles?
Depending on the season and what is included in the ticket, there are various types of tickets available for purchase for the Château de Versailles. For those who only want to visit the palace, the cost for adults from 18 years of age (EU citizens from 26 years of age) is 21.00 Euros. For those who want to enjoy the complete Château de Versailles estate, including the Trianon Palaces and Marie Antoinette’s Estate, it costs just 3 Euros more. On days when the water shows in the park are taking place, the price is 32.00 Euros. These water shows take place daily from the beginning of April until the end of October.
| Ticket | Price | Valid | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passporte | 24,00 € 32,00 € On Days with Water Shows | 1 day | Palace, Park, Estate of Marie Antoinette & Trianon |
| Passeport 2 Jours | 27,00 € 35,00 € On Days with Water Shows | 2 days | Palace, Park, Estate of Marie Antoinette & Trianon |
| Billet Château | 21,00 € | 1 day | Palace, Park |
| Estate of Trianon & Lalanne exhibition Ticket | 12,00 € | 1 day | Park, Estate of Marie Antoinette & Trianon |
Tickets can be purchased directly at the ticket counters of Versailles, which can take a few hours during high visitor traffic. Alternatively, you can buy your tickets in advance online. For this, our partners are available. Neither processing fees nor other surcharges are applied when purchasing through them.
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Visiting the Château de Versailles for Free
All European citizens under the age of 26 can visit the entire estate free of charge throughout the year, except on days when the water shows are taking place. The water shows are subject to a fee, even for individuals under 26 years of age. If you are under 26 years old, you do not need to obtain a "free ticket" in advance; you can go directly to the entrance.
From November to March, admission to the entire estate is free for all visitors on the first Sunday of each month.
Where Can Tickets for the Château de Versailles Be Purchased?
Admission tickets for the Château de Versailles, the gardens, the park, and the water shows can be purchased directly on-site at the ticket counters. However, you should be prepared for potentially long waiting lines. Despite the high number of visitors, there are relatively few ticket counters available. Particularly from 10:00 AM onwards, the number of visitors significantly increases, as this is when most of the tour buses with tourists arrive in Versailles. In our "Live Status," you can see the current visitor volume for the day.
Another option to obtain tickets is to purchase them online. This will save you the waiting time at the ticket counters on-site, and you can proceed directly to the entrance of the Château de Versailles.
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What Are the Opening Hours of Château de Versailles & the Gardens?
The opening hours vary according to the current season (high or low season) and specific dates. Below is an overview of the opening hours for the various areas of the Château de Versailles:
High Season - April 1 - October 31
| Location | open | closed | Times |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palace | Tuesday to Sunday | Monday & 1. May | 09:00 - 18:30 |
| Galerie des Carrosses | Tuesday to Sunday | Monday & 1. May | 12.30 - 18:30 |
| Trianon und Domaine de Marie-Antoinette | Tuesday to Sunday | Monday & 1. May | 12.00 - 18:30 |
| Gardens | Monday to Sunday | - | 08:00 - 20:30 08:00 - 17:30 on days with water features |
| Park | Monday to Sunday | - | 07:00 - 20:30 |
Low Season - November 1 - March 30
| Location | open | closed | Times |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palace | Tuesday to Sunday | Monday & January 1, December 25 | 09:00 - 17:30 |
| Galerie des Carrosses | Tuesday to Sunday | Monday & January 1, December 25 | 12.30 - 17:30 |
| Trianon und Domaine de Marie-Antoinette | Tuesday to Sunday | Monday & January 1, December 25 | 12.00 - 17:30 |
| Gardens | Monday to Sunday | - | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Park | Monday to Sunday | - | 08:00 - 18:00 |
What Are the Waiting Times at Château de Versailles?
Due to its popularity as a tourist destination, Château de Versailles can have very long queues, especially during the high season. Wait times of 3 hours or more are not uncommon during the summer months and on weekends. We recommend that you purchase tickets for Château de Versailles in advance. By doing this, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters on-site and proceed directly to the entrance. Our live overview allows you to check the current visitor volume for the day.
Here are some additional tips to help manage and potentially reduce your wait times:
Arrive Early or Late: Try to visit early in the morning right when the palace opens, or later in the afternoon when the crowds are generally smaller.
Visit on a Weekday: If possible, plan your visit for a weekday rather than a weekend. Tuesday through Friday are often less crowded than Saturday and Sunday.
Avoid Peak Seasons: If you have flexibility in your travel plans, consider visiting during the low season (November through March), when crowds are typically smaller.
Consider a Guided Tour: Some guided tours provide skip-the-line access, which can save a significant amount of time.
Check for Special Events: Before you go, check the Château de Versailles’ official website or contact them to find out if there are any special events or exhibitions that might affect visitor volume and wait times.
Please note that wait times can be unpredictable and vary based on many factors including the day of the week, time of day, and current events, so these suggestions may not eliminate waiting but might help to reduce it.
Night Fountain Shows in the Gardens of Versailles
Every Saturday from June 08, 2024, to September 21, 2024, the Night Fountain Shows will take place in the Gardens of Versailles, starting at 8:30 PM. These spectacular shows are a unique blend of music, water displays, lights, and fireworks, creating a magical and unforgettable experience for visitors.
For these exceptional shows, special tickets can be booked:
Standard Ticket: This ticket grants access to the Night Fountain Show, allowing visitors to experience the illuminated fountains and groves set to classical music, culminating in a grand fireworks display.
Prestige VIP Ticket: This elevated experience includes:
- Priority access to the show, avoiding long waiting times
- A dedicated parking spot
- A special entrance to the Gardens
- A glass of champagne (or a soft drink)
- Premium viewing areas for an enhanced experience
Royal VIP Ticket: This is the ultimate Versailles experience, offering all the benefits of the Prestige VIP Ticket, along with additional exclusive perks that may include an elegant dinner, a guided tour, or other special amenities.
Please note that these VIP experiences offer a luxurious and convenient way to enjoy the Night Fountain Shows, making the evening even more memorable.
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What awaits you in and around the Palace of Versailles
A journey through time in the world of the "Sun King" Louis XIV. Breathtaking rooms such as the world-famous Hall of Mirrors, the sleeping chambers of the king and his followers. A huge beautiful park and in summer magical water games.