Witness the absolute power of the Sun King.
The Palace of Versailles is the seventeenth-century royal residence of Louis XIV, and today the most-visited château in the world. Everything you need to see it well — planned, dated and priced in pounds sterling.
Built by Louis XIII as a modest hunting lodge in 1623 and enlarged into the seat of the French monarchy by his son Louis XIV between 1661 and 1710, the Château de Versailles is arguably the most complete surviving expression of European absolute monarchy. It housed the French court from 6 May 1682 until the crowd of women marched on the Palace on 6 October 1789, forcing the royal family to return to Paris.
Today Versailles receives roughly 8.2 million visitors each year across a 800-hectare estate that includes the Palace itself, the Grand and Petit Trianon, Marie-Antoinette's Hamlet, the gardens designed by André Le Nôtre, and a working stables. This guide is written for the traveller who wants to see it thoughtfully — not merely to tick it off. Start with practical visiting information, then check tickets and current opening times, or step straight into the four centuries of Palace history.
Where to begin.
"Reconstructed in 2008 with 100,000 leaves of 24-carat gold — the only royal gate of its kind in France."
Recent dispatches.
Before you go
- How do I get to the Palace of Versailles from Paris?
- Take the RER C train from central Paris — direction Versailles Château Rive Gauche — to its terminus. The journey takes 35 to 45 minutes and the Palace is a 10-minute walk from the station.
- Are the gardens of Versailles free to enter?
- The Gardens are free of charge on most days. An entry fee applies on days of the Musical Fountains Show and Musical Gardens, usually held between April and October on Tuesdays, weekends and public holidays.
- How long should I plan for a visit to Versailles?
- Allow at least three to four hours for the Palace and the near gardens. A full day is needed to also see the Trianon Estate and the Queen's Hamlet — the outer domain covers over 800 hectares.
- Is the Palace of Versailles worth visiting?
- Yes. Versailles is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most complete surviving royal residences in Europe. It contains the Hall of Mirrors, over 60,000 artworks, and the largest formal gardens designed by André Le Nôtre.
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