Tips for visiting the Versailles Palace

The Palace of Versailles is one of the world’s largest cultural heritage sites, with its expansive castle, beautiful gardens, and the Trianon Estate.

Before you’re off to visit, it’s important to get the lowdown on the essential rules and regulations and plan ahead to make the most of your trip!

Continue reading to find out the do’s and don’ts for your trip to this magnificent estate.

Tips to plan your visit better

It’s best to book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues and the disappointment of not getting a ticket on your preferred date.

Since the Versailles Palace is closed on Mondays, Sundays, and Tuesdays, tend to be busier.

Visit from Wednesdays to Fridays as these days are less crowded than others.

Plan to visit the Versailles Estate for at least two hours, but if possible, spend a full day there.

To avoid crowds, arrive early. Consider visiting during the low season for a more peaceful experience.

While the popular attractions are worth seeing, you should also explore lesser-known spots such as Groves and the Library of Louis XVI.

Facilities at Versailles

Palace of Versailles is well-equipped with all the essential amenities, such as cloakrooms, water supply points, restrooms, baby changing table facilities, an audio guide, free wifi, and mobile charging points.

You can securely store your luggage at the free automatic deposit in the North Ministers’ Wing. Your bags must not exceed 46 x 43 x 26 cm.

Restrooms are available throughout the palace. Even without a ticket, you can use the restroom (including changing tables for babies) in the South Ministers’ Wing, located to the left in the Court of Honour.

The North Ministers’ Wing, South Ministers’ Wing, and Dufour Pavilion have free mobile charging stations.

What to wear

Versailles Palace has no dress code so you can wear whatever you want.

Versailles’s weather is unpredictable, and rain is possible at any time. So, don’t forget to bring an umbrella or waterproof jacket.

Additionally, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes as the tour involves a lot of walking.

Tips for Families visiting Versailles

If you are traveling with kids, make sure you book tickets that are suitable for your whole family.

You can book this Versailles Guided Tour with Bus transfers, which provide round-trip bus transportation from Paris, a live guide, and pre-reserved entry to the Castle and gardens.

For children under one year old, please bring a baby sling or carrier without metal frames, as baby strollers are not permitted inside the Versailles Palace.

There are two designated picnic areas in the Park—One at Swiss Ornamental Lake and the other at Saint Antoine Plain.

The best time to visit

The best time to visit the Versailles Palace is at 2.30 pm. By then, most group tours had finished their visit and left. Another good time is right when it opens at 9 am.

Wednesdays and Fridays are the best days to visit as they are less crowded. Sundays and Tuesdays are the busiest.

The best seasons to visit are from early April to late June and early October to early November. These are high seasons, so it might still be busy.

For a quieter experience, consider visiting from early November to late March.

Do’s and Don’t in Versailles Estate

Sharp objects and weapons are strictly not allowed in the entire Versailles Estate.

Animals (even if leashed or muzzled), food, drinks, flash photography, tripods, and selfie sticks are not allowed inside Versailles Castle and Museums.

Please avoid smoking in museum areas, touching exhibits, and crossing barriers.

At the Estate of Versailles and Trianon, you are prohibited from bringing animals without leashes, consuming alcoholic beverages, and using model cars without prior written permission.

Additionally, visitors must not damage or uproot plants; bringing floating or aerial models such as drones is strictly forbidden.

Things to do near Versailles Palace

While visiting the Palace of Versailles, take some time to explore the nearby attractions:

The Versailles Market (Notre Dame Market) is famous for its fresh produce, bakery items, gourmet foods, and flowers. This traditional French market is just a 20-minute walk from the palace and gives you a glimpse of daily life in Versailles.

For more historical exploration, visit Domaine de Madame Elisabeth, which Louis XVI gifted to his sister Elisabeth. It features beautiful gardens and parks and is a 17-minute bus ride from the palace.

The Arboretum de Chèvreloup spans over 200 hectares and is home to nearly 15,000 tree specimens, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers. It takes a 30-minute train ride from Versailles.