Palace of Versailles
Palace of Versailles · Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles, France
Last updated 2026-10-29
By Global Travel Guide Editorial Team
Introduction
The estate spreads across roughly 800 hectares, so plan on a full day if you want the palace, gardens and the Trianons. A passport ticket at about €32 covers all three; entry is free for under-18s and EU visitors under 26. The palace is closed on Mondays and opens Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00, while the gardens open daily. RER C trains reach Versailles Château Rive Gauche in about 40 minutes from central Paris. Spring and early autumn are the most comfortable months, though summer brings the musical fountain shows and the heaviest crowds.
Ticket Price
Palace + Gardens + Trianons Passport: around €32 (≈ USD 36) adult; Palace only: around €21.50; Gardens only: around €11. Free for under 18s and EU under 26s. Check the official site before booking.
Opening Hours
Palace: Tue–Sun 9:00–18:30 (last entry 17:45); Gardens: daily 8:00–20:30 (winter 8:00–18:00); Estate of Trianon: Tue–Sun 12:00–18:30; Closed Mondays and 1 Jan, 1 May, 25 Dec. Check the official site before visiting.
Transportation
RER C line to Versailles Chateau Rive Gauche (about 40 min from central Paris); SNCF trains from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers; Bus 171 from Pont de Sevres
Best Season
April–June and September–October for pleasant weather and spring/autumn foliage; summer has the Grand Musical Fountains show but very large crowds; winter is quietest but many fountains are off
Pro Tip: Take the RER C and book a timed entry
Local Tips You'd Only Learn After Visiting
The details official guides skip — save time, avoid crowds, and get better photos.
1
Take the RER C and book a timed entry The RER C stops near the palace, but the walk from the station takes about 10 minutes. Reserve a palace time slot and arrive before opening to clear security faster.
Member-Only Tips
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Frequently Asked Questions4 questions
Yes, the palace is closed on Mondays. It is open Tuesday-Sunday, 9:00-18:30 from April to October and 9:00-17:30 from November to March.
Take RER C to Versailles Château Rive Gauche, then walk 10 minutes to the palace. Trains from Montparnasse also reach Versailles Chantiers.
Yes, timed tickets are strongly recommended, especially in spring and summer. Security queues can be long even with a ticket.
Allow at least half a day for the palace and gardens; a full day if you add the Trianon palaces and Marie-Antoinette's estate.