Considered one of the most beautiful castles in the world, the Palace of Versailles is an architectural marvel. A worthy representative of the history of France, he witnessed many historical events. The beauty of its architecture and the elegance of its gardens attract many visitors every year, of which you are surely one. In this article, you will find everything you need to know to prepare for your visit to the Palace of Versailles, you just have to let yourself be guided.
History of the castle, in brief
Hunting lodge transformed into a sumptuous castle, the Palace of Versailles was desired and dreamed of by Louis XIV, the Sun King. The greatest artists in France have made this building a real heritage gem. Louis XIV wants to make Versailles the center of royalty. The seat of power, all the courtiers and the wives of Louis XIV find their home in Versailles. The Palace of Versailles becomes sumptuous, where luxury and grandeur are the order of the day. Louis XIV thinks big, and his dream becomes reality.
The estate of Versailles at the time
The kings who succeed him will follow in the footsteps of their ancestor. They settle in the Palace of Versailles, and embellish the place. The gardens will be transformed, and new small castles will find their place : the Petit and the Grand Trianon. Another emblematic figure will forever mark the Palace of Versailles: Marie-Antoinette, Queen of France and wife of Louis XVI. The Queen's Hamlet will satisfy its bucolic desires, offering us a real change of scenery in the heart of the Domaine du Château de Versailles. Other major events will make the Palace of Versailles a major player in French history. We can notably cite the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in the famous Hall of Mirrors.
The famous Hall of Mirrors
Tips for visiting the castle
According to your desires of discovery
The Domaine du Château de Versailles offers many possibilities for walks, and this according to your desires.
If you want to know more about the History of France, I strongly advise you to take advantage of the complete visit of the Castle, taking advantage of the temporary exhibitions that regularly take place in one of the wings of the castle. Continue your visit with the discovery of the Trianons, as well as the Queen's Hamlet. This discovery will allow you to learn a lot about our Kings and Queens of France, and their History.
For those who wish to enjoy a bucolic stroll, the gardens of the Palace of Versailles will then be perfect for you. You can enter the heart of the Domaine du Château de Versailles for free, and thus walk along the canal. It is a pleasant and relaxing moment that awaits you, with a panorama of the most beautiful castle in France.
Enjoy the gardens and the canal
According to the Meteo
If the Palace of Versailles rhymes with rain on the day of your visit, Several options are available to you. The visit of the Castle will then take you several hours in the shelter. And if you still want to explore the area, or go to the Domaine des Trianons, a little train or carts will allow you to make the trip without getting wet. Same if your visit takes place in the middle of a heatwave day : 30 minutes of walk are necessary between the Castle and Trianon.
According to your shape
I won't hide it from you, visiting the entire Estate of the Palace of Versailles is not easy. The area is very large. If you want to see everything, then you need good shoes. If you don't want to walk a lot, or if you have small children, the little train and the cart are good alternatives.
Shows at the Palace of Versailles
A major place of festivities under Louis XIV, the Palace of Versailles has not lost its splendor! Many shows are organized throughout the year, and this all for all tastes.
One of the most famous events: the Grandes Eaux Nocturnes. During the summer season, the ponds and groves come to life to offer you a magical show. Lights, music and fireworks offer you a dance of the time, followed by the Royal Serenade, a French ball in the sumptuous Ice Gallery.
Enjoy the shows at the Palace of Versailles
Make a voucher in the time of Louis XIV by taking advantage show visits such as "Le Parcours du Roi", where dancers, musicians and singers dazzle you in the heart of the Hall of Mirrors.
The Royal Opera opens its doors to take you into a cultural world during events organized throughout the year. Concerts, operas, theater or even ballets come to give life to one of the most beautiful opera houses in France.
When to visit the Palace of Versailles
Getting to the most beautiful castle in France can have some disadvantages, one of which is the crowds. Many visitors go to the Palace of Versailles every day. To enjoy your visit, it is important to choose the day of your visit well.
Follow our advice to avoid this
For the visit of the Château
In order to visit the castle with as few people as possible, a few tips should be remembered. For the period, I advise you to come during the low season, that is to say from November to March, and outside of school holidays. For the day, choose one day in the middle of the week, except Mondays because the castle is closed. For now, groups visiting the castle in the morning, prefer an afternoon visit from 15 p.m.. You will then have a lot less people, and your visit will be all the better.
For the visit of the exterior
The size of the gardens of the Palace of Versailles is such that you can stroll around without being bothered by the crowds. If you want to come with as few people as possible, the advice is then the same as for the visit of the castle.
Where to park near the castle
If you have opted for the car to get to the castle, here are the options available to you.
Paid car parks
The majority of visitors use the parking lot in front of the castle, because it is the closest and the most convenient. But I do not recommend it to you. It is very expensive (30 € for the day), and you will waste a lot of time to get out after your visit.
Parking is available inside the park at the entrance to the Trianon châteaux. It is less expensive and quite practical. And you can start the visit with the Trianons, before visiting the Palace of Versailles around 15pm.
Parking near the Grand Trianon in Versailles
Free parking
If you do not want to put a budget in the parking lot, there are several options available to you. The first is to park in the city of Versailles. Going away by Avenue de Paris, 1 kilometer away, you can find free places. Please note, the city of Versailles operates by zone. Some areas are free, others pay. Be careful.
The other option is to take on the left of the Palace of Versailles, and to walk along it. After 1 kilometer, you will find places in rows along the park. You can then access the Palace of Versailles directly from the park.
Practical information (prices, timetables, access etc.)
Schedules
- The Palace of Versailles is open every day except Monday, from 9 a.m. to 17 p.m. (last admission at 30 p.m.).
- The gardens are accessible every day from 8 a.m. to 18 p.m.
- The Domaine de Trianon is open every day except Monday from 12 p.m. to 17 p.m. (last admission at 30 p.m.).
Please note that the Château de Versailles and the Domaine de Trianon are closed on December 25 and January 1 of each year.
Price
- For a passport giving access to the entire domain: € 20
- For a passport giving access only to the Castle and the park: € 18
- For a ticket to access the Domaine de Trianon: € 12
- Annual subscription: 55 € solo / 90 € duo
Passports and Domaine de Trianon tickets are free for children under 26.
The accesses
Several accesses are available to you depending on what you want to visit.
- For the castle: access is via the Cour d'Honneur, in front of the Castle. The queue depends on whether you have already purchased your ticket or not.
- For the gardens, you can access them by the Cour des Princes or at the exit of the Castle.
- For the Domaine de Trianon, you can access it by the Château (30 'walk) or by the car park.
One of the most beautiful castles in the world
You are now fully ready to visit the Palace of Versailles in the best possible conditions. Don't hesitate to stop off in Paris to visit the capital. And if you are a lover of history, heritage and beautiful châteaux, continue your visit by discovering the most beautiful châteaux in France, or by taking a tour of the châteaux of the Loire
