Tickets & Tours

Palace of Versailles Tickets & Tours

From skip-the-line entry and full-access tickets to guided tours, bike rides, golf carts, and evening fountain shows — find the right way to experience Versailles for your schedule, travel style, and budget.

Palace of Versailles tickets and tours
Palace of Versailles — Over 8 million visitors each year
Best for most visitors

The Full Access Ticket (€32) covers the palace, gardens, and Trianon Estate — everything in one price, completely self-guided.

Best for first-timers

The Skip-the-Line Guided Tour (from €63) bypasses the main queues and gives you expert commentary on every room.

Best evening experience

The Night Fountains Show (€32) — illuminated gardens, baroque music, and fireworks on Saturday evenings, June to September.

Best active day out

The Bike Tour (€128) combines the Versailles market, cycling the estate, a Grand Canal picnic, and skip-the-line palace entry.

Top Versailles Tickets & Experiences

The most popular and most complete ways to visit the Palace of Versailles.

All Versailles Ticket & Tour Options

Every way to visit the Palace of Versailles — from budget entry to premium private experiences.

Musical Fountains Show Versailles
Daytime ShowIncl. in Full Access

Musical Fountains Show

All 50 fountains running to baroque music across the gardens, 10 am–7 pm. Most Tuesdays (from May), every Saturday and Sunday from late March to late October. €10 surcharge — included in the Full Access Ticket.

Best for: garden lovers, weekend visitors, photography

Versailles round-trip tour from Paris
Coach TransportFull or Half Day

Versailles Palace Tour with Round-Trip from Paris

Return coach transport from central Paris (62 Av. de Suffren), palace and gardens entry, and a multilingual audio app. Full-day (9.5 hrs, from €109) includes the Trianon Estate. Half-day option also available (5.5 hrs, from €84).

Best for: first-timers, families, hassle-free logistics

Versailles Palace Bike Tour
Full Day 8hrsIncl. Train

Versailles Palace Bike Tour

Full-day guided cycling tour from Paris — round-trip train tickets, visit to Versailles market, cycling the gardens and Grand Canal, Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet, picnic stop, and skip-the-line palace entry. €128/adult. Max 14 people.

Best for: active visitors, cyclists, all-inclusive day

Private Golf Cart Tour of Versailles
PremiumPrivate Guide

Private Tour of Versailles Palace by Golf Cart

3-hour private guided experience — 1 hour by 4-seater golf cart through the formal gardens, then a walking tour of the palace with your own historian guide. Priority entry, headsets, two time slots (10 am or 2:30 pm). From €412/adult.

Best for: families, seniors, couples, special occasions

Versailles Palace audio guide
Free with Ticket13 Languages

Audio Guide at Versailles Palace

The free audio guide is included with all standard Versailles tickets — collected from the Dufour Pavilion. Covers the State Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, and more in up to 13 languages. A separate children’s guide is available in English, French, and Spanish.

Best for: independent visitors, budget travellers

Renting vehicles at Versailles — golf carts, bikes, Little Train
On-Site HireMultiple Options

Renting Vehicles at Versailles Palace

Self-drive electric golf carts (€42/hr), regular bikes (from €8/30 min), electric bikes, the Little Train shuttle (€9 return to Trianon), and rowing boats on the Grand Canal (€16/30 min). Hire from the South Terrace or Petite Venise.

Best for: covering the estate independently, families

Paris Museum Pass at Versailles
Multi-MuseumTimed Slot Required

Paris Museum Pass at Versailles

The Paris Museum Pass (from €62 for 2 days) covers Versailles palace, Trianon Estate, and Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet. A free timed slot must still be booked at en.chateauversailles.fr. The €10 Musical Fountains surcharge is not covered by the pass.

Best for: visitors planning multiple Paris museums

Palace of Versailles group tours
Groups 5+Entrance B

Palace of Versailles Group Tours

All group-friendly tours use priority Entrance B and include headsets for groups of 5+. Options range from meet-in-Versailles guided tours (from €63/person) to coach packages from Paris (from €84). Large parties can be split across consecutive time slots.

