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There’s something magical about stepping off the train on a day trip to Versailles and catching your first glimpse of the 17th Century Palace.
Its golden gates hint at the grandeur waiting inside and it feels like you’ve time-traveled straight into the heart of French royalty. Minus the politics and drama, of course.
Just a short ride from the heart of Paris, one of France’s most iconic landmarks feels like entering another world. Opulent halls, endless gardens, and incredible history at every turn.
Keep reading to see how you can spend an amazing day exploring this unforgettable place.
Where Is Versailles?
Versailles is about 20 kilometers southwest of central Paris, and the historic palace is the biggest draw for visitors. A day trip to Versailles is surprisingly easy whether you decide to take a guided tour with transportation or make your own way there with public transport.
There are three train stations in Versailles but the closest two to the palace are Versailles Château Rive Gauche and Versailles Rive Droit.
Take the L Train from Paris Saint-Lazare station to Versailles Rive Droit station. The train ride is about 40 minutes. The second option, and the one I took, was the RER C line from Paris to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station. Both cost €2.50 with Paris metro’s new ticketing system as of Jan 1, 2025.
TOP TRAVEL TIP: You can pick up the RER C train from popular stops such as Musée d’Orsay, Saint-Michel Notre Dame and Champ de Mars Tour Eiffel.
How Much Is The Palace Of Versailles?
There are a couple of different ticket options for accessing the Palace of Versailles. You can opt to book a Palace ticket only for €21. The second option is an all inclusive Passport. This gives access to the whole estate of Versailles including the Palace, the gardens and the Estate of Trianon. The Passport is €24-32 depending on low vs. high season.
What you book might depend on how much time you have, and maybe also the season. I visited in winter so the gardens weren’t exactly in full bloom. I also wasn’t really bothered about visiting more than one estate, and didn’t believe the Grand Trianon would be as impressive on a cloudy day. Next time I visit I would probably do this on its own for €12.
There are other events and activities you can include in different ticket combinations for an additional fee. Including the musical fountains show, night fountains show and even an equestrian show.
TOP BUDGET TRAVEL TIP: Under 18s (and Under 26 if residing in the EU) get in for free. But you still need to book a time slot in advance. The Gardens of Versailles are also free for the public – except for special events. The palace is also free the first Sunday of each month November to March.
Top Tips For A Day Trip To Versailles From Paris
Visiting the Palace of Versailles can be an unforgettable experience—especially if you plan ahead. To make the most of your trip here a few of my top tips for visiting:
- Book an early morning time slot and beat the crowds – I booked the first available time at 9am
- Experience even less crowds by visiting off season – it’s also often cheaper
- Book online in advance to save time – and avoid having to first line up for tickets, then line up for entry
- Avoid weekends in the summer if possible – although the Musical Fountain shows are spectacular, just prepare for it being much busier
- Pack for possible changes in weather – especially if you want to explore the gardens and grounds. And make sure to wear comfortable shoes, there’s a lot of ground to cover
- Don’t rush your visit – plan to spend the day in Versailles, and make sure to check out the town too
- Get the audio guide for €5 – you’ll have a much greater understanding of the history of the place you’re exploring
If you’re short on time, prioritize the Hall of Mirrors and the Royal Chapel as well as the King’s State Apartment. But my recommendation is to pack some snacks and make a day of it, refueling as necessary.
There’s a lot of walking involved, as the estate is huge. I wouldn’t plan anything else for the same day just in case you get more absorbed in the Royal palace than you expected. I spent almost 2 hours just in the Palace even rushing a few rooms, and a lot more time outside of it.
What Can You See At The Palace Of Versailles?
The estate, and even the Palace at Versailles, is so huge that you’re never going to be able to see everything. It’s like going to the Louvre (also a palace). There’s something new you see every time you visit.
But where to start? It can feel a little overwhelming at first, and you’ll likely ending up just going with the flow of the crowd room to room. But it’s good to know a few things to keep an eye out for.
GRAND ENTRANCE
Walking up to the Palace, it seems to get grander with every forward step. Right after you finally get in you’ll step through the gates into the courtyard at the Grand Entrance.
The mesmerizing black and white tile courtyard is maybe the only thing that pulls your focus away from the gold embellished Palace exterior. If ever there was a place made for selfies at Versailles, this might be it.
MARBLE STATUES
The statues at the Louvre are some of my favorite things to look at because they’re so intricately carved it seems almost unbelievable. Well, the good news is the Palace of Versailles has a few impressive statues of its own.
Greek Gods and French Kings make the perfect subjects to the hundreds of years old marble statues and busts around the Palace. Pay closer attention to some of them, they are captivating.
THE ROYAL CHAPEL
One of my favorite places to see in the Palace was the beautiful Royal Chapel. The two floor chapel with delicately painted vaulted ceiling is breathtaking. Not to mention the larger than life columns supporting the structure. Spend a few minutes silently taking it all in.
