Versailles Ticket Options Explained: How to Choose the Right Pass for the Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is one of France’s crown jewels-an opulent royal residence, glorious gardens, and a vast park that can fill a full day (or more). But choosing the right Versailles tickets can be confusing if it’s your first visit. Do you need a Passport ticket, a Palace ticket, a Trianon Estate ticket, or just a Musical Fountains garden ticket? What about free admission, guided tours, and skip-the-line options?

This comprehensive, SEO-friendly guide breaks down every Versailles ticket option, who it’s best for, and how to save time and money. You’ll also find practical tips, a quick comparison table, and answers to common questions-so you can book with confidence and enjoy your day at the Palace of Versailles.

Quick comparison: Versailles tickets at a glance

Ticket	Includes	Best for	Gardens on Fountain Days	Timed Entry
Passport (Passeport)	Palace + Trianon Estate + Gardens + Park; Musical Fountains/Musical Gardens when scheduled	Full Versailles experience in one day	Included	Yes (Palace)
Palace ticket	Palace + temporary exhibitions; Park; Gardens only on non-event days	First-time visit focused on the Palace	Not included; buy Garden show ticket separately	Yes
Trianon Estate ticket	Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, Queen’s Hamlet	Repeat visitors or garden lovers	Does not include main Garden show access	Usually not timed
Musical Fountains/Musical Gardens	Entry to the Gardens on event days; fountains/music schedule	Garden-only visits on event days	Yes (this is the ticket for those days)	No
Guided tour (official)	Themed guided access; often includes Palace access afterward	Access to private areas + expert insights	Depends on tour; check details	Yes (for the tour)
Paris Museum Pass	Palace + Trianon Estate (reserve free timed entry)	Multi-museum trips	Not included; buy Garden show ticket separately	Yes (reservation required)
1-Year in Versailles Pass	Unlimited access + discounts	Locals and frequent visitors	Included (per benefits)	May require reservation on busy days

Versailles ticket types in detail

1) Passport (Passeport) ticket

The Versailles Passport ticket is the most comprehensive option. It includes timed-entry access to the Palace (Grand Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, King’s and Queen’s Apartments, and temporary exhibitions), the Trianon Estate (Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, Queen’s Hamlet), the Gardens, and the Park. On days with Musical Fountain Shows or Musical Gardens, the Passport also covers those events-no extra garden ticket needed.

Choose it if: you want the “everything included” day.
Good to know: The Palace portion requires a timed entry; arrive a bit early to clear security.
Audio: The official app includes free audio content; device availability can vary on-site.

2) Palace (Château) ticket

The Palace ticket gives you timed entry to the Palace and its exhibitions. It also provides access to the Gardens on non-event days and free access to the Park. On days with Musical Fountains or Musical Gardens, the Gardens require a separate garden ticket-so factor that in.

Choose it if: your priority is the Palace interiors.
Consider upgrading to Passport on event days to avoid buying two tickets.

3) Trianon Estate ticket

The Trianon Estate ticket covers the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon, and the Queen’s Hamlet-Marie-Antoinette’s idyllic retreat. It’s a serene alternative to the busy Palace and a favorite for garden lovers and repeat visitors.

Choose it if: you’ve seen the Palace before or prefer a quieter experience.
Tip: The Trianon Estate typically opens later in the day than the Palace; plan accordingly.

4) Musical Fountain Shows / Musical Gardens tickets

On specific days from spring to fall, the Gardens become a stage: fountains dance to Baroque music, and groves open with period soundscapes. On those event days, the Gardens are paid and require one of the following:

Passport ticket: includes garden events.
Garden-only ticket: Musical Fountains or Musical Gardens (no Palace access).

Check the official calendar to see whether it’s a Musical Fountains or Musical Gardens day during your visit.

5) Official guided tours

The Palace offers guided tours that grant access to areas not included in standard visits (such as certain private apartments), led by certified guides. Many tours also allow you to remain in the Palace after the tour to continue exploring.

Choose it if: you want deeper historical context or special access rooms.
Book ahead: tours sell out quickly, especially in high season.

6) Paris Museum Pass (PMP)

The Paris Museum Pass includes access to the Palace of Versailles and the Trianon Estate. However, you still need to reserve a free timed entry for the Palace. On Garden event days, PMP holders must buy a separate garden ticket to access the Gardens.

7) 1-Year in Versailles pass

If you plan multiple visits or want member perks, the annual pass (“1 an à Versailles“) offers unlimited access to the estate, possible priority entry, and discounts on shops and activities. Terms may change, so check the official site for current benefits.

Do you need a ticket for the Gardens?

It depends on the day:

Non-event days: The Gardens are free for everyone. Your Palace ticket includes them, but you can also visit without any ticket.
Event days (Musical Fountains / Musical Gardens): You need a Garden ticket or a Passport. The Gardens are not free on these days.

The Park (the large woodlands and Grand Canal area) is free year-round for pedestrians and cyclists. Vehicle access/parking may be charged.

Free entry categories and how to book

Several visitors can enjoy free admission to the Palace and Trianon Estate (ID required). Common categories include:

Under 18, and EU residents aged 18-25
Persons with disabilities and one companion
Job seekers and certain beneficiaries in France (with proof)
Teachers (select categories; check eligibility)

Additionally, from November to March, the Palace and Trianon Estate are typically free on the first Sunday of the month. Expect larger crowds on these days.

Important: Even when your visit is free, you must book a free timed-entry ticket online for the Palace. Bring your supporting documents.

