Palace of Versailles: Tickets, Opening Hours, Best Trains from Paris & Pro Visit Plan

The Palace of Versailles is not “just a palace”—it’s a full-scale royal estate with multiple must-see zones: the Palace (Château), the Estate of Trianon, the Gardens, the Park, and seasonal fountain/music shows. To enjoy the Palace of Versailles without wasting half your day in queues (or buying the wrong ticket), you need a simple plan: pick the right season/time slot, book timed entry, and structure your route. ✅

What’s included at the Palace of Versailles 📍

Think of Versailles as a “choose your own adventure” estate:

• 🏰 The Palace (Château): State Apartments + Hall of Mirrors (the headline experience).
• 🌿 The Gardens: formal gardens, groves, fountains (sometimes ticketed).
• 🚲 The Park: huge green space beyond the gardens (often free access).
• 👑 The Estate of Trianon: Grand Trianon / Petit Trianon area (more intimate, less crowded).
• 🎶 Shows: Musical Gardens / Musical Fountains (seasonal, affect access + pricing).

Palace of Versailles opening hours (high season vs low season) ⏱️

Versailles runs on a season system with different hours and last admissions. The official site lists two main periods:

• High season: April 1 → October 31
• Low season: November 1 → March 31

Opening hours (quick table)

Closed days/holiday notes: the Palace and Trianon are closed Mondays (and certain holidays are listed on the official timetable).

✅ Best strategy: Arrive early and do Gardens first, then use a timed Palace entry to avoid crowd peaks.

Tickets & prices for the Palace of Versailles (2026) 💳

Versailles introduced new prices starting 14 January 2026, with different high/low season pricing and EEA discounts for eligible visitors.

The main ticket you’ll hear about: the “Passport” 🎟️

The official Passport ticket is the “see everything” option: Palace (timed entry) + Trianon + Gardens + Park, plus included areas listed on the official page.

2026 price snapshot (official)

*EEA discounts require supporting documents (per the official rules).

Gardens: free or paid? (this trips people up) ⚠️

• The Park & Gardens are open every day, and access to the Gardens is free except on Musical Gardens / Fountains Show days.
• In high season, there is an admission charge for the Gardens (officially noted as part of the seasonal pricing approach).

Free admission (big savings) ✅

Eligibility includes (official list):

• Under 18 (all visitors)
• Under 26 (EEA nationals/residents)
  …and other categories listed by Versailles.

How to get to the Palace of Versailles from Paris 🚇🚌

Best option: RER C (classic “Versailles day trip” route)

• RER C → Versailles Château – Rive Gauche, then about 10 minutes on foot to the Palace.

SNCF train alternatives (often useful depending on where you stay)

• From Gare Montparnasse → Versailles Chantiers (about 18 minutes walk to the Palace).
• From Gare Saint-Lazare → Versailles Rive Droite (about 17 minutes walk).

Bus option (simple if you’re near Metro Line 9)

RATP highlights bus 171 from Pont de Sèvres (Metro Line 9) going to Versailles.

✅ Pro tip: If you want the least walking stress, do RER C → Rive Gauche.

The best Palace of Versailles itinerary (so it actually feels enjoyable) 🗺️✅

Option A: 3–4 hours (tight but satisfying)

1. 🏰 Palace first at opening (timed ticket = huge win).
2. 🪞 Hall of Mirrors + State Apartments (peak highlights).
3. 🌿 Quick Gardens loop (main axis + a fountain viewpoint).
4. Leave before mid-afternoon crowds spike.

Option B: Full day (the “I did it properly” plan)

Morning

• 🌿 Gardens at opening (best light, fewer people).
• If it’s a show day, plan your single entry carefully (don’t exit/return casually).

Late morning / midday

• 🏰 Timed Palace entry (you can enter only once at your booked time).

Afternoon

• 👑 Estate of Trianon (calmer pace, great contrast to the Palace).

✅ If you want photos without chaos: go early + avoid “noon arrival”.

Musical Gardens & Musical Fountains Show (April–November) 🎶⛲

If you visit during the warm season, shows can change your plan (and your costs).

• Versailles’ official show page states that Musical Gardens and the Musical Fountains Show run from April 1 to November 1, 2026.
• The official “What’s on” section also notes the Night Fountains Show on Saturday evenings (June 6 to September 19).

⚠️ Practical impact:

• Gardens access may be ticketed on show days, and the Passport includes single admission during these events (per the ticket details).

Tips & common mistakes (read this before you go) ✅⚠️

• ✅ Book timed entry. Your Palace entry is tied to a time window; it’s not “whenever.”
• ✅ Start early. Versailles is huge; arriving at noon often means crowds + tired legs.
• ⚠️ Don’t forget Monday closures. Palace/Trianon are closed Mondays.
• ⚠️ Show-day trap: Gardens may require a paid ticket and can be “single entry” depending on the ticket type.
• ✅ In low season, some groves are closed—still worth it, just set expectations.

FAQ: Palace of Versailles

Is the Palace of Versailles closed on Mondays?
Yes—officially, the Palace (and Trianon) are closed Mondays.

What’s the easiest train station?
Versailles Château – Rive Gauche (RER C), about 10 minutes’ walk to the Palace.

Do I need a timed entry ticket?
If you buy a Passport with timed entry, you must enter within the specified time window (the official page describes the timed-entry structure).

Are the Gardens free?
Often yes, but not on Musical Gardens/Fountains Show days; high-season rules include an admission charge for Gardens.

Conclusion

The Palace of Versailles is one of those places that rewards planning: show up early, use timed entry, and decide upfront whether you’re doing Palace-only or the full estate (Gardens + Trianon). If you align your visit with the seasonal schedule—and avoid the biggest mistakes (Monday closures, show-day garden access)—Versailles feels epic, not exhausting. ✅