Palace of Versailles
The Basics
Visiting every one of the palace's 700 rooms would take days, so a Versailles guided highlights tour is the best option—options range from skip-the-line access tours to private and small-group tours that explore the history of Versailles. Combo tours which visit Versailles alongside the Eiffel Tower and Louvre (or the village of Giverny) are great for first-time visitors.
However you choose to visit, don’t miss the gold-framed windows in the Hall of Mirrors, the priceless antique furniture in the King’s Grand Chambers, and the regal Royal Chapel. Meanwhile, in the gardens, the Grand Canal dominates while Musical Fountains dance to classical music.
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Things to Know Before You Go
The Palace of Versailles is incredibly popular—book a skip-the-line ticket to save time.
The majority of tours from Paris include hotel pickup and drop-off.
Select a tour that combines round-trip transport with an audio guide for a self-guided experience.
Parts of the Palace of Versailles are accessible for wheelchair users (the palace, the Grand Trianon, and the Petit Trianon), as are the English and French Gardens.
How to Get There
The Palace of Versailles is set in the small township of Versailles, 13 miles (21 kilometers) outside of Paris, and is easy to reach by train. Catch RER C from Paris to Versailles Rive Gauche station, only a 10-minute walk from the palace. You can also catch the SNCF train from Paris Montparnasse station to Versailles Chantiers or from Paris Saint Lazare to Versailles Rive Droite station.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
At night, when the palace lights are illuminated and the sun has set, the gardens' Musical Fountains are at their most magical. Visit the Versailles Gardens on a Saturday evening between June and September to see a particularly special fountain performance crowned with a fireworks display. Otherwise, arrive early and avoid weekends for a quieter experience.
What to Do in Versailles
While the Palace of Versailles is undeniably the main draw in the tiny town of Versailles, there's lots more to see and do. The decadent Musée Lambinet is a must, while the Versailles market is one of the largest in France. The Versailles Cathedral also makes for some great photos. Meanwhile, on the Versailles estate itself, don't miss the Hameau de la Reine, a tranquil spot overlooked by many.
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