Versailles Royal Chapel (La Chapelle Royale)
The Basics
The Royal Chapel, completed in 1710, is one of the best-preserved areas of the palace from the reign of Louis XIV. A general admission ticket to the palace allows visitors to see inside the chapel from its entrance, but guests are not allowed inside unless they’re part of a guided VIP tour. These not only get you into the chapel, but the otherwise off-limits Royal Quarters as well. Concerts and other special events are hosted in the Royal Chapel from time to time, offering further opportunity to get inside and appreciate the ornate detail.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Royal Chapel is a must-see for architecture buffs and music lovers.
- Don’t forget your camera; the chapel is one of the more photogenic areas of the palace.
- Book a guided VIP tour to get inside the chapel and learn more about its history.
- The chapel, along with the rest of Versailles, is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Royal Chapel is inside the Palace of Versailles outside of Paris. The nearest train station is Versailles Château Rive Gauche.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The palace and chapel are closed on Mondays. Tours that allow visitors into the Royal Chapel often sell out ahead of time, so it’s a good idea to book in advance.
Architecture of the Royal Chapel
The Royal Chapel stands out from the rest of the palace in its height and the fact that it disrupts the otherwise symmetrical design. The Gothic structure, designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, features large glass windows, buttresses, and a vaulted ceiling depicting scenes of the Holy Trinity.
- Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces)
- King’s State Apartment (Grand Appartement du Roi)
- Scent Courtyard (Cour des Senteurs)
- Royal Opera of Versailles (L'Opéra Royal du Château de Versailles)
- Marie-Antoinette's Estate
- Neptune Fountain (Bassin de Neptune)
- Grand Trianon
- Orangerie of Versailles (l’Orangerie de Versailles)
- Academy of Equestrian Arts
- Versailles Fountains (Les Fontaines)
- Versailles Gardens (Jardins de Versailles)
- Grand Canal