Versailles
Save27 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See 3 ready-made day plans ↓10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Louis XIV's royal palace with the Hall of Mirrors and State Apartments.
- Must know: Closed Mondays
- Tip: Go early
- Tip: Book ahead
📷 Photos
- 2
Le Nôtre's formal gardens with fountains, groves and sculptures.
3 tips
- Musical Fountain shows on spring-summer weekends
- Free entry on non-show days
- Rent a golf cart or bike
📷 Photos
- 3
1.6 km cross-shaped canal where you can row a boat in summer.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Rent rowing boats near La Flottille
- Bike rentals nearby
- Lovely at sunset
📷 Photos
- 4
Pink marble palace built as a royal retreat from court life.
3 tips
- Included in the Passport ticket
- Opens at noon
- Less crowded than the château
📷 Photos
- 5
Marie-Antoinette's elegant neoclassical château and gardens.
3 tips
- Combine with the Queen's Hamlet
- Walk or take the little train
- Opens at noon
📷 Photos
- 6
Marie-Antoinette's storybook rustic village beside a lake.
3 tips
- Allow time for the gardens around it
- Farm animals delight kids
- Best in spring
📷 Photos
- 7
Grand fountain of Apollo's chariot at the head of the Grand Canal.
3 tips
- Look back for the palace view
- Fountain runs on show days
- Good picnic spot nearby
📷 Photos
- 8
The King's kitchen garden, still growing fruit and vegetables.
3 tips
- Buy produce at the shop
- Closed in winter months
- Allow an hour
📷 Photos
- 9
Lively food market with covered halls and outdoor stalls.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Halls open most days
- Grab picnic supplies here
📷 Photos
- 10
Baroque-classical cathedral with a renowned Cliquot organ.
3 tips
- Free entry
- Organ concerts some Sundays
- Peaceful interior
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Versailles tips
Transportation
- Take RER C: The RER C runs from central Paris to Versailles Chateau Rive Gauche, the closest station to the palace gates.
- Use Transilien trains: Trains from Saint-Lazare reach Versailles Rive Droite and from Montparnasse reach Versailles Chantiers.
- Rent a bike in the park: The estate is huge; bikes and the little tourist train help you reach the Trianon and Hamlet without exhaustion.
Security
- Mind pickpockets in queues: Crowds at the palace gates and on RER C attract pickpockets; keep bags closed and phones in front pockets.
- Buy tickets officially: Skip touts selling tickets outside; buy on the official palace website or at the ticket office.
- Check RER disruptions: RER C has frequent works and weekend closures; check before travelling and have the Transilien as backup.
Saving
- Use your Navigo pass: Versailles is in the Paris transport zones, so a Navigo weekly pass covers the train ride at no extra cost.
- Picnic in the park: Bring food from the Notre-Dame market in town and eat in the park, avoiding pricey palace cafes.
- Choose the Passport: If you want the palace, Trianon and gardens, the Passport ticket costs less than buying each separately.
Weather/Clothing
- Wear comfy shoes: Gravel paths and long distances in the gardens mean lots of walking; supportive shoes are a must in any season.
- Pack for summer sun: The gardens have little shade; bring a hat, water and sunscreen on hot days from June to August.
- Layer in winter: Grey, chilly days are common from November to March; a warm coat helps outdoors while the palace stays crowded inside.
Cultural
- Book a time slot: Entry to the palace works by timed reservation; arrive on time and note the palace is closed on Mondays.
- See the fountain shows: On selected days the Grandes Eaux Musicales set the garden fountains to baroque music; check the calendar.
- Explore the town: The Saint-Louis quarter and the Potager du Roi, the king's kitchen garden, show a quieter royal side of Versailles.
Local Hacks
- Start with the gardens: Visit the gardens or Trianon first and the palace in the afternoon when morning crowds have thinned.
- Row on the Grand Canal: Rent a rowing boat in warm months for a different view of the palace and a peaceful break.
- Find Marie Antoinette's Hamlet: This rustic village behind the Petit Trianon is often skipped, so it feels calmer than the main palace.
1-day itineraries in Versailles
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.
Day 1 of 3
Jardins de Versailles and around
🕘 9:30–17:15📍 5 stops
- 1Jardins de Versailles
- 2Château de Versailles
- 3Salle du Jeu de Paume
- 4Cathédrale Saint-Louis
- 5Potager du Roi
Day 2 of 3
Hameau de la Reine and around
🕘 9:30–17:15📍 5 stops
- 1Hameau de la Reine
- 2Petit Trianon
- 3Grand Trianon
- 4Grand Canal
- 5Bassin d'Apollon
Day 3 of 3
Marché Notre-Dame and around
🕘 9:30–16:15📍 5 stops
- 1Place d'Armes
- 2Galerie des Carrosses
- 3Église Notre-Dame de Versailles
- 4Marché Notre-Dame
- 5Musée Lambinet
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