The official Palace of Versailles website is en.chateauversailles.fr, managed by the French state body responsible for the estate. It sells the Passport ticket (€21.50 adult), Palace-only ticket (€15), and Estate of Trianon ticket (€12). Tickets are released in batches, typically 2–3 months ahead, but release dates are unpredictable. GetYourGuide and Tiqets are authorized third-party partners with pre-purchased allocations — often available when the official site is sold out. The official site does not sell guided tours or transport packages.
Every year, visitors planning a trip to Versailles run into the same challenge: a confusing mix of websites, unpredictable ticket release dates, and the very common mistake of buying the wrong ticket. This guide explains exactly what the official Versailles website is, how to use it, what to do when it’s sold out, and how it compares to authorized third-party platforms.
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What Is the Official Versailles Website?
The official Palace of Versailles website is en.chateauversailles.fr, operated by the Établissement public du château, du musée et du domaine national de Versailles — the French Ministry of Culture body responsible for the entire estate. This is the only genuine official source for tickets and visitor information.
Several unofficial websites sell Versailles tickets at inflated prices under names like ‘versaillestickets.com’ or ‘palace-versailles-tickets.fr’. Always verify the URL is exactly en.chateauversailles.fr before entering payment details. Two signs you’re on the right site: ticket prices match official rates (Passport €21.50, Palace €15), and no inflated service fee is added on top.
What Tickets Can You Buy on the Official Website?
| Ticket | Adult Price | What’s Included |
| Passport ticket | €21.50 | Palace, Hall of Mirrors, Trianon Estate, Queen’s Hamlet, Gardens — incl. Musical Fountains surcharge on show days |
| Palace-only ticket | €15 | Main Palace building only — does NOT include Trianon Estate or Musical Fountains |
| Estate of Trianon ticket | €12 | Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, Queen’s Hamlet only — no Palace access |
| Gardens (Musical Fountains days) | €9.50 | Gardens access on Musical Fountains Show / Musical Gardens event days |
| Gardens (non-event days) | Free | No ticket required when no musical event is scheduled |
| EU resident under 26 | Free | Valid EU ID required; timed reservation must be booked |
| Under 18 / Child under 6 | Free | Free timed slot must still be reserved in advance |
The most important thing to know: always buy the Passport ticket, not the Palace-only ticket. The Trianon Estate — Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, and the Queen’s Hamlet — is one of the most atmospheric parts of Versailles. The Palace-only ticket excludes it entirely. The price difference is small; the experience difference is significant. See our ticket comparison guide for a full breakdown.
The official website does not sell guided tours, transport packages, or the Night Fountains Show. For the full range of tour options, see our pages on the Skip-the-Line Guided Tour, Round-Trip Tour from Paris, and the Night Fountains Show.
How to Buy Tickets: Step by Step
- Go to en.chateauversailles.fr and click ‘Plan Your Visit’, then ‘Tickets & Prices’
- Select your ticket type — choose the Passport ticket for full estate access
- Choose your visit date from the calendar. If it shows ‘Tickets available from [date]’, the release window has not yet opened — this is normal
- Select your preferred entry time slot for the Palace. Morning slots (9:00–10:30 am) sell out fastest
- Choose the number of tickets per visitor category (adult, child, free-entry eligible)
- Optionally add an audio guide (€5)
- Enter contact details, complete payment (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
- Save your e-ticket PDF with QR code — screenshot it before travelling in case of poor signal at the gates
When Do Tickets Go on Sale?
The Palace of Versailles does not follow a fixed daily release schedule. Tickets are released in batches, typically 2–3 months before the visit date, but the exact release date for each batch is unpredictable and not always published in advance.
During peak season (May–September), Palace entry slots can fill within hours of release. The best strategy: check the official site regularly once you’re within the 2–3 month window and book immediately when your date opens. If you see ‘Tickets available from [date]’, note that date and return to book then.
What to Do When the Official Site Is Sold Out
When the official site shows no availability, three options remain:
- Check authorized third-party platforms — GetYourGuide and Tiqets hold pre-purchased allocations and often have availability when the official site does not
- Check the official site again over the following days as the release batch opens progressively
- Consider a guided tour or the Night Fountains Show, which have their own separate allocations and are often bookable when standard daytime entry is full
Official Site vs Third-Party: Comparison
| Official Website | GetYourGuide / Tiqets | |
| Passport ticket price | €21.50 (adult) | €28+ (includes booking fee) |
| Guided tours | No | Yes — guided, private, bike, golf cart |
| Transport from Paris | No | Yes — round-trip packages available |
| Availability | Released in unpredictable batches | Pre-purchased; often earlier than official site |
| Cancellation | Non-refundable in most cases | Typically free up to 24 hrs before |
| Date changes | Not possible once confirmed | Varies by product |
| Audio guide add-on | Yes (€5) | Included in some products |
For visitors whose primary goal is the lowest face-value price and direct booking, the official site is the right choice. For flexibility, tours, or transport packages — or when the official site is sold out — authorized third-party platforms are the best alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to buy from the official website?
Yes. en.chateauversailles.fr is operated by a French state body and uses standard SSL encryption. Authorized third-party platforms (GetYourGuide, Tiqets) are also safe and official Château partners. Always verify the URL is en.chateauversailles.fr before entering card details.
Do I need to print my ticket?
No. A digital e-ticket shown on your smartphone (PDF with QR code) is accepted at all entry gates. Screenshot the QR code before travelling in case of poor signal at the Versailles gates.
Can I get a refund from the official website?
Official website tickets are non-refundable once purchased. Third-party platforms vary — GetYourGuide and Tiqets typically offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the visit. Always check the specific cancellation policy before booking.
