Palace of Versailles from Paris: Tickets, Gardens & Tips

The Palace of Versailles — Louis XIV's incomprehensible monument to royal power, 40 minutes southwest of Paris — is one of the world's most visited sites. 2,000 rooms, 800 hectares of formal gardens, 50 fountains and a Hall of Mirrors that has to be seen to be believed. Getting there right makes all the difference.

Skip the Queue: How to Book

Never queue on the day — book online at chateauversailles.fr. Full passport ticket (€20, includes gardens and main state apartments) or add the Trianon estates (€27). Tuesday-Thursday and early morning arrivals are least crowded. Arrive when the gates open (9am) and head to the Hall of Mirrors before the tour groups arrive at 10am.

The Gardens (Free Tuesdays)

The formal gardens are free on most days (€9.50 on musical fountain days — Saturdays and select days April-October when the 50 fountains run to baroque music). The Grand Canal is the gardens' centrepiece — you can hire rowboats. Allow 2 hours minimum just for the gardens.

Getting There

RER C train from Paris Rive Gauche (central Paris) to Versailles-Château station: 35 minutes, €3.65. Trains every 15 minutes. Included in Navigo Pass. Far cheaper and faster than organised tours.