Best for: school groups, corporate trips, 10+ visitors

Private guided walking tour of Versailles Palace
PremiumYour Party Only

Private Guided Tour of Versailles Palace

A private historian guide for your party only — flexible itinerary, unlimited questions, completely your own pace. From ~€200–350 guide fee (entry tickets purchased separately). Priority entry. 2–3 hours typical duration. Entry tickets are separate.

Best for: couples, anniversaries, deep-interest visitors

Versailles golf cart and shuttle gardens tour
On-Site TransportAudio Guide Included

Golf Cart & Shuttle Gardens Tour

Three motorised ways to cover the 800-hectare estate: self-drive electric golf carts (€42/person/hr, 8-language audio guide built in), the Little Train (€9 return, Château to Trianon), or the Private Golf Cart Tour with historian guide.

Best for: those wanting to cover more of the estate

Visiting Versailles solo
Solo VisitSelf-Guided

Versailles for Solo Travellers

Solo is arguably the best way to visit Versailles — complete flexibility to linger wherever interests you. The Full Access Ticket (€32) + free audio guide is the ideal combination. Small-group tours (from €63) also work well solo for context and social connection.

Best for: independent travellers, photographers, historians

Paris City Card at Versailles
City PassIncl. Transport

Paris City Card at Versailles

The Paris City Card covers Versailles entry plus unlimited public transport across zones 1–5, including the RER C to Versailles (return). From ~€99 for 2 days. Best value when combining Versailles with multiple Paris museums and public transport.

Best for: multi-museum Paris itineraries with transport

Giverny and Versailles combined day trip from Paris
Combo Day TripFrom Paris

Giverny & Versailles Day Trip from Paris

Monet’s garden at Giverny and the Palace of Versailles in a single full day from Paris. The two sites are 80 km apart in opposite directions — combining both means ~2–3 hours at each. A dedicated combined guided tour handles all transport logistics.

Best for: Monet lovers wanting both landmarks in one day

Harry Potter Night Fountains Show Versailles 2026
29 Aug 2026 OnlySpecial Event

Harry Potter Night Fountains Show Ticket

A one-night-only Harry Potter-themed Night Fountains Show on 29 August 2026, marking the 25th anniversary of the films. Illuminated gardens, HP music and lighting, fountain choreography, and fireworks at 10:45 pm. €32 adult / €10 child. Tickets at chateauversailles-spectacles.fr.

Best for: Harry Potter fans; Versailles on a special night

Which Palace of Versailles ticket to buy
Buying Guide

Which Versailles Ticket Should I Buy?

Not sure which ticket to choose? This guide compares every Versailles ticket side by side — Full Access, Palace-Only, Guided Tour, Round-Trip Tour, Museum Pass, Golf Cart Tour, Night Show — and tells you which suits you best.

Best for: anyone unsure which option to book

Is the Palace of Versailles worth visiting
Honest Guide

Is the Palace of Versailles Worth It?

Yes — but only if you plan it right. Buy the Full Access Ticket, not the cheaper Palace-Only ticket. Arrive before 9 am. Allow a full day. Don’t skip the Trianon Estate. This guide covers the three most common regrets and how to avoid them.

Best for: anyone on the fence about whether to go

Versailles free entry guide
Free Entry

Versailles Free Entry: Who Qualifies & How

Free entry on the first Sunday of each month, November to March. Also free year-round for EU residents under 26, all visitors under 18, and visitors with disabilities. A free timed slot must still be booked in advance at en.chateauversailles.fr.

Best for: budget visitors, families, winter travel

Which Versailles Ticket Should You Choose?

A quick-reference comparison of the main ticket options. For the full breakdown, see our complete ticket comparison guide.

