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Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or want a glimpse into a bygone era, a Paris day trip to the Palace of Versailles is an unforgettable experience. 10 million people visit the Palace of Versailles each year. More people visit Versailles every year than the Eiffel Tower. It was the third most visited monument in the world in 2018. Why? A visit to the Palace of Versailles is like stepping into an extravagant fairytale. Palace rooms are furnished with period decor, antique furniture, paintings, and ceiling murals Everything is either gilded with fine gold, jewel-encrusted, or velvet lined. Here is how to visit the Palace of Versailles during a day trip from Paris.
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Palace of Versailles Day Trip
History and Significance of the Palace of Versailles
If you are interested in Marie-Antoinette and the French Revolution, a visit to the Palace of Versailles is a must. The Palace was built by King Louis XIII originally as a country hunting lodge. It was expanded in the 1660s by Louis XIV; he wanted to create the largest palace in the world. The gardens of the estate were designed by André le Nôtre in 1661; they are 190 acres. The Grand Trianon was added for his mistress. The Palace of Versailles became the center of French political power and Louis XIV moved the French Court to Versailles in 1682. He passed away and the palace was abandoned until Louis XV decided to finish the work and added the Petit Trianon. He gave the Petit Trianon to Marie Antoinette and she added the Hamlet. The court was forced to leave Versailles for Paris in 1789 and never returned.
In 1837 King Louis-Philippe ordered the former royal residence to become the Museum of the History of France. It was restored to what it is today in the 20th and 21st centuries. The Palace of Versailles was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. If it was built today, this iconic landmark would cost over 2 billion dollars.
Best Time to Visit the Palace of Versailles
Plan to visit Versailles in the spring or autumn. Fountains run with musical shows between April and October, be sure to check the schedule and plan to visit on a day the show is running. Expect crowds and long lines, especially on Tuesdays and during the weekends. Note: large bags are not allowed on the property.
How to Get to the Palace of Versailles
Palace of Versailles is located in Versailles, France, 12 miles (20 km) outside Paris. If you have a car, Expect the drive to take 40 minutes, most of the drive is on N118. If you do not have a car, a day trip to the Palace of Versailles is easy by train. Take the metro from your hotel to an RER C station. Be sure the train stops at the Chateau Rive Gauche station at Versailles. The train ride will take 60-90 minutes depending on where you are staying in Paris. Exit the station and turn right on Rue Royale, then left Avenue de Paris; continue on to the palace gates. The walk should be under 15 minutes.
The Palace of Versailles is one of the most popular day trips from Paris and there are many organized tours available. Consider booking a guided day trip that combines the Palace of Versailles with Monet’s Garden.
Spend the Night in Versailles
The Palace of Versailles was my first stop on a road trip through Normandy and Brittany. I rented my car at the Paris airport and drove straight to Versailles for the night. I stayed at the Ibis Versailles Château and highly recommend the property. It is budget-friendly, across from the train station and a 10-minute walk to the palace entrance. The hotel has parking and allowed me to keep the car in their garage the next day during my palace visit. Spending the night allowed time to have dinner and explore Versaille’s cute Quartier Saint-Louis and easily arrive for my tour first thing in the morning.
Highlights of the Palace of Versailles
Highlights of the Palace of Versailles include the Palace Hall of Mirrors, Royal Opera, Royal Chapel, Gallery of Great Battles, Royal Apartments, Latona Fountain, and Bassin d’Apollon. If you have more time visit the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon (Marie-Antoinette’s Estate), and the Queen’s Hamlet.
How to See the Palace of Versailles with Limited Time
Purchase a timed skip-the-line entry online and arrive at the Palace of Versailles at 9AM through Entrance A. Wander the exterior of the Palace taking photos before the crowds arrive and get into the security line. Enter the Palace according to your timed entry. Tip: be sure to stand at the correct timed entry sign, not at the door. There will be two lines formed, the 9 am entry was on the right during my visit. Unfortunately, the signs were not posted until 15 minutes before my visit and there was a bit of a scramble.
