The Palace of Versailles is a World Heritage Site that symbolizes the history and luxury of France. It is easily accessible from Paris, and many people are attracted by its magnificent architecture and vast gardens, so they plan to visit it as part of their trip to France.
In this article, we will introduce the Palace of Versailles.The latest ticket information for 2025 (ticket types and reservation/purchase methods)We provide information to help you enjoy your visit, from basic information such as the attractions of the Palace of Versailles, how to get there, and things to be aware of when visiting. It also covers useful information for first-time visitors, soBy reading this article, you will be able to enjoy the Palace of Versailles many times more.I guess so.
Types of tickets for the Palace of Versailles and how to reserve and purchase them
Ticket types and prices vary
There are several types of tickets available for entry to the Palace of Versailles, so let's take a look at the latest main ticket types and prices as of February 2025.
- passport(PASSPORT):24 € or 32 €
- This ticket allows you to enter all facilities in the palace (with some exceptions) and allows you to enter the Palace of Versailles with priority access up to 30 minutes after the specified date and time. The price varies depending on the season, from 24 euros from November to March and 32 euros from April to October.
- Palace Ticket:21€
- This ticket includes free admission to the Palace and Gardens of Versailles, and priority entry to the Palace of Versailles up to 30 minutes after the designated date and time.
- Trianon Pass (ESTATE OF TRIANON TICKET):12€
- This ticket is for the Trianon Palace but does not include admission to the Palace of Versailles.
- Passport + Bike Ride: 74€
- In addition to your regular passport, this ticket gives you a 1-hour bike tour of the park.
- Passport + Gourmet Break: 108€ or 124€
- In addition to the regular passport, this ticket includes lunch at the restaurant "la Petite Venise." As with the regular passport, the price varies depending on the season.
*Even those under the age of 18 who can enter the Palace of Versailles for free must reserve a ticket to enter the palace.
* Admission to free areas such as gardens and parks is free during opening hours even if you do not have a ticket.
There are many other types of tickets available, so please seeOfficial websiteIt would be a good idea to check.
How to book and purchase tickets online
Tickets for the Palace of Versailles can be easily booked online through the official website or various travel agency sites. Below are the steps to book using the official website:
- Visit official website: Official website of the Palace of Versailles (https://en.chateauversailles.fr/) to access the
- Select a ticket section: Select "Tickets" from the top menu, choose your visit date and the type of ticket you want.
- Enter the required informationEnter your visitor and payment information.
- Check and pay for tickets: Confirm the details you entered and make the payment with your credit or debit card.
- Collecting your ticketsOnce payment is complete, you will be emailed a ticket which you can print out or save on your smartphone to take with you on the day.
Once you have successfully purchased your tickets, let's do a little research on the basic information about the Palace of Versailles in preparation for your sightseeing on the day.
Overview of the Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is the former residence of the French royal family
The Palace of Versailles is a magnificent palace located in the city of Versailles, about 20 kilometers west of Paris, the capital of France. It was built in the late 17th century by order of Louis XIV, andMain residence of the French royal familyToday, it is an important tourist attraction symbolizing French culture and history, and is visited by many tourists every year.
The history of the Palace of Versailles began with Louis XIV
The construction of the Palace of VersaillesIn 1661, Louis XIV decided to move his court out of Paris.The palace was designed and constructed by architect Louis Le Vau, gardener André Le Nôtre, and interior designer Charles Le Brun. In 1682, Louis XIV officially declared Versailles the residence of the French royal family, but the palace continued to be expanded and remodeled both inside and outside, and it was not until 1690 that all construction was completed.19th centuryAfter the French Revolution, the palace was opened to the public as a museum and has maintained its splendor to this day.
The palace is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture
The Palace of Versailles isBaroqueAn architectural masterpieceIt is known asIt features a grand façade, extensive gardens and lavish interiors.The palace features a magnificent hall called the Hall of Mirrors, famous for its walls lined with 17 large mirrors. The gardens are decorated with flower beds and fountains arranged in geometric patterns.BaroqueThe Palace of Versailles was declared a World Heritage Site in 1979 for its architectural beauty and historical value.
What to see at the Palace of Versailles
The luxurious decoration is attractive
The Royal Apartments of the Palace of Versailles are the sumptuous living spaces used by Kings Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI. They contain separate rooms for the King and Queen, each with opulent décor, symbolizing the power and wealth of the French monarchy at the time. The Grand Bedroom of Louis XIV in particular features a luxurious bed and walls decorated with gold leaf. Another must-see is the Grand Bedroom of the Queen, famously the actual room used by Marie Antoinette. These apartments offer a rare glimpse into life at the French court.
The most famous room is the "Hall of Mirrors"
Palace of VersaillesThe Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces) is the most famous roomThis magnificent hall is 73 meters long andThe space features a wall lined with 17 large arched mirrors.Its ceilings are decorated with paintings glorifying the glory of Louis XIV, and its floors are paved with beautiful marble. The Hall of Mirrors was the venue for the palace's most lavish social and official events, and it also holds great historical importance. Most famously, the Treaty of Versailles, the peace treaty at the end of World War I, was signed here in 1919. The room's splendor and historical background make it a must-see for many tourists.
Trianon and Marie Antoinette's Village
Within the grounds of the Palace of Versailles, there are two smaller palaces, the Grand Trianon and the Petit Trianon, which were used as private resting places for the royal family. The Petit Trianon in particular was Marie Antoinette's favorite place and is known as her personal refuge. Nearby is the "Marie Antoinette Village" (Hameau de la Reine), a small village created for her to enjoy rural life. Here you can see beautiful gardens and small houses that recreate the rural atmosphere of the time. These places offer a glimpse of the more relaxed side of the royal family, in contrast to the opulence of the palace.