How to book Versailles tickets, timed entry, and security

Step-by-step booking

Check the official calendar for opening days (the Palace and Trianon Estate are generally closed on Mondays) and whether your day has Musical Fountains or Musical Gardens.
Choose your ticket type: Passport, Palace, or Trianon Estate (plus Garden ticket if needed).
Reserve a timed-entry slot for the Palace (mandatory for all, including free categories and pass holders).
Download or print your tickets/QR codes and the official Versailles app for audio and maps.

Arrival and entry

Arrive 30-45 minutes before your time slot to clear security at Entrance A (individual visitors) or the guided tour meeting point if applicable.
Timed entry limits your wait to get inside-but all visitors must pass through security. No ticket bypasses security.
Large bags, tripods, and certain items are restricted; light daypacks are fine.

Add‑ons and upgrades

Audio guide: Free content via the official app; on-site devices may be available.
Mini-train, bike, golf cart, and boat rentals: Great for exploring the Park and Grand Canal (paid services).
Night fountain shows and special events: Separate tickets and seasonal schedules.
Stables and Coach Gallery: The Gallery of Coaches is free to visit when open-check hours.

Best time to visit and crowd hacks

Tip	Why it helps
Arrive at opening or late afternoon	Fewer crowds in Palace rooms, better photos in the Hall of Mirrors
Avoid Tuesdays	Many Paris museums close Monday; Versailles is busier on Tuesdays
Go straight to the State Apartments	See highlights before peak congestion, then circle back
Do Trianon in the afternoon	It opens later and is calmer after lunch
Bring a picnic for the Park	Save time and money; enjoy the Grand Canal views

Sample itineraries based on ticket type

Passport ticket (full day)

Morning: Palace (state apartments, Hall of Mirrors, Royal Chapel if open).
Late morning: Gardens; if it’s an event day, catch the Musical Gardens or Fountains sessions.
Lunch: Picnic by the Grand Canal or a café on-site.
Afternoon: Trianon Estate (Grand Trianon → Petit Trianon → Queen’s Hamlet).
Golden hour: Photos along the Grand Canal; return bikes or golf cart on time.

Palace ticket (half-day to 3/4 day)

Start at your Palace time slot, explore interiors thoroughly.
Gardens: If it’s a non-event day, wander freely; if it’s an event day, add a garden ticket or focus on the Park.

Trianon Estate focus (half-day)

Enter via the Park, head to Petit Trianon and Queen’s Hamlet first for a peaceful start.
Visit Grand Trianon after, then relax by the Grand Canal.

Getting to Versailles

RER C: To Versailles Château-Rive Gauche (closest to the Palace). Allow time for potential service changes/weekend works.
SNCF trains: From Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers, or from Saint-Lazare to Versailles Rive Droite.
From stations, it’s a 10-20 minute walk to the Palace gates.

A quick first-hand experience

On a spring Saturday, I tried two approaches on consecutive days. Day one: a Palace ticket with a 9:00 slot-arrived early, breezed through security, and had a near-empty Hall of Mirrors for 10 magical minutes before tour groups poured in. It was a non-event day, so I wandered the Gardens for free afterward. Day two: a Musical Fountains Sunday. I upgraded to a Passport so the Gardens were included and then spent the afternoon at the Trianon Estate, which was quieter and felt like a hidden Versailles. Verdict: Passport on show days is worth it; Palace ticket is perfect on non-event days if you’re short on time.

Versailles tickets: Frequently asked questions

Do I need to print my Versailles tickets?

No, mobile tickets with QR codes are widely accepted. Ensure your phone is charged and the screen brightness is high for scanning.

Can I skip the line with a timed ticket?

Timed entry shortens the wait at the Palace entrance, but all visitors must pass through security. No ticket bypasses mandatory security checks.

Is the audio guide included?

Official audio content is available free via the Versailles app. On-site devices may be offered depending on the day and stock.

Are strollers allowed?

Yes in many areas, but some rooms/routes may be restricted or require stroller folds. Baby carriers can be more convenient inside the Palace.

Should I buy tickets through a reseller?

The official website offers the best clarity on inclusions and prices. Reputable resellers can bundle services (transport, guided tours), but always verify what’s included, especially garden access on event days.

What about refunds or date changes?

Policies vary by ticket type and season. Check the terms at purchase; some tickets are non-exchangeable and non-refundable.

Practical tips to maximize your visit

Check the calendar: Event days affect garden access and crowds.
Bring water and snacks: On-site options exist, but lines can be long in high season.
Dress for walking: You’ll cover several miles if you explore the Park and Trianon.
Weather watch: Fountains run in light rain, but surfaces can be slippery; bring a compact umbrella.
Photography: Allowed without flash in most areas; tripods and selfie sticks are restricted.

Conclusion: The best Versailles ticket for your trip

Choosing the right Versailles tickets depends on your priorities and the day you visit:

Passport ticket: Best full-experience option, especially on Musical Fountains/Musical Gardens days.
Palace ticket: Ideal for a first visit focused on the interiors on non-event days.
Trianon Estate ticket: A peaceful, garden-forward alternative or perfect for repeat visitors.
Garden-only ticket: For enjoying the fountains and music without Palace access on event days.
Paris Museum Pass: Great value overall-just remember to reserve a timed Palace slot and add a garden ticket on event days.

Whatever you choose, book a timed entry in advance, arrive early, and pace yourself. Versailles rewards those who take their time-from gilded salons to tree-lined avenues. With the right ticket and a smart plan, your day at the Palace of Versailles will be as smooth as it is unforgettable.

Note: Schedules, inclusions, and policies can change. Always verify details and prices on the official Palace of Versailles website before you book.

Versailles ticket options explained