Frequently Asked Questions about Versailles Estate

Planning to visit the magnificent Versailles Palace?

You’ll likely have plenty of questions about your visit, including which attractions to see first, the best tickets to buy, insider tips, and more.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning guest, these FAQs are designed to enhance your experience and ensure you have an excellent tour of the attraction.

Versailles Tickets

Which tickets should I book to visit Versailles?

There are three popular ticketing options – entry tickets, guided tours, and small-group guided tours.

faqIf you are on a budget, you can choose the Palace and Gardens Entry ticket.

If you want a local expert to guide you all through, the Palace skip-the-line Guided Tour is the best option.

If you want a personalized experience, Palace Small-Group Guided Tour with Transport gives you the best experience.

Does Versailles offer guided tours?

Yes, Versailles provides several guided tour options. The most popular is the Skip-The-Line Guided Tour, which includes three choices:

Palace Guided Tour with Gardens Access
Versailles Guided Tour with self-guided Gardens and Trianon access
Guided Tour of the Gardens and Palace

The cost of this tour starts from €63.

Can I book the tickets in person?

Yes, you can book the tickets at the venue’s ticket counters. However, entry cannot be guaranteed because the tickets tend to sell off due to the high volume of visitors.

We highly recommend you book the Versailles tickets well in advance to avoid last-minute disappointments.

Which ticket should I book to witness the Versailles Night Fountain Show?

Book the Versailles Night Fountains Show, which offers access to the Palace Gardens, where you can enjoy the stunning night fountains and fireworks display.

Held every Saturday evening from June 8 to September 21, with a few exceptions, the show starts at 8:30 pm and lasts for three hours.

Know more before you visit Versailles:
#Renting Vehicles at Versailles Palace
#Restaurants and Cafes at Versailles Palace
#Accessibility
#Amenities in Versailles Palace
#Tips for visiting the Versailles Palace

Which Versailles ticket is best for a family?

If you’re traveling with your family (kids or senior citizens), consider the Versailles Guided Tour with Bus transfers.

This tour offers round-trip transportation from Paris, a live guide, and pre-reserved entry to the Castle and gardens.

The ticket cost starts from €69.

Can I visit the Versailles Estate for free?

Yes. From November to March, the Versailles Estate offers free entry to visitors on the first Sunday of each month. This special access allows everyone to explore the historic site without any charge.

Access to Versailles Estate

How should I reach Versailles Estate from Paris on public transport?

The most convenient way is by taking the RER C train, which takes 30-40 minutes from central Paris to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station.

Another option is the RATP bus line 171 from Pont de Sèvres, which takes around 40 minutes.

What is the closest train station to Versailles?

Versailles Château – Rive Gauche is the closest, located only 1 km from the Palace of Versailles.

How much does it cost to take a taxi to Versailles from Paris?

Taxi services cost around €35 to €60, depending on the number of passengers and the vehicle type. It takes approximately 35 minutes to reach the Palace.

Can you get to the Palace of Versailles by Metro?

No, there is no metro service between Paris and Versailles. To reach the palace, you can take the RER Line C or SNCF trains from Chantiers and Droite train stations.

Can you drive to the Palace of Versailles?

Yes, the Palace of Versailles has ample parking at its entrance.

The main parking areas are Place d’Armes (right outside the Grille d’Honour), Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, Queen’s Hamlet, and Bailly Walk (near Grand Canal).

How much should I pay for parking in Versailles?

The Palace of Versailles parking charges €12 for cars, €30 for coaches (buses), and €3 for motorcycles for the whole day. They accept both cash and cards at the gates.

Is there free parking in Versailles?

Yes, there is some free parking in Versailles. The Avenue de Sceaux car park offers free parking for the first hour.

Parking is free for disabled visitors inside the Versailles Palace with the necessary documents.

Are there specific parking areas for coaches in Versailles Palace?

Coaching parking is available at the Place d’Armes or the Grand and Petit Trianon crossroads in the park.

Is there a special entrance for differently-abled?

Yes, the Palace of Versailles has Entrance H, which is specifically designated for individuals with disabilities. It is equipped with ramps and elevators to provide easy access.

Versailles Palace

What are the must-see attractions at Versailles?

You should visit Royal State Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, Gardens, and Queen’s Hamlet.

How many rooms are there in Versailles?

The Versailles Palace has 2300 rooms on the whole. However, only a select number of rooms are open to the public.

What is a famous fact about the Palace of Versailles?

The Palace of Versailles has several facts that make visitors awestruck. Of those, these are the most popular ones:

Built in the 17th century, the palace’s gates, interiors, and sculptures are decorated with over 1,000 kilograms of gold leaf.

It is believed that Marie Antoinette’s spirit haunts the Queen’s house. Her spectral apparition is said to roam the garden where the secluded building is located.

Opening Hours

What are the opening hours of Versailles Estate?

The Palace of Versailles opens at 9 am.

During the peak season of April to October, the Royal residence closes at 6.30 pm, and during the lean season of November to March, it closes at 5.30 pm.

Versailles Gardens and the Park are open every day at 8 am and close at 8.30 pm during the high season and 6 pm during the low season.

What is the best time to visit the Palace?

The best time to visit the Palace of Versailles to avoid crowds is at 2:30 pm after most tourist buses have departed. Alternatively, arrive at 9 am when the palace opens.

Wednesdays and Fridays are the least crowded days, while Sundays and Tuesdays are the busiest. For a more peaceful experience, visit between early November and late March.

How many hours do I need to visit the Palace of Versailles?

It takes around two to three hours to wander around the Palace and visit its important attractions—the main Palace Building, which includes the Hall of Mirrors, the King’s and Queen’s Apartments, Gardens, and Trianon Estate.

If you can afford to spend a whole day, we suggest you pack for a picnic in the park, stroll through the forests, and enjoy musical gardens and a night fountain show (during high season).

Is Versailles open every day?

No. It is closed on Mondays, 1 May, 25 December, and 1 January. However, you can visit Versailles Gardens any day, starting from 8 am.

Facilities and services

Where can I find restrooms in Versailles?

Toilets and baby changing tables are available at several locations within the Palace of Versailles, including Gabriel Pavilion, North Ministers’ Wing, Dufour Pavilion, Queen’s Hamlet, Grand Trianon, and Petit Trianon.

While all toilets are wheelchair accessible, the one at Gabriel Pavilion is not.

Where can I get souvenirs?

The Versailles Palace has five shops. You can buy books, artwork, bags, and other accessories from the Librairie des Princes, Pavillon Dufour Shop, Boutique Cour de Marbre, Comptoir de la Chapelle, and the Grand Trianon Shop.

Can I bring my food to Versailles?

Visitors can bring their food and drinks to Versailles Palace. However, there are two designated spots for picnics – Swiss Ornamental Lake and Saint Antoine Plain.