The Palace of Versailles Park covers 800 hectares and includes two main water features: the Grand Canal and the Lake of the Swiss Guard.
Like the Versailles Gardens, the park was also designed by André Le Nôtre, making it a major attraction for visitors.
The Grand Perspective offers an unforgettable view of the Grand Canal and beyond.
You can enter the Park directly through three gates: Queen’s Gate, Saint Anthony Gate, and Sailor’s Gate. Access is also available through the Honour Gate and Chapel Gate.
The Park is open from 7 am to 8:30 pm year-round, except during harsh weather. However, operating hours may vary, so here is detailed information about access and hours.
| Gate | Location | Access | Opening Hours | |
| High Season | Low Season | |||
| Queen’s Gate | Boulevard de la Reine, near the gardens | On Foot and By Bike | 7 am to 8.30 pm | 8 am to 6 pm |
| By Car | 9 am to 5.50 pm | 9 am to 4.50 pm | ||
| Saint Anthony Gate | D186, near Marie-Antoinette’s Estate | On Foot and By Bike | 7 am to 7.30 pm | 8 am to 5.30 pm |
| By Car | 9 am to 5.50 pm | 9 am to 4.50 pm | ||
| Sailors’ Gate | Route de Saint-Cyr (D10) | On Foot and By Bike | 7 am to 7.30 pm | Closed |
Note: Vehicles are allowed only through Queen’s and Saint-Anthony’s Gates.
Versailles Tickets:
#Palace of Versailles full-access ticket with Gardens
#Palace of Versailles Skip-The-Line Guided Tour
#Versailles Palace Tour with Round-Trip from Paris
#Versailles Night Fountains Show Ticket
#Private Tour of Versailles Palace by Golf Cart
The Grand Canal
The Grand Canal at Versailles spans 23 hectares, with a width of 60 meters.
It stretches 1700 meters (5577 Feet) from east to west and 1000 meters (3280 feet) from north to south.
The canal took 11 years to complete, and it was constructed between 1668 and 1679.
Louis XIV often sailed various boats, and it was the site of many grand ceremonies during his reign.
The canal served different purposes in summer and winter. In summer, a fleet of vessels rowed on it, while in winter, its frozen surface was used for ice skating.
Venice gifted two gondolas and four gondoliers to King Louis XIV, who sailed on the canal.
This led to the Grand Canal being nicknamed ‘Little Venice.’
Rowing Boats
Enjoy a pleasant boat trip along the Grand Canal and witness the natural beauty of Versailles Park.
The hire point is located on the banks of the Grand Canal near Little Venice.
You can hire the boats from Monday to Friday, from 1 pm to 5.30 pm in March, and from 11 am to 6.45 pm from April to June.
It opens from 10 am to 6.45 pm from July to August, from 1 pm to 6.45 pm from September to October, and from 1 pm to 5 pm from early to mid-November.
On weekends and public holidays, the opening hours are 11 am to 5.30 pm in March and 10.30 am to 6.45 pm from April to June.
It opens from 10 am to 6.45 pm from July to August, 10.30 am to 6.45 pm from September to October, and 11 am to 5 pm from early to mid-November.
Renting a boat is closed annually from mid-November to the end of February.
| Time Duration | Cost |
| 30 minutes | €16 |
| 60 minutes | €20 |
| Additional 15 minutes | €5 |
| Additional 30 minutes | €16 |
The last ticket is available 30 minutes before closing time.
View Points
There are several great viewpoints to see the Grand Canal and the Park at Versailles:
The Royal Star viewpoint near Ferme de Gally provides the best views of the canal’s western part.
The viewpoint near the Grand Trianon offers excellent views of the Grand Canal’s northern branch.
The Former Menagerie and the State Residence of La Lanterne viewpoint provide the best views from the southern part of the Grand Canal.
Lake of The Swiss Guard
The Lake of the Swiss Guard was once just a patch of ground with stagnant water.
Excavation for the large lake began in 1679 and was completed in 1686.
The lake is named to honor the Swiss Guards regiment.
It is located at the far end of American Independent Street and covers an area of over 15 hectares.
The lake was designed to enhance the southern view of the palace and serve as an extension of the Orangerie.
Additionally, it helped to drain the land designated for the Potager du Roi (King’s Kitchen Garden), which was established at the same time.
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about Versailles Park.
Is the Versailles Park free to access?
Yes, you can visit the Park free of charge. However, on days with musical shows, you will need tickets to the Versailles Gardens to access the Park.
Book this Versailles Ticket with Musical Gardens access and enjoy access to all attractions (including the Palace, Gardens, and Musical Show) at a minimal cost of just €32.
What is the difference between Versailles Gardens and Park?
Versailles Park is a large area around the Grand Canal, and it is free to visit all year. The Versailles Gardens, near the Palace, are filled with flowers, fountains, and statues.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, the Park is the only area of the Palace where you can bring your dog.
However, you must clean up any pet droppings and maintain a clean environment in the park.
Where can I have a picnic in the Park?
There are two designated picnic areas in the Park—One at Swiss Ornamental Lake and the other at Saint Antoine Plain.
Recommended Reading:
#Versailles Palace
#Palace of Versailles Gardens
#Trianon Estate at Versailles Palace
#The History of Versailles Estate
#Palace of Versailles’ Hall of Mirrors
#Royal Stables of Palace of Versailles
#Museum of the History of France
