Palace of Versailles Tours
213 Reviews
Formerly a humble hunting lodge, the Palace of Versailles (Chateau de Versailles) is the extravagant creation of Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King. Embellished to epitomize royal decadence (the inequality of which tindered the French Revolution), Versailles features 700 rooms replete with frescoed ceilings and carvings, plus the Versailles Gardens (Jardins de Versailles), which brim with geometrically designed walkways and fountains. No visit to France is complete without experiencing the grandeur.
The Basics
Visiting every one of the palace's 700 rooms would take days, so a Versailles guided tour that visits the highlights is indisputably the best option. Gold-framed windows let light into the Hall of Mirrors, while priceless antique furniture decorates the King's Grand Chambers. The Royal Chapel features a number of columns, and in the gardens, the Grand Canal dominates while the Musical Fountains dance to classical music.
Lines can be long, often exceeding two hours, so purchase a skip-the-line ticket to spend less time waiting and more time exploring the Versailles Palace and Gardens. Various combo tours include skip-the-line entry at both the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre museum and a Versailles Palace tour, allowing you to maximize your time in Paris. History buffs should consider a private tour for tailored insight into the residence's history, particularly Marie Antoinette's exile in the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon, while active travelers can tour Versailles by bike to cover more ground in less time. On a full-day tour, fans of Impressionist art can combine Versailles with a visit to Giverny, the village that inspired Claude Monet's water lily paintings.
How to Get to the Palace of Versailles
The palace is set in the small township of Versailles, 13 miles (21 km) outside of Paris, and is easy to reach by train. Catch RER C from Paris to Versailles Rive Gauche station, only a 10-minute walk from the palace. You can also catch the SNCF train from Paris Montparnasse station to Versailles Chantiers or from Paris Saint Lazare to Versailles Rive Droite station.
When to Get There
The Basics
Visiting every one of the palace's 700 rooms would take days, so a Versailles guided tour that visits the highlights is indisputably the best option. Gold-framed windows let light into the Hall of Mirrors, while priceless antique furniture decorates the King's Grand Chambers. The Royal Chapel features a number of columns, and in the gardens, the Grand Canal dominates while the Musical Fountains dance to classical music.
Lines can be long, often exceeding two hours, so purchase a skip-the-line ticket to spend less time waiting and more time exploring the Versailles Palace and Gardens. Various combo tours include skip-the-line entry at both the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre museum and a Versailles Palace tour, allowing you to maximize your time in Paris. History buffs should consider a private tour for tailored insight into the residence's history, particularly Marie Antoinette's exile in the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon, while active travelers can tour Versailles by bike to cover more ground in less time. On a full-day tour, fans of Impressionist art can combine Versailles with a visit to Giverny, the village that inspired Claude Monet's water lily paintings.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The palace is incredibly popular—book a skip-the-line ticket to save time.
- The majority of tours from Paris include hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Select a tour that combines round-trip transport with an audio guide for a self-guided experience.
How to Get to the Palace of Versailles
The palace is set in the small township of Versailles, 13 miles (21 km) outside of Paris, and is easy to reach by train. Catch RER C from Paris to Versailles Rive Gauche station, only a 10-minute walk from the palace. You can also catch the SNCF train from Paris Montparnasse station to Versailles Chantiers or from Paris Saint Lazare to Versailles Rive Droite station.
When to Get There
At night, when the palace lights are illuminated and the sun has set, the gardens' Musical Fountains are at their most magical. Visit the Versailles Gardens on a Saturday evening between June 17 and September 16 to see a particularly special fountain performance crowned with a fireworks display.
Address: Place d'Armes, Versailles, Ile-de-France 78000, France
Hours: Tues–Sun 9am – 6:30pm in summer; 9am – 5:30pm in winter. Gardens and park open daily. Closed Jan 1, Apr 5, May 1, May 24, Nov 1, and Dec 25.
