Getting Versailles tickets is very easy, and this post will tell you about the best options available.
When it comes to palaces and castles, it’s hard to imagine anything more grand than Versailles. This is one of the most beautiful palaces in the world. Within easy reach from Paris, most people go to Versailles on a day trip.
The castle is a fantastic mixture of art, incredible architecture, perfectly designed gardens. Adults love it for its intricate, unique history. Children love it because – well – it is a castle, where kings, queens and princesses once lived.
In this post, I will sum up the best ways to get tickets to the Palace of Versailles and share some information and tips that will help you plan your visit and make the most of it. Before I do so, however, let me share a bit of information about Chateau Versailles.
Some Background Information About Versailles
About 16 km (around 10 miles) southwest of Paris, Versailles Chateau was the royal residence, court residence and seat of the French government for over a century, from 1682 to 1789. It was built around a hunting lodge that King Louis XIII used as a private retreat. It was under his rule that construction of a castle was initiated, in 1624 – this version of the castle is visible in the Marble Court and the facade that overlooks it.
The rest of Versailles Chateau took shape under the reign of Louis XIV, who wanted it to be a glorification of his figure. He demanded the construction of beautiful, symmetrical gardens adorned by gorgeous, intricate fountains.
King Louis XIV was the one who decided to move his residence to Versailles – until then the royal family had been living in the Louvre. He also brought his court and the government there: fearing plotting against the monarchy and himself by aristocrat families, this was a way of keeping everyone under this control.
Back then Versailles was no more than a tiny village, which quickly expanded to host the many people working in the Palace. Between 3,000 and 10,000 people could be there at once. 3,000 were the high ranking aristocracy, who lived inside; while the rest were those who went in and out for various work purposes.
The castle became even more famous during the reign of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. The king, queen and the aristocracy were accused of living a lavish lifestyle, showing off over-the-top opulence, while the vast majority of French people lived in poverty. After they were forced to leave in 1789, this ceased to be a royal residence.
In 1837, King Louis-Philippe decided that this would become the Museum of the History of France.
Versailles became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
Is Versailles always packed?
Until 2019, around 10 million people visited Versailles each year – that meant more than 27,000 visitors per day, which made it the most visited monument in the Ile-de-France region. Consider the castle is also closed on Mondays, and this means that the average number of visitors during opening days used to be more in the range of 30,000.
Studies of the kingdom of Louis XIV and of the beginning of the French Revolution, books, movies such as Marie Antoinette, the TV series Versailles, and even cartoon series all contributed to make this a world famous attraction. Tickets to the Palace of Versailles regularly sell out, and that’s why it’s of the utmost importance that you get your Versailles tickets in advance.
Visiting the Palace of Versailles more in depth
Versailles Château and the gardens are massive. It takes at least a day to explore it properly. There are some rooms and places inside the estate that should not be missed. Here is a quick summary:
HALL OF MIRRORS – This is the most famous room Versailles. This 70 meters (almost 230 feet) long hall has 17 arcade mirrors located directly opposite 17 windows overlooking the gardens, a series of fabulous glass chandeliers, statues, and a beautifully painted ceiling.
SALON OF PEACE AND SALON OF WAR – At the end of the Hall of Mirrors, they both are a must see, together with Louis XIV beautifully decorated Grand Apartments and the Queen’s private apartments.
STATE APARTMENTS – A series of 7 rooms that were used for official purposes, beautifully decorated in Italian style, with marble panelling and painted ceilings.
APARTMENTS OF THE DAUGHTERS OF LOUIS XV – Located on the ground floor, they are a pleasant part of the castle.
ROYAL CHAPEL AND STABLES – Two more unmissable places to add to your visit.
GARDENS AND FOUNTAINS – They are truly splendid. Unless you are on a guided tour of the gardens, a map is absolutely necessary or else you’ll get lost and end up missing the nicest bits, such as the Colonnade Grove. Throughout the gardens, a stereo system plays subtle, beautiful classic music that will accompany your visit, making it all the more special.
