versailles tour worth it

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Truth of Traveling

January 18, 2019 By Nicki

Is Versailles Worth It?

Versailles is a very popular day trip from Paris as it can easily by reached by the public train. When we visited we expected it to be crowded, however, we were still surprised by how many people were there! If you are going to Paris and thinking “is Versailles worth it?” here is our honest review and tips to make it more enjoyable!

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What Kind of Ticket Do I want?

The type of ticket you buy depends on what you want access to within Versailles and the surrounding grounds. Check out this graphic on their website to compare each ticket.

The most famous attraction is the Palace of Versailles known for the Hall of Mirrors and the Kings apartment. The size and opulence of the Palace makes it hard to imagine it as simply the king’s secondary estate. Other popular buildings at Versailles include the Estate of Trianon (where Marie Antoinette would stay) and the Coach Gallery.

On specific days there are shows in the Gardens that require tickets. The website gives very good information about what each ticket gets you and does not get you access to.

The number one piece of advice we have if you are interesting in touring the Palace is to buy a timed ticket!

The regular passport ticket which gives you access to everything on the estate is the SAME price as the timed passport ticket that guarantees you access to the Palace within 30 minutes of your chosen time. Both passport tickets are 20 or 27 Euros depending on the Garden shows for that day.

• The timed entry means you wait in a different timed ticket line. This line is a significantly shorter line than the line for not timed tickets by a few thousand people (our estimate).
• Even if you buy the timed ticket you will still need to wait in line before entering. Honestly, there is nothing you can do to completely escape the lines here.

Travel Truth : We bought our tickets online about 8 days before going to Versailles. If you are only in Paris for a couple days and know you definitely want to do the Palace tour, we suggest you buy your tickets online early to guarantee the date and time you want.

Our Recommendation:

Skip the palace and go straight for the gardens.

We would actually not recommend the Palace tour but instead just tour the Gardens and the Park. We recommend this for a couple different reasons that we’ll go through so you know all the information before deciding which ticket to get.

Reason #1: The Lines Outside

The photograph below was taken in the security line at the Grille d’Honneur (the main entrance). This is the first line you wait in when you get to Versailles and cannot be avoided (for good reason). Once you are beyond the security checkpoint you will see a line of people wrapped up and down the courtyard. That is the line for general/un-timed tickets. We were honestly shocked when we first saw it and estimate a few thousand people were waiting there.

Reason #2: Cost

Tickets to the Palace range from 18-27 Euros depending on what other sites you get access to within Versailles and the type of ticket you are buying.

Entry to the Gardens and the Park is free.

Reason #3: Too Many People Inside

Unfortunately the massive lines that are outside will eventually make their way inside and inside the palace was like one giant mosh pit. You all walk as one collective group because there are so many people in the narrow walkways. A small section of the back of each room in the Palace is roped off as a walkway for visitors, however, it is far too small for the amount of people being let in.

We found it very difficult to enjoy the experience while getting pushed and bumped by a bunch of different people at once. Now we did go during the busier summer months so maybe it is not always that crowded but it definitely impacted our overall experience.

You can see in the pictures just how many of our closest friends were there with us!

Getting to Versailles

We found it very easy to get to Versailles by train from Paris. There are 3 main train stations close to Versailles. Both Versailles Chantiers and Versailles Rive Droite are about a 15-20 minute walk to the main entrance and can easily be navigated using google maps or another map app. Versailles Cheateau station is a little bit closer to the Palace. There are also map tools on the Versailles website if you need additional information.

• This is the closest station to the entrance but is also usually the busiest especially during peak travel times to and from Versailles.
• You can take a train from Gare Montparnasse station in the 15th arrondissement to Versailles Chantiers.
• You can take a train from Gare Saint-Lazare in the 8th arrondissement to the Versailles Rive Droite station.

**Make sure to check current train schedules ahead of time for more up to date information**

We always bring this portable battery with us on day trips to make sure our phones don’t die. That way we don’t have to worry about pulling up directions and train schedules!

The long lines at the entrance of Versailles are to get inside of the Palace, not to go to the gardens. The very, very, very long line to your right is the line for people without timed tickets which is why our first recommendation for the Palace is to buy a timed ticket. Both lines are funneling people in through entrance A of the Dufour Pavillion.

If you do choose to do the Palace we HIGHLY recommend getting a timed ticket to limit the amount of time you have to wait. We really cannot recommend this enough.

Okay thats all we’re going to say about the lines. We’ll let the pictures do the rest of the talking!

Read More: 6 Tips for Visiting Versailles

Inside you are funneled into a narrow walkway through the various rooms of the Palace. There are so many people that you can be forced to move at an awkward, standard pace attempting to not bump into too many people at once.

After we made it through a few rooms, and took the stereotypical photographs of the ceiling/upper walls (to avoid the selfie sticks and iPads) we were ready to get outside.

Highlights of the Palace include the ornate ceilings in the Kings apartment and of course the Hall of Mirrors. They were beautiful.

The Gardens & The Park

The Gardens , we think, are the real pride of Versailles. It is difficult to describe how massive the Gardens are and pictures do not do them justice. You can easily spend an entire day walking around.

The Gardens were completely opposite the Palace when it came to the crowds because of all the space. We never once felt crowded outside and had plenty of time to wander around and enjoy the tranquility.

To clarify, both the Gardens and the Park are free. That’s right they cost nothing to enter.

Now always check the website just to double check on certain dates or if special events are happening.

• When we say the Gardens we mean the area directly behind the Palace. Directly beyond the Gardens is the Park which includes the Grand Canal and stretches out to the Estate of Trianon.

Our suggestion to really take advantage of the grounds of Versailles would be to pack some food and throw towels down in the park for a picnic! We saw a lot of people doing this and were so envious!

There are a couple of fancy restaurants where you can sit down and eat a proper meal. There is also one restaurant in the Gardens with outdoor seating.

We also passed one to-go type food stand in the Gardens selling pre-made sandwiches, fries and other snacks. There was another to-go type stand in the Park selling snacks, drinks and ice cream that was very crowded.

We had read online that you could not bring food into the Palace. Because we visited the Palace first we didn’t pack lunch or any snacks to have throughout the day. When we got hungry (which you will after walking for a few hours) we bought the pre-made sandwiches from the stand in the Gardens. Honestly, they were underwhelming and there weren’t a ton of options.

Travel Truth : If you are just going to the Gardens and the Park we suggest packing a picnic! Otherwise throw a couple snacks in your day pack just so you have something. Now we never leave without at least one granola bar!

Is There a Dress Code for the Palace?

We had read online that there was a moderate dress code to enter the Palace. Both of us wore shorts and sneakers and had no problem getting in. There were many other people wearing casual clothes so we did not feel like the only ones.

Both of us also wore sneakers and we would definitely recommend that if we went back for two reasons.

• First, the paths throughout the Gardens and the Park are made of loose dirt and gravel primarily and things can get dusty.
• Second, you are going to walk around a lot (we both walked around 30,000 steps that day) because of how big the Gardens and the Park are plus the walk to and from the train station.

So, is Versailles worth it?

After all of that we would say YES Versailles is worth it . It is a super easy day trip from Paris and the Gardens and the Park are definitely worth checking out! Plus the history of the entire area is extremely interesting.

However, we actually would not recommend doing the Palace unless you are extremely motivated to see it. Maybe we went on a unique day, but the crowds genuinely made it difficult for us to enjoy our time inside. The Gardens and the Park outside made up for it though.

Let us know in the comments if you have been to Versailles and what your thoughts are!

Interested in more posts about France?  Read here !

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Privacy Overview

Is Versailles Worth Visiting? 7 Reasons to Visit Versailles in 2024

The Palace of Versailles is absolutely worth visiting, as it is an important part of French history and culture. Versailles is one of the most beautiful palaces in all of Europe, from its dazzling hall of mirrors to its expansive gardens. Even with a short trip to Paris, a day trip to Versailles is worth it.

Personally, visiting Versailles is one of my favorite things to do while in Paris and I highly recommend going at least once. From learning more about the French history to wandering through the stunning gardens, visiting Versailles is 100% worth it.

Get Lost in Wanderlust contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of the links below, we may receive a very small compensation at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we use and trust.

Best Versailles Tour

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Versailles Priority Access Tour ✅Transportation from Paris ✅Skip the Line ✅Small Group Palace Tour & Free Time at the Gardens

What is Versailles?

Versailles is the most famous and largest Palace in all of France. It is located in Versailles, France. The Palace was commissioned by King Louis XIV, who decided to turn his father’s hunting lodge into the grandest palace in all of Europe. The Palace of Versailles served as a home for the French monarchy from 1681 until the French Revolution in 1789.

✔️ Want to Avoid the Crowds? Book this Skip the Line Tour of Versailles

Insider Tip: Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore the gardens! On our first trip we went in the spring time and ended up spending a full day exploring the Palace of Versailles, Petit Palaces, and the extensive gardens.

7 Reasons to Visit Versailles

Not sure if a trip to Versailles is worth it? Well, here are 7 reasons that you should definitely visit the Palace and Gardens of Versailles.

1. Versailles is Unlike Any Other Palace in Europe

Versailles was built to be a palace that would make all other palaces look simplistic. Mission accomplished. Not only is Versailles massive in size, but it is exquisite in every detail.

The Palace of Versailles is the largest palace in France, and one of the largest in all of Europe. The Palace itself is 721,206 feet of space, sitting on 2,014 acres of land.

2. Experience French History at Versailles

The Palace of Versailles had simple origins, and was first used as a hunting lodge by King Louis XIII. Years later, his son, King XIV transformed the space into the largest and grandest palace in France.

King Louis XIV was popularly known as the Sun King, and spared no expense when creating the dazzling Palace of Versailles. The palace became home to the French monarchy in 1681. Later, King Louis XVI and his Queen Marie Antoinette would call Versailles their home, until the French Revolution in 1789 when the people took back the palace.

Today, the Palace of Versailles is one of the most visited museums in France. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its outstanding historical and cultural value.

3. See the Famous Hall of Mirrors

The most famous room at the Palace of Versailles is the Hall of Mirrors . The hall is considered to be a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, and was designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart.

This beautiful room is adorned with 357 mirrors which are strategically placed to reflect light from the 17 grand windows on the opposite side. The hall also features gilded moldings and decorative motifs cover the walls and ceilings, as well as grand crystal chandeliers.

The Hall of Mirrors was designed to symbolize the political, economic, and artistic achievements of France during the reign of Louis XIV. It was often used for royal ceremonies, grand receptions, and even the signing of treaties.

4. Wander the Beautiful Gardens of Versailles

The Versailles Gardens are extensive, and cover over 2,000 acres. The gardens are beautifully landscaped and showcase geometric precision, fountains, and ornamental lakes. In the center, you will also find the Grand Canal which reflects the grandeur of the Palace.

You can easily spend 1-3 hours exploring the gardens and there are many charming pathways and sculptures to admire. It is a serene place to spend a warm, sunny day.

It is also possible to rent bikes or a golf cart in the gardens, which is a fun and convenient way to explore the extensive gardens.

Insider Tip: If you don’t want to walk, there is a mini train that goes around the Gardens of Versailles. It makes stops at the smaller palaces and only costs €8.50. To purchase tickets stop at the hut near Water Parterre North Terrace stop (next to the Palace).

5. Explore the Trianon Palaces

The Palace of Versailles is not just a single building but a complex that includes smaller palaces and buildings known for their unique architecture and significance.

These smaller palaces are generally referred to as the Trianon Palaces and include the Grand Trianon Palace and the Petit Palace.

The Grand Trianon Palace was a retreat for French royalty seeking privacy. It’s known for its elegant architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens.

On the other hand, the Petit Palace was originally a gift from King Louis to his mistress, Madame de Pompadour. Later, it became a favorite residence of Queen Marie Antoinette.

Both smaller palaces are located in the Versailles Gardens and are worth visiting as the crowds are typically much smaller compared to the main Palace.

6. Experience the French Countryside at Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet

This is a picturesque hamlet built for Marie Antoinette, where she could experience a rustic countryside atmosphere and enjoy a tranquil retreat away from the palace formalities.

The hamlet includes a cottage, a mill, gardens, and areas for animals. This was one of my favorite parts of visiting the Gardens of Versailles, as wandering around the hamlet felt like we had been transported back in time to the 1700s French countryside.

7. Visit the Charming Town of Versailles

Surrounding the Versailles Palace and Gardens is the charming town of Versailles, France. This small town is perfect for a stroll or to grab some dinner or lunch at one of the cafes after exploring the Palace grounds.

Visiting the town of Versailles is a great way to experience French culture, especially if you are only staying in Paris and not venturing out to other towns in France.

Tips for Visiting Versailles Palace

👉 Book your ticket to Versailles in advance to avoid waiting in long lines. You can book a Skip the Line Ticket to Versailles here .

🏰 Book a Skip the Line Tour of Versailles Palace

👉 The Palace gets crowded, so it is best to arrive 15-20 minutes before it opens. If you arrive later in the morning, spend time in the gardens first and see the Palace at the end.

👉 Like many museums in Paris, Versailles is closed on Mondays .

👉 You can visit Versailles year-round. If you aren’t sure about visiting during the winter months, check out this guide on Visiting Versailles in Winter .

👉 The Versailles Gardens are massive! However, there are bikes & golf cart rentals available on-site. There is also a small train that goes around the gardens. We completely missed this the first time and were exhausted after walking all day, so definitely take advantage of the transportation options.

👉 There is a Palace of Versailles app for your phone that offers both an audio guide and a map. It’s worth downloading this to learn more information about Versailles, make sure you see all the sites, and to avoid getting lost.

Where to Stay When Visiting Versailles

When visiting Versailles, many people (myself included) stay in central Paris and visit Versailles as a day trip. However, you can also stay in the small town of Versailles for a night or two. I’ve listed recommendations for both options below:

Where to Stay in Paris

You can easily stay in Paris when visiting Versailles, as it is easy to reach the palace using public transportation from central Paris. Personally, I always stay in central Paris and visit Versailles for the day.

I have traveled to Paris for leisure and for work and stayed in many areas of the city. I highly recommend staying in the neighborhoods of Saint-Germain-des-Prés or Odéon (6th arr.), or in the Latin Quarter (5th arr.) because they are central and safe areas.

📍 Hôtel Madison Hotel Madison has a perfect location in the heart of Paris and is surrounded by charming cafes, shops, and restaurants. The hotel is beautiful, with elegant yet modern rooms.

📍 Hotel De Seine I personally have stayed at this hotel and recommend it. The décor is traditional and elegant, but there are modern amenities such as air-conditioning. The staff at this hotel are lovely and very helpful.

Where to Stay in the Town of Versailles

Alternatively, you can choose to spend a night or two in the small town of Versailles, located just outside of the Palace. Staying in the town of Versailles is a great option for those who don’t love big cities and want to stay in a more peaceful and quiet location.

📍 Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Trianon Palace A beautiful hotel located just steps away from the Palace of Versailles. Rooms are spacious and offer a fireplace and balcony, and the hotel has many featured amenities including a spa and indoor pool.

