The Palace of Versailles is one of those places that genuinely lives up to the hype. We've taken visitors there many times, and the reaction is always the same: complete disbelief at the scale of it. The Hall of Mirrors alone is worth the trip.
Here's everything you need to know to make the most of the visit.
Getting There from Paris
Versailles is 40 minutes from central Paris by RER C train, no need for a car or an organised bus tour.
Take the RER C (line C) from any station along the river: Gare d'Austerlitz, Saint-Michel Notre-Dame, Musée d'Orsay, Invalides, or Champ de Mars Tour Eiffel. Get off at Versailles Château Rive Gauche, which is a 10-minute walk to the palace gates from there.
A standard Metro ticket does not cover the RER C to Versailles. You need a separate ticket (around €4 each way), available at any RER station.
Tip: Trains run every 15 to 20 minutes. Go early. The crowds at Versailles are substantial by mid-morning.
How Much Time Do You Need?
Give yourself a full day, at minimum 4 to 5 hours, but a full day is better.
The palace and its grounds are enormous. Most visitors underestimate this and end up rushing through the Gardens, which is a shame.
Here's roughly how to split your time:
- State Apartments and Hall of Mirrors: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Gardens (Le Nôtre's masterpiece): 1.5 to 2 hours
- Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon (Marie-Antoinette's private retreat): 1 to 1.5 hours
If you're short on time, prioritise the Hall of Mirrors and the main gardens. Skip the Trianons for a return visit.
What to See First
Start with the Hall of Mirrors before the tour groups arrive. The light in the morning, when the 357 mirrors reflect the gardens outside, is extraordinary.
Then walk through the King's Apartments (the Salon of War, the Salon of Peace, the bedchambers). These rooms tell the story of French absolutism better than any textbook.
After that, go outside and walk the central alley of the gardens toward the Grand Canal. The geometry of it, the fountains, the statues, the perfectly controlled nature, is one of the defining images of European art.
Tickets: What to Book and How
The Palace of Versailles requires a timed-entry ticket. During peak season (spring and summer), these sell out well in advance.
The official website is the cheapest option, around €20 for the palace and gardens. Always try here first.
If you'd prefer a guided visit, it's available through GetYourGuide. Entry is included and a guide is provided for the full visit.
Our take on guided visits at Versailles: unlike the Louvre (where you can navigate yourself with a good app), Versailles is one of the places where a guide genuinely adds value. The history of the court, the symbolism of the architecture, the stories of the people who lived here — none of that is obvious from just walking around. If you can only book a guided visit for one place, make it Versailles.
Practical Tips
Arrive early. The palace opens at 9:00 AM. By 11:00 AM the tour buses have arrived and every room is crowded. An hour's difference is enormous.
Wear comfortable shoes. You'll walk 5 to 8 km without realising it.
Bring water and a snack. There are cafés inside, but they're expensive and queues are long in summer.
The Gardens are free on most days (except days with the Grandes Eaux, the musical fountain show, which costs extra but is worth it if you're there on a Tuesday, Saturday, or Sunday).
Skip the on-site audioguide rental if you book a guided visit or download the official Palace of Versailles app beforehand. It's free and very good.
Getting Back to Paris
Same RER C from Versailles Château Rive Gauche. Trains run until around midnight, so no need to rush your evening.
We're Quentin, Thomas and Christina, a small team of passionate Parisians who came together to show you Paris 🇫🇷.
In our tours, we take you one street away from the crowds, in the hidden heart of the city ❤️