“It’s legal because I wish it” -King Louis XIV
- Getting There:
- Admission
- The Palace of Versailles APP:
- Dining:
- Let’s Go Inside:
- Must-Sees at the Palace of Versailles and Gardens
- Gardens of Versailles
- The Trianons
- Personal Thoughts-
Getting There:
Versailles was a hunting lodge for Louis XIII, and under Louis XIV underwent extensive expansion to become a magnificent royal residence, and political power center with the arrival of the court in 1689. Today, it contains 2,300 rooms, annually welcomes approximately 15 million people, or about 27,000 people per day. It is located approximately 12 miles (20 km) from Paris so it makes for an easy day trip. The first task becomes figuring out how to visit Versailles. You can: drive, take a tour, bus or train. On our recent trip we opted to take the train from Paris to Versailles. Driving– highly recommend NOT driving in Paris. If you drive to Versailles- parking is at the Place d’Armes near the Trianon estates. Beware- the streets are narrow, and congested with cars and tourists wandering around purposefully as well as aimlessly.
Tours- there are numerous tour operators and just about as many types of tours to Versailles- some with transportation, guided tours, self directed audio, fountains, meals, etc. When selecting a tour there are a few things you need to know up front:
- Check the REPUTATION of your tour operator- from reliable sites- such as TripAdvisor to ensure the tour offers exactly what you are expecting. Don’t just read the 5 star reviews- read a few from each rating section to see what issues were encountered and then make your decision.
- If you are purchasing TICKETS only (no transportation and no guided tour)- please beware that tour operators often provide you with a voucher. The voucher then must be exchanged at Versailles for a ticket. This means you have to get in line (they have one just for this) and then get in the admission line. The only “true” skip the line is tickets that are purchased directly from the official website. https://en.chateauversailles.fr/plan-your-visit/tickets-and-prices. This ticket allows you to go directly to the admission gate for security.
- Know your itinerary- the length of a tour may include pick-ups and drop-offs which can be numerous, time consuming, and decrease your onsite time significantly. There might be souvenir breaks or meal breaks that consume onsite visit time. Be certain you know how much time you will have in the palace and its grounds. Does your tour highlight certain rooms and “skip” others? If the itinerary is vague- email your questions.
- Be sure your guided tour uses headsets that allow you to hear the guide so you don’t have to crowd on top of the guide to hear what he is saying.
Train: 70% of people opt to take the RER (Réseau Express Régional) trains that connect Paris with its suburbs for approximately 10 Euros round trip in about 30-90 minutes. These trains are lettered- RER-A, through RER-E. The RER-C line will take you to within a 5 min walk of the palace. So here’s how to do it:
- Head to the nearest Paris Metro or RER station (look for the big M or RER signs)
Once inside- head to the ticket machines. This may seem simple, but when we were there in May 2024- many of the ticket machines in smaller Metro stations had been removed and there was no station attendant so we needed to walk to a more central Metro to be able to purchase a ticket. If you plan on using the metro during your time in Paris- I highly recommend purchasing a tourist pass at the airport to avoid this problem. This pass will provide you RER access to Versailles as well as Charles de Gaulle airport. Otherwise- plan on purchasing tickets at a larger venue- one with a train station connection or significant tourist attraction. Most attendants will know enough English to help you purchase your ticket. Always remember to hold onto your ticket as you will often need it to activate the exit gates.
You will need to study the Paris Metro Map to see which line is closest to you (Metro lines are numbered 1-14) and how to reach the RER-C connections. You must have an RER-C train ticket- a Paris metro ticket will not do the job. It is easiest to purchase your RER-C ticket as a round trip to avoid the train window at Versailles. Your RER-C final destination is VERSAILLE CHATEAU RIVE GAUCHE
This is a typical sign from a Metro station. Sortie means Exit. The white section shows you the RER-C route and the direction (to the right) that you should follow to get there. You can also find information and ticket services there. So the second section of the sign shows you there is an exit to the right that leads to r. Nelaton and the Eiffel Tower. The third section shows you there is an exit (sortie) to the left towards bd de Grenelle. The last section is for those who need elevator access- tells you to go left, take the elevator to the RER C level where there is information/ticket services. The top part in white shows you the RER-C line. If you are unsure at any point- just ask anyone on the train stand. The French people are super nice and more than willing to help you get on the correct train!
Once you arrive at the RER-C platform- you need to figure out which side of the platform your train is located (when in doubt- ASK!) Look at the overhead panels for Versailles Chateau Rive Droit and the letter of the platform. Once you arrive on the platform- double check. Not certain? Just ask any passenger- they are happy to help. It sounds complicated, but it’s really not- Versailles Chateau Rive Droit is the last stop -so no need to keep track of stations.
