Did you expect a stay in Paris? Here is everything you need to know to visit the Palace of Versailles, the historical symbol of the kingdom of France!
The Château de Versailles is a place to visit at least once in its life, World-famous and listed as a UNESCO heritage site! Entering, it is to be found in the heart of the history of France, it is to take its eyes full of greatness, beauty and finesse, and it is also to offer an unforgettable moment in one of the most beautiful monuments of the world. Don’t wait anymore and discover the residence of the kings of France, which has made the reputation of French art for more than 300 years!
To help you visit the Palace of Versailles, and to pierce all its secrets, we have prepared a mini-guide with all the important information to know.
Also:
The 12 things to do in Île-de-France
The 14 castles to visit in Île de France
History of the Palace of Versailles
Photo credit: Unsplash – Stephanie LeBlanc
The origins of the Palace of Versailles dates back to the 17th century, and it was at the very beginning a hunting relay where the king Louis XIII loved hunting with his father Henri IV . In 1623, a first castle lived the day so that the king could sleep there. In 1631 it was enlarged, and the French gardens saw the day. Then new expansion works were requested by the king in 1660. Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, Chapelle Royale, Théâtre... Over the years, new interior and exterior furnishings emerge, gardens grow, and annexes are built.
The Palace of Versailles was the permanent residence of the kings and the court until 1789, the year of the French revolution. Following this historic event, the 8000 ha park is just over 800 ha. Although Napoleon I established his residence at the Grand Trianon, the Palace of Versailles was never a place of royal residence, but still remained a symbolic place for some leaders, where important events in the history of the country took place, such as the signature of the Treaty of Versailles 1919. Since 1995, the Palace of Versailles has become a public establishment, which can be visited.
What to see and do at the Palace of Versailles?
Photo credit: Flickr – Thibault CHAPPE
Visit the Palace of Versailles will allow you to relive part of history, and to project you in the time of the Sun King.
We advise you to download interactive map domain, which will help you during your visit.
In order to avoid waste time at the audioguide counter, you can now and for free download the visit application of the Palace of Versailles on your mobile. It contains all audioguides and additional visit information.
The estate of the Château de Versailles, which spans almost 800 ha, contains several parts to see or review:
- The castle: The Palace of Versailles now has 2,300 rooms, spread over 63,154 m2. Walk through the Ice Gallery, visit the King's apartments, favourites, or watch the magnificent paintings of the Battle Gallery.
- The Trianon estate: The Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon and the hamlet will have no secrets for you. Discover this enchanted place, and walk on the footsteps of Marie Antoinette.
- The Carros Gallery: Visit the Grande Écurie du château de Versailles to discover an exceptional collection of carrots and vintage vehicles.
- The gardens and the park: Visiting the Palace of Versailles is compulsory in what makes it famous: its gardens and its Park. Created by André Le Nôtre, you will be literally subjugated by the beauty of its basins, statues and other avenues of perfectly carved flowers and plants!
- Grandes Eaux Musicales et Jardins Musicaux : From April 2 to October 29, 2019, discover a breathtaking show in the gardens of the Palace of Versailles: The Great Musical Waters and Musical Gardens and the Great Nocturnal Waters.
How to go to the Palace of Versailles?
There are several ways to get to the Palace of Versailles, located on the Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles.
- By car:
Arriving from the A13 motorway, take exit 5 Versailles Centre and follow the signs for the Palace of Versailles. Know that there are several parking spaces (extra charge) in front of the castle and in the park.
- By RER or by train:
The city of Versailles is served by three stations. – Versailles Château Rive Gauche (RER C): 10 minutes walk from the Castle – Versailles Chantiers : 18 minutes walk from the Castle – Versailles Rive Droit : 17 minutes walk from the Castle
- By bus:
The Versailles Express shuttle carries out transfers to the Palace of Versailles from the Eiffel Tower, Tuesday to Sunday:
• Departure at 7:45 am, back at 3:15 pm • Departure at 9:45 am, back at 3:15 pm • Departure at 1:30 pm, back at 6:00 pm
The 171 bus from Pont de Sèvres will take you to the Palace of Versailles in about 30 minutes.
Schedules & Rates of the Palace of Versailles
Photo credit: Unsplash – Armand Khoury
HORARI
- The Castle is open every day except Monday, from 9h to 5h30 . - The estate of Trianon and the Galerie des Carrosses are open every day except Monday, and only in the afternoon, 12h to 17h30 . - The gardens and the park are also open daily, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. .
RATES
- Free:
- Access to the Château and Trianon estate is free for under 18 years (less than 26 years old for EU residents). - Park and gardens (excluding days of Grandes Eaux Musicales or Musical Gardens) - Audioguides - The estate of Versailles is open for free to visit on the first Sundays of November to March.
- Passport ticket: 20€
The Passport gives access to the entire Domaine: the Château, the estate of Trianon, temporary exhibitions, the Gardens and the Park, the Grandes Eaux Musicales or the Musical Gardens and the gallery of the Carrosses.
- Billet Château: 18€
The Château ticket gives access to the Château, to temporary exhibitions presented at the Château, to the Jardins (excluding days of Grandes Eaux Musicales or Musical Gardens), to the Parc and to the Galerie des Carrosses.
- Passport 2 days: 25€
The 2-day Passport provides access for 2 consecutive days to the entire Domaine. If you want to attend the Equestrian Show presented at the Equestrian Academy of Versailles on Saturdays at 6 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m. (17 p.m. from 7 July to 18 August inclusive) and some days of the week at 3 p.m., count 40€.
- Billet Domaine de Trianon : 12€
The Domaine de Trianon ticket gives access to the Trianon estate, temporary exhibitions presented at the Grand Trianon, the Gardens (excluding days of Grandes Eaux Musicales or Musical Gardens) and the Park and the Gallery of the Carros. We advise you to go to the castle website to see all the prices regarding the castle shows.
QUESTIONS
To help you visit the Palace of Versailles in the best conditions, we have selected the most frequent questions about this visit:
What is the best time to visit the Palace of Versailles?
If you want to visit the Palace of Versailles without too many people, it is advisable to go from the opening at 9am and to go to the estate of the Trianon at noon.
Tip: to avoid queues, we strongly advise you to buy your tickets online in advance.
How to get to the castle?
The main entrance of the Palace of Versailles is by the Cour d’Honneur.
To buy your tickets, head to the ticket office on the left in the Cour d’Honneur in the wing of the South Ministers, then to the entrance A du Château.
If you already have your tickets purchased online, head directly to Entrance A.
Objects prohibited:
- The pushchairs, metal baby carriers, voluminous luggage, umbrellas... must be deposited with free instructions.
- Flashless photographs are allowed, selfie perches are prohibited.
Are pets allowed?
Only guide dogs for visually impaired are allowed in the park’s enclosure.
Accessibility:
Lifts serve the different levels of the Castle and thus allow you to visit the entire Grand Apartments circuit or go to the sanitary facilities.
Non-motorized wheelchairs are available free of charge for the visit to the Castle.
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