Palace of Versailles Opening Hours and Best Days to Visit: The Complete, Friendly Guide
Planning a day at the Palace of Versailles (Château de Versailles) is easier—and far more enjoyable—when you know exactly when it’s open and which days are best to visit. This guide brings together current, practical information on Versailles opening hours, seasonal schedules, closed days, and smart strategies to avoid the crowds. You’ll also find tips for seeing the Gardens, the Estate of Trianon & Queen’s Hamlet, and timing your visit with the Musical Fountains Show—plus how to get there and what time to arrive.
Quick Facts: Versailles Hours and Crowd Patterns
- Closed day: The Palace and Trianon are closed on Mondays. The Park and Gardens remain open daily (with variations for events and weather).
- Typical Palace hours: High season (Apr–Oct) 9:00–18:30; Low season (Nov–Mar) 9:00–17:30.
- Trianon & Queen’s Hamlet: Open at 12:00 (noon), closing 18:30 in high season and 17:30 in low season; closed Mondays.
- Gardens & Park: Open daily; longer hours in high season. Gardens require a ticket on Musical Fountains and Musical Gardens days.
- Best days to visit Versailles: Wednesday and Thursday. Avoid Tuesday and weekends when possible.
- Best times of day: Be at the gates before 9:00 or go after 16:00 to enjoy thinner crowds.
- Timed-entry is required for the Palace; book online in advance to save time.
Palace of Versailles Opening Hours at a Glance
Below you’ll find a clear overview of the Versailles hours by season and area. Times can vary for special events and public holidays, so always allow some flexibility in your schedule.
| Area | Apr–Oct (High Season) | Nov–Mar (Low Season) | Closed Days | Last Entry (typical) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palace (Château) | Tue–Sun, 9:00–18:30 | Tue–Sun, 9:00–17:30 | Mondays; Jan 1, May 1, Dec 25 | ~30 min before closing |
| Estate of Trianon & Queen’s Hamlet | Tue–Sun, 12:00–18:30 | Tue–Sun, 12:00–17:30 | Mondays; select holidays | ~30 min before closing |
| Gardens | Daily, ~8:00–20:30 | Daily, ~8:00–18:00 | Open daily (ticketed on show days) | Varies by season/event |
| Park (outside the formal gardens) | Daily, ~7:00–20:30 | Daily, ~7:00–18:00 | Open daily; vehicle access may be paid | Varies by gate |
| Gallery of Coaches (Grande Écurie) | Selected days/afternoons | Selected days/afternoons | Varies | Varies |
Musical Fountains & Musical Gardens: What Changes on Those Days
From late March through late October, the Gardens of Versailles come alive with the Musical Gardens and Musical Fountains Show schedule. These events are a highlight—baroque music, water features, and special atmospheres—but they affect prices and crowd levels.
- Musical Gardens: Typically on select weekdays (often Tue–Fri in season; exact calendar varies). The fountains are not all running, but music plays in the groves, and garden access is ticketed.
- Musical Fountains Show: Usually on weekends and select holidays in season, with the fountains operating at scheduled times; garden access is ticketed and crowds are heavier.
- Night Fountains Show (summer Saturdays): A spectacular evening event with lights and fireworks. Requires a separate ticket and offers a completely different, festive experience.
If you want the Gardens for free, pick a non-show weekday. If you want the most theatrical experience, go on a Musical Fountains day (arrive early and expect more people).
The Best Days to Visit Versailles (and What to Avoid)
Picking the right day makes a dramatic difference in your experience. Here’s a quick guide to best days to visit the Palace of Versailles based on common crowd patterns.
| Day | Crowd Level | Why | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | Lower | Fewer tour groups than Tue | Arrive 8:30–8:45 for 9:00 entry |
| Thursday | Lower–Moderate | Good balance of access and ambiance | Great for full estate in one day |
| Friday | Moderate | Weekend visitors start arriving | Book earliest slot; consider late afternoon Palace |
| Tuesday | High | Louvre is closed Tue → spillover crowds | Go very early or very late if Tuesday is your only option |
| Saturday–Sunday | High–Very High | Local + international weekend traffic; Fountains days | Reserve well ahead; consider focusing on Gardens/Park |
| Monday | Palace closed | Only Park/Gardens open | Nice for a quiet garden or cycling day |
Best Times of Day to Visit (Beat the Lines)
- Be at the Palace gates by 8:30–8:45 for the 9:00 opening. This is consistently the best way to avoid long security lines.
- Late arrival strategy: Choose a timeslot after 16:00. Tour buses depart, families head home, and the Hall of Mirrors is calmer—especially in high season when the Palace closes at 18:30.
- Gardens first, Palace second: In high season, stroll the Gardens at 8:00, then enter the Palace at 9:00 with a timed ticket.
- Trianon timing: Trianon opens at 12:00. If you start with the Palace at 9:00, you’ll time the Trianon perfectly for midday.
Suggested Itineraries (Half Day vs. Full Day)
Half-Day Highlights (4–5 hours)
- Arrive by 8:30, Palace entry at 9:00.
- Head straight to the King’s State Apartments and Hall of Mirrors.