📍 Hôtel la Residence Du Berry This budget-friendly option is located in the historic Saint-Louis neighborhood of Versailles, France. The location is perfect for being walking distance to the Palace, as well as having nearby shops and cafes. The rooms are cozy and traditional, yet charming.

FAQ: Is Versailles Worth Visiting?

It is worth it to spend a full day at Versailles. The gardens are massive and there is a lot to see, including the smaller palaces. To just see the Palace of Versailles, you will want to have at least 2-3 hours.

Absolutely avoid heading to Versailles on a Monday, as the Palace of Versailles is closed every Monday. Due to this, Sundays and Tuesdays can also be busier days to visit Versailles.

It is best to visit the Palace of Versailles early in the morning or late in the afternoon. It is a great idea to come first thing in the morning, as soon as the Palace opens. If you come later in the morning, start by exploring the gardens and then do the Palace of Versailles in the late afternoon.

Conclusion: Is Versailles Worth Visiting?

Versailles is 100% worth visiting. The Palace of Versailles is one of the largest historical sites in France, and is worth visiting for its significant value to French history and culture.

While the Palace can be crowded, it is still a site worth visiting and getting there early in the morning or exploring the gardens first is a great way to avoid the larger crowds.

Even with a short trip to Paris, I recommend visiting the Palace and Gardens of Versailles. It is a beautiful place to visit and is unlike any other site that you will see in central Paris.

Amber is the owner and author of Get Lost in Wanderlust, a blog that helps travelers plan incredible trips across Europe from bucket list cities to charming hidden gems. She has a Bachelor's Degree in History and Psychology, and enjoys learning more about the culture and historical significance of each place she visits. When she isn't exploring Europe, she loves reading, writing, and planning her next adventure.

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Getting around paris, paris travel guide, paris essentials, train travel, paris arrondissements, you asked – what's the best way to visit the palace of versailles.

I'm finally making it to Paris this summer! I want to be sure to visit the chateau and the gardens of Versailles. How far from the centre of Paris is it? What are the easiest and best ways to arrange a visit?" – Judith, UK

Our Top-Rated Versailles Experiences

1. The Best of Versailles with Priority Access & Gardens… Our #1 choice

2. Versailles Guided Half-Day Tour with Skip-the-Line Entry… With an expert interpreter/guide

3. Full-Day Bike Tour + Skip-the-Line Chateau Access… Visit Versailles on two wheels

4. Visit Versailles + Monet's Gardens at Giverny… On one glorious day trip

1. The Best of Versailles with VIP Entry…

2. Versailles Guided Half-Day Tour…

3. Versailles Bike Tour & Chateau…

4. Visit Versailles + Monet's Gardens at Giverny…

The Best Way to Visit Versailles

Dear Judith, The immensely grand royal estate of Versailles is only about 45 minutes from Paris. It's a very popular place and always busy, with long line-ups. That's why we always recommend finding a skip-the-line tour with transportation from Paris. It's how we do it and the only way to avoid those ticket lines at the estate. You arrive at the palace refreshed and ready to take in its full magnificence! Versailles is huge, and you don't want to arrive already exhausted by the trip getting there.

We learned the hard way that a priority-access visit with an experienced guide is the best way to see busy attractions like Versailles. Someone else has done all the organizing work, we don't have to figure out anything. And, by traveling with a knowledgeable guide, we learn more in less time, while having a far better time that we would on our own — even though we are experienced Paris travelers. We've done it both ways, but now we're wise to the fact that a guided tour is the way to go.

But the greatest thing about the best tours is that we get to skip the long lines! As you know, we hate standing in lines so, to us, this alone is worth the cost of the tour. Read our reviews and recommendations for the top day tours to Versailles.

The Best of Versailles with Priority Access

This small-group, priority-access tour from Paris is immensely popular and sure to sell out, so book early. Be sure to choose the full-day option that also includes a guided tour of the gardens plus Marie Antoinette's fantasy farm.

If you want to go on your own, getting from Paris to Versailles can be done if you're familiar with the Metro/RER system. In a nutshell — from Paris take RER Line C to the station called Versailles-Rive Gauche . Then it's just a ten-minute walk to the royal estate.

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Best Palace of Versailles Tours

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• Palace of Versailles
• Versailles Palace Tours from Paris

The 10 Best Versailles Palace Tours from Paris for 2024

Are you planning to visit the Palace of Versailles from Paris?   If so, you may be wondering:  what is the easiest, most stress-free way to get to Versailles, and how can you get the most out of your experience - especially if you want to avoid wasting time in the notoriously long lines at the Chateau's entrance?

Most Popular Paris Day Trips to Palace of Versailles

These top-rated day trips from Paris to Versailles fill up fast, so book early to get the dates you want:

Popular Versailles day trips with transportation from Paris:

• Palace of Versailles & Gardens - Audio tour; choose a full-day or half-day trip
• Versailles Skip-the-Line Guided Tour & Gardens  - Optional garden tour
• Versailles Bike Tour with Palace & Queen's Farm Entrance  - Highly-rated
• Giverny & Versailles Guided Day Trip - See 2 iconic attractions in one day

Traveling to Versailles on your own?  Book a ticket with a reserved time slot for fast entry:

• Versailles Palace & Gardens Full Access Ticket - Includes entire Estate, including 3 palaces, the gardens (including Musical Gardens or Fountain show from April-October), & Marie-Antoinette's Hameau (farm and village)

Fortunately, you can choose from many excellent guided Palace of Versailles tours from Paris that allow you to go through a special priority fast-track entrance gate for use only by group tours.  Some of them also include transportation on comfortable air-conditioned coaches.   For others, you'll meet your guide in Paris and go to Versailles together on the train. 

However, sorting through all the tour choices and options can be challenging, especially if you're planning your first or even your second visit. 

To make choosing the best tour for you easy, we've compiled a list of the 10 best Versailles Palace tours from Paris in 4 different categories:

• Versailles Tours with Included Bus or Train Transport
• Guided Tours of Versailles - You take the train to Versailles on your own
• Guided Bike Tours of Versailles & Its Estate - You meet your group in Paris and travel together to/from Versailles on the train
• Guided Combo Tours of Versailles Plus Giverny or Fontainbleau with transport included

Top photo: A guided tour in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles, (c) Paris Discovery Guide

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Best Guided Tours of the Palace of Versailles with Transportation from Paris

These guided tours of Versailles departing from Paris eliminate all the guesswork and stress of getting there and back on your own. Plus, you get fast entry through the dedicated tour-only gate. 

These tours are perfect for when you want maximum convenience plus the knowledge and insights of an expert guide.

1.  From Paris: Full Day Guided Tour of Versailles with Lunch & Transportation

The highly-rated Full-Day Guided Tour of Versailles starts with a comfortable trip by air-conditioned coach from Paris. 

Your expert guide will whisk you through a special entrance  and take you on a tour of the most spectacular Palace rooms, such as the magnificent Hall of Mirrors. You'll get to enjoy entertaining stories about the history of Versailles and life at the Royal Palace as you explore the Sun King's home.

After your Palace tour, you'll have free time to stroll through the beautiful formal Palace Gardens, where you'll have lunch at around noon. 

During the afternoon, your guide will show you Versailles' other most important sights: the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, and Marie Antoinette's Estate including her charming Hamlet before your relaxing return to Paris by bus.

2.  Skip-the-Line Versailles Palace Guided Tour by Train from Paris

You'll meet your guide for the Skip-the-Line Versailles Palace Tour by Train in central Paris and travel together to the famous Chateau. 

After passing quickly through the priority entrance reserved for tour groups, your 3-hour journey through the opulent Palace begins.  

Your knowledgeable guide will keep you informed and entertained as you visit the Royal Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, and other opulent rooms, as well as the spectacular gardens.  Depending on the day of the week, you'll see the enchanting Musical Gardens or Musical Fountains show. 

After your tour, you can head straight back to Paris on the train if your schedule is tight.  But if you have enough time for a longer visit, you can linger in the gardens, walk around the Grand Canal, and perhaps even enjoy a delicious French dinner in a nearby bistro before taking the train to Paris.

3.  Versailles Palace & Gardens: Ticket, Audio Guide, & Bus from Paris

If you want the convenience of bus transportation to and from Paris but prefer audio guides or exploring independently rather than taking a guided tour, then the Versailles Palace & Gardens: Ticket, Audio Guide, & Bus from Paris may be an excellent choice for you. 

You can choose a half-day (with morning or afternoon arrival) or a full day at the Chateau.  For the half-day afternoon tour, your ticket will give you access to the Palace and Gardens, where you can experience a Musical Fountains show or Musical Gardens on days when they take place.  When you choose the full-day excursion, you will also get access to the Grand and Petit Trianons, as well as to Marie Antoinette's Estate.  All options include an audio guide.

A host will accompany you on the air-conditioned bus from Paris and make sure you get through the skip-the-line entry to the Palace.  From there, you can spend your time discovering all the exciting wonders of this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site.

More about Visiting the Palace of Versailles

• Top Things to See & Do at the Palace of Versailles - Plus visitor tips
• Best Ways to Get from Paris to Versailles Palace
• Best Hotels & Apartments near the Palace of Versailles

4.  From Paris: Day Trip to Giverny & Versailles

To visit both Claude Monet's home and gardens at Giverny as well as the Palace of Versailles in one day from Paris, this small group Giverny & Versailles Guided Day Trip makes that easy to do, thanks to the included transportation on a comfortable air-conditioned coach.

You'll tour Giverny at your own pace with a self-guided audio app.  After a quick lunch break, you'll head to Versailles where you'll have a guided tour of the Palace's most famous rooms, and then explore the beautiful gardens on your own.

The Giverny portion of the tour includes a ticket to Monet's house and gardens.  At Versailles, your ticket also admits you to the Palace and Gardens. 

Best Skip-the-Line Guided Tours of the Palace of Versailles

For these tours, you'll take the train on your own from Paris to Versailles, and then meet your guide after you exit the station.  Together, you'll walk to the Chateau and because you're with a guide, you get the benefit of entering quickly through the guided tour-only gate. 

5.  Versailles Palace: Skip-the-Line Guided Tour 

The Versailles Palace: Skip-the-Line Guided Tour is perfect if you want to explore the spectacular Palace with an expert and learn a bit about Louis XIV (the "Sun King"), Marie Antoinette, and the leading members of the French monarchy who once lived here. 

After you meet your guide and go into the Palace through the priority entrance, your guide will introduce you to this architectural masterpiece.  Then, as you explore the most important rooms, such as the elaborate King's and Queen's Royal Apartments and the magnificent Hall of Mirrors, your guide will point out treasures you might not see on your own. 

When you book:  You can choose to do this tour with a group or as a private experience.

After your tour, you can continue exploring the Palace on your own, but please note: this tour does not include access to the Gardens.  If you want to also tour the sumptuous Gardens, with or without a guide, during the period when the Musical Garden and Musical Fountains shows take place, you'll need a ticket - so check out the following option below!

6. Versailles Palace & Gardens: Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Like the previous tour, the Versailles Palace & Gardens Skip-the-Line Guided Tour includes fast entry to the Palace through the priority gate used by tour guides.  You also get a fascinating guided tour of the Palace's most important rooms and can choose between a group and a private experience.

But here's the difference:  This offer also includes a ticket to the statue-filled Royal Gardens (on days when they're not free) where you can see beautiful flowers and ornate fountains.  Your ticket to the Gardens also includes Musical Fountains or Musical Gardens, depending on the day.

When you book your ticket, you can include a guided tour of the Gardens - or choose just to get an entry ticket and explore on your own.

When Can You Enter Versailles' Royal Gardens for Free? 

Currently, free entry days include Wednesdays during September and October, and every day from November through March. 

What happens on the other days?   Musical Fountains shows take place on Saturdays and Sundays from late May through October and on Bastille Day (July 14).  Musical Gardens take place on Tuesdays through Fridays during July and August, and on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays during September and October.

When you choose a tour ticket that includes admission to the Gardens on a day when Musical Fountains or Musical Gardens take place, you get to experience these special events.

Best Guided Bike Tours of Versailles

Versailles's mostly flat terrain and expansive grounds makes this the perfect location for bike tours. 

7.  Versailles Bike Tour with Palace & Queen's Farm Entrance

On the Versailles Bike Tour with Palace & Queen's Farm Entrance,  you'll meet up with your guide and the rest of your tour group in Paris and take the train together to Versailles. 

Once there, you'll visit the traditional farmers' market to pick up cheese, fruits, and charcuterie for a picnic lunch later in the day by the Grand Canal.

After a quick stop to pick up your bike (plus rain ponchos, just in case!), you're off to cycle around the Chateau's landscaped parklands and sumptuous gardens.   With over 2,000 acres, the place is enormous - so you'll appreciate having both a guide and a bike! 

Your guide will also take you to see the smaller palaces of the Grand and Petit Trianons as well as Marie-Antoinette's Hameau, her rustic village, and her farm.  Meanwhile, your guide will share lots of information about the incredible places you're seeing as well as the colorful French kings and queens who once lived there.

Finally, you'll visit the Palace of Versailles with the skip-the-line entry ticket included as part of your tour.  This portion of the trip is on your own, so you can use the included audio guide and explore the Hall of Mirrors and other opulent rooms at your own pace before heading back to Paris on the train.

8.  Paris: Versailles Sunset Bike Tour with Fireworks Show (& After-Hours Palace Entrance!)

The seasonal (late spring through early fall) Paris: Versailles Sunset Bike Tour with Fireworks Show  gives you three phenomenal experiences:

1. The spectacular evening Fountains Show in Versailles' Royal Gardens

2. Exclusive after-hours admission to the Palace where you'll see costumed performers and musicians as they sing, dance, and play musical instruments as you explore the Royal Chambers and other famous rooms without encountering crowds of other visitors.

3.  An unforgettable fireworks display over the Grand Canal.

In addition, you'll have plenty of time to ride your bike around the Estate with your guide and see the famous gardens, the Petit Trianon and Grand Trianon, and Marie-Antoinette's Hamlet.  You'll even enjoy a picnic dinner.

Similar to the previous daytime tour by bike, you'll meet your guide in central Paris and go together to Versailles on the train.  Once you reach Versailles and pick up your bike, you'll head to the market square to pick up food for a picnic dinner.

Once you reach the Palace grounds, you'll explore the estate, with stops at Marie-Antoinette's Hameau, the Petit and Grand Trianons, and finally the Grand Canal, where you'll enjoy your picnic dinner. 

Finally, you'll get after-hours entrance to the Palace and Gardens, where the magical evening entertainment unfolds.

After the fireworks, you'll return to Paris by train where your tour ends.

Want to bike from Paris to Versailles?  Find out how

Best Combo Tours of Versailles + Giverny or Fontainbleau

When your schedule allows time for only one day trip from Paris, these guided tours from Paris let you experience Versailles and Giverny or Versailles and Fontainbleau in a single day. 

9. Versailles & Giverny Day Tour with Lunch at Moulin de Fourges

Giverny & Versailles Day Tour with Lunch - Medium (14 or less) group tour in a minibus. 

