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Versailles Gardens: Audio Guide App by TouringBee
- Duration: 2h
- Audio guide
See where Marie Antoinette lived, walk through the 75m long hall of mirrors, and see priceless art!
24 options • from $5.56
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With an almost 400-year history behind it, it's safe to say the Palace of Versailles boasts plenty of interesting facts and anecdotes. You'll hear a fair few of them if you decide to join a guided tour, but for now, here are five facts about the Palace of Versailles to get you started:
Louis XIV rightly gets a lot of credit for the palace, but it actually began as a plush hunting lodge for his father Louis XIII
The palace was last a royal residence during the French Revolution in 1789, when Louis XVI and family fled to Paris
The original menagerie at Versailles formed the basis of Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes, the second oldest zoo in the world
The Treaty of Versailles, the agreement which ended World War One, was signed in the palace's Hall of Mirrors
Marie Antoinette built her own mini village on the estate – Petit Trianon – complete with gardens and cottages.
The Palace of Versailles is located 20 km from Paris in the Yvelines city of Versailles. If you're weighing up whether the excursion is worth it, then it's good to know that a train ride out to Versailles takes just an hour via the RER train from central Paris.
The palace is known for being pretty large. Whether you judge it on its 2,300 rooms or the 8.2 km² area of the palace and grounds, it's fair to say King Louis XIV wasn't going for subtle and understated when he completed Château de Versailles.
The only weekday on which the Palace of Versailles is closed to the public is Monday. You can experience the opulence of the famous Château from Tuesday to Sunday. If you'd simply like to stroll around the grounds, the Palace's park is open every day. Typically, the busiest day at the palace is Tuesday and the least busy is Thursday, although there isn't a quiet day.
All things considered, you're best to block out the whole day to make the most of your Palace of Versailles tickets. If you just want to explore the Palace itself, you should leave at least 2-3 hours to see highlights like King Louis XIV's bedroom, the Queen's Apartments, and the stunning Hall of Mirrors.
But when you consider there are also temporary exhibitions, the Trianon Palaces, Marie Antoinette’s private estate, the Grand Canal, the royal stables, and a maze of gardens to enjoy, it really does make sense to spend the whole day in Versailles.
Be sure to wear comfortable clothing as well as good shoes, and bring a fully charged battery so you can take as many photos as you want. Check out the 'Visiting Versailles' guide below for more insider tips on how to make the most of your time.
Visit the height of monarchical magnificence and see Louis XIV's unrivalled palatial estate
The center of French power during the 17th and 18th centuries
See the world-famous Hall of Mirrors
Marvel at the opulence of the King's Grand Apartments
Learn about French history in the Museum of the History of France
Explore Versailles' gardens, which epitomize the French formal garden style
Discover the Grand Trianon and Marie Antoinette's luxurious private hamlet on the estate
With 15 million visitors annually, you'll definitely want to reserve Versailles tickets in advance.
As one of France's most popular attractions, make sure you have peace of mind knowing you've already secured your ticket.
There's a range of Versailles tickets available, so make sure you select the type that's right for you.
Entry to the Palace of Versailles, the gardens, and the Estate of Trianon
Guided tours of Versailles can get you skip-the-line access to the gardens and the estate, as well as an expert guide.
Take advantage of a day trip ticket to get skip-the-line tickets to the Palace of Versailles and the gardens and round trip transportation from Paris by coach
The park is open 365 days a year and is always free
The gardens are free too, except on Musical Fountains Show and Musical Gardens days (Tuesdays, Fridays, weekends and national holidays during high season – April to October)
You may be eligible for free admission to the Palace of Versailles, its exhibits, and the surrounding estates. If you are, make sure to book a time-stamped ticket through the official site and select the free ticket option
You can visit the Versailles Estate for free on the first Sunday of the month from November to March
Guide dogs are permitted throughout the entire Estate (please ensure you have proof)
All areas of the Palace and the Grand Trianon are accessible for disabled people
The first floor of the Petit Trianon is not accessible to those with a motor disability. There is a multimedia room on the ground floor that offers these guests a presentation of the first floor and the attic
Pushchairs are permitted inside the palace
Suitcases are prohibited inside
Small bags can be left in lockers (for luggage not exceeding 46 x 43 x 26 cm)
This luxurious 17th-century French palace is a masterclass in excess. It has hundreds of acres of magnificently landscaped gardens, more than 2,300 rooms, a large collection of French Renaissance art, an opera house, and a 75-meter-long hall of mirrors lined with priceless statues and busts. There are no half-measures in its conception or execution – it even has more than 1,200 fireplaces!
It's one of the most visited attractions in France, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take your pick of Palace of Versailles tickets and tours – you won't regret it!
Wednesday | 09:00 - 18:30 |
Thursday | 09:00 - 18:30 |
Friday | 09:00 - 18:30 |
Saturday | 09:00 - 18:30 |
Sunday | 09:00 - 18:30 |
Monday | Closed |
Tuesday | 09:00 - 18:30 |
Wednesday | 08:00 - 20:30 |
Thursday | 08:00 - 20:30 |
Friday | 08:00 - 20:30 |
Saturday | 08:00 - 20:30 |
Sunday | 08:00 - 20:30 |
Monday | 08:00 - 20:30 |
Tuesday | 08:00 - 20:30 |
Get insider tips from Palace of Versailles staff, discover the best times to visit, and read about things you can't afford to miss when visiting Versailles!