Palace of Versailles Opening Hours and Best Days to Visit: Complete Planning Guide

Planning a trip to the Palace of Versailles is all about timing. With over 7 million visitors a year, knowing the Versailles opening hours, best days to visit, and how to navigate peak times can transform your experience from crowded to magical. This comprehensive guide covers seasonal schedules for the Palace, Gardens, and Trianon Estate, the days and hours to avoid, and practical strategies to make the most of your day.

Quick tip: The Palace (Château) is closed on Mondays. Tuesday and weekends are typically the busiest. If you can, plan for Wednesday or Thursday morning with a timed-entry ticket.

At a Glance: Typical Versailles Opening Hours

Hours vary by season and area (Palace, Gardens, Park, Trianon Estate). Always double-check current times on the official website before you go, especially for special events.

These schedules reflect common seasonal patterns. Exact hours and last entry times can shift; verify on the official Versailles website when booking.

Best Days to Visit the Palace of Versailles

Choosing the right day can save you hours in line and give you a more peaceful experience in the Hall of Mirrors and State Apartments.

Avoid: The first Sunday of the month from November to March can be particularly crowded due to free admission for the Palace (policy subject to change). If you choose this day, arrive early and be patient.

Best Times of Day to Visit Versailles

• Arrive for opening (around 09:00) to enjoy the State Apartments and Hall of Mirrors with thinner crowds.
• Late afternoon (after ~15:00) can also be calmer inside the Palace; explore the Gardens earlier in the day.
• Midday is often the busiest period inside the Palace; consider visiting the Gardens, the Park, or the Trianon Estate then.

How Long to Spend at Versailles

• Palace highlights (State Apartments, Hall of Mirrors): 1.5–2 hours
• Gardens & Park: 1–3 hours (more if you picnic or rent a bike/golf cart)
• Trianon Estate & Queen’s Hamlet: 1.5–2 hours
• Comprehensive visit: 5–7 hours total

Special Events That Affect Hours and Tickets

• Musical Fountains Shows (Grandes Eaux Musicales): Spring–summer weekends and select holidays. The fountains “dance” to music at scheduled times. The Gardens require a paid ticket on these days.
• Musical Gardens: Select weekdays in spring–summer. No water jets, but baroque music is played throughout the groves; Gardens ticket required.
• Night Fountains Shows (Saturday evenings in summer): Illuminations, music, and fireworks. Separate ticket required; the event can cause early closures in some groves and altered daytime access.

Tickets and Entry: What to Book and When

For a smooth visit, secure tickets in advance and choose a timed-entry slot for the Palace.

• Passport (1 or 2 days): Includes the Palace, Trianon Estate, Gardens, and Park. On Musical Fountains/Musical Gardens days, it includes Garden access.
• Palace Ticket: For the Château only (does not include Gardens on Musical days).
• Trianon Ticket: For the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, and the Queen’s Hamlet.
• Timed-entry: Strongly recommended; it controls crowd flow and cuts waiting time at the Palace.

Free or reduced admission is available for several categories (e.g., visitors under 18, EU residents 18–25, disabled visitors and their companion, teachers under certain programs). Free visitors may still need to book a timed-entry slot—check current rules.

Suggested Itineraries by Time of Day

How to Avoid the Crowds at Versailles

• Pick the right day: Wednesday or Thursday beats Tuesday and weekends.
• Book early time slots: Aim for the first timed entry of the day.
• Reverse the flow: If you arrive later, do Gardens/Trianon first and save the Palace for after 15:00.
• Use the official app: It includes maps, audioguide content, and live info that help you move smarter.
• Pack light: Large bags and tripods aren’t allowed, and bag checks slow you down.

Getting There and Best Arrival Strategy

• From Paris by train:
  • RER C to Versailles Château–Rive Gauche (short walk to the Palace)
  • SNCF Line N to Versailles Chantiers or Line L to Versailles Rive Droite (15–20 minutes’ walk)
• Arrive 30–45 minutes before your timed entry to clear security calmly.
• Entrances: Individual visitors with tickets use Entrance A. Groups use Entrance B. Follow on-site signage.