I think that just knowing the historical background and highlights of the Palace of Versailles would have made you more interested.
Finally, we will also tell you how to get there and what to be aware of on the day.
Access and tourist information for the Palace of Versailles
How to get there from Paris
The Palace of Versailles is very easy to get to from Paris. Below are the main transportation options from Paris to the Palace of Versailles:
- train:
- RER C: Take the RER C line from central Paris to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station. The palace is about a 10-minute walk from the station. This is the most common and convenient way to get to the palace.
- SNCF Transilian: Take the N line train from Paris Gare Montparnasse station to Versailles Chantiers station. From the station, it is about an 18-minute walk to the palace.
- Train from Gare Saint-Lazare: Take the L train from Gare Saint-Lazare station to Versailles Rive Droite station. From there it is about a 17-minute walk to the palace.
- bus:
- There are also buses that go directly to the Palace of Versailles from Paris. The main route is the 171, which departs from Pont de Sèvres station in Paris and gets off in front of the Palace of Versailles.
- car:
- You can also get to the Palace of Versailles from Paris by car. Take the A13 highway and exit at "Versailles Centre." There are paid parking lots around the palace, but they tend to get busy, so we recommend arriving early.
Tour guide inside the palace
There are various tour guide services offered within the Palace of Versailles. Below are the main tour guide options:
- Audio guide:
- Audio guides are available for rent at the entrance to the palace. They are available in multiple languages, and Japanese guides are also available. By using the audio guide, you can tour the palace while listening to detailed explanations of each room and exhibit.
- Guided tours:
- Tours with official palace guides are also popular and are expert guides who will lead you through the palace and provide detailed explanations of its history, architecture and royal life. It is best to book in advance on the official website.
- Thematic tours:
- The Palace of Versailles also offers tours that focus on a particular theme, such as tours about the garden design or the life of Marie Antoinette, making these perfect for those with a special interest.
Nearby Attractions
There are many other sights around the Palace of Versailles that are worth visiting, including:
- Versailles city:
- After your visit to the palace, it's a good idea to explore the city of Versailles, with its pretty streets, cafes, restaurants and local atmosphere, especially the famous Marché Notre Dame, a marketplace selling fresh produce and handicrafts.
- Potierre Castle:
- About 15 minutes by car from the Palace of Versailles is Château de Breteuil, a beautiful storybook castle with historic furniture and gardens.
- Parc de Saint-Cloud:
- Just a short distance from the Palace of Versailles, the Parc de Saint-Cloud is a vast and beautifully landscaped park, perfect for a picnic or stroll and offering stunning views on a clear day.
When visiting the Palace of Versailles, stopping off at these nearby spots will make your trip even more enjoyable.
Things to know when visiting the Palace of Versailles
Tips to avoid crowds
The Palace of Versailles is crowded with tourists throughout the year, but to avoid the crowds and enjoy your visit comfortably, please keep the following in mind.
- Visit in the early morning or late afternoon：The museum is generally quiet right after opening and before closing. If you arrive 30 minutes before opening time, you can easily enter the museum.
- Visit on a weekday: It gets very busy on weekends and public holidays, so if possible, we recommend visiting on a weekday, especially on Tuesdays, when the museum is closed.
- Buy your tickets online in advance: To avoid waiting in line at the ticket counter, it is advisable to purchase tickets in advance from the official website.
- Avoid special events and holiday periods: School holidays and special event periods are particularly busy, so avoid visiting during these times to enjoy a more relaxed experience.
Manners and rules within the palace
The Palace of Versailles is a historical heritage site with many valuable exhibits. When visiting, please observe the following manners and rules.
- Act quietly: Please be quiet and refrain from talking loudly inside the palace to avoid disturbing other visitors and tour guides.
- Do not touch the exhibits: Do not touch the exhibits or furniture, as they are very delicate and touching them is prohibited to prevent damage.
- Visit only designated areas: Do not enter any off-limits or roped off areas, as these areas are restricted for conservation purposes.
- Observe photo-taking etiquettePhotography is permitted, but please refrain from using flash and be mindful of other visitors.
- Eating and drinking prohibited: Eating and drinking are prohibited inside the palace. Please do not bring any drinks or food into the palace and only eat and drink in designated areas.
Best time to visit
To decide on the best time to visit the Palace of Versailles, consider weather and crowds.
- Spring (April to June)This is the best time to visit as the weather is mild and the gardens are in full bloom, especially in May when the flowers are at their best.
- Autumn (September to October): The weather is nice in autumn too, and since it's after the summer tourist season, it's less crowded. You can also enjoy the autumn leaves in the gardens.
- Summer (July to August): In summer, it is the tourist season and is expected to be crowded, but events such as the garden fountain show and the music garden are held. It is a good idea to visit with proper precautions against the heat.
- Winter (November to March): In winter, there are fewer tourists, so you can take your time to explore the palace. However, there are fewer flowers in the gardens, so it is best to visit if you are mainly interested in seeing the palace interior.
When planning your visit to the Palace of Versailles, keep these tips in mind to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit.
summary
We hope you enjoyed this article. The Palace of Versailles continues to fascinate visitors with its gorgeous architecture and historical value.
We hope that this article will deepen your interest and understanding of the Palace of Versailles.
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