When you arrive at Giverny, you'll explore Impressionist artist Claude Monet's home, gardens, and the ponds where water lilies inspired his most famous paintings.

After enjoying a delicious 3-course lunch with wine at Moulin de Fourges, a restaurant in a delightful old mill house by a scenic river about 5 miles from Giverny, you'll head to Versailles, where an art historian will lead you on a guided tour of the most famous rooms including the Hall of Mirrors.  Headsets will be provided to enable you to hear the guide. 

This tour also includes access to Versailles' magnificent gardens,  which means you'll get to see the Fountain Show or Musical Gardens on the days when they're available.

Please note: the private option mentioned in the "Includes" section of online description appears to not be available at the current time.

10.  Versailles Palace & Château de Fontainebleau

Fontainebleau, like Versailles, is a magnificent palace which grew from a modest medieval hunting lodge.  The Palace overlooks a large lake and spectacular gardens including the largest formal garden in Europe.  It has served as a residence for numerous French rulers including 34 kings and two emperors from the 12th through the 19th century. 

The best way to see both Versailles and Fontainebleau in a single day is to sign up for a Chateau de Fontainbleau & Chateau de Versailles Private Tour.

Your driver/guide will pick you up at your hotel, will first take you to the Chateau de Fontainebleau for a private tour of the magnificent palace, where you'll also see Napoleon's Throne.  

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• Where to Stay near the Palace of Versailles
• Paris Museum Pass - How much money and time can you save with it?
• Skip the Line Tickets - Where to get them
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Happening in Paris

January in Paris

• The famous Paris winter sales, concerts, new museum exhibits

February in Paris

• Valentine's Day, Chinese New Year Parades

March in Paris

• Mardi Gras, Fountain Shows at Versailles, French Open

April in Paris

• Paris Marathon, Easter concerts, spring flowers

May in Paris

• Mother's Day, jazz festival, concerts

June in Paris

• Summer sales, Pride week, music fests, air show

July in Paris

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August in Paris

• Free concerts & movies, Rock En Seine

September in Paris

• European Heritage Days, Fashion Week

October in Paris

• Wine festival, Halloween, Motor Show

November in Paris

• Armistice Day, Salon du Chocolat

December in Paris

• Christmas, New Year's Eve

Hanukkuh in Paris

• Menorah lightings 

Christmas in Paris

• Holiday celebrations & decorations

Christmas Markets

• Gifts, holiday food, mulled wine, and Santa

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The Palace of Versailles: A Complete Visitor’s Guide

The Palace of Versailles. A decadent symbol of royal power and influence that, to this day, still wows visitors. It’s one of the most-visited attractions in Paris . The Palace offers an incredible insight into French history, illuminating the lavish and ostentatious lives the former monarchs used to live.

Over 10 million people visit this extravagant palace each year. After the Eiffel Tower, it’s the most popular attraction in the country. It is the symbol of France and this detailed visitor’s guide will help you avoid the crowds, learn what to see, do, and how to maximize your visit!

It’s one of my favorite spots in Paris so I want to make sure you have the best time and avoid all those tour groups who clutter the palace.

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Versailles, including when to go, history, tips for visiting Versailles, and more!

Table of Contents

History of The Palace of Versailles

How to visit the palace of versailles, travel tips for the palace of versailles, how to get to the palace from paris, f.a.q. about the palace of versailles, get your in-depth budget guide to paris.

The tiny hunting lodge was initially transformed into a proper chateau by Louis XIII, who bought up the surrounding land to extend his park and gardens. However, it was Louis XIV, aka the Sun King who turned this into lavish country estate as a way to escape Paris and diminish the influential grip of the French nobility. He moved the court to Versailles, which forced the nobility to spend more time away from their homes, thereby lessening their ability to establish regional power that could challenge him. (Plus, partying nobles are less likely to revolt against you!)

The first major construction was started in 1661 and took almost twenty years to complete. The expansive construction and intricate interior designs were expanded upon over subsequent decades (the gardens alone took over 40 years to complete!).  

To help you get the most out of your visit to the Palace of Versailles, here’s a video of one of my first experiences in which I walk you through the rooms of the palace:

Tickets for Versailles “The Passport” ticket gives you admission to all the palace tours (grounds, Trianon Palaces, and Marie Antoinette’s estate), the Musical Fountain Show, the Musical Gardens, and the exhibitions and costs 32 EUR. If you just want to see the Palace, tickets are 21 EUR.

The palace is located at Place d’Armes, Versailles. It is open Tuesday–Sunday 9am–6:30pm, with the last entry at 6pm. It’s closed Monday and also on May 1st.

While you can definitely arrange a visit from Paris yourself, you can also book a guided tour . It makes visiting a breeze (and you’ll learn a ton too!).

Lines are incredibly long, so pre-purchase tickets in advance online. Keep in mind a museum pass will NOT let you skip the security line (everyone must wait in the security, though pass holders may have access to a shorter security line).

There are several different areas of the palace and grounds you’ll want to visit during your trip:

• The Gardens – the gardens of the palace are gorgeous and cover a huge tract of land. There are also plenty of sculptures and fountains to admire as well.
• The Main Palace – This is where you’ll spend most of your time (plan for at least 2-3 hours) as there are over 2,300 rooms in the palace itself. Some of the more famous rooms are the Hall of Mirrors, Marie-Antoinette’s bedrooms, and the King’s Apartments and Royal Bedchamber.
• Trianon Estate – These buildings are much less crowded than the main palace though equally as stunning. If you have an entire day, be sure to spend time exploring the Grand and Petit Trianon.
• The Queen’s Hamlet – This rustic getaway was built for Marie Antoinette in 1783 as a place where she could escape palace life and enjoy some private time with her closest friends.

Since this is one of the most popular tourist sites in the country, you’ll need some tips to help you make the most of your visit. These tips will help you save money, beat the crowds, and have a memorable visit:

1. Book online – To ensure there is space, book your ticket in advance online. It will save you some time on arrival. You can book tickets here . The Passport ticket is the best option.

2. Get there early – Around 10 million people visit the palace every year (an average of over 27,000 people per day). Expect lots of tour buses and queues. These buses come early so you need to get there before them right when the palace opens.

3. Or get there late – If you can’t get there early, get there at the end of the day when the crowds have died down and the tour groups have left. Just never go in the middle of the day. The crowds are huge!

4. Avoid the weekends – It’s so busy here on the weekends that the palace is too crowded to even enjoy. Stick to the weekdays.

5. Buy a Paris Museum Pass – While it won’t let you skip the security line, it will give you priority access once you’re inside. You can get yours here .

6. Get free admission – Admission to The Gardens is free during the low season (November-March) and it’s also free when there are no Musical Fountains Shows and Musical Gardens going on. On the first Sunday of every month from November to March, the entire estate is free (including the Palace).

7. Don’t eat at the palace – There are some restaurants in the palace but they are expensive. They also have long lines. Eat elsewhere to save your time and money. (If you do eat here, plan to wait in line.)

8. Don’t follow the crowd – Most people see the Palace first then the gardens then Marie-Antoinette’s Estate. Go in reverse order to avoid the biggest crowds.

9. Get a guide – If you really want to take a deep dive into the palace, take a guided tour. Guided tours cover specific areas of the palace, many of which are off-limits otherwise. The Private Apartments of the King’s was a 90-minute tour and is an additional 10 EUR. It covers a lot of rooms not seen by the public. I highly recommend it.

For a skip-the-line tour of the Palace, book here . It’s worth the price and you’ll learn way more than if you just go solo.

10. Download an audio guide – You can get a free audio guide at the palace, or download their free app . You can also get Rick Steve’s audio guide , as it is free and has a lot more detail (and more corny jokes!).

11. Enter for free – Free admission is available to anyone under 18 as well as EU residents under 26. Additionally, persons with disabilities (and one person accompanying them) will also qualify for free admission — just be sure to bring proper ID if you qualify.

12. Check the weather – If you plan to explore the Gardens, dress accordingly. That might mean a hat and sunblock, or a rain coat and umbrella. Either way, plan ahead and be prepared!  

• RER Line C to Versailles Château – Rive Gauche, followed by a 10-minute walk to the Palace.
• SNCF train from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers, followed by a 20-minute walk to the Palace.
• SNCF train from Gare Saint Lazare to Versailles Rive Droite, followed by a 20-minute walk to the Palace.

How much are tickets? Tickets are 32 EU per person. This is for “The Passport” ticket, which will give you access to the palace tours (for the grounds, Trianon Palaces, and Marie Antoinette’s estate), as well as access to the Musical Fountain Show, the Musical Gardens, and any ongoing exhibitions. It’s the best value ticket, especially if you want to see everything.

If you just want to see the Palace, tickets are 21 EUR.

Where is the Palace of Versailles located? The Palace of Versailles is located at Place d’Armes, Versailles. It’s about an hour from Paris by car or by train.

When is the best time to visit the Palace of Versailles? The summer offers the best weather, though you’ll also face bigger crowds. Consider visiting in the shoulder season (late spring/early fall) as you’ll get decent weather with significantly fewer crowds. Weekends are also busy so try visiting during the week.

How much time do you need at Versailles? Before you can decide how long to spend at Versailles, you’ll need to consider some things. Are you a die-hard history buff? Are you going to have a guide or audio guide? Do you plan on seeing the garden too?

If you are just going to see the main highlights and aren’t a huge history buff, I’d plan for two-three hours. If you want to really soak the place in, plan for a half-day trip. And if you want to enjoy everything, see the Garden, and not rush, plan for a full day.

Is the Palace of Versailles worth visiting? The Palace of Versailles is definitely worth visiting! While it will require some planning, you’ll learn a lot about French history and see one of the most incredible buildings in the world. No visit to Paris would be complete without seeing the Palace of Versailles with your own eyes!

The Palace of Versailles is one of my favorite things to visit in Paris . I’ve been five or six times now and never get tired of seeing it. Thanks to an increasing number of tour groups, it’s a lot more crowded than it used to be, but there are still ways to enjoy it and take in the opulence, history, and beauty of the palace and surrounding gardens.

This place is truly gigantic and should not be rushed. Be sure to visit the secondary palaces too as they are just as beautiful and have a lot fewer crowds! Don’t miss this place!

For more in-depth information, check out my guidebook to Paris written for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Paris. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on- and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, transportation and safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today!

Book Your Trip to Paris: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. My favorite places to stay are:

• St. Christopher’s Canal
• 3 Ducks Hostel

If you’re looking for more places to stay, here for my favorite hostels in Paris . If you’re wondering what part of town to stay in, here’s my neighborhood breakdown of the city !

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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9 Best Versailles Tours from Paris for a Journey into French History

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Wandering the regal halls of the Palace of Versailles is often cited as one of the best things to do in Paris , keeping history lovers, art buffs and sightseeing enthusiasts entertained.

From the extravagant Hall of Mirrors to the Queen’s Hamlet and elaborate palatial gardens, the royal residence is one of the most beloved jewels of Paris , allowing a peek behind the curtain into the privileges, and responsibilities of the kings and queens of France.

Uncover the essence of Versailles with our top 3 picks, including the most highly-rated excursion, a delightful bike tour option, and the ultimate private exploration. Or scroll down to see our entire list of the best Versailles tours from Paris .

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

• Versailles tours from Paris

1 – Palace of Versailles Skip-the-Line Guided Tour with Transfers

Rating: ⭐️ 4.4/5 ( 2564 reviews )

“Everything and everyone was on Time!!! It was exactly as you described in the Page. I highly recommend your services!” Karla, Headout

Encouraging your education and enjoyment of the “City of Lights,” this Versailles tour from Paris transports you on a journey back to the 17th century when the now UNESCO-listed landmark was erected.

You’ll discover the grand Baroque interior of the palace, including its Hall of Mirrors, which was designed to showcase the strength and power of King Louis XIV — also referred to as Louis the Great.

As well as this opulent room, you’ll also explore some of the 60,000 artworks covering the history of France and the surrounding palatial gardens, which serve as a creative masterpiece, brought to life by the respected landscape architect, André Le Nôtre.

This Versailles tour from Paris perfectly combines everything you need for your experience into one neat package. The transportation is arranged efficiently and the guides are both friendly and expertly educated on the former royal residence.

Read more: Versailles Palace Tickets Price

2 – Bike Tour with Market, Gardens & Guided Palace Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 570 reviews )

“This was my favorite experience during my entire trip to Paris! Clara was the most wonderful tour guide…she made everything interesting and fun! I would absolutely recommend this tour to anyone and everyone!” Jason, Viator

If you wish to experience the area surrounding Paris up close, you may instead consider choosing this cycling experience, operated by Boutique Bike Tours .

Leaving the hustle and bustle of the city center behind, you’ll enjoy a high-speed train journey to the historic town of Versailles where you’ll mount a bicycle to explore the area, including its esteemed farmers market filled with residents showcasing a vibrant display of locally-grown produce.

Alongside the main palace, you’ll also visit the Queen’s Hamlet — built for Marie Antoinette in the second half of the 18th century — before ending your experience with a gourmet picnic overlooking the magnificent site.

• Check offer

While you may not be able to count on the weather for this tour, you can certainly count on the attention of the fantastic group of guides who run this experience.

You’ll discover local cuisine, which can be devoured while gazing upon one of the most spectacular architectural landmarks of the 17th century, discover the sheer magnitude of the palace and enjoy a leisurely cycle, all while accompanied by a welcoming and fun local.

Read more: Versailles Tours – Which One is Best?

3 – Private Half-Day Trip with Macarons

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 57 reviews )

“Our Viator tour with Claudio was excellent. We learned so much and he really brought the chateau experience to life!” Natasha, Viator

Enjoy the ultimate French experience with this excursion that combines the artistic and historic wonders of the Palace of Versailles with the luxury of delicate macarons, which you can feast on decadently throughout the rest of the day.

Provided by Paris to Versailles Private Tours , this trip is ideal for those who wish to enjoy a more personalized experience than can be attained on a group tour. With a private guide, you’ll enjoy chatting one-on-one about the various points of interest you see, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions along the way.

You can tailor this experience to the topics that fascinate you most and after your exploration, you’re bound to enjoy the sweet taste of a pastel-colored macaron.

You’ll benefit from convenient touches on this private tour, including a hotel pickup service, which enables you to relax, put your feet up and enjoy the experience. The guides are attentive to your needs and you’ll feel as though you’ve made a friend as you discuss the most notable events in French history together.

4 – Palace & Gardens: Small-group Guided Tour + Roundtrip

Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 ( 62 reviews )

“Driver was wonderful… informative, engaging, and funny. Transportation was so comfortable. Small group size was ideal. The whole day was amazing! Couldn’t have asked for more.” Britt, Tiqets

Those looking for a more intimate experience can select one of several small-group Versailles tours from Paris. This one, in particular, operated by Paris TRIP , takes care of all transportation, enabling you to simply enjoy sightseeing without worrying over organization details.

You’ll gain priority entrance to the Palace of Versailles and enjoy a guided tour , hosted by a qualified expert. Wander in the footsteps of royalty as you discover the history of several monarchs, including Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, both of whom were beheaded during the French Revolution.