If you are a fan of fountains and happen to visit Versailles between April and October make sure not to skip the awe-inspiring Musical Fountains show. You can get tickets for that here.
Visiting the Trianon Estates
The Trianon Estates – with the Petit and the Grand palaces – are among the nicest places to visit in Versailles.
The Petit Trianon was built in 1758 under orders of Louis XV and it was donated by Louis XVI to his wife Marie Antoinette, who went there to escape the strict etiquette of Versailles Castle, host meetings or spend time relaxing.
The Grand Trianon was the residence of Napoleon Bonaparte, where he lived with his second wife Marie Louise. Both palaces have absolutely stunning interiors and beautifully kept gardens.
You can actually visit the Trianon Estates without having to go to Château Versailles.
You can get tickets for the Trianon Estates here.
Finally, continue reading to discover how to get Versailles tickets.
6 Ways To Get Versailles Tickets
In order to visit Versailles Castle, you should buy tickets in advance and select a specific time slot for your visit. Tickets are also available at the door, subject to availability. In other words, you are way better off getting tickets in advance.
Continue reading to find the way of getting tickets that most suits you.
Way N. 1: Buy your Versailles tickets on the official website
To buy Palace of Versailles tickets on the official site click here.
These are the options available online:
- Regular tickets – €19,50;
- Estate of Trianon – €12;
- Passport ticket – this is a combined ticket that gives you access to the entire place. It costs €21,50;
- Musical Gardens – €10;
- Musical Fountains show – €10,50;
- Fountains Night show – €31;
- Audioguide – €5 (reduced fare €4).
Other options available for purchase include Versailles tickets with the Equestrian Show; tickets inclusive of bike rental, round trip by train on wheel, or bike rental; tickets that include a row boat ride; and tickets that include lunch at La Petite Venise.
Reduced Versailles tickets, costing €13, and reduced Trianon tickets costing €6 are available for a few categories – but usually tourists don’t qualify for them.
Anybody under the age of 18 can get free admission; EU citizens and residents under the age of 26, disabled persons and the person accompanying them can get free entry to Versailles and the Estate of Trianon. Anybody who qualifies for free admission should still book a time slot via the official website.
Getting tickets via the official site is relatively easy, though you will have to create an account on the site. You can also download an app that can help guide you around the site.
Tickets bought via the official website can’t be modified and they are not refundable.
Way N. 2: Buy Versailles tickets via a third-party site
Using a third party site is the easiest way to get tickets to Versailles. There are many sites to pick from, all sorts of ticket options, and none of the complications you may find on the official website.
The price of tickets on third party sites is either the same or slightly more expensive than on the official site, but the added bonus is that cancellation is usually very flexible – most third-party booking sites allow you to cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before your visit; you can get a refund in a matter of days; and you have a customer service available to talk to and in your language of choice.
You can get Palace of Versailles tickets here or here.
Way N. 3: Go on a guided tour
This is the best way of visiting Versailles – and how I did it. You just get a more in-depth experience thanks to the guide that helps you put whatever you see in context.
Many companies run guided tours of the castle and its gardens, and tickets are typically included in the price. Tours are easy to book – just select a date and time, and the company will make the rest of the arrangements. Someone will even print the tickets for you – you just need to get the mobile voucher and show up at the suggested time at the meeting point.
Tours last between 1.5 and 5 hours depending on what they include, and they are a great introduction to Versailles. Once the tour is over, you can continue exploring the grounds at your own place.
Guides are usually quite knowledgeable about Versailles; they are perfectly trained to answer your questions and to move around the palace swiftly. You have the option of going on a shared-group tour; on a private tour and even on a family friendly tour.
For the most thorough tour of Versailles, click here.
For a shared group tour of Versailles, click here.
For a private group tour of Versailles, click here.
For a family friendly tour of Versailles, click here.
If you fancy exploring Versailles by bike, you may want to consider this tour.
Way N. 4: Go on an organized day trip from Paris
For a completely hassle free day, consider joining a tour departing from Paris that even includes transportation by either train or air-conditioned bus. You will have a guide escorting you to Versailles, where she or he will take you through the gates and the security checks and then around the Palace. In some cases, you will only have an audio-guide.
