The Palace of Versailles

What to expect

The Palace of Versailles has a long, fascinating history, having been a majestic royal palace, then a historical museum and now a Palace of the Republic. When you visit the Palace of Versailles, you will be able to understand the extravagance, refinement and sheer know-how of the French. In a way, visiting the Palace is like stepping into an exciting novel, where you will meet kings, emperors, revolutionaries and Republican leaders. And it's also a masterpiece, admired by millions of tourists who marvel at what Louis XIV, the Sun King, accomplished. In the span of 50 years, he created Europe's largest castle and an immortal memorial to his greatness.

Opening hours

High season (from April to October)

• The Palace: Open every day from 9 am to 6.30 pm, except on Mondays and May 1st
• The Gardens: Open every day from 8 am to 8.30 pm (except during exceptional weather conditions). Early closures occur at 5.30 pm on Saturdays during the Night Fountains Show and on certain dates throughout the year
• The Park: Open every day from 8 am to 8.30 pm (except during exceptional weather conditions)
• The Domaine du Trianon: Open every day from 12 pm to 6.30 am, except on Mondays and May 1st
• The Galerie des Carrosses: Open every day from 12.30 pm to 6.30 pm, except on Mondays and May 1st
• The Domaine de Marly: Open every day from 7.30 am to 6.30 pm

Low Season (from November to March)

• The Palace: Open every day from 9 am to 5.30 pm, except on Mondays
• The Gardens: Open every day from 8 am to 6 pm (except during exceptional weather conditions). Early closures occur at 5.30 pm on Saturdays during the Night Fountains Show and on certain dates throughout the year
• The Park: Open every day from 8 am to 6 pm (except during exceptional weather conditions)
• The Domaine du Trianon: Open every day from 12 pm to 5.30 pm, except on Mondays, December 25th and January 1st
• The Galerie des Carrosses: Open every day from 12.30 pm to 5.30 pm, except on Mondays, December 25th and January 1st
• The Domaine de Marly: Open every day from 8 am to 5.30 pm

Free entrance

If you are visiting the permanent collections of the Palace (including the Grands Appartements, the Galerie des Glaces etc...), the Trianon Palace, the Domaine de Marie-Antoinette, and any temporary exhibitions, many visitors can request free admission.
On receipt of proof, entry is free for:

• Children under the age of 18
• All residents of the European Union who are under the age of 26
• Schoolchildren and teachers working at a French school (as long as they can supply their Educational Pass)
• Individuals with disabilities and one accompanying person
• Job seekers in France and the receiving the social minima (with proof that it has been received for less than 6 months)
• All art school students.

If you qualify for free admission here is how to gain access. When you arrive at the Chateau, go directly to the entrance of the Dufour Pavilion with your proof of identity.

The Gardens of Versailles

From April to October, enjoy the gardens of the Palace of Versailles differently.

Musical Fountains Shows: Access to the gardens of the Palace of Versailles with animated water fountains and musical background.

• Every Saturday and Sunday from April to October
• Every Tuesday from May to June

Musical Gardens: Access to the gardens of the Palace of Versailles with a background of baroque music.

• Every Tuesday from April to May and from July to October
• Every Friday from April to October

On the days of the Fountains Shows and Musical Gardens, the access to the gardens is free only for children from 0 to 5 years old.
Reduced price for: Visitors aged 6 to 17, students, holders of the large family card, people with reduced mobility and a guide, "1 year in Versailles" subscribers and members of the Friends of Versailles Society.

The Fountains Night Show

Every Saturday from June to September, enjoy a fairytale stroll in the Palace of Versailles's magnificent gardens. The statues are magically illuminated, the fountains are playing music and there's a grand firework at the end of the night.

From 8.30pm to 10.40pm and fireworks from 10.50pm to 11.05pm (water displays from 8.30pm to 10.45pm)

On the days of the Fountains Night Show, the access to the gardens is free only for children from 0 to 5 years old.
Reduced price for: Visitors aged 6 to 17, students, holders of the large family card, people with reduced mobility and a guide, "1 year in Versailles" subscribers and members of the Friends of Versailles Society.

Useful information

• On the days of the Grandes Eaux and the Musical Gardens, access to the gardens is only free for children aged under 6 years old.
• Free Sundays: entry is free on the first Sundays of the month from November to March.
• The audioguide is free for all visitors.
• All visitors must comply with security checks before entering. At peak times, this can require length waits which can take place outside without shelter. It is therefore strongly advised to consult the weather forecast and wear the appropriate clothing.

Versailles and its gardens

Constructed by the great king Louis XIV, Versailles is famous for its castle as well as its huge park which features one of the most accomplished French gardens ever created. The garden was designed at the same time as the Palace with the aim of creating a harmonious ensemble to glorify the Sun King.

Another reason why the gardens of Versailles are so large is that they include the Royal Forest where the King hunted. The most famous part of the forest is at the edge of the Palace grounds, where you will find 94 hectares of lovingly tended gardens, almost 300 sculptures and an endless array of shrubs and trees. The Palace is surrounded by gardens on three sides, while the East-West axis has served as the great prospect since the 1660s. Around the Palace, the gardens are made from parterres, dotted with fountains and featuring alleyways that lead into groves where the effects of foliage and water create an enchanting spectacle.

Louis XIV also added the Great Trianon palace to the park. This addition was used as a summer retreat for he and his family and a refuge from the Royal Court. However, his successor Louis XV used the Trianon as a home for his mistress, Madame de Pompadour. Later on, Louis XVI offered it to Marie Antoinette, who added English Gardens and a famous hamlet comprised of rustic cottages.

Did you know?

The origins of the Palace of Versailles revolve around a story of jealousy. Louis XIV's superintendent of finance, Nicolas Fouquet, was a great art lover. He used his wealth to construct a magnificent castle, the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte. Then he made the mistake of inviting Louis XIV for a lavish feast. At the time Vaux-le-Vicomte included the finest architecture, technology and art, far exceeding properties of the Royal Family. Stung by the luxury enjoyed by his host, Louis accused Fouquet of corruption, imprisoned him and recruited the team that built Vaux-le-Vicomte, including André Le Nôtre who would create the dazzling gardens of Versailles. A gigantic project then began, mobilising 36,000 men to work day and night - all because of Louis' jealousy.

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