The Palace of Versailles, in the southwestern outskirts of Paris, was the royal residence of Louis XIV through Louis XVI and stands as the symbol of French absolute monarchy and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is world-famous for the Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces), the vast gardens designed by Le Nôtre, the Trianon estate, and Marie-Antoinette's Hamlet. In 2026 the palace is running the special programme '1776-2026: An American Season' to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence: a new gallery on the American Revolutionary War and France's role opened on 4 July in the Captain of the Guards' Apartment, and the restoration of the Hall of Mirrors was completed in summer 2026. A timed-entry reservation is now mandatory for the Palace, so book online before you go.
The Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces) - after its 2026 restoration, the chandeliers were reduced to six, so you can now take in Le Brun's ceiling and the room's full height in a single glance.
The King's and Queen's State Apartments and Marie-Antoinette's bedchamber, the opulent royal living quarters.
The architectural splendour of the Royal Chapel and the Royal Opera House.
Le Nôtre's geometric gardens and the Musical Fountains ('Grandes Eaux Musicales'), running April to November.
The Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon and Marie-Antoinette's Hamlet (Hameau) - the royals' private retreats.
2026 only - the American 250th-anniversary gallery in the Captain of the Guards' Apartment and the 'Light of Liberty' VR experience.
Good to know
RulesA timed-entry slot is mandatory for the Palace. Even those entitled to free admission (under 18, EU residents under 26, etc.) must reserve a free timed slot online to get in. Always confirm current prices and opening hours on the official website before visiting.
CautionNear the station there are fake ticket booths with prominent 'Versailles Tickets' signage, and people posing as official staff who steer you to the wrong place. Buy tickets only on the official website or at the palace's official ticket office.
SafetyPickpockets operate on the RER and trains and in the crowds at the entrance. Common ploys include a signature-petition distraction and a 'bird droppings on your jacket' cleaning scam. Wear your bag in front, keep it zipped, and never take your eyes off your belongings.
SeasonIn the summer high season (especially Tuesday-Sunday mornings) the palace is extremely crowded and slots sell out fast. The Palace opens Tuesday to Sunday and is closed on Mondays, so plan your dates accordingly.
SeasonMidsummer heatwaves are common and the palace interior is not air-conditioned, so it gets very hot. Bring water and a hat, use the shaded and fountain areas of the gardens, and pace yourself.
MannersQuiet is expected indoors, and large backpacks and suitcases are not allowed inside and must be left at the cloakroom. Flash photography, tripods and selfie sticks are prohibited, so follow the posted signs.
Practical info
From Paris, take RER line C to 'Versailles Château-Rive Gauche' station, a roughly 10-minute walk from the palace. Note that in summer 2026 the Versailles branch of RER C is closed for works for part of the season (planned mid-July to late August), so you may need SNCF alternatives - Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers, or Saint-Lazare to Versailles Rive Droite - or bus 171; check before you travel. The Palace opens Tuesday-Sunday from 9:00 (closing 18:30 April-October, 17:30 November-March, with last admission about 45 minutes before closing), while the gardens are open daily. Prices, hours and reservation rules can change, so always confirm the latest details on the official website.
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