For an audio-guide day trip from Paris by bus, click here. If you’d rather have a live guide, click here.
For a day trip from Paris by train and with a live guide, click here.
Way N. 5: Get the Paris Pass
If you are considering visiting a bunch of attractions in Paris, you may want to invest in the Paris Pass – this will allow you to get skip the line Versailles tickets, as well as tickets to other museums, including the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay. Once you get the pass, you will have to book your day and time of visit separately on the site of the castle.
The pass doesn’t give you access to see the show of the Musical Fountain and the Musical Gardens – you’d have to get separate tickets for that.
You can get your Paris Pass here or here.
Way N. 6: Make breakfast, lunch or teatime reservations at Ore
I found this cool way of getting Versailles tickets after literally browsing every bit of the official website, and it honestly isn’t really advertised. Yet, it’s a great, alternative way of experiencing the palace.
You can make breakfast and lunch reservations at Ore, and you can pick up your tickets – which will be passport tickets allowing you to access all areas of the estate – at the restaurant. From the restaurant, located in Dufour Pavilion which is accessible via the Courtyard of Honnour, you can directly access the palace.
Ore is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (November to March); and from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm (April to October).
Breakfast is served from 9:00 to 10:30 am. It costs €40, including access to the Palace.
Lunch is served from 11:00 am to 5:00 or 6:00 pm. It costs €80, including access to the Palace.
This page will guide you through the booking experience. Alternatively, you can book your lunch and tickets here.
Other Useful Information For Visiting Versailles
Official price of Palace of Versailles tickets
The official price of tickets to the Palace of Versailles is €18 for tickets bought in person at the ticket office, and €19,50 for tickets bought online.
The Estate of Trianon costs €12.
Tickets to the Musical Garden cost €10 whether bought online or at the door.
The Musical Fountains Show, which is available from April to October, costs €12 in person, and €10,50 when bought online.
The Fountains Night Show, also only available from April to October, costs €33 when bought at the door and €31 if bought online.
Passport tickets, which include the Palace, Trianon Estate and the gardens, cost €21,50.
Audio-guides are available from the Vestibule of the Gabriel Pavilion. They must be booked in advance and cost €5 (full price) or €4 (reduced fee). They are available in 12 languages, including French, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese.
Tickets bought on the official website can’t be modified or refunded.
Free visits
Access to the Palace of Versailles is free for EU residents under 26 years old, any visitor under 18 years old, and disabled visitors and a person accompanying them. The audio-guide is free for disabled visitors and the person accompanying them.
Visitors that enjoy free admission as till required to book a time slot before visiting.
Versailles Palace and Estate are free to visit on the first Sunday of the month from November to March.
What to do if Palace of Versailles tickets are sold out
Tickets sold on the official website are usually the first ones to be sold out. While you can buy Versailles tickets in person, I truly don’t recommend actually going all the way to Versailles on the day you want to visit if you saw that there is no availability online. Instead, here’s what you can do.
Look for tickets on third party booking sites. These usually buy tickets in bulk and allow a more flexible cancellation policy (but make sure to double check that’s the case), which means you can count on more availability and on last minute cancellations.
You can buy your tickets to Versailles on GetYourGuide here.
If that doesn’t work, consider going on a guided tour. This option is a bit more expensive than the plain ticket, so there will usually be some last minute availability. Here are some excellent guided tour options:
Closing Time at Versailles: Small Group Versailles Tour After the Crowds with Gardens or Fountains Show – this is an excellent, very thorough tour of Versailles sold on Take Walks. It has excellent reviews.
Palace of Versailles Skip-the-Line Guided Tour – a very good value for money tour. It only lasts 1.5 hours, and there are several tours departing every day. If you want something a bit more thorough, you may want to consider this tour instead.
Palace of Versailles opening hours
Chateau Versailles and the surroundings estates observe the following opening hours:
PALACE OF VERSAILLES – Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.
TRIANON ESTATE – Tuesday to Sunday from 12:00 to 5:30 pm.