Admission: Varies
131 Tours and Activities to Experience Palace of Versailles
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Versailles Bike Tour with Skip-the-Line Entrance to Palace
Pedal your way around the parks of Versailles and enjoy skip-the-line entrance to the magnificent palace on this full-day tour from Paris. Learn the secrets of palace life, the truth about Marie Antoinette and the palace’s role in the French Revolution on a bike tour of Marie-Antoinette's Hamlet and the Petit and Grand Trianons. Next, bypass the queue and head straight inside the Palace of Versailles, where you have time to explore independently and discover the King’s apartments and famous Hall of Mirrors.
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From
$124.27
From
$124.27
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Versailles Palace Priority Access Guided Tour Optional Show & Pickup from Paris
Surround yourself in the grand spectacle of the Versailles palace and gardens on a small-group tour from Paris. Enjoy pickup from your Paris hotel, then breeze past the queue at Versailles and take a small-group tour through the castle’s ornate interior. Discover the rich tastes of Louis XIV, who built the enormous 700-room complex, adorning the space with extravagance and luxury. Then take a leisurely stroll in the palace gardens before returning to Paris.
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From
$147.43
From
$147.43
Versailles Palace Guided Tour with Gardens & Fountains Show from Paris
Imagine how the extravagance of Versailles was part of everyday life for Marie Antoinette during a guided tour of the palace with an optional fountain show. Take advantage of skip-the-line access to avoid the long lines at the start of your tour. Gaze in wonder at the Royal Apartments and the Queen’s Apartments, and walk through the glittering Hall of Mirrors to the Salon de la Guerre and the Salon de la Paix. Plus explore the expansive gardens on your own after the palace tour.
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From
$111.72
From
$111.72
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Best of Versailles Domain Skip-the-Line Access Day Trip with Lunch from Paris
Delve into the Versaille’s visionary architectural array on a comprehensive full-day tour from Paris. Sail past long lines outside of the Palace of Versailles with your priority-access pass. Embark on a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed wonder and see grand chambers like the Hall of Mirrors. Absorb the botanical beauty of the palace gardens, and then head to an esteemed restaurant by for a gourmet 3-course lunch (if option selected). Conclude with a visit to the Queen’s Hamlet and the Grand Trianon.
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From
$223.44
From
$223.44
Skip-the-Line Versailles Palace & Gardens from Paris with Optional Fountain Show
Immerse yourself in the opulence and drama of Versailles Palace and Gardens on a small-group tour from Paris to Versailles. With your ticket, breeze past the queue and join an expert guide for a fun and informative walk through the castle and gardens. Witness the extravagance of Louis XIV—the Sun King—who built up the massive 700-room complex, adorning the space with luxuries fit for the French monarchy.
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From
$72.87
From
$72.87
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Small Group Versailles Palace, Gardens & Fountains, Hamlet, Day Trip Guided Tour
Go back in time to experience the opulence of the Palace and Gardens of Versailles on this small-group tour from Paris. Walk through the glittering Hall of Mirrors, see the Royal Apartments, and admire the enormous gardens and beautiful fountain displays. Weekend visitors from April to October can see the famous fountain shows. Choose either a half-day independent tour in either the morning or afternoon, or a full-day guided tour. Pick-up and drop-off at central Paris hotels is included to make everything hassle-free.
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From
$313.82
From
$313.82
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Small-Group Versailles Guided Tour from Paris
Escape the city of Paris for a day, and go on a tour to Versailles, which is known for its magnificent regal architecture. Travel in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle to Versailles, which takes the stress out of organizing transport. Conveniently, an entrance ticket to the Palace of Versailles is included, so you beat the crowds. Your guide enriches your experience with stories about the area’s royal history.
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From
$174.96
From
$174.96
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Versailles Palace Skip The Line Access Half Day Private & Tailored Guided Tour
During this private excursion, beat the crowds at the popular Palace of Versailles with skip-the-line admission tickets, while learning more from your professional art historian guide than travelers exploring independently. Ideal for first-time visitors or those on a time budget, visit the palace, gardens, the Hall of Mirrors, and more, in only half a day.
