A first trip to Paris isn’t complete without visiting the most famous palace in the world: the Palace of Versailles. In this post, I’ll tell you everything you need to know to visit Versailles from Paris.
How to get to Versailles from Paris on your own
The Palace of Versailles is located in the city of Versailles, about 19 km from Paris. There are two ways to visit: on your own or with a guided tour.
Here are your options for getting to Versailles independently:
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By Train
The most budget-friendly way to get to Versailles is by train, either on the RER or Transilien lines. Both cost around €4 each way.The RER is the most convenient and fastest option, taking only 30 minutes to reach the Versailles Rive Gauche station, which is just a 5-minute walk from the palace entrance. Take the RER C (the yellow line).
The Transilien train takes a bit longer and drops you at Versailles Chantiers station, which is about a 15-minute walk to the palace.
- By Bus
This is the least recommended option unless you’re staying near Pont de Sèvres. If that’s the case, it might be convenient. Take bus line 171 from Pont de Sèvres. The trip takes about 40 minutes and buses run from 9 AM to 4 PM. The advantage? It drops you right in front of the main entrance.
Tour to Versalles from Paris
Taking a guided tour to Versailles is the best option if you don’t want to worry about logistics. If you go on your own, you’ll need to buy tickets, wait in line, and explore on your own (or with audio guides).
When you book a tour, transport and tickets are taken care of. Here are two options:
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Versailles Palace Tour by Bus from Paris: Includes round-trip transportation by bus, entrance to the palace and gardens, and a Spanish-speaking guide.
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Versailles Palace Tour by Train: a tour that includes the train trip to Versailles from Paris, english-speaking guide and the entrance to the palace and gardens. It is the perfect option for those nervous about navigating the train alone.
Versailles Tickets
Ticket prices vary depending on which parts of the complex you want to visit and how many days. Tickets can be bought at the gate or online—buying online is highly recommended to save time.
Ticket Types:
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Passport: The most complete ticket. Includes access to the Palace (with audio guide), gardens, Grand Trianon, and temporary exhibitions. Requires selecting a date and time when booking online.
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2-Day Passport: For a few euros more, you can visit all included areas over two consecutive days.
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Palace Ticket: Includes the Palace, gardens, and temporary exhibitions (not the Grand Trianon). Includes audio guide. Requires selecting a date and time online.
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Estate of Trianon Ticket: Includes Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon (Marie Antoinette’s estate), and any temporary exhibits at the Grand Trianon.
Free Entry to Versailles:
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- GoCity Paris Pass: Includes Versailles admission and skip-the-line access. Also gives access to over 60 top Paris attractions. Click here for more info about GoCity Paris Pass.
- Paris Museum Pass: Also includes skip-the-line Versailles access.
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EU Citizens under 26: Free entry with valid EU passport, even if not living in Europe.
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First Sunday of the Month (Nov–Mar): Free entry for everyone.
History of the Palace of Versailles
For over 100 years, Versailles was the royal residence of the French monarchy. The original building was constructed in 1623 for King Louis XIII as a hunting lodge. Later kings expanded the palace and added magnificent French-style gardens.
The complex is massive, including the main palace, gardens, the Grand Trianon, and the Petit Trianon (Marie Antoinette’s estate). It’s a must-see in Paris. Every corner holds fascinating history, and the architecture is stunning.
Today, Versailles is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and arguably the most famous palace in the world.
Visiting the Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles complex is made up of four main attractions: the Palace, the gardens, the Grand Trianon, and the Estate of Marie Antoinette.
The Palace is the main attraction and the most visited. You can access the royal apartments, the service areas of the Palace, and historic sites such as the Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919. Every room is unmissable and truly impressive.
The gardens of the Palace are an attraction in themselves, being the ultimate example of French gardens with their characteristic perspective, symmetry, and vastness. Access to the gardens is free, except on days when there are musical fountain shows and musical gardens.
The Grand Trianon is a much smaller-scale palace compared to Versailles, located at the opposite end of the gardens. It is also very interesting and beautiful.
Finally, the Estate of Marie Antoinette consists of the gardens and the Petit Trianon, which Marie Antoinette designed to resemble a rural Austrian village (her country of origin), with lakes, mills, farm animals, and other characteristic elements.
How much time do you spend visiting Versailles?
This will depend on how many places you want to visit. If you want to visit the four main attractions of Versailles, then you’ll need to dedicate a full day.
You could also just spend a morning. Visiting only the Palace and the gardens will take you at least 4 hours (approximately 2 hours inside the Palace and 2 hours in the gardens).
In my opinion, it’s worth spending the whole day and visiting all four attractions, as each one has something unique and the history of the place is truly overwhelming.
Useful information for visiting Versailles
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Palace Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
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Closed Mondays: The Palace is closed on Mondays—plan accordingly.
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Garden Hours: 7:00 AM – 8:30 PM, and free to enter unless there’s a show.
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Are the lines long? It depends on the season. In February, for example, there were no lines. In summer, they can be much longer. Here’s a photo of the line in May, for reference.
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Food: Eating inside the palace rooms is not allowed. You can dine at one of the many cafes and restaurants inside the grounds or in the town of Versailles afterward.
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Fountain Show: From June to November, the “Les Grandes Eaux Musicales” (Musical Fountain Shows) take place. This show is included in the Passport ticket and happens on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Other useful posts about Paris:
- Where to stay in Paris: best areas and hotels
- Best Paris hotels with Eiffel Tower views
- Visiting Villa Savoye from Paris
- The best museums in Paris
- 4 days in Paris itinerary
- Must-see attractions in Paris
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