GARDENS – From 8:00 am to 6:00 pm daily.
PARK – From 8:00 am to 6:00 pm daily.
The attractions are closed on Mondays and on 25 December and 1 January.
The last admission is at 5:00 pm and the ticket office closes at 4:50 pm.
Book in advance
While you can get Palace of Versailles tickets at the door (the ticket office is located on the left of the Palace, in the Main Courtyard in the South Ministers’ Wing), you are way better off getting tickets in advance as the line at the ticket office can get quite long, and tickets are regularly sold out.
Get a guide
Going on a guided tour – whether a short one or a full day one – is the best possible way of seeing Versailles. Guides are knowledgeable about its history and know how to move around the palace and the gardens, making your visit pleasant.
How to get to Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is located in Place d’Armes, Versailles.
Getting to Versailles from Paris is very easy. There are three train stations in Versailles, from where it will take you between 10 and 20 minutes to get to the entrance of the palace.
Versailles Château Rive Gauche – This is the closest one to the palace. To get there, take RER C from either Sant-Michel or Champ de Mars station.
Versailles Chantiers – To get there, take the Transilien train from Montparnasse.
Versailles Rive Droite – Connected to Saint-Lazare and La Défense stations.
Make sure to buy two tickets at the train station in Paris. One for traveling to Versailles, and one for the return journey. This will save you a massive hassle at Versailles train station, where there will be lines to get train tickets.
Alternatively, opt for a guided tour of the palace which include transportation from Paris (usually bus, but some also go by train).
How to move inside Versailles estate
Versailles estate is massive. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as there will be lots of walking to do. If walking is not your thing, you can opt for other means of transportation.
E-car
You can rent an electric car at the Water Parterre South Terrace or near the bike hire point in Little Venice. Cars can fit in up to 4 passengers and they cost €38 per hour, and an additional €9,5 every 15 minutes. There is a 40% discount for disabled visitors. You can pay by card or cash.
The cool thing about them is that they include an audio guide, available in several languages including French, English, German, Spanish and Italian.
E-cars must be booked in advance and are available for hire from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm (from 15 February to the end of March), until 6:45 pm (from April to October) and until 5:00 pm from November to December. Cars are not available from 1 January to 15 February, and from 15 November to 15 February at the Little Venice rental place.
By train on wheels
The train on wheel costs €8.50 for a round trip for adults (€6,50 for visitors younger than 18), or €4.60 for a single ride. It’s free for children under 12. You can pay by cash or card.
The train operates on a hop-on hop-off basis and stops at Palace North Terrace, Petit Trianon, Grand Trianon, and at the top of Grand Canal (near Little Venice).
The trains run according to the following schedule:
April to October – every day from 11:30 am to 7:10 pm (until 5:10 pm on Mondays).
Mid-February to late March, and first half of November and during the Christmas holidays- every day from 11:10 am to 5:10 pm.
Mid-November to mid-February (except for the Christmas holidays) – from Tuesday to Sunday from 11:10 am to 5:10 pm.
Departures are every 10, 15 or 20 minutes depending on the season.
By bike
One of the most fun ways to explore Versailles is by bike. You can rent one at Little Venice , which is right by the Grand Canal. At weekends and during public holidays only, a bike hire is also available at Saint Anthony Gate and at the Queen’s Gate.
Bike rental costs €21 for the whole day; €19 for half day; €9 for one hour; €7 for half-hour; and €2,25 for an additional 15 minutes. The minimum hire period is 30 minutes. You can pay by card or cash.
The bike hire is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm (from mid-February to the end of March), from 10:00 am to 6:45 pm (from April to October), and from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm from early to mid-November.
Bikes are not available from mid-November to the end of February.
Security checks
All visitors have to go through security checks in order to enter Versailles Palace. Make sure to leave things such as bulky items, excessive amounts of food, umbrellas, strollers, walking sticks and pocket knives in your room to avoid any delay in the security checks. Prohibited items must be left in storage.