Ticket Best For Book
Full Access Ticket — €32Palace + Gardens + Trianon Estate, self-guided Most visitors — best value for a complete, independent visit Book Now
Skip-the-Line Guided Tour — from €63Priority entry (Entrance B), 90-min expert palace tour, headsets First-time visitors who want context and fastest entry Book Now
Night Fountains Show — €32Illuminated gardens, baroque music, fireworks (Sat, Jun–Sep) Summer evening visitors; those wanting the full spectacle Book Now
Round-Trip Tour from Paris — from €84Coach transport + palace entry + multilingual audio app Families and first-timers wanting logistics handled Book Now
Bike Tour — €128Full day: train, market, cycling, Grand Canal, palace skip-the-line Active visitors wanting an all-inclusive estate experience Book Now
Private Golf Cart Tour — from €4123-hour private experience: 1hr golf cart gardens + palace walking tour Couples, families, seniors, special occasions Book Now
Musical Fountains Show — €10 surcharge50 fountains to baroque music, 10 am–7 pm (incl. in Full Access Ticket) Garden enthusiasts visiting on Tue/Sat/Sun, late Mar–Oct Book Now
Harry Potter Night Show — €32One-night-only HP-themed evening show, 29 August 2026 Harry Potter fans; once-in-a-generation special event Book Now

How to Pick the Right Versailles Experience

A few simple ways to decide based on your priorities, travel style, and time available.

If it’s your first visit to Versailles

The stories behind the rooms transform the experience. Expert commentary on the Hall of Mirrors ceiling paintings, why the King’s daily routine was performed in public, and how Marie Antoinette hid rooms behind silk panels — these are things you’d never discover alone.

If you want the best value for money

The Full Access Ticket is extremely good value — €32 covers 800 hectares of world-class heritage for a full day. The common mistake is buying the cheaper Palace-Only ticket (€21) and missing the Trianon Estate entirely.

If you want the full evening spectacle

The Night Fountains Show transforms Versailles entirely. The illuminated gardens, baroque music, and fireworks over the Grand Canal create an atmosphere that no daytime visit can replicate.

If you’re visiting with the whole family

Children under 18 enter free (timed slot required). Strollers are not permitted inside the palace — bring a baby carrier. The biggest hits with children are the Grand Canal rowing boats and Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet, both of which need a full day.

Booking Tips & Practical Information

What to know before buying your Palace of Versailles tickets.

🎫 Always book in advance — Walk-up queues exceed 60–90 minutes in peak season (May–September). The best morning time slots sell out days ahead, and on the busiest days tickets sell out entirely.
Arrive before 9 am — The Hall of Mirrors in the first 30 minutes after opening is a completely different experience from the same room at 10:30 am. This single decision transforms a Versailles visit.
🏛️ Buy the Full Access Ticket, not the Palace-Only — The €11 saving is not worth missing the Trianon Estate and Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet. The Full Access Ticket (€32) also includes the Musical Fountains Show surcharge on show days.
📱 Download the Versailles app before you arrive — Cache the audio guide content while you have good WiFi. The palace interior has unreliable connectivity and the free audio guide is far better used offline.
🎒 Bag size limit is enforced — Bags larger than 55 × 35 × 20 cm are not permitted inside the palace. Free lockers are available in the North Ministers’ Wing. Travel light to Versailles.
🚶 Allow a full day — The walk from the main palace to the Trianon Estate alone takes 25–30 minutes each way. A complete visit covering palace, gardens, and Trianon needs 6–7 hours minimum.
🔄 Check cancellation policy — Official website tickets are non-refundable. GetYourGuide and Tiqets typically offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before — read the terms before booking.
🚂 The RER C is the best way from Paris — 35–40 minutes from central Paris to Versailles Château – Rive Gauche station, then a 10-minute flat walk to the palace gates. Around €4.30 each way.

Continue Exploring the Palace of Versailles

Plan every part of your visit with these guides.

Ready to Book Your Palace of Versailles Ticket?

Secure your timed entry slot and skip the queues. Most visitors book 1–2 weeks in advance during peak season (May–September). The Hall of Mirrors at 9 am is an experience worth planning for.

