Visiting France is a magical experience—one that will give you a massive list of iconic destinations to explore. In an ideal world, you'd have time to see them all. But if we had to suggest one that you simply cannot miss, it would be the world-famous Palace of Versailles.
Located in the Parisian suburb of the same name, the Palace of Versailles—and its stunning gardens—will have you feeling immersed in a dreamlike world from the moment you arrive.
But traveling to your dream destination can sometimes be overwhelming, especially when you’ve never been there before. Good thing our job is to make your journey an easy one. Here's our guide to discovering Versailles.
Image Credit: © Château de Versailles/T. Garnier. Image Location: The Water Parterre, Versailles, France
Versailles, France: everything you need to know
How to get from Paris to the Palace of Versailles by train
If you’ve planned a trip to the Palace of Versailles, chances are you’ll most likely be traveling to Versailles from nearby Paris.
The palace is between 30 and 40 mins by train from the center of Paris on the RER C line. Catch your train at Notre Dame, the Musée d'Orsay, or Eiffel Tower, and head west to Versailles-Château–Rive Gauche station, which is the closest train station (and a quick walk) to the Palace of Versailles.
The Palace of Versailles facts
The Palace of Versailles was originally the site of a hunting lodge built by King Louis XIII. After his death, his son King Louis XIV (also known as the "Sun King") began expanding the site into the Palace of Versailles.
In 1661, Louis XIV hired a team, including architect to the aristocracy Louis Le Vau, landscape designer André Le Nôtre, and interior decorator and painter Charles Le Brun, to work on the Baroque-style palace which took over two decades to complete.
Over time, successive kings brought their tastes and modern touches to the palace, culminating in the 2,300 rooms that exist today.
Image Credit: © Château de Versailles/T. Garnier. Image Location: Palace of Versailles
What to see at the Palace of Versailles
There’s plenty to see across the Versailles estate. Plan your visit well so you can hit all of the highlights. Some of the must-sees include:
- The Hall of Mirrors: This famous room features 357 mirrors, 43 chandeliers (said to hold about 3,000 candles), and vivid ceiling paintings.
- The King’s Apartments
- The Queen’s Apartments
- The Coronation Room
- The Royal Chapel
- The Royal Opera
- Galleries (including The Gallery of Great Battles and The Crusades Room)
- Museum of French History
Some rooms, including Madame de Pompadour’s Apartments and Countess du Barry’s Apartments, can be visited only on guided tours.
Estate of Trianon
Home to the Grand Trianon and the Petit Trianon, as well as the Queen’s Hamlet. The architecture of these estates is more intimate in style, as it was a private space away from the noise of the palace and the responsibilities of the monarchy.
Image Credit: © Château de Versailles/T. Garnier. Image Location: Estate of Trianon, Versailles, France
Gardens of Versailles
Designed by Le Nôtre, the iconic gardens feature magnificent fountains, sculptures, parterres, paths, and groves.
There’s also the Versailles Orangerie built by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, which includes mostly citrus trees, some over 200 years old.
Image Credit: © Château de Versailles/T. Garnier. Image Location: Orangery, Versailles, France
Royal Stables
Be sure to see the Great and Small Stables, located opposite the Palace.
Tickets to the Palace and Gardens of Versailles
As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Versailles is understandably often very busy. Admission is guaranteed only if you book online in advance.
There are several ticket options available. Palace tickets cost $21 and include entrance to the Palace of Versailles, temporary exhibitions, the Gallery of Coaches, the Sculptures and Mouldings Gallery, and the Park.
The "Passport" costs $30, giving you access to the entire estate of Versailles—this means access to the same sites as the palace ticket but also includes the Estate of Trianon and the Musical Gardens or Musical Fountains Show in the Gardens.
Remember to check opening hours across the Versailles estate before your visit as these can differ depending on the season.
Image Credit: © Château de Versailles/T. Garnier. Image Location: Latona's Parterre and Fountain of Latona, Versailles, France
The royal treatment
We can't offer a horse-drawn carriage, but if you're traveling to Paris by train we've got you covered. Download the Trainline app to find and book your tickets in France and across Europe. If you're looking for more tips on travel in France, check out our article on getting around France by train and metro in Paris. And if you want food and drink suggestions after a busy day of sightseeing, see our articles on the best speakeasy and secret bars in Paris and the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Paris.
Header Image Credit: © Château de Versailles/T. Garnier. Image Location: Fountain of Latona, Versailles, France