Château de Versailles
A trip from Paris to the famous Château de Versailles and the adjoining gardens is a great way to spend a day
The Château de Versailles is a rather famous tourist attraction. It symbolised the monarchy of Louis XIV between 1682 and 1789. It was the centre of power during those years thanks to Louis XIV arranging to have the government and all seats of power housed there. Forcing the regional powers to spend a portion of their time at the palace prevented regional forces from gathering too much power.
It has, as many French landmarks have, been redesigned by the resident monarch a number of times. The first design was by Philibert Le Roy which were followed by four major renovations and extensions to the palace. One of the more significant improvements and extensions was the addition of the King's and Queen's apartments.
The Château de Versailles is now open to the public most days of the week. Modern restrooms have been installed and there are free audio guides available in ten major languages. For those who would like to purchase some knick knacks for family and friends there are a variety of souvenir shops and curio stores. They even have a resident photographer who will gladly take your picture, for a fee.
For those that prefer to ride than to walk around a tourist attraction as large as this, there is an electric vehicle hire available which you can take around the gardens and through the Trianon, the Queen's Hamlet, the Grand Canal and the entire estate. There's a mini train that will take you to the estate of Marie Antoinette the Grand Trianon and little Venice.
It is worth noting that it is best to visit the Château de Versailles on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. This is because Tuesdays are busiest as most other French museums are closed.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Yes, however Entry to the Palace itself is free with the Paris Pass. Admission is also free on the first Sunday of each month from November to March. Otherwise admission charges apply. See the official website for details.Address: Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles, France
Phone: 01 30 83 78 00
Official Website: Château de Versailles
Directions
| RER Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| RER-C | Versailles - Rive Gauche | 10 minutes |
How to get to Château de Versailles by RER
By RER: Take the RER-C Train to Versailles - Rive Gauche. Exit the station and go right (north) up Av de General du Gaulle the left on Avenue de Paris to the entrance of Château-de-Versailles.
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Reviews
Rated out of 5
The place is very impressive and interesting. But it's really crowded. We arrived around 10 a.m. and the line to the Chateau was very long so we decided to go to the gardens first. When we finished in the garden, the line to the chateau was much shorter. It was about 12 noon. Good decision to do the Gardens first. We had the Museum Pass that's supposed to let us skip the line but we were told the Chateau is not included :( .
Cynthia Pagba - 19 hours ago
The place is very impressive and interesting. But it's really crowded. We arrived around 10 a.m. and the line to the Chateau was very long so we decided to go to the gardens first. When we finished in the garden, the line to the chateau was much shorter. It was about 12 noon. Good decision to do the Gardens first. We had the Museum Pass that's supposed to let us skip the line but we were told the Chateau is not included :( .
The palace should be seen but the gardens are better. You'll come once and visit the palace all your next trips here will be just for the gardens. We rented a row boat at the lake and had a great time. Recommend renting a bike to get around and see all the garden.
Tim Garner - 8 days ago
The palace should be seen but the gardens are better. You'll come once and visit the palace all your next trips here will be just for the gardens. We rented a row boat at the lake and had a great time. Recommend renting a bike to get around and see all the garden.
Varun Aggarwal - 15 days ago
Marius Rutkevicius - 20 days ago
Dallas Howard - 29 days ago
Video
Photo Gallery
Beautiful view of the Grand Canal at the Château de Versailles cc licensed photo by HarshLight -
Le domaine de Marie-Antoinette - Château de Versailles cc licensed photo by Jose Losada Foto -
Château de Versailles, Yvelines - France cc licensed photo by Mic V. -
Château de Versailles, Yvelines - France cc licensed photo by Mic V. -
Fenêtre sur la cour de marbre (Château de Versailles) cc licensed photo by dalbera -
Chapelle du chateau de Versailles cc licensed photo by antonin_remond -
Parc du château de Versailles cc licensed photo by Marmontel -
drama at Versailles cc licensed photo by BPPrice -
Chateau de Versailles, France cc licensed photo by Anna & Michal -
Chateau de Versailles, France cc licensed photo by Anna & Michal -
Château de Versailles, Yvelines - France cc licensed photo by Mic V.