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From
$407.60
Price varies by group size
From
$407.60
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Giverny's House & Gardens plus Versailles Palace Day Trip with Lunch from Paris
The Palace of Versailles is one of the most visited attractions in France, but many tours only visit the palace itself. This full-day tour from Paris includes a visit to Claude Monet’s home Giverny; lunch at a spectacular riverfront location; a guided tour of Versailles; and a chance to see the popular Musical Fountain show.
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From
$266.12
From
$266.12
Versailles Palace Skip the Line Audio Guided Tour & Gardens Access from Paris
Travel back in time to the site of France’s most extravagant monarch with this 2.5 hours guided audio tour of the Palace of Versailles. Fast-track entry allows you to skip the lines at this UNESCO World Heritage site, and you’ll arrive in style in a fully air-conditioned coach. Spend time exploring one of France's most famous and impressive landmarks.
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From
$77.83
From
$77.83
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Day Bike Tour of Versailles from Paris
The gardens of Versailles span an impressive 1,976 acres. Rather than exploring the sprawling grounds on foot, pedal your way around with an informative guide on this full-day Versailles bike tour from Paris. Discover garden trails and tree-lined paths behind the palace, and reach parts of the grounds that visitors on foot do not frequent, including Marie Antoinette's country-style hamlet, the Petit Trianon, and the Grand Trianon. Stop by the Grand Canal before heading inside the Palace of Versailles with skip-the-line admission.
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From
$122.28
From
$122.28
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Skip the Line: Versailles Palace and Gardens Day Trip from Paris by Train
Don’t like to waste time waiting in lines? Book this half-day Palace of Versailles tour that includes round-trip train transport from Paris, a skip-the-line entrance ticket and an audio-guide. After reaching Versailles by RER train, an informative guide takes on you a pleasant 2-hour tour of the garden grounds. Then, sail past the queue at the palace and explore its stately rooms at your own pace before returning to Paris via train at a time of your choosing.
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From
$92.64
From
$92.64
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Versailles Palace and Gardens Tour by Train from Paris with Skip-the-Line
There are few palaces as world-famous as Versailles, but with some 10 million annual visitors, you could spend longer queuing outside than exploring inside. This half-day tour from Paris ensures a hassle-free experience with round-trip train transfers from the city, skip-the-line entrance, and a guided tour of the staterooms, palace gardens, and Marie Antoinette’s hamlet (if option selected).
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From
$102.39
From
$102.39
Giverny and Versailles Small Group Day Trip from Paris
Pack in two of France’s main attractions into one day with this tour of the Palace of Versailles and Giverny, including round-trip transport from Paris. While at Versailles, see where King Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette lived, enjoy skip-the-line admission, an essential when visiting Versailles. Then head to Giverny to explore Monet’s House and Gardens, and catch a glimpse of where the Impressionist painter got ideas for some of his most famous works.
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From
$314.96
From
$314.96
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Palace of Versailles Skip the Line Audio Guided Tour & Access to Queen's Hamlet
Discover the golden age of French royalty on a full-day trip from Paris to the Palace of Versailles, with skip-the-line access and a self-guided audio tour. Explore the stunning chateau at your own pace, and enjoy time to visit the remarkable grounds and gardens, including access to the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon and Marie Antoinette’s ‘hamlet,’ the queen's make-believe rural village and mill pond.
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From
$111.72
From
$111.72
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Giverny and Versailles Small Group Day Trip from Paris
Uncover history and art on a small-group, full-day tour from central Paris. Explore Giverny, including its tranquil water lily gardens at Monet’s house. Indulge in lunch at Moulin de Fourges and then discover the splendor of the Palace of Versailles with its decadent Hall of Mirrors and gardens.