Toilets and other services at the Palace of Versailles
Toilets (all of them with disabled access) are available across the estate and at Versailles and Trianon palaces. At Versailles Palace, they are located in the basement of the Dufour Pavilion (Entrance A) or in the basement of the Gabriel Pavilion (Entrance B). Baby changing facilities are also available throughout the estate.
Luggage storage is available at the palace South Minister’s Wing for smaller items and strollers. Keep in mind that – when open – there may be a line to deposit your stuff.
Cell phone charging stations are available in the South Ministers’ Wing and in the North Ministers’ Wing.
Scattered around you’ll also find several water fountains where you can refill your bottle.
Accessibility of Versailles Palace
Access to the Palace of Versailles is free for people with disabilities and their companion. They can also enjoy a discount for a guided tour.
Royal Gate entrance A is wheelchair accessible.
Once inside, Versailles Palace, the Gardens and Trianon Estate are wheelchair and disabled accessible. There are ramps and elevators inside Versailles Palace for people with limited mobility and wheelchair users. Wheelchairs are available for rent, free of charge.
Guide dogs are welcome upon presentation of proof of eligibility. Strollers are also admitted.
Eating at Versailles
You will find a few places to have a quick bite or even a proper sit down meal in Versailles or alternatively you can have a picnic in the park. Le Dauphin, La Girandole, Le Grand Café d’Orléans, Angelina, Angelina at Petit Trianon, La Flottille, La Petite Venise and Ore are proper restaurants, suitable for various budgets. La Flottille and La Girandole also have a take-away section where you can grab a sandwich or an ice-cream.
Length of visit
You need at least 8 hours to properly visit Versailles Palace, the gardens and Trianon Estate – and that’s if you are quick. This is such a massive place that it’d probably require 2 full days to be fully explored.
Make sure to be at the gate as soon as it opens, take your guided tour first and then continue exploring the gardens and the palace, relax by the fountains and in one of the nice cafés and enjoy the beautiful park.
Final tips for visiting Versailles Palace
Get the mobile app
Using the Palace of Versailles mobile app is a cool way to get information about the palace and to guide you through what you will be seeing – without the hassle of having to physically pick up an audioguide! You can get it here.
Visit Trianon Estate too
This is an excellent addition to your visit to Versailles.
Look for special exhibits
Before visiting Versailles check out the official website to see if there are any special exhibits: they definitely add to the visit.
Bring your camera
Versailles Palace, the gardens and Trianon Estate are worthy of more than a photo! Bring your camera, turn your flash off inside, and take as many photos as you like.
Wear layers and comfortable shoes
Versailles was built in an area that was once covered with windmills: wind blows quite often there. Wear layers that you can easily take off or put on as needed (you will spend the day going in and out of buildings), wear comfortable clothes and most importantly comfortable shoes as you will be walking a lot!
Beware of pickpockets
A place as crowded with tourists as Versailles is the ideal playground for pickpockets, so beware of your belongings.
Further Readings
Are you planning a trip to Paris and France? Make sure to read my other posts:
- A Guide To The 11 Best Cities To Visit In France
- 33 Incredible Places To Visit In Paris
- The Best Paris Travel Tips
- The Best Museums In Paris
- How To Get Eiffel Tower Tickets
- A Wonderful Itinerary For 5 Days In Paris
- A Fantastic Itinerary To See Paris In 4 Days
- Paris In 3 Days: A Great Itinerary To Make The Most Of It
- A Fabulous Itinerary For 2 Days In Paris
- The Perfect Itinerary To See Paris In A Day
- 27 Cool Things To Do In Montmartre, Paris
- How To Avoid The Most Common Paris Scams
- How To Get From Charles De Gaulle Airport CDG To Paris
Pin It For Later!
I was surprised to learn toward the beginning of the article that the decision to build a palace into the hunting lodge was made by Louis XIII. I always thought that idea came from Louis XIV.
Umh. I guess the phrasing in my post leads to confusion – I apologize for that. So, to be clear: Louis XIII was the one that decided to build the hunting lodge. Louis XIV was the one that decided to expand the hunting lodge and build a massive palace, and later on moved his court there. I hope this clarifies it, and sorry for the confusion!