Versailles Tickets at a Glance

Versailles ticketing revolves around three core areas:

• Palace of Versailles (Royal Apartments + Hall of Mirrors) – requires a timed entry ticket.
• Gardens & Park – generally free on non-show days; paid access on Musical Fountains and Musical Gardens days.
• Estate of Trianon (Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon & Queen’s Hamlet) – separate admission or included with the Passport.

All Versailles Ticket Options Explained

1) Passport Ticket (Full Access)

The most complete option: Palace, Trianon Estate, and Gardens. On Musical Fountains/Musical Gardens days, this includes garden access too. Ideal for a full-day visit with flexibility to explore the Queen’s Hamlet and both Trianons after the Palace.

2) Palace-only Ticket

Timed entry to the Royal Apartments and Hall of Mirrors. On non-show days, you can also enter the Gardens for free; on Musical days, you’ll need a separate Gardens ticket. Perfect for first-timers short on time.

3) Trianon Estate Ticket

Access to Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, and the idyllic Queen’s Hamlet. No Palace access. A calm, highly photogenic area with fewer crowds; great for afternoons after the morning Palace rush or for returning visitors.

4) Gardens Ticket (Musical Fountains/Musical Gardens Days)

On designated days (typically spring-fall), the gardens feature baroque music and fountain shows. The Gardens are paid-access on these dates, requiring either a Gardens ticket or the Passport. Check the official calendar for dates and performance times.

5) Guided Tours (Official and Third-Party)

Guided tours offer priority group entry and expert commentary. Some tours include access to less-visited areas (seasonal/private spaces). Choose official guided tours from Versailles or quality third-party tours with strong reviews.

6) Night Fountains Show and Royal Serenade (Seasonal)

Evening-only events with illuminated fountains, music, and fireworks. The Royal Serenade in the Hall of Mirrors is a separate add-on. These do not include daytime Palace access.

7) Paris Museum Pass

If you already have the Paris Museum Pass, Versailles is included. You must still book a free timed-entry reservation for the Palace to secure your time slot. Gardens on Musical days require a separate Gardens ticket unless you opt for the Passport.

How to Choose the Right Versailles Ticket

Prices, Discounts, and Free Entry

Versailles ticket prices can vary by season and event. Expect different price points for Passport (with or without Musical days), Palace-only, Trianon Estate, and Gardens tickets. Seasonal Night Shows have separate pricing. For accurate, current amounts, consult the official website.

Opening Hours and Closures

• Palace: Typically open Tuesday-Sunday; closed Mondays and select holidays. Timed entry required.
• Gardens & Park: Open daily, usually earlier than the Palace; hours vary seasonally.
• Estate of Trianon: Generally closed on Mondays; opening hours differ from the Palace.

Benefits and Practical Tips for Visiting Versailles

Booking and Entry

• Reserve early: Timed-entry Palace slots sell out on weekends, holidays, and summer dates.
• Arrive 30-45 minutes before your time slot: Security queues vary; this buffer helps you enter on time.
• Entrances: Individual visitors typically use Entrance A with timed tickets; groups use Entrance B.
• Security: You’ll pass airport-style checks. No knives, large tripods, or oversized luggage.

Navigation and Comfort

• Audio guide: Download the official Versailles app for a free audio guide and interactive maps.
• Strollers: Not permitted inside the Palace rooms; use a soft front-facing baby carrier.
• Accessibility: Step-free routes exist; wheelchairs available on loan (ID needed). Check the accessibility map on the official site.
• Food & breaks: Picnic in the Park area or try on-site cafes; water fountains and restrooms are available across the estate.

Getting There

• RER C to “Versailles Château – Rive Gauche” from central Paris; a 10-minute walk to the Palace.
• SNCF Trains: Line N from Paris-Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers; Line L from Saint-Lazare/La Défense to Versailles Rive Droite.
• Allow extra time for potential train delays and station crowding during peak travel seasons.

