Palace of Versailles

About Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is **the most complete surviving expression of absolute monarchy ever built** — a monument not merely to Louis XIV's wealth but to the political theory that everything in France radiated from the person of the king. Louis moved his court to Versailles in **1682**, transforming a modest hunting lodge into a palace complex that employed up to **36,000 workers at its peak** and took over 50 years to reach its mature form. The intention was strategic: by requiring the French nobility to live at Versailles, Louis kept potential rivals under constant observation, transforming them from threats into courtiers entirely dependent on royal favour. The palace stretches **680 metres across its garden facade** — the longest palace facade in Europe — and contains **2,300 rooms, 67 staircases, and 6,000 paintings**. The **Hall of Mirrors**, its most celebrated interior, stretches 73 metres along the garden side, its **357 mirrors reflecting 357 windows opposite** and the 20,000 candles that once illuminated it at night. It was here, in January 1871, that **the German Empire was proclaimed**; and here, in 1919, that **the Treaty of Versailles was signed**, ending the First World War. The gardens, laid out by **André Le Nôtre across 800 hectares**, are among the finest formal gardens in the world. Versailles is **20 kilometres southwest of central Paris**, reached by the RER C train in about 40 minutes. Buy tickets in advance — the palace attracts **over 7 million visitors annually**. Head directly to the Hall of Mirrors before the crowds build, then explore the gardens. The **Grand and Petit Trianon** palaces, set within the estate, are often quieter and architecturally superb. The **Musical Fountain Shows** — held on weekends from spring to autumn, with the gardens' 300 fountains set to baroque music — are one of the finest free spectacles in France.

Highlights

• ✦ Seat of French royal power from 1682 to 1789
• ✦ Hall of Mirrors contains 357 mirrors
• ✦ Gardens span 800 hectares with 1,400 fountains

Practical info

Frequently asked questions

How much does a ticket to Versailles cost?

The Passport ticket, covering the Palace, Trianon estate and Gardens, costs roughly €21 in low season and up to about €32 in high season with a fountain show included. Gardens-only access is free on most days. Booking a timed slot online in advance is strongly recommended, especially April to October.

How do you get from Paris to Versailles without a car?

Take RER line C to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station, about 40 minutes from central Paris, then walk roughly 10 minutes to the Palace gates. A standard Paris Navigo or a Zone 1-4 ticket covers the journey, so no separate booking is needed for the train itself.

What is the best time of day to visit Versailles to avoid crowds?

Arrive right at opening (9:00) or after 15:00, when tour groups have thinned out. Tuesday to Thursday are calmer than weekends, and the Gardens and Trianon estate stay far less crowded than the State Apartments even in peak summer.

How long do you need to visit Versailles?

Budget at least half a day: about 2 hours for the Palace's State Apartments and Hall of Mirrors, plus 2-3 more hours if you want to see the Gardens, the Grand Trianon and Marie-Antoinette's estate, which requires a fair bit of walking or a paid golf-cart/train.

Is Versailles worth visiting with children?

Yes, but manage expectations: the State Apartments involve slow-moving crowds, while the Gardens and the Petit Trianon's hamlet with its farm animals are much more engaging for kids. Renting bikes or a rowing boat on the Grand Canal is a good way to break up a long day.

Explore more

• France
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• Eiffel Tower
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• Chartres Cathedral
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