Just 20 km from Paris lies one of the most opulent landmarks in the world: the Palace of Versailles (Château de Versailles). Once the dazzling court of French kings, today it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most visited attractions in France. With its gilded halls, endless gardens, and powerful history, Versailles is more than a palace — it’s the stage where European history was written.
A Brief History of Versailles
Originally built as a hunting lodge for King Louis XIII in 1623, Versailles was transformed into the world’s most extravagant palace by his son, Louis XIV, the Sun King. Determined to showcase France’s wealth and absolute monarchy, he expanded Versailles into a vast royal residence and moved the French court here in 1682.
For over a century, Versailles was the heart of political power in France until the French Revolution in 1789, when Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were forced back to Paris. The palace also witnessed another historic event: the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, ending World War I.
What to See at Versailles
The palace and its grounds cover more than 800 hectares, offering plenty to explore. Highlights include:
- Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces): The most famous room in Versailles, lined with 357 mirrors reflecting light from massive windows and chandeliers. This was the setting for royal ceremonies and treaty signings.
- Royal Apartments: Luxurious chambers of Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette, decorated with ornate furniture and symbolic art.
- The Gardens: Designed by André Le Nôtre, the gardens stretch across 800 hectares, with fountains, sculptures, and perfectly trimmed hedges. Don’t miss the Musical Fountain Shows in spring and summer.
- The Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon: Smaller palaces where royalty sought privacy away from court life. Marie Antoinette especially favored the Petit Trianon and her rustic Hamlet (Hameau de la Reine).
- Versailles Park: A vast landscape with canals where visitors can rent rowboats and enjoy picnics.
How to Get to Versailles from Paris
Getting to Versailles is straightforward and takes about 30–45 minutes:
- By train (RER C): Take the RER C line from central Paris to Versailles Château – Rive Gauche station, a 10-minute walk from the palace.
- By SNCF train: Direct trains run from Paris Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers, or from Paris Saint-Lazare to Versailles Rive Droite.
- By car: A 40-minute drive from Paris; parking is available near the palace.
- By tour bus: Several companies offer day trips with guided tours.
More info: RATP transport guide | SNCF train schedules
Tickets and Visiting Tips
- Tickets: Entry to the palace and gardens starts at €19.50. Combined passes including the Trianon and special exhibitions cost more. Book in advance via the official Versailles website.
- Free entry: EU residents under 26 and all visitors on the first Sunday of the month (November–March) can enter for free.
- Opening hours: The palace is usually open Tuesday–Sunday from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm (gardens and park have different hours). Closed Mondays.
- Best time to visit: Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds, or explore the gardens in late afternoon when the light is magical.
- Guided tours: Consider booking a guided tour to skip the line and gain deeper insights into Versailles’ history.
Fun Facts About Versailles
- The Hall of Mirrors inspired countless ballrooms across Europe.
- Over 30,000 workers built the palace, which nearly bankrupted France.
- The gardens feature more than 200,000 trees and plants, with some fountains still operating with original 17th-century hydraulics.
- Marie Antoinette’s rustic hamlet included a working farm — where she liked to play at being a shepherdess.
Combine Versailles with a Paris Trip
Versailles is perfect for a day trip, but don’t forget to explore Paris itself — from the Eiffel Tower and Louvre to bohemian Montmartre.
This is where the Paris For You app helps: with 100+ curated locations, offline maps, quizzes, and guides in 26 languages, it makes exploring Paris as smooth and inspiring as your visit to Versailles.
Our guides can help:
Final Thoughts
The Palace of Versailles is not just a royal residence — it’s a symbol of grandeur, ambition, and history that continues to fascinate millions each year. Whether you’re walking through the glittering Hall of Mirrors, wandering the gardens, or imagining life at court, Versailles is an unforgettable window into France’s royal past.
And the best part? It’s just a short trip from Paris — making it an essential stop for any traveler.
