Spending a day at the Palace of Versailles isn't just a history lesson—it's like stepping into a world of golden ceilings, mirror-lined halls, and manicured gardens that go on for miles.
But if you show up without a plan, it's easy to waste time in lines or miss out on some of the palace's most magical corners. Let's break down how to make the most of your visit—from ticket hacks to garden shortcuts and even where to grab lunch away from the crowds.
Versailles is located about 20 km southwest of Paris, and it's very accessible by train.
1. By RER C train: Take the RER Line C from Paris and get off at Versailles Château Rive Gauche. The trip takes around 40 minutes. From there, it's just a 10-minute walk to the main entrance. A round-trip ticket from central Paris costs about €7.60.
2. By SNCF train: From Gare Montparnasse, take a TER train to Versailles Chantiers (around 30 minutes). This station is a 15-minute walk to the palace. Round-trip price: ~€8.10 (varies slightly based on time and discounts).
Pro tip: Avoid rush hour and arrive before 9:30 AM to beat the crowds.
Versailles is divided into several areas, and different ticket types cover different sections.
1. Palace ticket (€19.50): Grants access to the main palace (including the Hall of Mirrors, King's Apartments, etc.).
2. Passport ticket (€28.50): Includes the Palace, Trianon Palaces, Marie-Antoinette's Estate, and Gardens (with Musical Fountain Show when applicable).
3. Garden-only ticket (free or €10): On days without fountain shows, gardens are free. Otherwise, entry costs €10.
Opening hours:
• Palace: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM (last entry 6:00 PM)
• Gardens: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM
• Trianon & Marie-Antoinette's Estate: 12:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Closed Mondays.
Book tickets online to avoid long lines. Use the “skip-the-line” entry if possible.
Once inside, it's easy to be overwhelmed. Here's what not to miss:
1. Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces): The palace's most iconic room, with 357 mirrors reflecting the garden light. Arrive early—it gets crowded fast.
2. King's Apartments: Lavishly decorated rooms showcasing Louis XIV's tastes in art, mythology, and gold leaf.
3. Queen's Apartments: A more intimate look at royal life, including Marie-Antoinette's tastefully feminine decor.
4. Royal Chapel: Often overlooked but stunning in design, featuring grand pipe instrument and Baroque detail.
Give yourself 2–3 hours inside the main palace, and use the free audio guide app for context if you skip the guided tour.
The Versailles gardens are enormous—more than 800 hectares. Walking the entire area takes hours, so it helps to plan your route.
1. Rent a golf cart (€38/hour): Available near the palace's garden exit. You'll need a driver's license. It's ideal for small groups.
2. Use the Little Train (€8.50): Hop-on-hop-off style that stops at the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, and Queen's Hamlet.
3. Walk the main axis: From the back of the palace through the central garden path to the Grand Canal is the classic route. You'll pass by Apollo Fountain, Latona Fountain, and tree-lined lanes.
If you're visiting during Musical Fountain Show days (usually on weekends or Tuesdays), plan time to enjoy the fountains synchronized with Baroque music—definitely worth the €10 ticket upgrade.
This lesser-visited section offers a peaceful, rural contrast to the grandeur of the main palace.
1. Petit Trianon: A smaller, elegant residence built for Marie-Antoinette. It shows her shift toward simpler elegance.
2. Queen's Hamlet (Hameau de la Reine): A storybook village complete with thatched-roof cottages, a farmhouse, and a lake. Marie-Antoinette used it to escape court life. Great for photos and quiet walks.
Allow at least 1.5–2 hours to explore this area if you've got the full day.
Eating inside the palace grounds is convenient but can be pricey.
1. La Petite Venise: Near the Grand Canal. Mid-range restaurant with salads, pasta, and sandwiches. Expect to pay around €20–€30 per person.
2. Angelina at the Palace: Serves light meals and desserts. Their signature hot chocolate and pastries are famous (light lunch around €15–€25).
3. Picnic near the canal: You're allowed to bring food. Grab sandwiches from bakeries near the Rive Gauche station and picnic with a view by the water. It's the most budget-friendly and relaxing option.
The gift shops inside the palace offer high-quality items but are a bit expensive. For something unique:
1. Boutique in the Queen's Hamlet: Sells floral-themed souvenirs and Marie-Antoinette-inspired trinkets.
2. Shops near Versailles city center: Try the local bookstores and artisan shops on Rue de Satory for affordable handmade goods and local specialties like macarons or French soaps.
If you want to stay overnight:
1. Hôtel Le Versailles: Just 2 minutes from the palace. Classy rooms with modern amenities, around €150/night.
2. Waldorf Astoria Trianon Palace: For those seeking luxury, this is the high-end option just next to the park entrance. Rooms from €350+.
3. Ibis Versailles Château: Budget option just outside the train station, clean and reliable, around €90/night.
Trying to rush through Versailles in half a day is like skimming the surface of a novel. To really enjoy the history, gardens, and stories behind the people who lived there, slow down and leave room for discovery.
Have you already visited Versailles, or are you planning your first trip? What's the one thing you're most curious about—Marie-Antoinette's private life, the gardens, or the secret passageways? Let me know, and I'd be glad to help you customize your visit.