This is the stop that is a 5 min walk to the palace! There are THREE stops in Versailles-so make sure you get off at Versailles Chateau Rive Gauche.
https://metromap.fr/en– offers the above map with a cursor to enlarge the words.
https://parisbytrain.com/paris-metro-maps/#google_vignette– this site provides printable Paris metro maps, and Paris metro by street resources.
https://www.ratp.fr/en/plans-lignes/rer/c– this site offers the above map along with timetables, ticket information, etc.
Once you arrive in Versailles Chateau Rive Gauche- follow the sortie (exit) signs and the crowd (or the signs) to the palace. Do take some time to look around Versailles (the town) as it is quite charming with lots of dining and shopping options.
BUS: the cheapest way to get to Versailles- although the train is easiest. Tickets will cost around 6 Euros per trip. Begin by taking the metro to the Pont de Sèvres station on the western edge of the city. Outside the station, find the bus stop for the southwest-bound #171 bus and take the bus to Versailles. Be CAREFUL- not all #171 busses go to Versailles- so if it is not listed in the bus heading- ask the driver. Always remember- the French prefer to be greeted BEFORE asking- so Bonjour, monsieur (mister), madame (female), then Chateau de Versailles? The driver will indicate to you yes (oui) or no (non). Remember to give a quick thank you- “merci” . The bus ride takes about 30 min depending on traffic. Access the bus time tables: https://www.ratp.fr/
Admission
This is the official Versailles Palace website- the best and safest way to purchase tickets. https://en.chateauversailles.fr/plan-your-visit/tickets-and-prices On this page you will find numerous ticket options. The most common is the Passport which grants you access to the palace, grounds, and Trianon estates. You can purchase estate grounds and Trianon Estate tickets individually if you only wish to visit those attractions. If you wish to see the Musical Garden Fountains (open only in peak season- so check dates carefully) you will need to purchase a separate ticket. If you are visiting in the summer months you might wish to attend a fountain night show. There are also tickets for meals, and other experiences.
TIMED TICKETS– Versailles now accepts ONLY timed tickets- you have 30 min to enter the palace from the time your ticket starts. It is HIGHLY RECOMMMENDED that you purchase tickets in ADVANCE as the palace is highly likely to sell out. Each time slot is allocated X number of tickets- once those tickets are gone the slot closes. In order to secure the best times that work for you- tickets can be purchased 3 months before. So set your calendar alarm to purchase tickets 90 days beforehand. Here’s a neat trick- because Paris is 6 hours ahead of us- you can actually purchase the tickets at 6 pm US time- since it is 12 midnight French time. Please NOTE: this tip does NOT work for the Eiffel tower- there your computer must be set to French time.
Don’t feel like you have to do the standard order- palace, grounds, trianon estates. Everyone heads to the palace first. Your timed ticket allows entry to the grounds at any time. So you can do those before you go to the palace. This is especially advisable for those who don’t like early morning starts- let the tour groups go through while you enjoy the grounds and then you’ll have the palace in a less crowded state. Do NOT forget to factor in your transportation- you want 9:00 am admission- you have to travel during rush hours- so allow for more time to reach the palace. You really need a full day to tour the entire venue. Lastly, note the opening times of all the attractions- the palace generally opens at 9, Trianon estates at noon so that you can plan your day. If you choose to eat off the palace grounds- add time in to the trip to the town, similarly if you eat on site allow time for long lines and service. Versailles is CLOSED ON MONDAYS
The Palace of Versailles APP:
https://en.chateauversailles.fr/discover/resources/palace-versailles-application– has ALL the information you need: maps, dining, history, must see, fountain performances etc. Download it before your arrival- take some time to familiarize yourself with its offerings. It is a great help when touring the palace and its grounds.
Dining:
Versailles is noted for Hot Chocolate. Louis XIII upon his marriage to Ann of Austria in 1615 introduced France to chocolate. Its expense made chocolate beverages available to the royalty and nobility. King Louis XIV is credited with popularizing the drink in a variety of forms throughout the court-making it a staple in the cuisine at Versailles. King Louis XV adored the drink so much, he often prepared his own concoction in his private apartments.
Louis XV’s recipe has survived the centuries:
“Place an equal number of bars of chocolate and cups of water in a cafetiere and boil on a low heat for a short while; when you are ready to serve, add one egg yolk for four cups and stir over a low heat without allowing to boil. It is better if prepared a day in advance. Those who drink it every day should leave a small amount as flavouring for those who prepare it the next day. Instead of an egg yolk one can add a beaten egg white after having removed the top layer of froth. Mix in a small amount of chocolate from the cafetiere then add to the cafetiere and finish as with the egg yolk.”