Gain a broad overview of life at the palace as you wander through state apartments, chapels, gardens and grand halls, all while listening to an entertaining commentary.

From royalty to architectural styles, you’ll gain a wide array of knowledge surrounding French history by embarking on this Palace of Versailles tour from Paris. If you wish to experience the site at its most serene, choose the early morning tour to beat the crowds.

5 – Versailles Palace and Trianon Guided Day Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4/5 ( 161 reviews )

“This was the most incredible tour I have ever been on. Our guide Claire was funny, informative and an absolute delight to spend the day with. I have wanted to go to Versailles for years and she absolutely made in a memorable experience.” Shelley, Viator

One of the best Versailles tours from Paris is hosted by Paris City Vision and covers numerous landmarks, arming travelers with a plethora of insider knowledge on the French monarchy.

Alongside popular features of the Palace of Versailles, such as the Hall of Mirrors, you’ll also have the opportunity to discover the Gallery of Battles, which depicts almost 1,500 years of the country’s military victories, including the Battle of Tolbiac and the Battle of Wagram.

Stroll through the tranquil gardens at your leisure before reassembling with your group to explore the Trianon estate , which served as a refuge for the kings and queens of France away from their royal duties, as well as the Queen’s Hamlet where you’ll dive into the history of Marie Antoinette.

The perfect option for those who wish to combine a guided experience with independent exploration. The palace complex is enormous and those who choose a tour that lasts all day, like this one, should have a moderate level of fitness to enjoy the experience fully.

6 – Versailles Palace & Giverny Monet House Guided Visit with Lunch

Rating: ⭐️ 4/5 ( 1715 reviews )

“The gardens at Monet’s house were stunning. The place for lunch was charming and the lunch and wine were great! (…) Versailles was spectacular. It was a very fun day!” Carol, Viator

Those whose interests lie in the artistic endeavors of France can combine the Palace of Versailles’ colossal collection of paintings with the garden that served as a source of inspiration for the 19th-century impressionist mastermind, Claude Monet.

You’ll visit the home of the esteemed painter and the peaceful haven he created in his own backyard, which art lovers may recognize from the artists’ “Nymphéas” series.

After wandering these famed gardens, you’ll travel to the Palace of Versailles where you’ll gain an insight into the extravagant lifestyle of France’s elite through history, learning plenty of fascinating tidbits of information along the way from your Paris City Vision guide.

Those who are short on time to experience Paris can enjoy this fast-paced tour that covers several of the area’s most significant historic landmarks. You’ll pack plenty of sightseeing and information into just one day, ensuring you leave Paris as an expert on its art scene.

7 – Palace and Gardens Tour by Train with Skip-the-Line

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 216 reviews )

“Amazing experience! Our tour guide was great and went at a great pace! We were able to fully enjoy our tour and take pictures.” Angela, Viator

If you’re seeking flexibility, one of the best options for exploring the Palace of Versailles is this tour from Memories France , which operates several times per day, ensuring every traveler can experience this lavish landmark.

You’ll enjoy skip-the-line access to the palace, enabling you to spend your precious vacation time exploring instead of queueing, and discovering the rooms that, while luxurious, contributed to Marie Antoinette’s hatred of Versailles.

Those who wish to delve further into the history of the site can upgrade to explore the Trianon, where the Austrian princess-turned-French queen found respite from the routines and expectations of the main palace.

Travelers rave over how well-organized and paced this tour of the Palace of Versailles is. From traveling to the site via train to ambling through some of the palace’s impressive rooms, you’ll always be expertly guided by a lively and passionate individual keen to show you their city.

Read More: Versailles Palace Last Minute Tickets

8 – Morning tour of Versailles Palace and Gardens

Rating: ⭐️ 4.4/5 ( 14 reviews )

“Katherine our tour guide was absolutely phenomenal! She was friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable about everything having to do with Versailles. The bus ride was quick and comfortable, and we found it was just the right amount of time to explore Versailles – highly recommend!” Musement

The early hours of the morning are undoubtedly the best time to explore the Palace of Versailles before an influx of tourists swarms upon the landmark.

With fewer crowds than at other times of day, you’ll be able to take in the details of the paintings that line the walls, the gilded walls of the state apartments and the glistening chandeliers located in the Hall of Mirrors.

This Paris City Vision tour also gives you ample opportunity to stroll through the palace gardens, admiring countless statues, fountains and floral displays.

This excursion is well-planned to ensure you spend the perfect amount of time exploring the Palace of Versailles without tiring. Discovering the palace so early in the day leaves you the afternoon free to embark on a tour of the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre, allowing you to optimize your time in the French capital.

9 – Helicopter Flight over Paris & the Château de Versailles

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 5 reviews )

There are several bucket list moments to experience in Paris. However, there is no adventure more memorable than gliding over the city’s skyline in a helicopter , discovering its many arrondissements from above with Helipass .

Alongside the city center, you’ll also gain a birds-eye view over the Palace of Versailles before landing next to the exquisite landmark where you can admire its architectural details in all their glory.

Then, climb back on board and enjoy an engaging flight back to Paris, passing over the ornate fountains of the Trocadéro and the Montparnasse Tower, which stands alone more than 200 meters above the city streets.

This excursion can only be described as remarkable and is without a doubt one of the best Versailles tours from Paris. Whether you wish to surprise a loved one with a once-in-a-lifetime experience or simply enjoy a view of Paris that other tourists aren’t privy to, you’ll find yourself boasting about your trip as soon as your feet touch down back in Paris.

How to book Versaille tours from Paris?

There are an abundance of companies offering Versailles tours from Paris across several travel websites. However, by using the Tourscanner search engine, you can view all of your options in one place, compare prices and deals, and even choose combination experiences, such as a Paris & Versailles Bundle .

You’ll also be able to read reviews from real travelers, ensuring that you select the tour best suited to your needs.

• compare Versailles tours from Paris

A Day Trip To Versailles: Complete Guide & Visitor Tips

This article is a guest post written by Abigail Dalton.

Are you wondering if you should take a day trip to Versailles? Well, we just visited this incredible place, and it’s definitely somewhere you should be adding to your Paris itinerary. It’s absolutely mind-blowing.

To be honest, a visit to Versailles Palace was not on our agenda, but the opportunity arose, and we decided to make it the last stop on our road trip before heading home. At the start of our trip, we visited Strasbourg and cruised around Alsaces’s wine region , but it never crossed our minds we would be ending the trip at this gorgeous site.

We’ve been to Paris before but didn’t manage to visit and so on this trip, and since it was our last stop in France , we were keen to make the most of our day out at Versailles Palace. And we did, even though it was rainy and windy.

In this article, I’m going to share everything we learned from our day trip to Versailles so you can plan an incredible visit as well.

Abigail is the owner and creator behind I’m Going On An Adventure . She focuses on world travel and outdoor adventure, giving first-hand experiences to help her readers plan their perfect travel and make the best memories.

Is A Day Trip To The Palace Of Versailles Worth It?

Even though we visited in mid-November on a cloudy and windy day, I genuinely enjoyed our day trip to Versailles. It was an attraction I have wanted to visit for a while now, having heard and read some interesting articles and seen many beautiful photos. 

You’ll find its sheer size quite breathtaking, along with the decor and manicured gardens. It was a lovely visit where we were able to explore the palace and gardens and learn about the French aristocracy. It’s certainly a place which would appeal if you’re looking for a blend of history and grandeur. 

I found the palace stunning, rooms like the Hall of Mirrors and the Apartments of Mesdames being my favourites. These are filled with intricate details, and if you get the audio guide (I recommend you do) you’ll learn a great deal about how daily life for these royals was carried out. 

It’s a destination for anyone who has a love for French culture, architecture and royal history.

For us, the vibe was just fantastic, even in early winter . It was still busy within the palace but not too bad, and although the gardens were not at their prettiest, it was nice to walk around and not be swamped by tourists.

It’s a superb choice for a day trip and promises a mix of awe and enjoyment, and since it’s super easy to get from Paris to Versailles, a visit can easily be added to any Paris itinerary.   

Best Day Trips From Paris To Versailles

Although we didn’t visit from Paris, most people enjoy day trips from the capital. It’s possible to book anything from full-day guided tours and skip-the-line tickets to basic entrance. However, it’s important to pre-book your visit, even in low season. ( Check availabilities here )

With this in mind and since we loved our visit, I wanted to highlight the top three Versailles day trips to help you plan whether you’re coming from Paris or not.

• Skip-the-Line-Tour of Palace & Gardens with Transfer from Paris – see prices here
• Versailles Palace & Garden, Full Access – check availabilities
• From Paris: Skip-the-Line Palace & Bike Tour – see booking info
• Versailles Golf Cart Tour with Palace Entry – check availabilities here

About the Versailles Estate

The Versailles Estate, which is generally what people refer to when discussing Versailles, comprises three main sections:

• the Palace of Versailles
• the Gardens
• & the Trianon Estate

Its history is marked by significant events over the centuries. For instance, the Hall of Mirrors witnessed the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, formally concluding World War I – an interesting fact we discovered during our visit.

It’s facts like these we absolutely love learning about, and Versailles is full of them.

The palace, initially a hunting lodge constructed in 1624, underwent a transformation in 1661 under Louis XIV, reflecting the absolute power of the French monarchy.  I previously mentioned its size, but its opulence is also breathtaking…it’s no wonder the French revolted.

Architect Louis Le Vau, landscape architect Andre Le Notre, and painter-decorator Charles Le Brun collaborated to bring Louis XIV’s vision to life, completing the palace in 1682.

The 18th century witnessed expansions, including the Petit Trianon (residence of Marie Antoinette) and the Queen’s Hamlet. Yet, it also experienced turbulent times with the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789. The royal family left Versailles, and the palace underwent various repurposing.

Today, Versailles holds UNESCO World Heritage status , attracting visitors globally. Its rich history, from royal decadence to revolutionary upheavals, adds a layer of intrigue to an iconic site.

Overview: A Day Trip To Versailles Palace

Time you should plan for your visit: 6 Hours

Cost: Passport €21.50 (recommended entrance-only ticket option, book here ) + Audio Guide €5

Overall, you can expect to find a lavish and well-kept royal palace turned museum with grand formal gardens. Inside, you’ll wander through rooms filled with centuries-old furniture, stone statues, paintings, intricate objects and historic artefacts. 

Throughout the estate, there are information plaques providing details and usage of each chamber. Whether it be the royal apartments or galleries showcasing the history of the palace. 

When planning your day trip to Versailles, you’ll need to consider a few things. 

• Ensure you allocate enough time to explore the grounds, given the vastness of both the palace and the gardens. We spent a full day walking around. 
• With that said, remember to wear comfortable walking shoes as you’ll be covering a significant amount of ground. (You can book a Golf Cart Tour here )
• Take a look at the timetable for special events like the Musical Fountains Show or Musical Gardens to have the best experience. 
• Consider grabbing a guidebook or selecting an audio guide to get a better understanding of the history that Versailles presents.
• Don’t forget to pick up a map at the entrance!

Dates and Opening Times

• The Palace and the Estate of Trianon are open every day except on Mondays. 
• The Palace opens from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (6:30 pm during high season)
• The Estate of Trianon opens from 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm. (6:30 pm during high season)
• The Gardens are open daily from 8.00 am – 6.00 pm – (8:30 pm in high season)

High season runs from 1st of April to 31st of October, Low season from 1st of November to 31st of March.

#1 Visit The Palace Of Versailles

The Palace has two accessible levels and although not all areas are open to the public, there is enough on-show to keep you busy for a few hours. Especially if you like to absorb all the information. 

For us, we spent just over two hours inside the Palace . We do enjoy our history and purchased the audio guide, but I will say that towards the end it does become rather repetitive. We are also not huge fans of art, and so moved quicker through the galleries.

There is a route to follow, colour-coded and easy to navigate . I recommend following this route. 

You will start on the ground level in the Dauphin’s Apartment (green) before entering the Gallery of the History of the Palace (purple).

On the second level, you will start at Louis XIV Rooms (orange) before moving on to the Hall of Mirrors (red) and finally, the Gallery of Battles (blue). There are a few other rooms within these sections as well.

I enjoyed the Dauphin’s Apartments, the Apartments of Mesdames and the Hall of Mirrors the most. By the end, we were ready to explore the gardens and get some fresh air.

#2 Explore The Gardens of Versailles

Note: the gardens are free of charge from November to March

The gardens and groves are wonderfully manicured and even in winter were lovely to walk around. 

The Gardens of Versailles are incredibly vast! We didn’t walk around their entirety, as it would take hours, if not days. However, there is a route through them, passing the Grand Canal, to the estate of Trianon.

Most visitors will follow this route however I urge you to explore further, especially around the groves as there are many hidden fountains.

The largest is Neptune Fountain which has fountain shows during the summer alongside the Mirror Pool, Apollo’s Fountain, and Latona’s Fountain among others.

#3 Discover The Estate Of Trianon

The Estate of Trianon is a separate estate which was used as Louis XIV’s retreat to escape the pomp of court . There are three buildings located inside: the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet.

The whole estate is much more modest in comparison to the palace. Although the Grand Trianon still showcases a pink-marble facade. It served as the meeting place for Louis XIV and his lover Madame de Montespan. 

The Petit Trianon which was later inhabited by Marie Antoinette exudes a more intimate charm. It’s surrounded by English-style gardens, which you can wander around to reach the Queen’s Hamlet.

A surprise for us – it resembles more rustic farmhouse buildings than those fit for royalty.  

The estate therefore offers a glimpse into the private lives of royalty, surrounded by lovely gardens and picturesque lakes.

How To Get To Versailles?

There are many ways of getting to the Palace of Versailles, whether you’re coming from Paris or from another direction.

However, for the purpose of this article, I’m going to discuss getting to the Palace of Versailles from Paris. It’s possible to reach Versailles by train, car, and bus, or you can choose a guided tour. 

If you’re wondering how far the Palace of Versailles is from Paris, it’s between 20 min and 1h hours (by train). However, this can differ depending on where you depart from in Paris. 

#1 Join a Guided Tour

One of the best ways to take a day trip to Versailles is on a guided tour. Booking a tour gives you an easy and informative journey with a knowledgeable guide who will be able to provide historical insights while you explore. Personally, I enjoy these tours when I want a stress-free option.

It’s possible to arrange a guided tour from Paris which will include transport and expenses, or there are options to join tours at the Palace if you’re already in Versailles.

• From Paris: Transfer to Versailles with Skip the Line Tour & Garden Access ( book here )
• From Versailles: Skip the Line Tour of Palace and Garden Acess ( book her e )
• Time Saver: Combine Versailles with the Gardens in Giverny – More Info here

#2 Take the Train from Paris to Versailles

The most popular way to reach Versailles if you choose not to join a tour is to hop on the train. From Paris, it will take about 40 minutes. At most, it will take you 1.5 hours to reach Versailles, depending on where you are traveling from in Paris.

It’s quick and convenient, and that’s why day trips to Versailles from Paris are super popular!