Frequently Asked Questions About Versailles Tickets

Common questions about tickets, tours, and choosing the right Versailles experience.

The Full Access Ticket (€32) is the best choice for most visitors. It covers the main palace (Hall of Mirrors, State Apartments, Royal Chapel), the formal gardens, the Trianon Estate, and Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet — the entire estate in a single purchase. On Musical Fountains Show days, the €10 garden surcharge is already included. If it’s your first visit and you want expert guidance, upgrade to the Skip-the-Line Guided Tour (from €63) for priority Entrance B access and a 90-minute palace tour.
Yes — strongly recommended, especially from May to September. Walk-up queues at Entrance A can run 60–90 minutes, and on the busiest summer days tickets sell out entirely. The palace operates on timed entry slots, and even free-entry visitors (under-18s, EU residents under 26) must book a free timed slot in advance at en.chateauversailles.fr. Booking a few days ahead in low season is usually sufficient; book 1–3 weeks ahead for peak summer visits.
The Full Access Ticket (€32) covers the main palace, gardens, Trianon Estate (Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon), and Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet. The Palace-Only ticket (€21) covers the main palace building only — it does not include the Trianon Estate or the Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet, which many visitors consider the most atmospheric part of the entire estate. The €11 price difference is almost never worth the trade-off. The Full Access Ticket also includes the €10 Musical Fountains Show surcharge on show days.
No. The Night Fountains Show (Grandes Eaux Nocturnes) requires a separate ticket (€32 adult, €10 children aged 6–17). It takes place on Saturday evenings from mid-June to mid-September, starting at 8:30 pm. The daytime Musical Fountains Show surcharge (€10) is different — that IS included in the Full Access Ticket. The two shows are separate events: the Musical Fountains Show runs during the day; the Night Fountains Show is an evening event.
Yes — the Paris Museum Pass covers Versailles entry including the Trianon Estate and Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet. However, you must still book a free timed entry slot separately at en.chateauversailles.fr before your visit. Arriving with only the pass and no reservation risks being turned away. The Musical Fountains Show garden surcharge (€10) is not covered by the pass. See our full Paris Museum Pass at Versailles guide for details.
The Skip-the-Line Guided Tour gives you priority entry through Entrance B — the dedicated group entrance that bypasses the main queues at Entrance A — followed by a 90-minute expert-led palace tour covering the Hall of Mirrors, State Apartments, and Royal Chapel. Available in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Groups typically 8–15 people with wireless headsets. After the 90-minute guided section, you continue independently into the gardens and Trianon Estate. From €63 per adult.
Yes — visitors under 18 of any nationality enter free. EU residents under 26 also enter free year-round. Children under 6 and free-entry visitors still need a free timed slot booked in advance at en.chateauversailles.fr. Simply arriving at the gate and stating a child is under 18 does not guarantee entry — the timed slot is required.
Official website tickets from en.chateauversailles.fr are generally non-refundable. Tickets booked through authorized third-party platforms (GetYourGuide, Tiqets) typically offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the visit — always check the specific cancellation policy on the booking page before purchasing. The Night Fountains Show ticket is non-refundable and non-transferable.
The quietest time inside the palace is the first 30–45 minutes after opening (9 am), before the first RER C trains from Paris deliver their passengers. Wednesday and Thursday mornings are the least crowded days of the week. The palace is closed every Monday. From November to March, crowds are significantly lower than summer — and the palace is free to enter on the first Sunday of each month during this period. See our best time to visit guide for a full seasonal breakdown.
On 29 August 2026, the Palace of Versailles hosts a special Harry Potter ‘Return to Hogwarts’ event marking the 25th anniversary of the films. It has two separate parts: (1) a free daytime event in the Orangerie Gardens requiring registration at inscription.retourapoudlard.fr; and (2) a paid Harry Potter-themed Night Fountains Show in the evening (€32 adult, €10 children), with tickets at chateauversailles-spectacles.fr. These are two completely separate events — many visitors confuse them. See our Harry Potter Night Show guide and full event guide for complete details.