Source: Dinners of the Court or the Art of working with all sorts of foods for serving the best tables following the four seasons,
by Menon, 1755 (BnF, V.26995, volume IV, p.331)
Finally, Marie-Antoinette upon her marriage to Louis XVI in 1770 brought her personal chocolatier who began to experiment using chocolate with Orange blossoms and almonds.
Restaurant Angelina- located on the first floor of Versailles and is expensive. It can be accessed from the Royal Courtyard or at the end of the State Apartments circuit. The tea room restaurant servers a variety of dishes. There is a second location at the Petit Trianon.
Angelina’s Delicatessen– is a snack counter offering all the luxurious treats, hot chocolate along with sandwiches and salads. NOTE: the hot chocolate is delicious- it is rich, thick and one serving is probably enough for two people. Definitely- NOT your American version.
Le Dauphin– can be found in the middle of the gardens. It offers sit down and take away options. Please note the only place to picnic in the gardens is the covered area at the Triumphal Arch Grove- otherwise you must take your food to the park. Food here consists of sandwiches, salads, pancakes, homemade ice cream etc.
La Flottille– is located near the Grand Canal. La Flottille is a restaurant with the feel of a 1900s Guinguette, serving traditional French cuisine devised by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Baptiste Lavergne. There is a take away counter offering nearby.
Grand Cafe d’Orleans– a series of contemporary lounges offering sit down with a reservation. Fast food and take away can be found in the cafeteria. Located in the Palace at the garden level.
La Petite Venise- offers Italian cuisine in a historic monument. Located between Apollo’s fountain and the Grand Canal. A take-out stand is located nearby.
Let’s Go Inside:
Arriving: The main entrance is through the Cour d’Honneur. The Honour gate separates the Honour courtyard from the Place d’Armes. The north side features sculptures of the Victory of France over the Empire, by Gaspard Marsy, and the south side hosts sculptures of the Victory of France over Spain, by François Girardon.
Entrance A (to the left at the top of the Cour d’Honneur) is reserved to visitors with tickets. Due to the anti-terrorist security plan, visitors with large baggage items are not admitted on the domain (exceeding 55x35x20 cm).
Entrance B (to the right at the top of the Cour d’Honneur) is reserved to groups that have booked their visit.
Entrance H is reserved for people with disabilities
Versailles Palace Guided Tours: the meeting place is at the North Ministers Wing to the right in the Cour d’Honneur.
Map of Entrances A, B and H
Map of buildings at the Versailles Palace
https://www.parisdigest.com/map_france/map_versailles.htm– offers palace map pdf downloads
The best way to understand what is featured in each room is to use the Versailles Palace Map where you can click on each room for a description. There are some things you don’t want to miss:
The Hall of Mirrors: features 357 mirrors. It was the place where the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919 to end World War I.
The Gallery of Battles- Designed by Louis Phillipe I to honor France’s battles
The Empire Rooms-Home > travel-blog > France > Paris > Versailles > The Top 8 Things to See in Versailles
The Top 8 Things to See in Versailles
Sean FinelliLast Updated: November 25, 2024
Versailles is a must-see if you’re in Paris. The history? Wild. The opulence? Over-the-top. But let’s be real, it’s not just about gawking at gold and marble—there’s some serious drama behind those walls. You can’t truly understand France without taking in Versailles, but don’t get too caught up in the fairy tale. The place is as much a symbol of decadence as it is a reminder of how that kind of excess all came crashing down. Here’s everything you need to see in Versailles.
Pro Tip: Planning what to do on your trip to Versailles Palace? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. Check out our guide to Versailles for more planning resources, our top Versailles tours for a memorable trip, and the if a Versailles tour is worth it.
Must-Sees at the Palace of Versailles and Gardens
If you’d told anyone back in the mid-1600s that some old hunting lodge, 22 miles outside Paris, would eventually become the royal palace of France—well, they’d probably think you were crazy. Fast forward, and thanks to King Louis XIV, Versailles isn’t just a palace, it’s a historical juggernaut. It’s a symbol of excess, power, and grandeur that’s cemented its place as one of the top spots to visit in France.
But here’s the thing—there’s a lot to take in. The palace has 2,300 rooms, so don’t even try to see them all. And don’t sleep on the gardens—they’re massive and just as iconic as the palace itself. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back. To help you make sense of the overwhelming splendor, I’ve mapped out the absolute must-see spots at Versailles so you can make the most of your visit without getting lost in the maze of gold and mirrors.