PAINTED CEILINGS
Nearly every room you enter is just as decorative above as it is at eye level. The ceilings are all exquisitely painted and seem to alternate between battle scenes and Gods and cherubs hanging out on clouds. “Don’t forget to look up” is an understatement on a day trip to Versailles.
HALL OF MIRRORS
If ever there was a room that signified the grandiosity of the Palace of Versailles, it would be the Hall of Mirrors. The Hall of Mirrors is the crown jewel—an opulent gallery lined with 357 mirrors that once hosted royal ceremonies and historic events.
Walking from end to end you can almost imagine being important enough to attend a lavish event here. But the room is also symbolic of peace and the end of the First World War. After all, it’s in this room that the Treaty of Versailles was signed.
THE ROYAL APARTMENTS
The King’s and Queen’s Apartments offer a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of French royalty, complete with ornate furnishings and rich décor. Gold adorns almost every surface in one way or another, and there are some fabulous antique furniture items you’d love to own.
If you ever wondered how the Kings and Queens lived, this is your way to find out. Peek at the heavily curtained beds, the tapestry covered walls and the beautiful grand chandeliers. You’ll be able to step into Marie-Antoinette’s bedroom – see if you can spot the door to the secret passage that helped her escape when a mob stormed the Palace.
THE GARDENS OF VERSAILLES
Perfectly manicured lawns and trees trees, grand fountains, and hidden groves make the expansive gardens just as impressive as the inside of the palace at the right time of year. Winter, maybe not so much, but you can still sense the scale and the way they would come to life in the warmer months.
Stop by some of the fountains for more carved statues and a look back at the Palace that will make you feel your aching feet. On a nice day you could spend hours outside here, and even take a longer walk to the Estate of Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet.
Am I Missing Anything By Visiting Versailles In Winter?
Visiting Versailles in winter offers a quieter, more peaceful experience, but yes, there are a few seasonal trade-offs.
The gardens aren’t in full bloom, and the famous Musical Fountain Shows take a break until spring. However, the palace itself is just as magnificent year-round, and smaller crowds mean you can take your time exploring the Hall of Mirrors and royal apartments without the usual bustle.
You’ll definitely miss the full grandeur of the Palace Gardens in winter. And the likelihood of wanting to spend more time outside will be low. But if you’re not a big fan of gardens and are more interested in the Palace itself, you may not be missing that much.
Shorter days and some cloudier skies could mean some of the rooms in the Palace are a little darker than they would be in the summer. The Hall of Mirrors for one. But they are no less impressive, and a day at the Palace is actually a great way to spend a rainy winter morning.
For me, the draw of visiting in winter was to miss the usual flock of tourists I see in all summer photos. Sure, a day trip to Versailles is always going to be a popular experience from Paris, but there will be way less people there on a weekday in December than on a weekend in the summer.
What Else Can You Do In Versailles?
I didn’t realize there would be so much to see outside of the Palace on a day trip to Versailles. However, beyond the Palace grounds, the town itself is a wonderful place to explore. Make sure to spend the rest of the day here, even when you’re all Palace-d out.
There are cozy cafés and bakeries to grab a bite to eat and watch the world go by. Check out Versailles Cathedral with its high vaulted ceilings and colorful stained glass windows.
There are also a number of museums such as the Musée Lambinet art museum, and a lot of shopping in small independent stores, or my personal favorite – antique stores.
Don’t leave Versailles without a trip to the market. From fresh produce, meats and cheeses, delectable pastries and freshly baked bread, Notre-Dame market is the place to be.
Open every day (although best to check hours in advance), this is a great place for a quick lunch, a snack for the train ride back to Paris, or to get some groceries if you’re staying in an apartment and feel like cooking.
Is A Day Trip To Versailles Worth Doing From Paris?
Absolutely it is. A day trip to Versailles from Paris is well worth the minimal effort to get there. Just a short train ride away, it offers a stunning escape into France’s royal history, with jaw-dropping architecture, art, and gardens that rival anything in the capital.
Whether you’re into history, design, or just want a break from the busy city, Versailles is an experience you won’t find anywhere else. In my opinion, it’s one of those iconic places that truly lives up to the hype.
In all my visits to Paris I’d never made it to Versailles before – it always seemed so far from the city. But getting there actually couldn’t have been easier. I tend to pack a lot into my days so I’m glad I left enough time to truly explore Versailles, and not just the Palace.
While I don’t think I missed out on anything by traveling in winter, I would likely visit Versailles again but at a different time of year. Maybe when there are more flowers in bloom – but I would probably skip the Palace next time.
If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Have you done a day trip to Versailles before? What are some tips you’d share with people?
