Palace of Versailles (Château de Versailles)
8.7Friend Score / 10#7 of 20 Attractions in Paris
Known forversaillespalacehall of mirrorsfrench history
The over-the-top royal palace and gardens that defined French absolutism, and it's genuinely jaw-dropping. Worth a day if you love history. Honest caveat: it's a mob scene in the State Apartments, closed Mondays, and the gardens (often the best part) can be a separate cost on fountain days.
Key facts
| Hours | Tue–Sun 09:00–18:30 |
|---|---|
| Price | $$$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | RER C to Versailles Château Rive Gauche, then a 10-minute walk |
| Time needed | Half to full day |
| Best time to go | Opening at 9am on a weekday, or late afternoon after tour groups leave |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.7/10- Value7.5
- iconic8.5
- Freshness9.1
- Crowd level2.5
- Authenticity8.0
- Accessibility5.5
Frequently asked questions
- Is it worth a full day?
- If you love history and can pace yourself, yes, add the Trianon palaces and Marie-Antoinette's hamlet, which are far calmer than the main château. If you want just the highlights, a focused half day works.
- Which Versailles ticket should I buy?
- The Passport is the best value for most visitors, covering the Palace, Trianon estate, and gardens with a timed Palace slot. It costs about €25 in low season and €35 in high season for a non-EEA adult.
- Are the gardens free?
- The gardens are free on most days, but on Musical Fountains or Musical Gardens show days there's a separate charge. The Passport with fountain access bundles those in if your visit falls on a show day.
- Do EEA residents get in cheaper?
- Yes, EU/EEA residents under 26 and all under-18s enter free with proof of eligibility, and there are discounts for EEA residents. Bring ID, as it can be checked at entry.
- When is the Palace closed?
- Every Monday, all year. The gardens usually stay open on Mondays, but the Palace and Trianon are shut, so plan any other day of the week.
- How do I get there from Paris?
- The easiest route is RER C to Versailles Château Rive Gauche, about 40-45 minutes from central Paris, then a short walk. Buy a ticket to that specific station, not a standard metro fare.
- Can I skip the crowds inside?
- Not entirely, but a timed Passport slot plus a 9am arrival helps a lot. The Trianon estate and gardens are your refuge when the State Apartments feel unbearable.
- How early should I arrive?
- Be at the gates for the 9am opening if you can. By late morning the security line and Hall of Mirrors are packed, and the whole experience gets noticeably worse.
Nearby in Ask Paris
- Bois de BoulognePark11.55 km · 144 min walk
- Marché d'AuteuilMarket11.61 km · 145 min walk
- Musée Marmottan MonetMuseum12.33 km · 154 min walk
- Fondation Louis VuittonAttraction13.17 km · 165 min walk
- CaretteCafé13.85 km · 173 min walk
Where to stay near Palace of Versailles (Château de Versailles)
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