Things to do in Versailles

All about Versailles

When to visit

The most visited monument in France, the Palace of Versailles is undoubtedly the crowning glory of this French city. A lavish palace built by Louis XIV on the site of a hunting lodge, it contains 2,300 opulently decorated rooms and extensive, manicured gardens. Marie-Antoinette herself lived here. Visit in any weather and any day except Mondays, when the palace and the Estate of Trianon are closed.

Getting around

To reach the Palace of Versailles, take a train from central Paris. Austerlitz has regular RER trains which take around 40 minutes, and the train station at Versailles is just 10 minutes on foot from the palace. Alternatively, book a guided tour from Paris’s city center that includes transportation. Plan to spend a whole day exploring the many rooms and gardens.

Traveler tips

Visiting the palace isn’t the only thing to do in Versailles. Dodge the crowds and head to Musée Lambinet, an 18th-century building that houses a collection of sculptures and paintings in more than 30 rooms. To dine like a king, literally, visit Le Potager du Roi. You won’t be eating cake here (as Marie-Antoinette allegedly advised), but rather exploring Louis XIV’s vegetable garden, where you can even pick up fresh produce to take home.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Versailles famous for?

The Palace of Versailles is France’s most famous palace, home to kings from Louis XIII to Louis XVI, and renowned for its magnificent 17th-century architecture and lavish gardens. The UNESCO World Heritage Site also played an important role in French history, from the French Revolution through Napoleon and the Treaty of Versailles.

What should I not miss at the Palace of Versailles?

Must-see sights at the Palace of Versailles include the dazzling Hall of Mirrors, the opulent King’s State Apartment, and the Royal Chapel. Leave yourself enough time to explore the vast gardens, too, where you can visit the Orangery, see Marie Antoinette’s Petit Trianon, and watch the Musical Fountain show.

How long should I plan to spend at the Palace of Versailles?

To make the most of a visit to the Palace of Versailles, plan a full-day tour. Give yourself around two to three hours to visit the main palace, enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants, then take a walking tour of the gardens, including the Grand and Petit Trianons, Orangery, and Musical Fountain.

What else is there to do in Versailles?

After touring the palace and gardens of Versailles, you can also visit the Gallery Of Coaches and Lambinet Museum, and enjoy a walk or bike ride through the park of Versailles. The city of Versailles is also home to Versailles Royal Opera House, Versailles Cathedral, and many shops and restaurants.

How do I get from Paris to Versailles?

Versailles is 12 miles from Paris and can be reached by car, bus, train, or on an organized day tour. The easiest way is by train—take RER train Line C to Rive Gauche station or SNCF trains from Gare Montparnasse to Chantiers station, or Gare Saint Lazare to Rive Droite Station.

Can you visit the Palace of Versailles at night?

The Palace of Versailles is not open at night. However, Musical Fountain Night Shows are held in the Gardens of Versailles every Saturday night from mid-June through mid-September from 8.30 pm to 11 pm. A special night ball is also held in the Hall of Mirrors on these nights.

---