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- Five tips for a stress-free visit to the Château de Versailles
How do you avoid the queues at the Château de Versailles? What's the easiest way to get there from Paris? Where should you start your visit?
Visit during the week
One of the top ten most visited sites in France, the Château de Versailles gets its biggest crowds on the weekends and Tuesday mornings (it is closed on Mondays). So aim to visit between Wednesday and Friday. The result? Less waiting and a smoother visit around the palace. And note that buying a ticket in advance online allows you to go straight to Entrance A, without stopping at the ticket office. Also, to make the most of this immense estate and avoid an exhausting rush, do consider setting aside a whole day for your visit. The ideal programme? Arrive early and start with a tour round the palace then head to the Trianon, which opens at 12.30pm. For the rest of the day, enjoy the magnificent park and gardens.
Try a Passport
The Passport ticket, available for one or two consecutive days, is a pass that gives you access to the whole Versailles estate, from the Château and the Trianon palaces, to temporary exhibitions, the gardens, the park and the Gallery of Coaches – and not forgetting events like the Musical Fountain and Musical Gardens shows.
Take the train
The Château de Versailles is easily accessible from Paris by train from the Saint-Lazare or Montparnasse stations, or by taking the RER C from Les Invalides. It is then a short walk from any of the Versailles stations (Rive Droite, Rive Gauche or Chantiers). For a stress-free visit around the estate, the little train is a perfect choice, for families especially. The trains circulate between the Château de Versailles and the Trianon palaces. Sheltered from the elements, comfortably seated, visitors can admire the garden vistas as well as the palace façades, without the effort.
Take advantage of the free entry to the park and gardens
Take advantage of free admission to the palace gardens every day from 8am to 8.30pm to discover this botanical masterpiece created by Le Nôtre, the King's gardener, as well as some spectacular views of the palace. Filled with optical and light effects and majestic perspectives, the Versailles gardens are a sublime arrangement of art and nature. Dozens of statues add to the charm, creating the effect of an open-air museum. The Musical Fountain and Musical Gardens shows offer visitors access to the groves,the leafy copses favoured by the Sun King and his court for entertainment, which are closed to the public the rest of the year. Do note: the gardens close at 5.30pm during the Fountain Night shows.
Refreshments for all tastes
Good news! Versailles is well equipped when it comes to restaurants. And there is no lack of delicious options. The most prestigious, Alain Ducasse's Ore Restaurant set in the Dufour Pavilion, offers exceptional evening dining. During the day, the elegant café with its contemporary décor provides breakfast, lunch, and a "Thé de la Reine" afternoon tea, which mixes sweet and savoury treats for a truly refined feast. Angelina’s restaurant and tea rooms will delight children and chocolate lovers. On the banks of the Grand Canal, meanwhile, you can have lunch at La Flottille or pick up supplies there for your own picnic. The restaurant La Petite Venise takes you to Italy. Authentic flavours which conjure up the charm of the Italian Peninsula to be enjoyed on sunny days on the shady terrace, with the Apollo basin and the Grand Canal for neighbours. There are also vendors throughout the garden selling cold drinks.
Our selection
Grandes Eaux, expositions, ballets, concerts, feux d’artifice, fêtes costumées sur bande son classique ou électro, spectacles équestres… au-delà de leur dimension patrimoniale, Versailles et son château réinventent les codes de la fête à travers une programmation riche et éclectique dans un décor toujours majestueux et grandiose.
Prolongez votre visite dans la ville royale de Versailles et découvrez les événements et activités qui font sa renommée.
The Gallery of coaches in Versailles
Unusual Art & culture
Discover one of the largest European collections of coaches and carriages dating back to before the Revolution, and to the Napoleonic and Restoration eras, in the Gallery of Coaches at the Château de Versailles.
Equestrian Academy of Versailles
Unusual Art & culture
Installed in the former royal stables at the Château de Versailles, Bartabas’s Equestrian Academy presents exceptional shows of horsemanship that will mesmerise the whole family.
King’s Kitchen Garden
Nature & outdoor
Set right beside the Château de Versailles, the remarkable King’s Kitchen Garden – a listed historic monument – maintains its unique charm, to the great delight of horticulturalists.
The Antiquarian district
Art & culture Strolls
This part of town, near the château, the Notre-Dame market and the Lambinet museum, is steeped in history – a charming area not to be missed by all those who love or deal in antiques.
Salle du Jeu de Paume
Unusual Art & culture
It was in the city of Versailles that the French Revolution began… Follow the events of 1789 step by step, from the convening of the Estates of the Realm by Louis XVI through to their transformation into the National Assembly.
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- Copyright image: CRT IDF/Tripelon-Jarry
When it comes to visiting the Château de Versailles, I'm all about ensuring a smooth and enriching experience. The evidence? Let's dive into it.
First, visiting during the week is a gem of advice. Why? Well, the Château gets pretty crowded, especially on weekends and Tuesday mornings. I advocate for Wednesday through Friday visits to dodge long queues and savor a more serene tour. Plus, pre-purchasing tickets online not only saves time but also allows direct entry, skipping the ticket office hassle.
Now, let's talk about the Passport ticket. It's a golden key to unlocking the entirety of the Versailles estate. With access to the Château, Trianon palaces, gardens, exhibitions, and events like the Musical Fountain shows, it's a comprehensive pass that maximizes your experience.
Travel-wise, taking the train from Paris (Saint-Lazare, Montparnasse stations, or RER C from Les Invalides) is the smoothest route. Once there, hopping onto the little train for an estate tour offers comfort and splendid views without tiring your feet.
Ah, the park and gardens! Free entry from 8 am to 8:30 pm is a steal. Le Nôtre's botanical masterpiece adorned with statues is a visual treat. And don't miss the Musical Fountain and Musical Gardens shows; they offer rare access to groves usually closed to the public.
Now, onto refreshments. Versailles doesn't disappoint in dining options. From Alain Ducasse's Ore Restaurant for fine dining to Angelina’s for a delightful experience, or enjoying a picnic by the Grand Canal, there's something for every taste.
Beyond the Château, Versailles has a treasure trove of experiences. The Gallery of Coaches, the Equestrian Academy, the King’s Kitchen Garden, the Antiquarian district, and the Salle du Jeu de Paume—each offers a unique facet of history, art, or nature.
So, whether you're seeking historical insight or a serene stroll through magnificent gardens, Versailles holds a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be explored.
