The visit to the castle costs 18 euros. The ticket allows you to visit the castle and the gardens outside the Musical Fountains and Musical Gardens days. To visit the entire Versailles estate, choose the Passport which also allows access to the Trianon estate and the Queen's Hamlet at 20 euros (27 euros on days of Musical Fountains and Musical Gardens shows). The Château and the Trianon Domaine are free for children under 18, EU residents under 26, people with reduced mobility and accompanying adults. When it is not free (in the summer season), access to the gardens alone will cost between 9 and 11 euros (children under 6 years old go free). The spectacle of Versailles Night Fountains Show can be reserved from 29 euros.
Buy your tickets for the Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles Château de Versailles Entry Tickets
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Mobile tickets accepted
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Likely to sell out
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Must-do
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Best price
What to expect
If you're planning a trip to France, one of the must-see attractions is the Château de Versailles, also known as the Palace of Versailles. This magnificent palace has a rich and fascinating history, and has been home to French monarchs such as Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Marie Antoinette.
Today, the Palace of Versailles is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors from all over the world each year. When you visit, you'll be able to explore the palace's many rooms and gardens, and learn about its fascinating past.
One of the best ways to experience the Palace of Versailles is by purchasing entry tickets in advance. This will allow you to skip the lines and make the most of your time at the palace. There are a variety of ticket options available, including tickets for the palace, gardens, and other attractions.
As you explore the Palace of Versailles, you'll be transported back in time to the golden age of French history. You'll see firsthand the extravagance, refinement, and sheer know-how of the French, as well as the incredible craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into creating this magnificent palace.
Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or simply someone who appreciates beauty and elegance, the Palace of Versailles is a must-see destination in France. So why wait? Purchase your entry tickets today and start planning your trip to this incredible palace.
Schedule
Versailles Palace & Gardens Entry Tickets
Schedule: 9:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 3:30 pm, 4:00 pm
The Fountains Night Show
Schedule: 8:30 pm
Opening Hours and Access
High season (April to October)
🌿 Palace
- Open: 9:00 am – 6:30 pm
- Closed: every Monday
- Also closed: May 1st, December 25th, January 1st
🌳 Gardens
- Open: 7:00 am – 8:30 pm (high season April → October)
- Open every day
- Access may be charged during the Musical Fountains Shows / Musical Gardens
🌲 Park
- Open: 7:00 am – 8:30 pm
- Open every day
- Free access (except for special events)
🏛️ Trianon Estate (Grand & Petit Trianon + Hamlet)
- Open: 12:00 pm – 6:30 pm
- Closed: every Monday
- Also closed: May 1st, December 25th, January 1st
🐎 Gallery of Coaches
- Open: Saturdays and Sundays only
- Hours: 12:30 pm – 6:30 pm
- Free access
📌 Marly Estate
- Open to the public
- Opening hours vary depending on the season
- In high season: approx. 7:30 am – 7:30 pm (variable)
Low season (November to March)
- The Palace: every day from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, except Monday
- The Gardens: every day from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm (except exceptional weather) – Exceptional closing at 5:30 pm on Saturdays of Night Fountains Shows and on certain dates
- The Park: every day from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm (except exceptional weather)
- The Trianon Estate: every day from 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm, except Monday, December 25th and January 1st
- The Gallery of Coaches: every day from 12:30 pm to 5:30 pm, except Monday, December 25th and January 1st
- The Marly Estate: every day from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm
The Gardens of Versailles
From April to November, enjoy the Musical Fountains Shows and Musical Gardens in the gardens and groves specially opened for the occasion.
🎶 Musical Fountains Shows
Access to the Palace gardens and groves with fountains and water displays set to baroque music.
📅 2026 season: from April 3 to November 1, 2026.
💦 Scheduled availability:
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Every Saturday and Sunday (throughout the season)
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Every Tuesday from May 5 to June 30 (included)
🌿 Musical Gardens – 2026 dates:
✨ Discover the Musical Gardens of the Palace of Versailles and let yourself be enchanted by groves and fountains set to baroque music. -
May–June: Wednesday–Friday, from May 6 to June 26 (closed May 8 and 14)
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July–October: Tuesday–Friday, from July 1 to October 30 (closed July 14 and August 15)
⏰ Hours: 9:00 am → 7:00 pm (early closing from October 27 to 30)
On Musical Fountains and Musical Gardens days, garden access is free only for children under 6.
Reduced rate: ages 6–17, students and holders of the following cards: large family, disability, Château de Versailles Spectacles, 1 Year in Versailles, Friends of Versailles Society.
Night Fountains Shows 2026
Every Saturday evening, from June to September, the Night Fountains Shows take place. From 8:30 pm, the magnificent French-style gardens of the Palace of Versailles come alive with water and light displays. Groves and fountains are illuminated with shimmering reflections, statues are subtly lit, all set to baroque music that transports you back to the time of the Sun King. Just before 11:00 pm, the evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks display by Groupe F. Head to the Grand Perspective to admire the royal fireworks.
During the Night Fountains Shows, garden access is free only for children under 6.
