Palace Versailles — History, Storyline, Tours & Visitor Info
Step into French royal grandeur at the Château de Versailles. Explore the Hall of Mirrors, stroll the Royal Gardens, and add the Trianon Estate or VIP Private Apartments for a deeper look at court life.
Skip-the-Line Guided Tour from €63Why Visit the Palace of Versailles?
Built for Louis XIV, Versailles became the dazzling stage of absolute monarchy—an architectural manifesto of power, art, and etiquette. Beyond the glittering galleries lie intimate royal apartments, vast gardens engineered for spectacle, and retreats that reveal the private side of kings and queens.
Hall of Mirrors
Gilded grandeur and 357 mirrors reflecting garden light—site of the 1919 Treaty of Versailles.
Royal Gardens & Fountains
Le Nôtre’s geometric masterpiece with groves, statues and seasonal Musical Fountains.
Quick Timeline
- 1661 — Louis XIV orders expansion of the hunting lodge at Versailles.
- 1682 — The royal court officially moves to Versailles.
- 1715 — Death of Louis XIV; subsequent reigns reshape interiors.
- 1789 — Revolution: royal family compelled to return to Paris.
- 1837 — Versailles opens as the “Museum of the History of France.”
- 1919 — Treaty of Versailles signed in the Hall of Mirrors.
- 1979 — UNESCO World Heritage inscription.
- 2025 — Ongoing restorations and expanded visitor services.
Top Experiences
Timed Entry Ticket
Reserve a time slot for the Palace route, including the Hall of Mirrors.
Full Access “Passport”
Unlock the Palace, Gardens and Trianon Estate—including the Queen’s Hamlet.
Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
Fast-tracked entry with expert commentary through the State Apartments.
VIP: King’s Private Apartments
Exclusive small-group access to the Private Apartments plus château entry.
Insider Tips
Choose Early or Late Slots
First entries or after 15:00 on weekdays are calmer; Tuesdays and weekends are busiest.
Musical Fountains Days
Gardens may require a separate ticket—Passport usually covers it. Arrive early for groves.
Security & “Skip-the-Line”
Guided/skip-the-line speeds up entry control but airport-style security still applies—come 15–20 minutes early.
Visitor Cheatsheet
Opening Hours
Palace roughly 09:00–18:30 (seasonal variations). Gardens open daily; Trianon Estate hours vary.
Ticket Options
Timed Entry €21+ | Passport €32+ | Guided €63+ | VIP Private Apartments €39+
Dress Code
No formal code—comfortable walking shoes recommended; large bags may need cloakroom.
How to Get There
From Paris: RER C to Versailles Château–Rive Gauche (≈35–45 min) + 10–12 min walk.
Ready to Explore Versailles?
Secure your preferred time, add the Gardens & Trianon, and make the most of your visit.
Get Full-Access Passport from €32