You have three options travelling to Versailles by train: 

• The RER C train line (stops e.g., at the Eiffel Tower, St. Michel and Musée d’Orsay)
• The train line L (starting at Saint Lazare)
• The train line N (starting in the south of Paris at Montparnasse)

You can expect to pay around €7 – 10€ for a round trip. 

#3 Take the bus to Versailles

If you prefer a more scenic route then jumping on a bus might be a good option for you, although it’s not the fastest route. It does, however, provide a relaxed journey, allowing you to enjoy the surroundings and get a glimpse of suburban life outside Paris.

There are regular buses between Paris and Versailles. The most popular starting point is from the Pont de Sèvres bus stop in Paris — RATP bus line 171 which runs every 15–20 minutes — to the Place d’Armes Versailles bus stop and costs €4. 

#4 Drive to Paris in your Car

The fastest road connection between Paris and Versailles is via the N118 and the A86. Departing from the heart of Paris, travel west along the Seine using the D910 until reaching Pont de Sevres. Cross the bridge and stay to the left to proceed onto N118, before continuing on A86.

Simply follow the indicated signage, and in less than 40 minutes, you’ll arrive at the Palace of Versailles. Just be aware the traveling time can vary depending on rush hours.

#5 Take a Taxi (Uber)

If you are in a group and plan to travel to Versailles for around €60 you can book a taxi to get you there in 40 minutes!

Best Tips On Visiting Versailles

• Grab Your Tickets Early: It’s important to purchase your Versailles tickets in advance if you’re not visiting on a guided tour – the easiest way to book your ticket is here
• Time it Right: Mornings and weekdays are your best bet to avoid the crowds, although it’s busy throughout the year, winter is quieter. Make sure you check the website and official schedule for opening times.
• Garden Adventures: It’s not only the palace which is stunning, you’ll love exploring the Gardens of Versailles as well. Set aside a couple of hours to wander around the groves and fountains and if you visit in Summer, there are Fountain Shows and Musical Garden events.
• Joyride in a Golf Cart: We didn’t do it, but for €42 for the hour you can rent a golf cart and ride around the estate. It looked like a fun way to visit the Trianon Estate and discover more of the Gardens within the royal estate.
• Comfy Shoes are Key: Versailles is a walking attraction where you’ll be on your feet for most of the day, so it’s super important to wear comfy shoes.
• Check for Special Events: Before you book your day trip to Versailles, suss out any exhibitions or events. Temporary exhibits often reveal hidden gems of history or art.
• Take a Packed Lunch: If you’re looking to save a few bucks, then consider taking snacks with you. Most of the restaurants within the estate are rather pricey, although there are a few affordable options.

Where To Eat In Versailles

Since you’ll be spending most of the day at Versailles you’ll be happy to know that there are loads of places to eat within the grounds. Below are a handful of popular restaurants to help you plan your day trip (but there are more!).

Picnic – Free

You can bring your own food and enjoy a picnic in the park. The gardens are open every day from 8:00 am to 8:30 pm in the high season (April to October) and 8:00 am to 6:00 pm in the low season (November to March).

Tip: The Marché Notre Dame in Versailles is a lovely place to stock up on food for your picnic. The market halls are open Tuesday to Sunday. The outside market is open Tuesday, Friday and Sunday mornings.

Restaurant Angelina – Expensive

The restaurant Angelina is located at the end of the palace tour/route on the first floor. It was busy when we passed with a long queue already forming. 

It’s a tearoom which offers sweet and savoury dishes and is open from Tuesday to Friday, 10 am to 5.30 pm in high season (April to October) and 9:30 am to 5 pm in low season (November to March). Saturday to Sunday, 10 am to 6.30 pm, closed on 1 May, 25 December and 1 January.

La Girandole – Mid-Range

In the heart of the Gardens, La Gironde looked like a nice place for breakfast, lunch, or a snack. It has a terrace overlooking the grounds as well, if you visit on a sunny day and want a delightful view. 

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm, and closed on Monday. (Annual closure from 8 to 28 January 2024).

Le Dauphin – Budget

In the middle of the Groves, we stopped here for a coffee and to rest our tired feet. Le Daupin is a small café in between the Palace and the Estate of Trianon and great for grabbing a sweet or savoury snack and a warm drink. 

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. Closed on Monday. 

La Petite Venise – Expensive 

Tip: Book your table with The Fork and save €10 when signing up with the code 83FDC2B7

For Italian cuisine in a rustic setting, you can enjoy a lounge area and shaded terrace perfect for warm sunny days. It’s between Apollo’s Fountain and the Grand Canal.

Open every day from 11.45 am to 6 pm (closed at 5 pm from November to March).

In Summary: A Day Trip To Versailles Palace

I like to finish with a few final thoughts about our trip to Versailles, the parts we enjoyed the most and those we didn’t enjoy as much. However, overall, I think a day trip to Versailles is a superb idea – it’s a lovely attraction with a lot of history and educational elements. 

The sections we weren’t as keen on as others include the galleries and the Estate of Trianon. But, this is just personnel preference as the galleries, for example, would be stirring for anyone who enjoyed art.

As for the Estate of Trianon, I think had we visited in Spring/Summer it would have been more impressive, but the buildings lacked the same pizazz the Palace exudes and looked rather windswept.

That said, we did enjoy strolling around the grounds spotting mushrooms! And, as for the Queen’s Hamlet, it was a wonderful little rustic area. 

The Gardens and Groves as a whole we loved. The trees were still changing colours so we had some lovely yellow and orange foliage to enjoy, but most of the statues had already been covered up in preparation for winter.

With this in mind, we would like to return in summer, if only to stroll around the gardens again.

The Palace was very impressive and well-organized. I enjoyed my visit, and therefore would recommend a day trip to Versailles to anyone visiting Paris or the surrounding area as a must-do activity. 

You might also like these articles :

• 22 memorable day trips from Paris by Train
• A Day trip to Reims from Paris: Champagne & History
• Monet’s Garden – visit Giverny from Paris (2024)

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Versailles guided tours | Best of guided tours so you miss nothing

Things to do in Paris Paris Attractions Landmarks in Paris Palace of Versailles Palace of Versailles Tours

A magnificent palace built by king Louis XIV, the Palace of Versailles is perhaps the most extravagant symbol of royalty in the whole of Europe. About an hour away from the heart of Paris, it sees more than 10 million visitors every year. Widely considered to be one of the most popular attractions of Europe, it mesmerises visitors with its decadent architecture, extensive gardens and whimsical fountains. A powerful symbol of the French Monarchy, it also offers a glimpse into the world of powerful kings and queens. Whether it is strolling through the passages that was once frequented by Queen Marie Antoinette or witnessing the Hall of Mirrors where many a courtier attended extravagant balls, the Palace of Versailles is sure to mesmerise you with its other-worldly charm.

Not sure how to go about choosing the right Palace of Versailles guided tour? Allow us to help:

Advantages of a Versailles Guided Tour

Skip the long lines.

Though a skip the line tour of Versailles Palace is not absolutely necessary, it could save you a significant amount of time. The lines to enter the palace can be quite long, especially during peak tourist season. With a skip the line tour, you'll be able to walk right up to the front of the line and enter the palace without having to wait.

Expert guidance

Guided tours of the Palace of Versailles are a great way to learn about the history and architecture of this iconic French landmark. Your tour guide will take you through the main rooms of the palace, pointing out important features and sharing stories about its past. You'll also get to explore the beautiful gardens that surround the palace grounds.

Travel Luxuriously

Travel to the extraordinary Palace of Versailles by a top-of-the-line air-conditioned tour bus. You can explore this world-renowned site at your own pace with an expert guide! After your tour of the interiors stroll through the beautiful palace gardens and see an array of fountains, statues, and flower beds.

Travel with small groups

Travel with a group as small as 15 people max, and get an intimate experience of this beautiful palace. Best part of a small group? You get to ask as many questions as you want!

Easy navigation through the palace

The start of any tour at a historic place can be confusing. Where do you start from? Where do you end? Your tour guide will navigate you around the Versailles in the easiest and most effective way possible.

The Best Versailles Guided Tours

Guided tours, combo guided tours.

Skip The Lines at The Versailles Palace

Choosing the best versailles tour, 1 guided tour with priority access.

Skip the long lines and gain priority access to the Versailles Palace with your local expert guide who knows stories and facts lesser known to people!

2 Guided Tour with King's Private Apartments Visit

With Headout, you can get an up-close and intimate look at the life of French Royalty from a time gone by on this tour of the King's Private Apartments. You'll have priority access to the Palace of Versailles without even having to spend a minute waiting in line! Explore the lavishly decorated former living quarters of King Louis XV and XVI with an official Versailles English-speaking guide--areas that are rarely opened to the public.

3 Versailles Gardens Tour Included

Take a trip to the magnificent Palace of Versailles in an air-conditioned coach or with low-cost train tickets from the city center and explore this world heritage site at your leisure with an expert guide! After your visit of the interiors, stroll through the gorgeous palace gardens and admire the numerous fountains, sculptures, and exotic flower beds.

4 Combo with Giverny Gardens Tour

For an all-day, expertly guided tour of two of France's most well-known attractions with lunch included, travel by luxury coach from Paris to Giverny and the Palace of Versailles. While also getting to enjoy the charming and peaceful gardens of Giverny, the home of Claude Monet, take in the magnificent architecture of Louis XIV's favorite castle.

Versailles Tours Deconstructed - A Typical Guided Tour Experience

Hall Of Mirrors

The Hall of Mirrors is one of the most iconic rooms in the Palace of Versailles. It is renowned for its beautiful architecture and spectacular chandeliers. This grand room was used for a variety of purposes, including banquets, balls, and official ceremonies. The Hall of Mirrors is located on the first floor of the Palace of Versailles. It is rectangular in shape and is approximately 73 meters long. The room is lined with a series of windows on one side, and a series of mirrors on the other side. These mirrors reflect the sunlight and create the illusion of a much larger space.

King's State Apartment

The King's State Apartment is the most splendid and opulent room in the Palace Of Versailles. It was used by the king as a throne room, audience chamber and bedchamber. The room is decorated with luxurious furniture, tapestries and paintings. The ceiling is painted with scenes from Greek mythology. The floor is covered with a beautiful Persian carpet. The windows are draped with heavy brocade curtains.

Queen's Apartment

The Queen's Apartment at the Palace of Versailles is a sumptuous space that was fit for a royal. The apartment consisted of several rooms, all of which were lavishly decorated with furniture, art, and other opulent items. The Queens Bedroom was perhaps the most extravagant room in the entire apartment, with its large four-poster bed, carved wood paneling, and gilded mirrors. Other rooms in the apartment included a library, a salon, and a dining room.

The Gardens

The Gardens at the Palace of Versailles are some of the most beautiful and meticulously kept gardens in the world. The gardeners here take great pride in their work and it shows in the immaculate condition of the flowers, bushes, and trees. Visitors can stroll through the gardens and admire the numerous sculptures and fountains that adorn the grounds. The gardens are truly a sight to behold and are a must-see for anyone visiting the Palace of Versailles.

Grand Trianon & Petit Trianon Palaces

The Grand and Petit Trianon Palaces are two of the most iconic buildings in the Palace of Versailles. The Grand Trianon was built by Louis XIV as a retreat from the formality of court life, while the Petit Trianon was built by Louis XV as a private residence for his mistress, Madame de Pompadour. Both palaces are beautiful examples of French architecture and are well worth a visit when visiting the Palace of Versailles.

Le Hameau de la Reine (The Queen's Hamlet)

The Queen's Hamlet is a group of buildings in the Palace of Versailles that were built for Queen Marie Antoinette. The hamlet was built between 1783 and 1786, and was designed to be a private retreat for the queen and her family. The hamlet includes a house, a mill, a dairy, and a mock-village. The buildings are all built in a rustic style, and are surrounded by gardens and parks.

Chapelle Royale

The Chapelle Royale is one of the most iconic buildings in the Palace of Versailles. It was built in the 17th century and is considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture. The Chapelle Royale is home to the Royal Chapel Choir, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious musical ensembles in France. The Chapel is also the final resting place of many French kings and queens, including Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette.

Are Vesailles Tours Worth The Hype?

There's no doubt that a guided tour of the Palace of Versailles is worth your time and money. After all, it's one of the most iconic and significant royal residences in all of Europe. Built in the 17th century for King Louis XIV, the palace served as the seat of power for the French monarchy for centuries. Even today, it remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in France.

With a guided tour, you'll have the opportunity to explore all of the palace's opulent rooms and chambers, including the famous Hall of Mirrors. You'll also learn about the fascinating history of the royal family that once lived there. If you're interested in French history and culture, a guided tour of the Palace of Versailles is definitely worth your while.

Related Read: Palace of Versailles Entrances: Everything You Need To Know About Navigating The 17th Century Royal Residence

Palace of Versailles: Practical Information

Opening hours.

The Palace Tues - Sun from 9AM to 6:30PM (high season) 5:30PM (low season) Last entry to the palace is at 6PM (high season) and 5PM (low season)

Carrosses Gallery (The Royal Stables) Hours Tues - Sun from 12:30PM to 6:30PM Last entry is at 6PM

The Gardens Open every day, between 8.00 AM and 6.00 PM

Getting to the Versailles Palace

• By Bus: 171 of the RATP bus system runs between Pont de Sèvres and the Palace of Versailles. It takes approximately 30 minutes for the journey.
• By Car: Drive along the Autoroute A13 towards Rouen and take Exit 6. You can expect a cab fare of about €70 if you are traveling from Paris to Versailles.
• By RER or SNCF Train: Take the RER line C to Versailles Château - Rive Gauche train station, which is just 10 minutes away from the palace. Take the SNCF train to Versailles Chantiers train station which is 18 minutes away from the palace or to Versailles Rive Droite train station, which is 17 minutes away.

Insider Tips

Here are some handy tips to keep in mind while booking your Madrid Royal Palace tour:

• If you are planning to visit the Palace of Versailles, be there as early as possible. Otherwise, you will waste precious time waiting in line.
• If you don't want to wait in line anyway, buy Skip-The-Line tickets!
• The golden rule for avoiding the crowd is to plan your trip on a weekday.
• To make your visit hassle-free purchase your Versailles ticket well before time.
• It is advisable to invest in a Versailles tour so that you get to make the most of your visit. Moreover, guided tours often include many areas that are off-limits to the public.
• If you want to beat the crowd, consider going in late spring or early fall.
• If you do decide to visit the palace during summers, make sure that you stay on for the fireworks show.
• opt for a nice picnic lunch in the gardens. Despite the crowd, it will be easy for you to find a quiet little spot because of the sheer size of the gardens.
• Leave your luggage at home. Due to security reasons, you won't be allowed with large bags.

Should I buy Palace of Versailles tickets in advance?

Yes, it is always a good idea to buy Palace of Versailles tickets in advance. This will help you save both time and money.

Which Palace of Versailles ticket should I buy?

Headout offers a variety of Palace of Versailles tickets such as skip-the-line tickets, passport entry tickets etc for you to choose from.

Are Palace of Versailles skip-the-line tickets worth it? 

Yes, Palace of Versailles skip-the-line tickets are definitely worth investing in as they help you save a lot of time.