When to Visit

• Best time of day: Early morning Palace slots (opening time) or late afternoon for fewer crowds.
• Best days: Midweek (Tue-Thu outside holidays) is usually calmer than weekends.
• Weather tip: Garden enjoyment depends on weather; fountains can be affected by high winds or storms.

Add-ons and Rentals

• Versailles Little Train: Hop-on/hop-off connecting Palace, Trianon, and the Grand Canal.
• Golf carts & bikes: Rentals available in the Park for a fee; bring a driver’s license for carts.
• Rowboats: Seasonal rentals on the Grand Canal for a unique view.

Sample Itineraries (What Your Ticket Enables)

Mini Case Studies

• Family of four, Saturday in June: Book Passport with early Palace entry. Bring snacks, use the Little Train to Trianon after lunch, and exit via the Queen’s Hamlet for kid-friendly farm animals and gardens.
• Couple on a short Paris break: Palace-only for a morning slot, then lunch in town and a relaxed Park walk. If visiting on a Musical day, add a Gardens ticket or upgrade to Passport.
• Solo traveler, photography-focused: Gardens ticket on a Musical Fountains day for dynamic shots; return another morning for a Palace-only slot when light is softer and crowds thin.

Frequently Asked Questions About Versailles Tickets

Do Versailles tickets sell out?

Yes-especially Palace timed-entry slots on weekends and holidays. Book as early as possible in peak months (April-October, December holidays).

Is the audio guide included?

The official Versailles app offers a free audio guide you can use on your phone. Bring headphones. Device rentals may be available on-site, but the app is the simplest option.

Can I modify or refund my ticket?

Official tickets are typically non-refundable, with limited options for changes. Third-party tours follow their own policies. Always check terms before purchase.

What about the lines?

There are two lines: one to scan tickets and one for security. Timed-entry and guided tours help avoid ticket queues, but you’ll still pass security. Arrive early.

Are the Gardens always free?

No. On Musical Fountains and Musical Gardens days, garden access is paid. On other days, gardens are usually free. The Park (beyond the formal gardens) is generally free daily.

Which areas are unmissable?

• Hall of Mirrors and King’s Apartments in the Palace
• Latona Fountain, Apollo’s Fountain, and the Orangerie in the Gardens
• Petit Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet for a pastoral contrast

What’s the best entrance strategy?

Take the RER C to Versailles Château – Rive Gauche, arrive 30-45 minutes ahead, use the correct entrance for your ticket type, and go straight to security with your timed-entry QR code ready.

What should I wear and bring?

Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate layers, a refillable water bottle, and sun protection. Tripods and large bags aren’t allowed in the Palace.

First-Hand Style Walkthrough (A Smooth Day at Versailles)

Here’s a realistic plan many travelers use to maximize their ticket.

1. 08:30 Arrive at Versailles. Grab coffee near the station; walk to the Palace.
2. 08:45 Join the appropriate line with your Passport timed ticket. Security can take 15-40 minutes.
3. 09:00-10:30 Visit the Palace, heading straight to the Hall of Mirrors while it’s quiet, then loop back for the Royal Apartments.
4. 10:45-12:30 Explore the Gardens; if it’s a Musical day, follow the fountain circuit.
5. 12:45-13:45 Picnic or terrace lunch by the Grand Canal.
6. 14:00-16:30 Take the Little Train or walk to the Trianon Estate and the Queen’s Hamlet for a calmer afternoon.
7. 16:45 Return cart/train; browse the bookshop; head back to Paris before rush hour.

Conclusion: The Right Versailles Ticket Makes All the Difference

To enjoy Versailles without stress, align your ticket with your goals and day’s conditions. For most first-time visitors, the Passport offers the best value and simplicity. If you’re short on time, a Palace-only ticket with an early slot delivers the essentials. Garden lovers should plan around Musical Fountains days and book the appropriate access. No matter what you choose, book in advance, arrive early, and use the official app to enhance your visit. With a smart plan, Versailles is as smooth as it is spectacular.

Information in this guide is updated regularly but can change. Always confirm times, prices, and eligibility on the official website before you buy.