1. The Hall of Mirrors
The Hall of Mirrors is the room at Versailles—the one everyone talks about, and for good reason. With 357 mirrors reflecting chandeliers and natural light from the garden windows, it’s a feast for the eyes. But it’s not just about the bling; this place is dripping with history, like the Treaty of Versailles being signed here in 1919 to end World War I.
2. The Gallery of Battles
The Gallery of Battles is one of Versailles’ most impressive spots. Created by Louis-Philippe I to honor France’s military history.
3. The Empire Rooms
These rooms were also created by Louis-Philippe, a contemporary of Napoleon, in an attempt to gain the support of Bonapartists and former members of the empire. He collected many of the largest paintings commissioned by Napoleon in the palace’s south wing, where you can find them today underneath the Gallery of Battles.
Gardens of Versailles
300 statues, 50 fountains and the elaborate gardens were intended to represent the king’s power and control over nature, with the meticulous design reflecting the order and grandeur of the French monarchy
You can explore the park and gardens with golf cart rentals, and bikes. Rentals can be found at the crossroads near the Grand Canal. You can rent a boat to explore the Grand Canal.
NOTE: the fountains run only during certain seasons- so if you want to see them in operation- you will have to come in the peak months (we were here at the very end of May and the fountains were not in operation except for 2 by the Trianons. It was disappointing because the fountains add tremendous majesty to the gardens and definitely shape its atmosphere. The Musical Gardens also operate on a limited schedule. So check the Versailles Palace Website for operating information.
The Trianons
We had great intentions to get to visit the Trianons. We got all the way down to the little train that takes you the mile down the dirt road to this section. We had intended to bike but the weather turned threatening so we opted for the 5$ one way train ticket. The train is relatively small. You purchase tickets at the kiosk where the bike/cart rentals are located. It may take several trains before you can get a seat. Coming back- you have to wait for space in the train – not everyone gets off at every stop. For us, the rain came down in buckets so we opted not to get out and tour the Trianons- because, even with rain gear, there was no way to avoid a complete soaking and it was a long way back to the train station and then onto Paris. It was disappointing. The Versailles Palace website and app can provide you with all the information you need to visit these three locations- the Queen’s Hamlet, the petite Trianon and the Grand Trianon.
Personal Thoughts-
Versailles Palace is huge- gorgeous, majestic and a must do. Accomplishing everything the palace has to offer though might be a bit too ambitious for one trip. We began our day at the 9:00 time slot- so we caught the 8:00 train which meant an early departure from our apartment rental at 7:30 am. The crowds were moderate and it took us about 3 hours to work our way through the palace following the arrow marked route. Some rooms were jam packed with tours, others were relatively empty. Many times we just waited for the tour groups to move out to enjoy the room without congestion. It is easy for the eye to get overwhelmed with the richness of the marble, the gold leaf, the myriad of paintings- but take the time to look at the details on the wallpaper, gaze out the windows, study the detail of the ceilings. We ended up eating at Angelina’s Delicatessen when we came across it. The lines were already pretty long, and the minimum staff taking and collecting orders made for a slow process. Send one member of your party to grab a table while the others stand in the line. Do try the hot chocolate. It is very different from the American version- it is a very rich and thick concoction- the cost is a bit steep- so I recommend sharing a cup between two people. Do build in time for a break- the brain needs a bit of time to process all the wonder. After the palace, we hit the gardens- the IMMENSE gardens. Here the crowds are easier because they can spread out over a large place- although many people don’t descend down into them. It is easy to get lost as you explore the many side paths of the garden where you will encounter small fountains, statues, arrays of flowers. Remember to take time to turn around and look back at the palace as you move farther away- the scene is impressive. We reached the Grand Canal around 2:30 when the rain clouds moved in. We took the train towards the Trianons when the downpour came. If it rains while you are at Versailles- the drainage is not the best. You will encounter puddles, sandy areas become muddy and for such a large place- there are few places one can find to hole up until the rain slows down. If I ever get the opportunity to return- I would probably do the gardens, grab an early lunch, hit the Trianons and do the palace last since the palace is closest to the train station. Traveling with young children- the gardens and park make an excellent break from architecture and art between the Palace and Trianon. We traveled as a family of 5 (3 adult children) and we split up during the Palace as some preferred to move quickly while others liked to progress slowly. We had T-mobile sevice and were able to text and call each other’s phones to arrange meeting places without any charges. The internet service was excellent. The Versailles app offered a ton of information and familiarizing oneself with it before the visit helped us get the maximum benefit.
Onward Trip 