Can I bring my backpack inside the Palace of Versailles?

Due to security reasons, backpacks, metal objects, pointed objects such as umbrellas etc are not allowed inside the Palace of Versailles.

Can I bring food inside the Palace of Versailles?

While you can bring food into the gardens and grounds, you cannot take it into the palace itself.

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Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Perpetually ensconced with a book in her hand and a mug of coffee in the other, she has been to over 15 countries in her 23 years of existence and is currently saving miles and money for her solo trip to Iceland. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them.

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Visiting the Château de Versailles: 10 Top Attractions

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated May 11, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Lisa Alexander spent two years living in Paris after college, enjoys returning to France as often as possible, and most recently visited Versailles in March 2023.

Step into the lavish world of France's ancien régime at the Château de Versailles. You will enter one of Europe's most dazzling castles, created for the most famous of French kings. Louis XIV resided here during his glorious reign, an epoch of absolute monarchy known as Le Grand Siècle .

Louis XIV enlisted the renowned architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart to renovate the château of his father, Louis XIII. The Château de Versailles was transformed into a 2,300-room masterpiece of French Classicism, fitting of the new owner: "the Sun King" (" le Roi Soleil "), as Louis XIV was titled.

This incomparable château set a new standard for royal palaces, and today is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

During the reign of Louis XIV, any man with a sword and woman wearing a fine dress was allowed inside the Château de Versailles. People came to admire the magnificent interior decor and extravagant court ceremonies. Today, casually attired tourists continue to visit for a glimpse of the regal splendor.

Purchase your ticket (preferably ahead of time), wait in line, and voila , like magic, become immersed in the ambience of the 17th and 18th centuries. The ornately decorated reception halls and opulent apartments exude decadence. You start to understand the over-the-top lifestyle that went along with being the king and queen of France.

With your admission ticket to the Château de Versailles, you may visit a limited number of rooms. On a good day, your tour of Versailles might resemble an orderly parade of courtiers through the King's State Apartments. On a bad day (especially during high season), the mass of visitors may seem more like the mobs of the French Revolution. Whatever the crowds, Versailles is a must-see.

The domaine (estate) of the Château de Versailles covers over 800 hectares; this vast parkland is open to the public. Much of the palace may be visited by ticket holders.

It would take several days to cover everything at Versailles. With the Palace Ticket admission, you will see the famous Hall of Mirrors and other state reception rooms. You can also choose additional tickets that allow you to see different areas of the estate, such as the King's Private Apartment or the Domaine de Trianon (where Marie-Antoinette's hamlet is located).

Read our guide to learn more about the Château de Versailles and how to spend your time within this marvelous realm.

1. Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces)

2. king's state apartment (grand appartement du roi), 3. queen's apartment (grand appartement de la reine), 4. king's private apartment (appartement intérieur du roi), 5. the gardens (les jardins), 6. domaine de trianon, 7. le hameau de la reine (the queen's hamlet), 8. chapelle royale, 9. opéra royal, 10. galeries de l'histoire du château, how to make the most of your visit to château de versailles.

As you glide across the parquet floor of the Hall of Mirrors, try to imagine the glamour, intrigue, and opulence of court life at Versailles centuries ago. You are walking through the château's most dazzling room, where courtiers in the finest attire once waited to meet with the king and queen.

It's easy to imagine the magnificent celebrations, such as balls and wedding receptions, which took place in this room during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Look up to admire the glorious frescoed ceiling that is trimmed in gilded moldings and dripping with glittering crystal chandeliers. Peer out the windows to view the perfectly symmetrical landscaping of the formal French garden, and notice the reflection on the ornamental mirrors.

Three hundred mirror segments adorn the walls. At the time, mirrors were a luxury item. The visual effect is stunning.

Architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart created this Baroque gallery between 1678 and 1684. Mansart succeeded in achieving an ambience of grandeur that Louis XIV envisioned.

In the Hall of Mirrors, the German Empire was proclaimed in 1871 and the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919. At one end of the hall is the Salon de Guerre (War Salon) with paintings depicting military victories; at the other is the Salon de Paix (Peace Salon) with a ceiling painting by Charles Le Brun ( Premier Peintre du Roi ) and a portrait of Louis XVI by François Lemoyne.

For a truly memorable experience, attend the Royal Serenade held in the Galerie des Glaces every Saturday evening from mid-June through mid-September. The Royal Serenade recreates the scene of a royal court ball, complete with authentic 17th-century costumes and entertainment performed by Compagnie de Danse l'Éventail dancers and Les Folies Françoises musicians.

The King's State Apartment includes the royal bedchamber and other private rooms that were open to the public for daily ceremonies and official meetings.

The series of seven salons (reception rooms) was known as " L'appartement de parade " ("The parade apartment") because courtiers walked through the rooms every day before going to chapel services.

The salons are named after mythological deities, making a connection between Louis XIV's reign and the history of the Western world.

• Salon d'Hercule features one of the world's largest ceiling paintings, The Apotheosis of Hercules by François Lemoyne, as well as The Meal in the House of Simon , a masterpiece by Veronese given to Louis XIV by the Venetian Republic.
• Salon de l'Abondance is decorated with many precious objects and was where refreshments were served for evening soirees.
• Salon de Vénus shows the original marble and faux marble decor (marble walls, classical columns, and statues) that Louis XIV favored to reflect his power and glory.
• Salon de Diane displays the painting of Diana and Endymion by Gabriel Blanchard and several paintings on the theme of hunting.
• Salon de Mars is celebrated for Charles Le Brun's painting, The Family of Darius before Alexander , created around 1665.
• Salon de Mercure features a renowned ceiling painting, Mercury on His Chariot Drawn by Two Roosters , by Jean-Baptiste de Champaigne.
• Salon d'Apollon boasts a fabulous ceiling painting of Apollo in the Chariot of the Sun by Charles de la Fosse. Over the fireplace is the well-known portrait by Hyacinthe Rigaud of Louis XIV in his coronation attire (a robe featuring fleur-de-lys and trimmed with ermine).

Arranged in the same layout as the King's State Apartment, the Queen's Apartment has a more feminine sensibility. The rooms are flowery and delicate in style. The decor has been preserved since the time of Marie-Antoinette.

The Queen's Apartment has recently reopened after several years of refurbishment work. The decor has been refreshed and returned to its original splendor.

• Chambre de la Reine (Queen's Bedroom): The Queen's Bedroom was created for Queen Maria Theresa (wife of Louis XIV) and updated for Marie-Antoinette. Rococo-style ceiling paintings depict the four virtues of a queen: compassion, generosity, wisdom, and fidelity. The jewelry cabinet to the left of the bed was a gift to Marie-Antoinette from the city of Paris two years before the Revolution.
• Antichambre des Nobles: This salon was Queen Marie Thérèse's antechamber. Marie-Antoinette completely redecorated the room with damask wallpaper, mahogany furniture, and a Bleu Turquin marble fireplace.
• Antichambre du Grand Couvert: In this sumptuous room, the King was served his meals according to strict protocols. The ritual was a sort of public performance in which the Royal Family would take their places at the table and once they were seated, the high-ranking duchesses and princesses were allowed to sit on stools and observe the elaborate meal.
• Salle des Gardes de la Reine (Room of the Queen's Guards): The Queen's corps of 12 bodyguards stayed in this room all day and night, to perform their duty of protecting the Queen. On October 6th of 1789 as rioters were trying to push their way into the Queen's apartment, one of the Queen's guards alerted a lady-in-waiting to Marie-Antoinette. This allowed Marie-Antoinette the time to flee and saved her life.

This suite of rooms provides a glimpse of the private life (including the social events) of the French Royal Family.

Note: This area of the château is accessible only by taking a guided tour. Access to the King's Private Apartment is NOT included in the standard Palace Ticket.

• Chambre de Louis XV (Bedroom of Louis XV): The bedchamber in the King's State Apartment was a place of formal ceremonies, from morning until night. In this smaller bedroom, Louis XV could relax and get away from the ceremonial etiquette of the court. (This room is currently undergoing renovations.)
• Cabinet du Conseil (Council Study): In this room, the king met with his ministers to discuss affairs of state. Décor includes a classical-style bust of Alexander the Great and a bronze statuette of Louis XIV supported by a mantelpiece clock.
• Cabinet d'Angle du Roi (King's Corner Room): This room contains a marquetry-paneled desk crafted for Louis XV by the renowned cabinet-maker Jean-Henri Riesener. The desk features bronze sculptural details and drawers with lock mechanisms to secure Louis XV's important papers. The desk is one of the most valuable pieces of furniture in the world.
• Cabinet de la Pendule (Clock Room): This room features a miniature version of the equestrian statue of Louis XV that stood on the Place de la Concorde before the Revolution and an astronomical clock that was created for Louis XV, who was very interested in astronomy.
• Bibliothèque de Louis XVI (Library of Louis XVI): Famous architect/interior designer Ange-Jacques Gabriel created this Rococo-style room adorned with gilded panels, a round mahogany table, and a rare piece of furniture created by Jean-Henri Riesener. Louis XVI was an extremely avid reader of literature and science books, which explains the impressive size of the library.
• Salle à Manger des Retours de Chasses (After-the-Hunt Dining Room): Louis XV hosted dinners once or twice a week in this gilded room, inviting the lords and ladies who accompanied him on hunts. Many nobles sought this prestigious invitation.
• Salle à Manger des Porcelaines (Porcelain Dining Room): Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette had their meals here, including private dinners and official banquets. At Christmas time, Louis XVI presented gifts of Sèvres porcelain here (explaining the name of the room).

More like a piece of artwork than a scene of nature, these are no ordinary gardens. Perfectly trimmed shrubbery and tidy lawns form geometric patterns, characteristic of French formal gardens. Decorative pools and fountains balance the greenery, while bright flower beds and sculptures add further adornment.

Les Jardins are the masterwork of André Le Nôtre, the renowned landscape designer of the 17th century. Le Nôtre designed some of the most beautiful gardens in France.

Les Jardins makes its first impression with the Parterre d'Eau (Water Parterres), two ornamental pools decorated with fountains and statues. To enhance the garden's visual effect, Le Nôtre landscaped the space in a symmetrical fashion. This allowed for a sweeping view, the Grande Perspective , which stretches from the Parterre d'Eau to the Allée Royale along the garden's east-west axis.

Beyond the Parterres are Les Allées, expansive pathways that invite you to take a stroll. The Allée Royale (Royal Way) is also known as the "Tapis Vert" ("Great Lawn") and leads to the Bassin d'Apollon (Fountain of Apollo), the emblem of Louis XIV. At the center of this fountain is a celebrated statue: Apollon sur son Char ( Apollo in his Chariot ) sculpted by Jean-Baptiste Tuby, based on a design by Charles Le Brun.

Be sure to check out L'Orangerie where Louis XIV kept orange, lemon, oleander, and pomegranate trees during the winter. Built in 1663 by Louis Le Vau, the Orangery still houses fruit trees, some of which are over two centuries old. During summertime, the trees are brought out to the Orangery parterre.

The classical Colonnade designed by Mansart is one of the most peaceful areas of the park. Farther into the park, Les Bosquets (Groves) are secluded woodland areas.

If you are visiting during spring or summer, try to attend one of the Musical Fountain shows .

A half-hour stroll from the Chateau de Versailles leads to the Domaine de Trianon, the most refined area of Versailles. The lovely flowering gardens and delicate architectural ensemble appeal to feminine sensibilities.

Note: This area of Versailles is accessible with the Passport Ticket or the Estate of Trianon Ticket.

Le Grand Trianon is a pink marble confection created for the mistress of Louis XIV, Madame de Montespan. Louis XIV commissioned Jules Hardouin-Mansart to construct an Italian-influenced palace with exquisite features. The "Peristyle" takes your breath away, with its seemingly infinite marble columns and views over the gardens and the courtyard.

Refreshingly informal compared to the Château de Versailles, the interior decor of Le Grand Trianon is bright, cheerful, and elegant. Natural light floods the Galerie des Cotelle , with its floor-to-ceiling windows, while the walls display 17th-century paintings that depict the Versailles gardens.

The Grand Trianon palace is surrounded by delightful Jardins à la Française (French Gardens) filled with orange blossoms, roses, and tidy hedges. The gardens showcase a multitude of flower beds, planted with thousands of flowers, chosen for their vibrant colors and intoxicating fragrances.

Le Petit Trianon is a masterpiece of Neoclassical architecture, set in an expanse of greenery. Louis XV commissioned Ange-Jacques Gabriel to create this small palace for his mistress, the Comtesse du Barry. After the reign of Louis XV, the palace was gifted to Marie-Antoinette by Louis XVI in 1774. Marie-Antoinette redecorated Le Petit Trianon in her own distinctive feminine style.

Marie-Antoinette took a special interest in redesigning the landscape of the Petit Trianon estate. She commissioned Richard Mique to create a Jardin Anglais (English Garden) in the less-formal style that was fashionable at the time. This romantic garden imitates nature with meandering paths, a gently flowing stream, a waterfall, and a grotto.

A highlight of Petit Trianon garden is the Temple de l'Amour (Temple of Love), a decorative structure built in 1778 that resembles an ancient Greek temple. Marie-Antoinette's apartment looks out directly onto this monument.

This little fantasy hamlet was where Marie-Antoinette came to escape the formalities and politics of court life. Ornamental "country" villages were a new feature of estates in the 18th century, revealing the influence of philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau's ideas about returning to nature.

A group of half-timbered cottages (created in 1773) at the Domaine de Chantilly was the inspiration for Marie-Antoinette's fabricated pastoral village at Versailles. About a one-hour drive away, Chantilly is one of the top day trips from Paris and is worth a detour for those interested in exploring another historic estate.

Constructed between 1783 and 1786, the Queen's Hamlet is nestled on the edge of the Château de Versailles parkland. This enchanting model village includes buildings resembling a Normandy farmhouse and thatched-roof cottages, all surrounding a tranquil lake. Behind the faux rustic facades are luxurious interiors.

A watermill, dovecote, vegetable gardens, and orchards complete the charming bucolic scene. The Queen's Hamlet maintained a working farm; a fishery with a jetty for boating on the lake; and a dairy, where Marie-Antoinette sampled products from the farm.

Marie-Antoinette hosted parties and informal social gatherings at the hamlet. A billiard room, game room, dining room, and an enormous kitchen attest to the entertaining that took place here. The Queen also used the farm for educational purposes, to teach her children about the natural world.

The Queen's Theatre (Le Théâtre de la Reine) is tucked away behind the garden of Le Petit Trianon. The architect of the Queen's Hamlet, Richard Mique, created this little gem of Louis Seize architecture between 1778 and 1780.

The theater is quite small and intimate. What it lacks in size is compensated for in magnificent décor. You will be surprised by the lavish interior, a contrast to the simple classical-style exterior.

Marie-Antoinette had a passion for theater, which she pursued at this one. She commissioned playwrights to create new works, and she even performed in comedy productions that were staged just for her friends. Most notably, in 1785 Marie-Antoinette played the part of Rosine in Barbier de Séville by Beaumarchais.