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From
$313.81
From
$313.81
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Versailles and Trianon Fully Guided Day Trip from Paris
Enjoy skip-the-line access to the Palace of Versailles to avoid the often-long queues. Explore the opulent palace and expansive gardens, and — in the summer — take in the optional Versailles Fountain Show. This is a great way to see this must-see attraction outside Paris.
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From
$193.30
From
$193.30
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Paris to Versailles Round-Trip Shuttle Transfer by Luxury Bus
Visit one of the most popular sights outside Paris easily with a shuttle from Paris to Versailles by luxury coach. Book your round-trip transfer and take the stress of transportation out of the day trip. Relax on the 45-minute drive from the city south to Versailles, and enjoy either a day or a full day to explore the site at your leisure before the return trip to Paris.
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From
$38.92
From
$38.92
Private Full-Day Palace and Park of Versailles Guided Tour
Set out from Paris for a full-day private tour of Versailles, complete with hotel pick-up. Your drive/guide will meet you at your lodging and bring you directly to the iconic château, where you'll enjoy skip-the-line access to this former home of French royalty. Step back in time as you explore such rooms as the opulent Hall of Mirrors the Queen's Grand Apartment, all the while learning the fascinating stories of the château itself and the legendary figures who once frequented here.The tour also includes a visit to Versailles's exquisite gardens.
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From
$330.40
Price varies by group size
From
$330.40
Price varies by group size
Versailles Palace and Gardens Tour with Gourmet Lunch by Chef Ducasse
Visit the iconic Versailles Palace and Gardens and complete the experience with a 3-course gourmet lunch on this 4-hour tour from Paris. Round-trip train tickets from Paris, entrance fees, and lunch included. Upgrade your tour with an additional visit to Petit Trainon.
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From
$207.64
From
$207.64
Giverny & Versailles Day Trip with Lunch & Hotel Transfer from Paris
Discover two major attractions, in a day trip, around Paris: the home and gardens of the « Master of Impressionism » and the Estate of the « Sun King », Louis XIV. The two destinations are a must for anyone visiting Paris, representing the Zenith of France’s greatest artistic movements.
Made famous for the atmosphere and untamed beauty of Monet's Gardens with the iconic Japanese bridge and lilly ponds, you will discover Giverny Village before lunch at the well known “Moulin de Fourges”. Then you will see Louis XIV’s breathtaking Hall of Mirrors and discover the magnificence of Versailles in the company of a Licenced Guide.
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From
$323.85
Price varies by group size
From
$323.85
Price varies by group size
Versailles Palace & Marie-Antoinette's Estate Private Guided Tour with Lunch
Enjoy a VIP, private full-day tour of Versailles Palace. Travel comfortably by a WIFI-equipped Mercedes Benz vehicle from Paris. Bypass the entrance queues with no-wait, skip-the-line admission tickets to the main residence, as well as the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon, and Marie Antoinette's private rural hamlet. Tours include a gourmet three-course lunch at the historic and picturesquely situated "La Flotille" restaurant.
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From
$654.63
Price varies by group size
From
$654.63
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Versailles Guided Tour with Skip the Line Access from Paris
Breeze past the large crowds at Versailles on this 4-hour tour, including skip-the-line access. Follow your guide through the palace and gardens of Louis XIV, including all entrance fees and round-trip transportation from central Paris.
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From
$123.02
From
$123.02
Best of Versailles Palace Private Day Tour including Lunch & Queen's Hamlet
Spend a full day exploring the historic grandeur of Versailles with a private tour from Paris. Skip the long lines at the Palace of Versailles and wander through the mesmerizing Hall of Mirrors and the fantastically ornate apartments where French royalty once lived. Stroll through the sprawling palace gardens, and visit the Grand Trianon palace and Queen’s Hamlet — a recreated country village built as a private escape for Marie Antoinette. Midday, take a break for lunch with a gourmet three-course meal near Versailles’ Grand Canal.
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From
$666.98
Price varies by group size
From
$666.98
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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