Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles , or Château de Versailles , is a French castle that was the Royal residence from 1682 to 1789. It is a living example of the grandeur of French architecture of the 17th and 18th centuries.

Its gardens are a true landscape jewel, decorated with statues, flower beds, temples and fountains.

It is located on the outskirts of Paris. About 35 minutes by train. At the bottom of this page you will find more about how to get there.

History of the Palace of Versailles

It was built by Louis XIV, the Sun King. And it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the country; designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO more than thirty years ago.

In 1661 the gardens began to be built, a work that would last about 40 years and that was hard work since the land was occupied by forests and swampy areas. Currently, music, fireworks and fountain shows are held during the summer. Residence of Louis XIV since 1678, after expanding his father Louis XIII’s hunting lodge, it houses an exceptional collection of furniture, tapestries and glassware.

Until the French Revolution, the palace was the home of different monarchs who continued to embellish it and provide new facilities and structures.

In 1789 Versailles ceased to be the official residence of the monarchy, and would later become the Museum of the History of France, at the hands of King Louis-Philippe, in 1830.

What to see in the Palace of Versailles

Inside the palace you can visit the numerous rooms and admire their decoration, beauty and artistic richness; It has 700 rooms, more than 2,500 windows, 352 fireplaces and 67 stairs.

Hall of Mirrors

Louis XIV wanted to leave his mark with the palace, and he wanted it to have an imposing gallery that connected the departments and dazzled with its decoration.

This is how the most famous room in the Palace of Versailles was born, the Hall of Mirrors , more than 70 meters long and with 375 mirrors, which joins the north wing with the south wing; This is where the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919 , which would put an end to the First World War.

Queen’s chamber

Another of the most visited places in the Palace of Versailles is Marie Antoinette ‘s room, the most important room in the series of rooms that are part of The Queen’s Apartments.

It was in this room that the queen slept, and gave birth to her children with doctors, ladies-in-waiting, the governess, the princesses of the royal family, and some members of the church as audience.

Royal chapel

Another special stay is the Royal Chapel . Dedicated to Saint Louis , with Gothic and Baroque elements and with references to the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris.

Also included in the tour is the Royal Opera, a theater one of the greatest works of the architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel that was in its time the largest concert hall in Europe.

Gardens of the Palace of Versailles

You can enjoy a walk through the majestic gardens of more than 800 hectares, where you can also admire two other smaller palaces, the Grand Trianon , designed by Mansart and the Petit Trianon , built for Madame de Pompadour, French courtesan lover of King Louis XV.

Towards the end of spring, the water and music show begins with the fountains that decorate the gardens. Every Saturdays and Sundays.

Ticket prices for the Palace of Versailles

From €19.50

Buy tickets for the Palace of Versailles

You can see all the options (with a guide, without a guide, etc) and buy here.

Free for European citizens or residents in Europe, under 26 years of age. You should still reserve your ticket.

Access to the Park and Gardens of Versailles is free, except on the days of the fountain show. The entrance to the Palace of Versailles is free also for holders of the card Paris Pass

Schedules

The Palace of Versailles opens from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. Closed on Mondays.

The Grand and Petit Trianon open from noon and the Gallery of Carriages opens from 12:30.

Address

Place d’Armes, Versailles

How to get

RER: line C, Versailles Rive Gauche

More details in How to get from Paris to Versailles

From the imposing Mont Saint Michel to the gigantic Disneyland Paris, there are many more excursions from Paris that can make your trip that much more interesting.