The theater has been recently renovated and its décor has been well-preserved, down to the most minute details. Stepping into this theater immerses you in the culture of the 18th century. You can almost imagine Marie-Antoinette appearing on stage.

Note: You may only visit the Queen's Theater on Les effets scéniques au théâtre de la Reine guided tour (currently offered as a French-language tour).

The Chapelle Royale at Versailles was begun by Jules Hardouin-Mansart in 1699 and completed by Robert de Cotte in 1710. This masterpiece of Baroque architecture blends a Gothic-inspired exterior and stained-glass windows with a serene Neoclassical nave. Supported by soaring columns, the nave's vaulted ceiling features paintings on the theme of the Holy Trinity.

Louis XIV used this chapel when it was opened in 1710. Previously, he worshiped in a chapel on the site of the Hercules salon. Every morning at 10am, the court would attend Mass. The gallery reserved for the King and royal family is the one with a tall Corinthian colonnade.

Note: The Royal Chapel is only open to the public on the Splendorous Versailles guided tour. However, you do have a chance to see the balcony of the Royal Chapel with Palace Ticket admission.

You may also see the interior if you attend one of the concerts that are held here. The Royal Chapel stages recitals of sacred music, such as Bach's Mass in E Minor, Handel's Messiah, and Mozart's Requiem. Many concerts make use of the chapel's Clicquot organ.

This glorious Opera House is one of the most beautiful of its kind. Designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel for Louis XV, the auditorium was completed in 1770 just before the marriage of (the future King) Louis XVI to Marie-Antoinette, whose wedding reception was held here.

The Opera House features a harmonious Neoclassical colonnade of Ionic columns. The lavish interior is ornately decorated, with gilded bronze, marble, mirrors, and chandeliers.

Today, the Opera House hosts an impressive calendar of events throughout the year, including theater, opera, ballet, and music performances.

Note: You may visit the Opéra Royal by taking the Splendorous Versailles guided tour.

After the 1830 Revolution, the restored monarch Louis-Philippe ("King of the French") decided that the Château de Versailles should have a museum. Louis-Philippe commissioned the architect Frédéric Nepveu to create the galleries, which opened on June 10th, 1837. Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, Eugène Delacroix, and other French luminaries attended the inauguration event.

Louis-Philippe had assembled a collection of paintings, sculptures, and drawings that illustrate French history dating back to the Crusades. Napoléon III later added new acquisitions to the collection related to 19th-century history.

The Galerie de l'Histoire du Château (Gallery of the History of the Palace) displays historical artifacts from specific time periods. Particularly interesting, the Salles des Croisades are devoted to the history of the Crusades from the 11th century through the 13th century.

Other noteworthy galleries include the Salle de 1792 , which shows the history of the French Revolution through a series of paintings, and the Salles de l'Empire , which commemorates the achievements of Napoléon I.

• How to Get to Versailles : You can reach Versailles from Paris by public transportation. It's best to take the train to the Versailles Château Rive Gauche station (about a 10-minute walk to the entrance of the Château de Versailles) rather than the Versailles Chantiers station, which is farther away (about a 30-minute walk to the château entrance).
• Easy Day Trip from Paris : Enjoy the convenience of a guided tour with transportation from Paris to Versailles. This takes the hassle out of getting there, plus you benefit from interesting commentary.
• Take a Guided Bike Tour : Explore the domain of Versailles by bicycle on an organized bike tour that includes round-trip transport from Paris and suggestions for a picnic lunch.
• Avoid the Crowds : The only way to avoid crowds at Versailles is to visit during wintertime . Unfortunately, the gardens are not beautiful at this time, but you will be able to walk around the château at your own pace (rather than being pushed by the crowds).
• Timing : Plan to spend about two to three hours inside the château. If also visiting the King's Private Apartment, note that the guided tour takes an additional one hour and 30 minutes. Allow two hours in the gardens and at least another two hours to explore the Trianon palaces and the Hamlet (the walk to this area takes about 30 minutes from the château).
• Book Ahead to Skip the Lines : To skip ahead of the ticket line, buy tickets online in advance. Simply proceed to Entrance A by providing the printout of your prepaid ticket. Due to the high number of visitors, it is essential to book tickets in advance most of the year.
• Ticket Options : Château de Versailles offers various ticket options: The "Palace Ticket" includes entry to the Hall of Mirrors, Grand Appartement du Roi, and Grand Appartement de la Reine. The "Estate of Trianon Ticket" includes entry to the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon, and the Queen's Hamlet. The "Passport Ticket" option allows entrance to the sights included in both the "Palace Ticket" and "Estate of Trianon Ticket" options.
• Reserve an Audioguide: You may reserve an audioguide (available in 12 languages) in advance, by booking online.
• Guided Tours: To gain access to the King's Private Apartment , the Royal Opera House or the Royal Chapel, you must take a guided tour (available in English and French). Guided tours of the Petit Trianon and the Hamlet of Marie-Antoinette are available in French.
• To avoid waiting in a long line, you should book a free Palace Ticket and/or Estate of Trianon Ticket at a specific time.
• Public Gardens : The grounds of the château, including the gardens and the 800-hectare domaine of the estate, are open to the public; there is no admission fee, except when Garden Shows take place.
• Summertime Garden Shows: During summer, stroll through the Versailles estate while enjoying Garden Shows (tickets required). Garden Shows include Musical Fountains on weekends; Musical Gardens during the week (Tuesday through Friday); and Night Fountains (with fireworks) on Saturday evenings and on July 14th and 15th. Some of the Garden Shows are also held during springtime and autumn. Be sure to check the schedule.
• Restaurants & Cafés in the Château: Within the Château de Versailles, you will find the Grand Café d'Orléans cafeteria (accessible via Cour des Princes); Ore café (Dufour Pavillion, access via Cour d'Honneur) open for casual breakfast, lunch, pastries, and snacks; and Angelina tea salon (with snack counter), famous for pâtisserie and hot chocolate (accessible via Cour Royale or after the Grands Appartements).
• Lunch & Snacks in the Gardens : For casual outdoor dining and picnics, try Angelina's summertime food stand at the Petit Trianon; the Girandole Café (sandwiches, crepes, salads) in the Girandole Grove; Le Dauphin (crepes, ice cream, snacks) in the Dauphin's Grove; and La Flottille take-away stand (sandwiches, crepes, salads) and tearoom near the Grand Canal.
• Fine Dining at Versailles: If you have the time and would like to indulge in a gastronomic meal, there are several options at Versailles: Ore restaurant, created by renowned French chef Alain Ducasse, serves haute cuisine inspired by historic meals, using the porcelain dinnerware designed for Marie-Antoinette. In the gardens, La Petite Venise offers Italian cuisine in a romantic dining room. For the ultimate Versailles experience, dine at the Michelin-starred Le Grand Contrôle restaurant at the luxury hotel next to the château.
• Deluxe Lodging at Versailles : Treat yourself like royalty, by spending the night at the new five-star hotel on the estate of Versailles. At Airelles Château de Versailles - Le Grand Contrôle , you step into the footsteps of 17th- and 18th-century aristocrats and courtiers. The renovated building next to the Château de Versailles has been exquisitely refurbished with authentic period decor. Highlights include exclusive tours, a spa with indoor pool, and a Michelin-starred restaurant that channels the banquets of French kings.
• Château de Versailles, Place d'Armes - 78000 Versailles
• Official site: http://en.chateauversailles.fr/homepage

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Plan your visit

Due to Olympic Games events being held in the park of the Estate of Versailles, certain areas of the park are not accessible to the public. Visitors, whether on foot, horseback or bicycle, are asked not to go through the gates and barriers. Find out more about conditions of access to the park .

The Palace of Versailles Park remains open every day, free of charge, and accessible via the Gardens, the Queen's Gate and the Saint-Anthony's Gate .

Exceptionally, the gardens and park will be closed from 5pm on Wednesday June 26 and Friday June 28. Detailed opening times

useful information for your visit

• The Palace is open every day except Monday . The Palace opens at 9 am; the Trianon estate opens at noon, from Tuesday to Sunday.
• Remember to book the audioguide , available in 12 languages. A distribution desk is available in the Vestibule of the Gabriel's Pavilion (every day except on Mondays).
• The mobile app is also available. Download the audio tours, consult the opening times in real time and follow your tour on the interactive map of the estate.
• Open every day, the Park and Gardens are free from November to March. From April to October, access to the Gardens is charged from Tuesday to Sunday (days of the Fountains shows and Musical Gardens ).

Find the conditions access to the Park during the Olympic period from June 10 to September 15

• To make the most of your visit at Versailles, plan to spend a full day in the estate. Read our advices to better organize your visit. 
• Guided tours allow you to visit otherwise closed rooms and then to directly join free visit routes. 
• With Tootbus, take advantage of a combined ticket (bus journey from Paris + Passport ticket).
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Getting to the Palace

Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles

Check out the interactive map Bienvenue à Versailles

Opening times & Access

To ensure the anti-terrorist security plan, opening hours of the gates have changed , every bag or vehicle is controlled upon access and  large baggage items are not admitted on the Estate (exceeding 55x35x25 cm). Find out more

See the rules of visit

Read the FAQ   Conditions for free admission  

Opening hours

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From the seat of power to a museum of the history of France

The estate of Trianon

A place of intimacy

The Gardens

The art of perspective

A haven of greenery

The Great Stables

The Coach Gallery

The estate of Marly

Visit the estate.

Are included:

The Palace with timed entry;

The estate of Trianon ;

The temporary exhibitions ;

The Gardens  and the Park .

Starting from 24,00€

Palace ticket

Starting from 21,00€

Estate of Trianon ticket

The tempory exibitions  presented there;

Starting from 12,00€

"1 year in Versailles" card

Unlimited access to the whole estate of Versailles ;

Skip the line access to the Palace ;

An exclusive cultural program ;

Numerous discounts .

Starting from 65,00€

Enjoy all of Versailles

Guides will get you through hiden places of the Palace of Versailles and make your journey in Versailles exceptional.   

Entertainment and fun

Guides, cultural mediation professional, artists will make you discover Versailles in different ways for all the family. 

Services on site

To learn more about the Palace during your visit, remember to book the audioguide available in 12 languages. You can pick it up at a special counter in the Vestibule of the Gabriel Pavilion or book it online.

Mobile Application

Rabbids at Versailles

The Rabbids have invaded the Gardens of Versailles! You have to repair the damage and flush them out to send them back where they came from!

Plan my visit

guided tours

During guided tours, a speaker from the Palace invites you into lesser known locations otherwise closed to the visitors. You can also book online tours to discover the backstage of the Castle from your home!

Free access

Opening of the Gallery of Coaches

Located in the Great Stable of the Palace of Versailles, the Gallery of Coaches opens its doors on Saturdays and Sundays until the end of October, free of charge, from 12:30 to 18:30 (last admission 17:45).

The Palace offers a whole set of services on site

Patronage Token

Make a 8 € donation and join the community of Versailles patrons. Offer it to your loved ones as well!

• Travel Planning Guide

Should You Visit Versailles?

• Is Versailles Worth Visiting?
• Reasons to Visit Versailles
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What is Versailles most famous for?

• What is Versailles most known for?

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• How touristy is Versailles?

How long should I spend in Versailles?

Is versailles worth visiting.

Yes, Versailles offers many reasons for a visit. It's a palace everyone should explore, and our experience here was wonderful. We didn't want to leave.

Whether you're a a couple or on a weekend getaway, this palace has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the spectacular museums.

It's often mentioned as one of the best places to visit in major publications, such as in The Guardian's Best Holiday Destinations 2023 .

The Palace of Versailles is a former royal residence that has been turned into a public museum showcasing the decadent lives of the historic French royalty. It's also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and it's easily accessible as a day trip from Paris. It has become an iconic symbol of France's grandeur and opulence, renowned for its breathtaking architecture, sumptuous interiors, and sprawling gardens. This magnificent palace was originally built by King Louis XIII in the 17th century but was transformed into a lavish royal residence by his successor, King Louis XIV. With its magnificent Hall of Mirrors, ornate apartments, and impressive galleries showcasing artistic masterpieces, Versailles epitomizes the pinnacle of French Baroque architecture and interior design. The palace's extensive gardens, meticulously landscaped in the French formal style, feature fountains, sculptures, and meticulously manicured lawns, providing a stunning backdrop for leisurely strolls and elegant photos. Today, the Palace of Versailles is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also a symbol of France's rich history and cultural heritage, attracting millions of visitors from around the globe who come to marvel at its splendor and immerse themselves in the grandeur of the French monarchy.

1 Reasons to Visit Versailles

Is Versailles worth visiting in the Summer?

The high season for travel in Versailles is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This is an extremely popular destination, and in the high season it's busier than usual as this is when most people are able to travel. Expect large crowds of tourists, longer lines, and higher prices for hotels. On the other hand, you'll find that everything is open and you'll have a wide array of activities, things to do, and places to eat.

The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 20°C (68°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 24°C (76°F).

You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable palace, especially in the nice weather. During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks.

Is Versailles worth visiting in the Autumn?

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 13°C (56°F).

Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Versailles, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. As a very touristy destination, even in the shoulder season you'll see plenty of tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found at this time of year.

Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. This is a great time of year to take in the beautiful scenery and wander through the museums.

Is Versailles worth visiting in the Winter?

Winter is the low season for travel in Versailles. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the low season you'll still see plenty of other travelers when you visit, but less than other times of the year. Good deals are to be found on hotels and tours because it's not the best time of year to visit.

The weather in Versailles can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 5°C (40°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to browse through museums.

Is Versailles worth visiting in the Spring?

This is the shoulder season for travel in Versailles. As a very touristy destination, even in the shoulder season you'll see plenty of tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found at this time of year.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 11°C (52°F).

One of the main reasons to come this time of year is because of the gorgeous scenery. During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums and the gorgeous scenery.

Things to Consider Before Visiting Versailles

Food : Versailles doesn't top the list for most foodies. There are a couple of restaurants and cafes on the grounds.

Lots of Tourists Versailles sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.

The Cost Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Versailles might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Versailles here or see if Versailles is expensive here .

Versailles is most famous for its long running history and its grand architecture. People visit this impressive palace for its great museums. It is often described as grand, ornate, opulent, historic, extensive, and beautiful.

The most popular sight in Versailles is The Palace of Versailles, including its famous Hall of Mirrors (Galeries des Glaces) and expansive gardens . You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Versailles on our travel costs page .

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Palace of Versailles, including its famous Hall of Mirrors (Galeries des Glaces) and expansive gardens and other attractions here .

How touristy is Versailles? Is it a popular palace to visit?

Versailles is a very touristy palace that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

The ideal length of time for a trip to Versailles is one to two days. Since Versailles has a variety of activities such as museums, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Versailles? , Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Versailles? , and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Versailles? .

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The Top 8 Things to See in Versailles

Sean Finelli Last Updated: April 19, 2024

The Palace of Versailles is practically a mandatory day trip for anyone visiting Paris due to its dramatic history and opulent features. But what famous art or attractions should you see while there? Our licensed Versailles guide created this post of the top things to see in Versailles.