Reduced rate: ages 6–17, students and holders of the following cards: large family, disability, Château de Versailles Spectacles, 1 Year in Versailles, Friends of Versailles Society.
Access
Tickets can be purchased on site, but we strongly recommend booking online to avoid queues at the ticket office.
With tickets purchased on our website, go directly to Entrance A of the Palace with your proof on your smartphone or printed.
All visitors must undergo security checks. During peak times, waiting times may vary and take place outdoors without shelter. It is therefore strongly recommended to check the weather and dress accordingly.
The audioguide is free for all visitors.
Free Admission
To access the permanent collections of the Palace (State Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, etc.), the Trianon palaces, the Marie-Antoinette Estate, and temporary exhibitions, certain visitors benefit from free admission. Upon presentation of proof, entry is free for:
- visitors under 18
- visitors under 26 residing in the European Union
- school groups and teachers working in a French institution with an Education Pass
- people with disabilities and their companion
- job seekers in France and recipients of social benefits (proof less than 6 months old)
- art school students
- for everyone: on the first Sunday of each month from November to March
If you are eligible for free admission, go directly to Entrance A at the Dufour Pavilion with your proof and ID.
On Musical Fountains and Musical Gardens days, garden access is free only for children under 6.
Getting to the Palace of Versailles
| Getting to the Palace of Versailles | |
|---|---|
| RER C or SNCF trains | By RER C: The RER C stops at Versailles Château Rive Gauche station, a 10-minute walk to the Palace. By train: - From Paris Montparnasse station, SNCF trains arrive at Versailles Chantiers, an 18-minute walk to the Palace. - From Paris Saint-Lazare station, SNCF trains arrive at Versailles Rive Droite, a 17-minute walk to the Palace. |
| Shuttle or bus | By shuttle: Versailles Express offers transfers to the Palace of Versailles from the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Departure from Paris with pick-up at Port de la Bourdonnais: Bateaux Parisiens parking, at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, along the Seine. By bus: RATP bus 171 runs between Pont de Sèvres (terminus of Metro line 9) and the Palace of Versailles in about 30 minutes (traffic permitting). |
| Car or coach | Access: From the A13 motorway, take exit no. 5 Versailles Centre and follow signs for the Palace of Versailles. GPS coordinates of the Palace: 48°48’17N and 2°07’15E Parking: Several paid parking areas are available. In front of the Palace: Place d’Armes for cars and coaches – open 24/7. In the Park: Grand Canal, Petit Trianon, Grand Trianon, Queen’s Hamlet (coaches only at Carrefour des Trianons) – paid access via the Queen’s Gate, open for vehicles from 9:00 am to 4:50 pm or 5:50 pm (depending on season). |
History of Versailles and its Gardens
Versailles under the great King Louis XIV is famous not only for its palace but also for its vast park, where the French formal garden reached its peak. It was designed at the same time as the palace to create a harmonious ensemble glorifying the Sun King.
The gardens of Versailles are immense as they also include the forest where the king used to hunt. The most famous part corresponds to the small park at the foot of the palace: 94 hectares of carefully designed gardens, nearly 300 statues, and thousands of trees and shrubs. The gardens surround the palace on three sides. From 1660, the east-west axis became the Grand Perspective. Close to the palace, the gardens are composed of flowerbeds adorned with fountains and extended by pathways leading to groves with surprising water and greenery effects.
In the park, King Louis XIV had the Grand Trianon built. He would come here with his family to cool off in summer and escape the hustle and bustle of court life. King Louis XV later had the Petit Trianon developed for his mistress, Madame de Pompadour. Louis XVI offered it to his young wife Marie-Antoinette, who also redesigned parts of the gardens in the English style and built a charming hamlet of rustic cottages.
Did you know?
It was a story of jealousy that led Louis XIV to imagine Versailles. Nicolas Fouquet, his Superintendent of Finances, was passionate about art and built a magnificent residence, the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte. He invited Louis XIV to a lavish celebration there. Vaux-le-Vicomte was at the cutting edge of art, technology, and French craftsmanship—far more impressive than any of the king’s own palaces!
The king, consumed by jealousy, accused Fouquet of misusing state funds, had him imprisoned, and requisitioned the team that built Vaux-le-Vicomte. Versailles was born. A gigantic construction project began, employing 36,000 workers day and night. Among them was the renowned artist and gardener André Le Nôtre, who was given an unlimited budget to design the gardens of Versailles.
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Map
78000 Versailles
Customer Reviews
It was a great experience. Tickets time was a good estimate of a waiting time to get inside.
There was a misleading information about the light and music water show every Saturday, which is not true. Fountains didn't have any water, although it was May.
There's a matter of getting there. It might be tricky if you're not familiar with Paris railroads.
Easy to book and a great experience visiting Versailles.
Too much to see in one day though & can recommend the benefits of hiring one of the buggies to experience the extent of the estate.
Cons: Had to pay for the audio guide at the entrance.
Pro: The palace and gardens are great. I'd recommend tickets to the Trianon and a tour through the Hameau de la Reine
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