Palace of Versailles
Versailles · France · Founded 1837
Good for: History Enthusiasts · Garden Enthusiasts · First-timers
2,300
Rooms
800 ha
Formal Gardens
4–6 hours
Recommended Visit
Quick answer
Palace of Versailles in Versailles, France — the Palace of Versailles was the seat of French royal power from 1682 until the Revolution of 1789. Open Tuesday–Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (extended to 6:30 PM April–October); Closed Mondays. Admission: €21 full-day passport (includes palace and gardens); Passport Plus Fountains Show: €30 on show days. Book timed-entry tickets ahead in peak season. World Museum Guide covers the highlights, getting there, and how long to allow (4–6 hours).
Verified 2026-06-30 against official sources.
About Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles was the seat of French royal power from 1682 until the Revolution of 1789. Louis XIV, the Sun King, transformed a modest hunting lodge into the largest palace in Europe to project the absolute authority of the French monarchy.
Converted into a museum by King Louis-Philippe in 1837, the palace holds 2,300 rooms including the dazzling Hall of Mirrors — a 73-metre gallery lined with 357 mirrors reflecting 17 arched windows overlooking André Le Nôtre's formal gardens.
The formal gardens extend across 800 hectares and include the Grand Canal, the Musical Fountains, the Petit Trianon, and Marie Antoinette's Hameau. The palace hosted the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919.
Versailles is one of France's most visited sites. A full-day passport covers the palace, gardens, and Trianon estates; fountain show days require a supplement.
4–6 hours highlights route
A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at Palace of Versailles without museum fatigue. · 4–6 hours
- 1
Hall of Mirrors
📍 State Apartments, first floor
A 73-metre gallery of gilt stucco, crystal chandeliers, and 357 mirrors facing the gardens.
- 2
The King's Bedchamber
📍 State Apartments
Louis XIV's ceremonial bedroom, where the king performed the daily lever and coucher rituals before the court.
- 3
Marie Antoinette's Petit Trianon
📍 Trianon estate, west of the palace
A neoclassical retreat where Marie Antoinette escaped court formality.
- 4
Latona Fountain
📍 Grand Perspective, gardens
The centrepiece of the garden's central axis, with gilded lead sculptures depicting the myth of Latona.
Masterworks & must-see highlights
The works that define Palace of Versailles — and why they matter.
Hall of Mirrors
Jules Hardouin-Mansart · 1678–1684
📍 State Apartments, first floor
A 73-metre gallery of gilt stucco, crystal chandeliers, and 357 mirrors facing the gardens. Scene of the 1919 Treaty of Versailles and the daily ceremonies of Louis XIV's court.
The King's Bedchamber
Royal craftsmen · 1701
📍 State Apartments
Louis XIV's ceremonial bedroom, where the king performed the daily lever and coucher rituals before the court. The bed is draped in gold brocade beneath a painted ceiling of Apollo.
Marie Antoinette's Petit Trianon
Ange-Jacques Gabriel · 1768
📍 Trianon estate, west of the palace
A neoclassical retreat where Marie Antoinette escaped court formality. The adjoining English-style gardens and Hameau de la Reine recreate a rustic village for the queen's private amusement.
Latona Fountain
André Le Nôtre · 1666–1689
📍 Grand Perspective, gardens
The centrepiece of the garden's central axis, with gilded lead sculptures depicting the myth of Latona. At its most spectacular during the Musical Fountains Show.
Collections & highlights
- • Hall of Mirrors and Royal Apartments of Louis XIV
- • Gardens of Versailles — 800 hectares of formal French landscape
- • Petit Trianon and Grand Trianon
- • Marie Antoinette's Hameau de la Reine
- • Musical Fountains Show (Grandes Eaux Musicales)
- • Royal Chapel and Opera
- • Gallery of Battles — 33 paintings of French military victories
Frequently asked questions
How far is Versailles from Paris?
About 45 minutes from central Paris by RER C train to Versailles-Château-Rive Gauche station, which is a 10-minute walk from the palace entrance.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Yes — booking online is strongly recommended, especially in peak season (April–September). The palace is one of the most visited sites in France and queues without pre-booked tickets can be very long.
When are the fountain shows?
The famous Musical Fountains Show (Grandes Eaux Musicales) takes place on weekends from April to October, and on some Tuesdays in summer. Check the official website for specific dates.
How long should I spend at Palace of Versailles?
Plan 2–3 hours for the highlights. Add time for temporary exhibitions, the museum shop, and café.
What is Palace of Versailles best known for?
The Palace of Versailles was the seat of French royal power from 1682 until the Revolution of 1789. Louis XIV, the Sun King, transformed a hunting lodge into the largest palace in Europe to project the absolute authority of the French monarchy — a statement of power that inspired royal courts across the continent for a century. Key highlights include Hall of Mirrors — 73 metres of gilt and mirror, scene of the 1919 Treaty of Versailles, The Royal Apartments of Louis XIV — the Sun King's state rooms, Gardens of Versailles — 800 hectares of formal French landscape design.
How do I get tickets for Palace of Versailles?
€21 full-day passport (includes palace and gardens); Passport Plus Fountains Show: €30 on show days Tickets are usually available on the day, but booking online saves queue time in peak season. Official site: https://en.chateauversailles.fr/
Can I visit the Trianon estates on the same ticket?
Yes — the full-day passport includes the Palace, Gardens, Grand Trianon, and Petit Trianon. Allow an extra 2–3 hours if you plan to see the Trianon area.
What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are essential for the gardens. There is no strict dress code, but the palace involves significant walking and standing.
Is the palace open on Mondays?
No — Versailles is closed every Monday. Plan accordingly and check the website for any additional closures during state events.
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