Pro Tip: Planning what to do on your trip to Versailles Palace? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. Check out our guide to Versailles for more planning resources, our top Versailles tours for a memorable trip, and the if a Versailles tour is worth it.

Must-Sees at the Palace of Versailles and Gardens

If you had spoken to anyone in the mid-17th century and told them that an old hunting pavilion 22 miles (37 kilometers) outside of Paris would one day become the home of the monarchy and court, you would have been laughed out of the room.

Largely thanks to King Louis XIV, this famed palace’s place in history is forever solidified. And it’s place as a top tourist destination near Paris is unquestioned. But what will you see here? The palace has 2,300 rooms, so it will be impossible to see them all. And we can’t forget the expansive gardens that must be seen too.

To help narrow down the most important things to see at Versailles, I’ve outlined the main spots to explore so you’re ready for your visit!

• The Hall of Mirrors
• The Gardens of Versailles
• The Gallery of Battles
• Place d’Armes & The Gate of Honour
• The Empire Rooms
• The Queen’s Hamlet
• Petit Trianon
• Grand Trianon

Dive in for all the details on below.

1. The Hall of Mirrors

This is one of the most famous rooms in all of Versailles and easily the most beautiful. This breathtaking hall has 357 mirrors and an impressive history. Most recently, the Treaty of Versailles was signed in the Hall of Mirrors in 1919, which ended World War I.

Originally, the space was a terrace that overlooked the gardens. So as you stand in the hall, you’ll see the mirrors and entry into other rooms on one side, and windows to the gardens on the other. The natural light makes the mirrors and chandeliers positively radiate light and opulence here.

Jules Hardouin-Mansart also designed this room, and it was a significant upgrade in 1648 from the drafty, exposed terrace. What once was hardly used became a room fit for a king—and millions of tourists. Find out more about how to visit Versailles so you can see for yourself!

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a Versailles tour is worth it .

2. The Gardens of Versailles

It’s hard to decide which deserves the number 1 and 2 spots on this list, but here we are. How to explain a garden so immense and grand with words? It’s a daunting task, but I will try.

The original garden took 40 years to build and is so big that thousands of workers and even entire regiments worked on it. It has to be replanted every 100 years to keep everything looking young. The last time this happened was in the early 2000s so if you go now, you will get an idea of what it looked like during the time of Louis XIV himself.

What to see in the Gardens of Versailles:

The Four Season’s Fountain : As you walk down the Royal Way, you will notice that there are alleys running parallel and perpendicular to this road. At the crossroads, you will find the Four fountains.

Neptune Fountain : The Neptune fountain is one of the biggest fountains with 99 jets that spout water. Its name comes from the towering statue of Neptune overlooking the sea creatures.

Latona’s fountain: This is one of my favorite and also is huge! Inspired by The Metamorphoses  by Ovid, it portrays the goddess Latona protecting her two children, Apollo and Diana, who were being insulted by peasants from Lycia. Her rage forced Jupiter to turn all the residents into frogs. If you look closely you will notice frogs sculpted on the lawn around the sculptural group.

Walk the paths: The gardens are actually free to enter during the week if you don’t want to enter the palace, except on Tuesdays and the weekend, where you will need to pay €9.50 for the fountain show.

Rent a bike or golf cart and explore : You have two spots where you can rent a bike: one at the beginning of the gardens and one below towards the grand staircase. You can also find golf carts here if you prefer a more leisurely drive through the grounds. Go for it!

Our Best Versailles and Paris Louvre Tours

Top-Rated Tour

Secrets of the Louvre Museum Tour with Mona Lisa

The Louvre is the largest art museum on Earth and the crowning jewel of Paris, which is why it’s on everyone’s bucket list. Don’t miss out on an incredible opportunity! Join a passionate guide for a tour of the most famous artwork at the Louvre. Skip-the-line admissions included.

Likely to Sell Out

Skip-the-Line Palace of Versailles and Gardens Tour from Paris

Versailles isn’t that difficult to get to by train, but why stress over the logistics? Meet a local guide in central Paris who will purchase your train tickets and ensure you get off at the right stop. Then enjoy a guided tour of the palace and the unforgettable gardens. Skip-the-line admissions included to the palace and gardens.

3. The Gallery of Battles

The Gallery of Battles is one of the most impressive galleries in the palace. Louis-Philippe I, created this gallery to glorify the French military efforts in a series of paintings depicting historical events, which line every wall.

These paintings are absolutely incredible in their sheer size and patriotic vibe. This is a great place to really take in the talent of massive artworks celebrating French history.

4. Place d’Armes & The Gate of Honour

Lucky for you, you really can’t miss this part if you’re visiting the Versailles Palace. Place d’Armes is the massive funnel-shaped courtyard that sits in front of the palace. It is the site where three streets converge: Avenue de Saint-Cloud, Avenue de Paris, and Avenue de Sceaux.

The gates are not original to the Palace (gasp!). Those were torn down during the French Revolution and were replaced in 2008 in a massive project. The gate is 80 meters long and made from steel coated with 100,000 gold leaves. It’s fitting that the first thing you see in Versailles defines the palace as the opulent estate it truly is.

5. The Empire Rooms

These rooms were also created by Louis-Philippe, a contemporary of Napoleon, in an attempt to gain the support of Bonapartists and former members of the empire. He collected many of the largest paintings commissioned by Napoleon in the palace’s south wing, where you can find them today underneath the Gallery of Battles.

6. The Queen’s Hamlet

Out of everything that you will see at Versailles, nothing will really prepare you for the Queen’s Hamlet. When you think of Versailles, the first words that come to you are probably “extravagance and lavishness”. It’s a common belief based on reality.

So it may come as a surprise that, at first glance, the Queen’s Hamlet would seem to contradict that entirely—until you understand that this Hamlet was commissioned by Marie Antoinette solely for her to experience what it was like to live in a peasant hamlet. Enough said.

The queen would take relaxing walks here and imagine she was a commoner, although naturally, she would never actually work like a commoner. When many were starving in poverty in Paris, a popular saying to underscore Marie Antoinette’s lavish life was “Let them eat cake.”

During the French Revolution, the Queen’s Hamlet fell into disrepair. Napoleon later restored most of the area and gave it as a gift to his wife Marie Louise. This was a bit ironic and also symbolic since she was the grand-niece of Marie Antoinette!

The hamlet is defined by five features you should see:

• The Windmill: Never used to grind grain, but just to have the look of a farm.
• Marlborough Tower and Working Dairy: A functioning dairy farm where they could enjoy cream and cheese.
• The Guard House and Dovecote: The house of the Queen’s guard and also where they grew hens and pigeons.
• The Boudoir: A small house to host guests and to eat.
• The Queen’s House and the Stove Room: A house solely for the Queen where she could host guests or have a rest.

7. Petit Trianon

In 1758, Louis XV decided there still weren’t enough palaces on the Versailles estate and began constructing another one. This one intended to be big enough to house the king and his royal entourage.

To differentiate between the Grand Trianon built by his great-grandfather Louis XIV, he was to call this the Petit Trianon. The in vogue architectural style at the time was neoclassical and the royal architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel did not disappoint in building the perfect example.

Unfortunately in April 1774, King Louis XV felt his first symptoms of smallpox at his new residence and died only a few days later. This pushed his son Louis XVI into the limelight, and he decided to give the Petit Trianon to his young bride Marie Antoinette as a gift. She immediately redecorated the palace and even changed the botanical gardens that were set up by Louis XV into an Anglo-Oriental garden which was the “in thing” at the time.

During the French Revolution, the Petit Trianon was turned into a housing area for those of few means. Napoleon later brought it back to life and had the entire area restored. He gave it as a gift to his wife and subsequently to his second wife Empress Marie Louise. Ironically, in 1867 the Petit Trianon was converted into a museum by the wife of Napoleon III and dedicated to Marie Antoinette.

8. Grand Trianon

The Palace of Versailles was so opulent that Louis XIV constructed another palace to get away from the craziness of the main palace and his court. He also needed a place to be with his mistress: Madame de Montespan.

The architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart called it, “A little palace of pink marble and porphyry, with marvelous gardens.” Supposedly Louis XIV had set very strict guidelines for what he wanted to build and Mansart followed them exactly—although the architect didn’t really have a choice since Louis was constantly checking the construction.

Lavishness had no bounds already at Versailles and that continued here in the Grand Trianon. One example of this was the flower display. The gardens are surrounded by huge flowerbeds and terraces which could hold thousands of flowers planted in individual flower pots. The goal of planting them this way was to change the flowers out daily! Talk about extravagance on steroids.

Later, King Stanislaw I of Poland stayed here when he visited Versailles, and the great Napoleon sojourned here from time to time. In 1963, General De Gaulle restored the palace to host foreign dignitaries and use as his presidential palace.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  Versailles Guide for more resources.

Where To Stay in Paris

With a city as magnificent as Paris, it can be hard to find the perfect hotel at the perfect price. Explore the best hotels and places to stay in these incredible neighborhoods in Paris.

About Sean Finelli

Sean is a co-founder and owner of The Tour Guy and its subsidiary The Roman Guy. He studied finance and statistics, but that is his "Dr. Jekyll" side! His "Mr. Hyde" is in love with travel, art, history, and culture. Sean has read libraries of historical text and believes that all internet content should come from books. A practice he follows!

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Scottie Scheffler has won nearly three times Mike Tyson’s entire net worth in 2024

Scottie Scheffler has been utterly dominant in 2024, with his sixth PGA Tour triumph of the season at the Travelers Championship taking his earnings for the year to new heights

• 13:46, 24 Jun 2024
• Updated 19:14, 24 Jun 2024

Scottie Scheffler has earned more in 2024 alone than double Mike Tyson's entire net worth - racking up over $28million (£22m).

Aside from tying 41st at the recent US Open , Scheffler's performances otherwise have been extremely impressive. He started the year with a T5 finish at The Sentry, earning him $690,500, before a T17th finish at The American Express Cup at PGA West added another $132,300 to his winnings.

His performances at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the WM Phoenix Open saw him pocket an additional $1,161,700, while a T10 finish at The Genesis Invitational added a further $455,500 to his earnings. Scheffler's first tournament win came in March at the Arnold Palmer Invitational , where he bagged the top prize of $4,000,000.

And he continued his winning streak at The Players Championship the following week, adding another $4,500,000 to his yearly earnings. Scheffler's golfing prowess saw him secure a second-place finish at the Texas Children's Houston Open, pocketing a cool $553,735.

Victories at The Masters and the RBC Heritage each netted him a whopping $3,600,000, reports the Express . However, the PGA Championship proved to be a stumbling block for Scheffler as he was arrested on charges of second-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving, and disregarding traffic signals.

The charges were swiftly dropped after his arrest, allowing him to bounce back and secure a T8 finish in the competition, adding an extra $521,417 to his earnings. Meanwhile, a T2 finish at the Charles Schwab Challenge further boosted his winnings by $809,900.

Earlier this month, Scheffler returned to form at The Memorial , taking home a staggering $4,000,000, and despite the disappointing performance at the US Open, which saw him earn $72,305, the 28-year-old bounced back at The Travelers Championship over the weekend to clinch his sixth tournament of 2024, bagging another $4,000,000.

The win brought his total earnings for the year to an impressive $28,096,857, and with the golf season far from over, Scheffler has ample opportunities to increase his earnings even further at tournaments such as the John Deere Classic , The Open at Royal Troon and the Genesis Scottish Open.

Remarkably, Scheffler has managed to take home more prize money this year alone than boxing great 'Iron' Mike Tyson's net worth - which is no easy feat considering the 57-year-old is worth around $10m (£7.9m), according to Celebrity Net Worth .

Tyson will be adding to his fortune when he fights YouTube sensation Jake Paul in November. His biggest ever-payday came in the form of a $103m scrap with Lennox Lewis in 2002, but his boxing wealth has dwindled over the years - with the star even filing for bankruptcy in 2003 due to "reckless spending".

The 50-6 sporting legend has however managed to recuperate part of his net worth, largely thanks to his sponsorships, the Hot Boxin' podcast and his 2020 exhibition bout with Roy Jones Jr.

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Scottie Scheffler’s 2024 season in numbers: PGA Tour star enjoys record breaking year – full results, prize money won and net worth

• Paul Prenderville
• Published : 16:59, 24 Jun 2024
• Updated : 16:59, 24 Jun 2024
• Published : Invalid Date,

Scottie Scheffler is having a season for the ages.

The world no.1 has already picked up a second major of his career, easing to his second Masters victory in three years in April.

However that is only a small part of what is now becoming one of golf’s all-time years on the PGA Tour and has Scheffler earning comparisons with some of the greatest to play the game.

The 28-year-old from New Jersey beat Tom Kim in a playoff to make the Travelers Championship his sixth title of the year.

Many of Scheffler’s statistics this season have led to comparisons with some of Tiger Woods' greatest years on the tour.

His current total of six wins in one season was last achieved by Woods in 2006, and the next target will be the eight that Woods achieved in 1999.

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As well as a second Masters, he has added a second Players Championship, and second Arnold Palmer Invitational to his CV, while the RBC Heritage and Memorial Tournament have also been scooped up in 2024.

And for good measure his wife Meredith gave birth to their first child in May.

Scheffler has played 15 tournaments this year and has won 40% of the events he has teed it up in, making all 15 cuts for guaranteed prize money on every occasion.

Only once has he finished outside the top 25, that came at the U.S. Open in June, but he has 13 top 10 finishes in a remarkable season that has seen him collect more than $27.6milllon in prize money in 2024.

His caddie Ted Scott is also the beneficiary, given the usual scale for a bag-man’s earnings is 10% for a win and a sliding scale thereafter.

A conservative estimate would put Scott at $2.7m for the season and inside the top 50 on the 2024 player's money list.

Having made his breakthrough when winning the Phoenix Open in February 2022, Scheffler now has 12 career titles in total.

His PGA Tour career earnings stand at a staggering $70.2million - that is enough to put him fifth on the all-time list.

Scheffler has already amassed the highest ever total of FedEx Cup points and he has a 382.4-point lead over second-placed Rory McIlroy in the world rankings.

That's the same gap that separates McIlroy from the world no 102, Patrick Reed.

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Scottie scheffler career tournament wins.

2024, 2022 Masters

2024, 2023 Players Championship

2024, 2022 Arnold Palmer Invitational

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2024 Travelers Championship

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2023, 2022 WM Phoenix Open

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With nine tournaments including the lucrative FedEx Cup playoffs and the final major of the year, there are plenty more records and plenty more prize money on offer for Scheffler to continue his memorable year.

He looks set to play a maximum of five more tournaments on the PGA Tour - and the FedEx Cup has $25m on offer in prize money.

However one thing that money can’t buy, and is sure to be top of his list of objectives is the Olympic gold medal, which he will chase at Le Golf National in Paris this summer.

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Scheffler’s prize money remains his primary source of income, and his 2024 season is likely to see his net worth exceed $100m.

On top of his PGA Tour income he has endorsement deals with Nike ,.TaylorMade, Titleist, Rolex, Netjets and Variety Community Bank.

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