Address
Place d’Armes
78000 Versailles, France
Support
Phone: + 33 1 30 83 78 00 (general)
Email: visitesautonomes@crm.chateauversailles.fr (guided tours request)
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About Palace of Versailles
Majestic in stature, with a glorious historical past, the Palace of Versailles is a former royal abode of France, and attracts 10 million visitors every year, from across the globe. Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979, the Palace of Versailles is a symbol of power, and pride of France.
Favored as one of the world’s best holiday destinations, the Palace had humble beginnings as a hunting lodge, for King Henry IV and later, served as the official residence of France, under Louis XVI for 100 years, until the French Revolution in 1789.
Located in the region of Île-de-France, 20 kilometers from the French Capital, the entrancing architectural magnificence of the Palace, captivates the eyes of the beholder. The finest example of French Baroque architecture, the Palace mesmerizes with its large bold windows, ornate painted walls and ceilings, mirror-clad arches, bronze sculptures, French furniture, and the stunning vistas of the pristine gardens and fountains, from the gallery. The decorated rooms with exquisite tapestries, barrel-vaulted ceilings, and dazzling chandeliers display the flamboyant treasures and cultural lifestyle of the French royals, in the 17th century.
The Hall of Mirrors is the highlight of the Palace, and is 73 meters long, with 357 mirrors and 17 windows, having crystal-like glass chandeliers, hanging from the painted ceilings. Other places of interest, worth seeing around the Palace are the Grand Apartment, the Chapel of Versailles, the Estate of Marie Antoinette, the Neptune Fountain, Versailles Garden, and the Royal Opera House.
Best to visit during the high season in summer and spring from April-October, as a large extent of the Palace and gardens remain closed during the low season in winters from November-March. Visitors can avail early seasonal discounts by online booking, and have easy access to public transportation, from the Capital city of Paris.
The opening timings are longer during the high season in summer, than the low season in winters, and the Palace opens from Tue-Sun, between 9am – 6:30pm, and remains closed on Mondays. The Estate of Marie Antoinette and the Trianon Palaces is open to visitors, only during the high season from 12pm – 6:30pm, and the Coach gallery from 12:30pm – 6:30pm during the low season. The French Gardens and the Park are open for visitors, every day between 8am-8:30pm.
The Passport tickets cost €18, and the Palace tickets cost €15 for adults, with free admission for 18-25 years old and for children below 18, with valid ID proof. The Musical Gardens cost €8 for adults and is free for children below five, and the Fountains Nights cost €24 for adults and €20 for children. Visitors can skip the queues by purchasing tickets online using a Visa or MasterCard. The standard Passport ticket gives you access to the whole Estate, including the Palace with timed entry and audioguide, estate of Trianon, temporary exhibitions, Gardens, the Park and the Coach Gallery.
If only interested in exhibitions, there are separate tickets for same. For an extended tour, explore the guided tours. Visitors get access to locations that are not open to the public, including the private apartments of the kings, and Queen Marie-Antoinette’s Hamlet. The costs and schedule are published on the website. Guided tours are free for children under 10 years of age. If paying at the ticket desk, you can use cash, bank cheques, EMV, JCB and Amex debit/credit cards.
For the convenience of visitors, the Palace of Versailles offers luggage storage, WiFi and mobile charging stations. There are also ample dining and shopping options. If you couldn’t shop at the outlets during your visit, you can head to the online shop where you can purchase home decor items, apparel, books, tableware and toys. Online shoppers enjoy a 14 day return policy. For more information or queries on events, timings, tickets, cancellation, transportation, parking, career, or others, reach the Palace of Versailles support.
