Versailles, FranceChillTrip

City guideFrance

Versailles

Versailles travel guide · Europe

ContinentEuropeLanguageFrenchCurrencyEURLocal specialtyPicnic with local bread, cheese, and wine in the palace gardensFree to read

Versailles is a historic city on the western edge of Paris, world-famous for the magnificent Palace of Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by King Louis XIV. Once the seat of French royal power, it witnessed pivotal moments in history including the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. Beyond the palace, the city offers grand gardens, charming markets, and a glimpse into centuries of French aristocratic life.

01

Best time to visit Versailles

aprilmayjuneseptember

Spring and early autumn offer pleasant weather for exploring the vast gardens and park without the peak summer crowds. Musical fountain shows run on select days from spring through autumn.

02

What to see in Versailles

Château de VersaillesChillTrip
Must-see
01castle

Château de Versailles

The iconic royal palace built by Louis XIV, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the dazzling Hall of Mirrors, the King's and Queen's State Apartments, and the Gallery of Great Battles. One of the most historically significant buildings in the world.

Paid entryAbout 180 minhistoryculture

AddressPlace d'Armes, 78000 Versailles, France

4.6/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • MondayClosed

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

Gardens of VersaillesChillTrip
Must-see
02garden

Gardens of Versailles

Magnificent formal gardens designed by André Le Nôtre, featuring ornate fountains, the Grand Canal, the Orangerie, and spectacular Musical Fountain Shows on select days.

FreeAbout 120 minnature & outdoorsculturehistory

AddressPlace d'Armes, 78000 Versailles, France

4.7/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Thursday8 am–6 pm
  • Friday8 am–6 pm
  • Saturday8 am–6 pm
  • Sunday8 am–6 pm
  • Monday8 am–6 pm
  • Tuesday8 am–6 pm
  • Wednesday8 am–6 pm

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

Hall of MirrorsChillTrip
Must-see
03monument

Hall of Mirrors

One of the most emblematic rooms in the world, this Baroque-style gallery was the site of the proclamation of the German Empire in 1871 and the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919.

Paid entryAbout 30 minhistoryculture

AddressPlace d'Armes, 78000 Versailles, France

4.7/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Thursday9 am–5:30 pm
  • Friday9 am–5:30 pm
  • Saturday9 am–5:30 pm
  • Sunday9 am–5:30 pm
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday9 am–5:30 pm
  • Wednesday9 am–5:30 pm

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

Grand TrianonChillTrip
Must-see
04castle

Grand Trianon

A retreat palace built by Louis XIV, renowned for its Italian architecture, pink marble, and geometrical French-style gardens. Today it houses visiting foreign dignitaries.

Paid entryAbout 60 minhistoryculture

AddressPorte Saint-Antoine, 78000 Versailles, France

4.5/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Thursday12–5:30 pm
  • Friday12–5:30 pm
  • Saturday12–5:30 pm
  • Sunday12–5:30 pm
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday12–5:30 pm
  • Wednesday12–5:30 pm

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

Hameau de la ReineChillTrip
05neighborhood

Hameau de la Reine

A rustic hamlet created for Marie Antoinette as a private retreat, offering a charming contrast to the grandeur of the main palace with its village-style architecture.

Paid entryAbout 45 minhistoryculture

AddressR497+W7, Château de Versailles, Hameau de la reine, 78000 Versailles, France

4.8/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Thursday12–6:30 pm
  • Friday12–6:30 pm
  • Saturday12–6:30 pm
  • Sunday12–6:30 pm
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday12–6:30 pm
  • Wednesday12–6:30 pm

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

03

Where to eat in Versailles

Ore - Ducasse au Château de VersaillesChillTrip
01French

Ore - Ducasse au Château de Versailles

An upscale restaurant managed by renowned chef Alain Ducasse, located on the first floor of the Château with access from the Royal Courtyard.

Price $$$

AddressChâteau De Versailles, Pavillon Dufour, 78000 Versailles, France

3.9/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Thursday9 am–5:30 pm
  • Friday9 am–5:30 pm
  • Saturday9 am–5:30 pm, 7–8 pm
  • Sunday9 am–5:30 pm
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday9 am–5:30 pm
  • Wednesday9 am–5:30 pm

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

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04

Things to do in Versailles

Grandes Eaux Musicales

showPaid entryAbout 90 min

A spectacular musical fountain show held on select days in the Gardens of Versailles, where the palace's 50+ fountains are set to classical music in a breathtaking display.

Grand Canal

boatPaid entryAbout 60 min

Rent a rowing boat on the Grand Canal within the palace grounds during summer, offering a unique and leisurely way to enjoy the estate's landscape.

Château de Versailles Audio Guide Tour

tourPaid entryAbout 120 min

An official audioguide tour of the Château available in several languages, covering the Chapel, Opera House, and State Apartments. Included in the day pass price.

Versailles Estate Mini-Train

tourPaid entryAbout 60 min

A mini-train ride through the vast palace grounds, the most time-efficient way to get an overview of the entire estate including the Trianon palaces and the Grand Canal.

Académie du Spectacle Équestre

showPaid entryAbout 90 min

A royal equestrian show held at the historic Royal Stables, featuring horses trained to the highest standards performing in a spectacular setting.

05

Where to go near Versailles

Paris

Train 37minBus 30minCar 30min

The French capital, just a short train ride away, offering world-class museums, iconic landmarks, and vibrant culture.

Giverny

Visit the house and beautiful gardens of Impressionist painter Claude Monet, the inspiration for his famous Water Lilies series.

Saint-Cloud

A nearby destination of interest for those passionate about French royal history, featuring a beautiful park.

Rueil-Malmaison

A major destination for French royal history enthusiasts, home to the Château de Malmaison associated with Napoleon and Empress Joséphine.

Rambouillet

A charming town with a royal château and forest, another key destination for lovers of French royal heritage.

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