- Walk the Gardens for 60–90 minutes; peek into a grove or two.
- Lunch or coffee near La Petite Venise or a quick bite at the Palace cafés.
Full Day (7–9 hours, relaxed)
- Gardens stroll at 8:00 (seasonal) or arrive for 9:00 Palace.
- Palace core visit (2–3 hours), break for lunch.
- Trianon & Queen’s Hamlet from 12:00 onward (2–3 hours).
- Return to the Grand Canal for rowing boats or a golden-hour photo walk.
Tickets, Access, and Practical Tips
- Timed-entry required: All visitors need a timeslot for the Palace, including pass holders. Book online to secure your preferred time.
- Which ticket?
- Passport: All areas + Gardens access on show days.
- Palace ticket: Palace only (Gardens free on non-show days).
- Trianon ticket: If you’ve already seen the Palace.
- Free/Reduced entry: Many visitors under 26 (EU residents), students, and others may be eligible for free or reduced entry; check ID requirements. On first Sundays (Nov–Mar), the Palace is often free—and very crowded.
- Security & bags: Expect airport-style screening. Large luggage isn’t allowed. Travel light for faster access.
- Audio guide: Download the official app to your phone and bring earphones—saves time and helps you navigate.
- Food & breaks: Several cafés and restaurants are inside the estate; picnics are allowed in the Park (not in the formal Gardens).
- Mobility: The estate is vast. Consider renting a bike or electric cart in the Park, especially in high season.
- Photography: Non-flash photography is generally allowed inside the Palace; tripods and professional gear may require permission.
How to Get to Versailles (and When to Leave Paris)
Versailles is an easy trip from central Paris. Time your departure so you can arrive by 8:30–8:45 for the 9:00 opening.
- RER C to Versailles Château–Rive Gauche: The most popular route; ~10 minutes’ walk to the Palace.
- SNCF Line N from Paris Montparnasse to Versailles–Chantiers: Fast and reliable; ~18 minutes’ walk.
- SNCF Line L from Paris Saint-Lazare to Versailles–Rive Droite: ~20 minutes’ walk.
Pro tip: Check for RER C maintenance on weekends or holidays; if trains are disrupted, opt for Line N or L.
Best Months for Weather, Crowds, and Gardens
- April–May: Blooming gardens, longer daylight. Popular—book early.
- June–August: Peak crowds. Go early/late; consider a Night Fountains Show.
- September–October: Warm light, fewer crowds than summer—often the sweet spot.
- November–March: Quiet palace rooms, shorter days, simpler gardens; dress warmly. Free first Sundays (crowded).
Smart Route Strategy Inside the Estate
- Palace first, Hall of Mirrors early: Enter at 9:00 and head with purpose; it’s the most popular room.
- Break in the Gardens: Reset with a stroll or coffee near the Grand Canal.
- Trianon & Queen’s Hamlet: Start at 12:00; the pastoral landscape is a calm contrast to the Palace.
- Golden hour photos at the Grand Canal or from the Parterre; in summer, it’s magical.
A Real-World Visit: What a Great Day Looks Like
On a Thursday in September, arriving at 8:40 put us at the front of the queue for the 9:00 opening. We toured the King’s Apartments and reached the Hall of Mirrors before the largest tour groups. By 11:30, we were in the Gardens with a coffee, and at 12:15 we were walking the Grand Trianon. Crowds built steadily through midday, but by 16:30 the Palace had eased again—perfect for a quick second look at our favorite rooms and calm photos in the Marble Court.
FAQ: Versailles Opening Hours and Best Days
Is the Palace of Versailles open on Mondays?
No. The Palace and the Estate of Trianon are closed on Mondays. The Gardens and Park remain open daily (hours vary by season and events).
What time is last entry to the Palace?
Usually 30 minutes before closing (so around 18:00 in high season and 17:00 in low season). Arrive earlier for a fuller visit.
Which day of the week is best to visit Versailles?
Wednesday and Thursday are typically best. Avoid Tuesday and weekends if you’re prioritizing thinner crowds.
Are the Gardens free?
Yes—on non-show days. On Musical Gardens and Musical Fountains days (mainly in season), Gardens are ticketed. The Park beyond the formal gardens is freely accessible year-round (vehicle access may be paid).
How long do I need for Versailles?
Minimum 4–5 hours for highlights. A full-day visit (7–9 hours) lets you see the Palace, Gardens, Trianon, and Queen’s Hamlet at a comfortable pace.
Can I leave and re-enter?
Re-entry policies vary by area and ticket type. Plan your route to minimize backtracking, and confirm re-entry at the time of your visit.
Essential Takeaways for Planning Your Visit
- Versailles opening hours: Palace 9:00–18:30 (Apr–Oct) and 9:00–17:30 (Nov–Mar); closed Mondays.
- Best day to visit Versailles: Wednesday or Thursday; avoid Tuesday and weekends when possible.
- Best time of day: At opening (9:00) or after 16:00 to dodge the peak crowds.
- Gardens: Free on non-show days; ticketed on Musical Fountains/Musical Gardens days.
- Book ahead: Timed-entry tickets are mandatory for the Palace.