Palace of Versailles

Grand Symbol of French Royalty

The Palace of Versailles stands as a major royal landmark in France. Built during the 17th century, it was once home to French kings and remains known for its grand halls and formal gardens. Visitors can walk through rooms filled with historic art and see the Hall of Mirrors, where important events took place. The palace shows how power and culture were displayed by French royalty. Gardens around the building offer wide spaces for walking and quiet reflection on France’s past.

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Palace in Versailles

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$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

Safety: 8.6

General Safety:	9
Accessibility:	7

Read details

4/5

English is commonly spoken by staff and tour guides, and many information materials are available in English, facilitating smooth visits for international tourists.

Highlights Description Getting there Hotels Tips Safety Articles

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Palace of Versailles Summary

World-class for royal palaces and formal gardens. Tour lavish halls, admire ornate rooms and walk through vast landscaped gardens.

Opening hours:

Mon:	Closed
Tue-Sun:	09:00 - 17:30

Public website:

www.chateauversailles.fr

France – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type E Type C: Type E: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Euro (EUR) £1 ≈ €1.19
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 Cashless payments are widely accepted, especially in cities and tourist areas. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is optional but appreciated in restaurants (5-10%) and for exceptional service.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is allowed in designated areas, but restrictions apply in some cities.
Public smoking:	Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces but common in outdoor cafes.

Bastille Day (July)	Parades and fireworks occur nationwide.
Easter (March/April)	Cultural celebrations and closures.
Christmas (December)	Markets and festive events.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Numbers: 112 (EU emergency), 15 (Ambulance), 17 (Police), 18 (Fire)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Bolt, Heetch
Other:	France offers diverse experiences, from art and culture to nature and cuisine. Be cautious in crowded areas.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

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Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Palace of Versailles, France

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High season:	May - Sep.
Shoulder season:	March - April, Oct.

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Climate details

Closed Mondays; open Tuesday to Sunday, with the Trianon estate and Marie-Antoinette's Estate opening around midday

Musical Fountain Shows and Musical Gardens run roughly April to October, mainly at weekends, for an extra ticket

Timed tickets strongly recommended, queues are longest on Tuesdays and Sundays

Don't miss

💎 Stroll through the grand Hall of Mirrors
🌳 Explore the extensive Gardens and groves
⛪ Visit the Royal Chapel with stunning ceilings

You've been here?

Palace of Versailles was transformed from a hunting lodge into a magnificent royal palace during the reign of Louis XIV, the Sun King. The palace features lavish Baroque architecture, ornate interiors and is famous worldwide for the Hall of Mirrors – a grand gallery with 357 mirrors reflecting the Versailles gardens.

The sprawling grounds include meticulously manicured gardens designed by André Le Nôtre, elaborate fountains and the Grand and Petit Trianons, which served as private royal retreats. Versailles encapsulates the extravagant power and artistic achievement of the French monarchy before the revolution.

Visitors need to plan visits carefully as the palace can be overwhelmingly crowded, especially during peak tourist season. Long queues are common, but advance ticketing and guided tours can improve the experience. The sheer size of the palace and gardens can also be tiring to navigate, so comfortable shoes and breaks are recommended.

While some find certain areas overly restored or touristy, the palace's cultural and historical significance remains undeniable, offering a captivating journey through French history.

Why travel to Palace of Versailles?

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Grand Trianon
2 Hall of Mirrors
3 Petit Trianon

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Square de Versailles

🎈Events

Musical Fountain Shows
Grand Canal Regatta
Versailles Festival

Explore on map

Open map view

Knowledge before you go

Book timed-entry tickets online months ahead.
Arrive at 9 AM opening to beat massive crowds through the Hall of Mirrors.
Wear comfortable shoes for extensive walking on marble floors and gravel garden paths.
Explore quieter King's Private Apartments via guided tour for exclusive royal chambers.

How to travel to Palace of Versailles

Visitors typically arrive via Paris airports (Charles de Gaulle or Orly) and take the RER C regional train directly to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station, which is a 10-minute walk from the palace. Alternatively, buses and taxis are also available from central Paris.

Access summary

From Paris-Orly (ORY): Tram/Metro or Orlyval + RER/Transilien, 45–75 minutes.
From central Paris: RER C or Transilien N/L trains to Versailles, about 30–60 minutes.
From Charles de Gaulle (CDG): RER B then RER C/train toward Versailles, roughly 1–1.5 hours.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay near Palace of Versailles

Versailles town offers charming hotels and guesthouses close to the palace, while central Paris accommodations provide easy access via train for day trips.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Hotel Le Versailles

8.6

Le Louis Hotel Versailles Château - MGallery Collection

9.2

Waldorf Astoria Versailles - Trianon Palace

9.0

Hotel de la Residence du Berry

9.0

Novotel Chateau de Versailles Hotel

8.7

ibis Versailles Chateau

8.4

Hotel des Roys Versailles

8.4

Hotel des Lys

9.0

Mercure Versailles Chateau Hotel

8.4

Le Logis Versaillais

9.4

Explore more accommodations

Packing recommendations for Palace of Versailles

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Camera

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Comfortable walking shoes

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Sun cream

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Reusable water bottle

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Small rucksack

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Advance tickets or bookings

Universal travel adaptor

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Credit card with no foreign transaction fees

Budget snapshot

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-3 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to EUR) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Safety information overview

General safety

The Palace of Versailles enjoys a very high safety rating. Tourists rarely encounter crime and local police patrol the gardens and entrance areas. Visitors should keep valuables secure in hotel safes, avoid unattended bags and follow standard city‑wide precautions.

Accessibility

The Palace of Versailles offers many accessible features: elevators, ramps and wheelchair‑friendly restrooms throughout the gardens and palace. However, some historic rooms have narrow doorways and uneven floors. Visitors should plan ahead for guided tours with mobility support.