One Day at the Palace of Versailles
The Hall of Mirrors
The Hall of Mirrors is the most famous room in the Palace of Versailles. It is 73 meters long with 17 mirrored arches and 357 mirrors. There are 43 chandeliers (17 large and 26 small) which hold 1,000 candles. The barreled ceiling is painted with 30 significant events in French history. Be sure to stop to look out the window at the palace gardens and the Grand Perspective.
The Hall of Mirrors was a place for waiting and meeting. It was also used for ceremonies, balls, and royal weddings. The King’s throne was placed in the hall for diplomatic receptions with the French court seated on both sides of the hall. The Treaty of Versailles, ending World War I was signed in the Hall of Mirrors.
The Royal Apartments
Each Royal Apartment is decorated according to the preferences of different Kings and Queens. The Queen’s Chamber was the residence of Marie Antoinette and is not to be missed. The Kings Chamber of Louis XIV consists of a series of rooms around a marble courtyard. The chamber could only be entered if invited. Louis XIV died in his chamber on September 1, 1715, after a 72-year reign.
The Gardens of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles Garden is twice the size of Central Park in NYC and one of the largest in the world. Renovation of the gardens began in 1661. The landscape designer André Le Nôtre was in charge of the 40-year project. The gardens are spread over 2,000 acres and consist of paths and walkways lined with sculptures, groves, an orangery, musical fountains, and a Grand Canal. There are 200,000 trees in the garden and 210,000 flowers are planted annually.
Plan to spend 2 hours enjoying the gardens. Check the website for the day and times of the Musical Fountains Show and plan your visit accordingly.
The Trianon Palaces
The Grand Trianon was the private residence of Louis XIV. The Petite Trianon was commissioned by Louis XV for his mistress. It later became the residence of Marie Antonette who expanded it creating the Queen’s Hamlet between 1783 and 1786. Access to the Trianon Palaces requires a separate admission; allow 1 hour to tour the properties. Note it is a 30-minute walk to the estate and consider taking the small train to the properties.
Tips for Visiting the Palace of Versailles
- The Palace is open year-round (except December 25th and January 1st)
- The Palace of Versailles is closed on Mondays. It is busy on Tuesdays and weekends.
- Purchase the first ticket of the day and enter the Palace right away. Security lines can be 1 hour long.
- Entrance to the Gardens at Versailles is free on days there is not a musical fountains show.
- Plan to spend 2-3 hours exploring the palace.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The palace contains 800 hectares with 2,300 rooms. It isn’t all open to the public but you will do a lot of walking.
- Consider renting an electric bike or golf cart to explore the grounds.
- Backpacks are allowed without food. If you wish to have a picnic lunch in the gardens you must eat before entering the palace.
- Download the free audio guide to the Palace of Versailles.
- Expect to spend 2-3 hours inside the palace before moving to the gardens.
- Visit the Hall of Mirrors first, it becomes very crowded.
- Purchase a ticket to include the Trianon Estate if you plan to spend the entire day at Versailles.
- The Trianon Estate is a 30-minute walk from the palace but there is a little train to ride.
- Photos are allowed without flash in most areas, watch for signs prohibiting them.
- There are free charging stations available for phones.
- There are restaurants and cafes located in the palace and on the grounds.
- Sharp objects, Items larger than 55 x 35 x 20 cm, umbrellas, pushchairs, and baby carriers with metal frames are not allowed at the palace.
- If there is a chance of rain, bring a poncho or rain jacket.
- There is a free left luggage area.
- Watch the 2006 movie Marie Antoinette before you arrive.
- There are 3 restaurants at the Palace of Versailles: Angelina, Grand Café d’Or leans, and ORE restaurant.
- You will find 3 souvenir shops at the palace and a Ladurée for a macaron break.
Activities and attractions near the Palace of Versailles
Spend some time exploring Versailles Quartier Saint-Louis
Visit Giverny and Monet’s famous gardens
Check out the half-timbered homes and Old Mill in Vernon
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