Seasonal Tips and What to Expect

Spring and Summer (High Season)

• Longest opening hours; warm weather invites Garden and Park exploration.
• Expect higher footfall, especially on Musical Fountains weekends.
• Sun protection and water are essential; consider a picnic near the Grand Canal.

Autumn and Winter (Low Season)

• Shorter opening hours but fewer crowds—great for the Palace interior.
• Gardens are quieter; some groves closed. Dress warmly; surfaces can be slippery.
• Watch for free-admission Sundays (Nov–Mar) and corresponding crowd surges.

Versailles for Different Travelers

• Families: Plan breaks outdoors; the Queen’s Hamlet delights kids. Strollers are allowed in many outdoor areas but may be restricted inside certain rooms.
• Art and history lovers: Prioritize the King’s State Apartment, Hall of Mirrors, and the Grand Trianon’s pink marble colonnade.
• Photographers: Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light; tripods are not permitted inside the Palace.
• Budget travelers: Consider off-peak months; explore free Park areas; bring snacks to avoid on-site price premiums.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Palace of Versailles open every day?

No. The Palace and Trianon Estate are closed on Mondays and on Jan 1, May 1, and Dec 25. The Gardens and Park are generally open daily.

What time does the Hall of Mirrors open?

It opens with the Palace. To see it with fewer people, enter at opening time and walk directly there before exploring the surrounding rooms.

Do I need a ticket for the Gardens?

The Gardens are free on most days, but require a paid ticket on Musical Fountains and Musical Gardens days. A Passport ticket covers these days.

How long are the lines?

At peak times, security lines can exceed 60–90 minutes. A timed-entry ticket and early arrival significantly reduce waiting.

Can I see everything in half a day?

You can tour the Palace and get a taste of the Gardens in 3–4 hours. For the full experience (Palace, Gardens, Trianon Estate, Hamlet), plan a full day.

Practical Tips to Maximize Your Visit

• Download the official app for maps, audioguide content, and live updates.
• Hydrate and wear comfortable shoes; the estate is vast, and you’ll walk several kilometers.
• Consider transport within the estate: Little Train, bike rentals, or golf carts (age and license rules apply). Useful when visiting Trianons.
• Dining: Quick options near the Grand Canal; reservations recommended for sit-down restaurants on weekends.
• Accessibility: Many areas are accessible; check elevator availability and obtain priority access information on the official site.

Sample 1-Day Versailles Plan (Crowd-Smart)

1. 08:15–08:45: Arrive, clear security.
2. 09:00–11:00: Palace interiors with a focus on the Hall of Mirrors and State Apartments.
3. 11:00–13:00: Gardens and groves; if it’s a Musical day, time your route to catch a fountain set.
4. 13:00–14:00: Lunch by the Grand Canal or a quick café bite.
5. 14:00–16:00: Trianon Estate and Queen’s Hamlet.
6. 16:00–17:30+: Stroll or cycle the Park, golden-hour photos, and a relaxed exit.

Why Timing Matters at Versailles

Versailles is much more than a palace—it’s a full-day landscape of art, architecture, and designed nature. Aligning your visit with the best days to visit Versailles and understanding Palace of Versailles opening hours ensures you aren’t just ticking off rooms but experiencing them as they were intended: with space to look up, breathe, and appreciate the details.

Key Takeaways

• The Palace and Trianons are closed on Mondays; Gardens and Park remain open.
• Wednesday and Thursday are typically the best days; avoid Tuesday and weekends if possible.
• Visit at opening time or after 15:00 to dodge the heaviest crowds.
• On event days, the Gardens require a ticket; a Passport ticket covers it.
• Always book timed-entry tickets and verify seasonal hours on the official site.

Conclusion

The Palace of Versailles rewards smart planning. By choosing the right day, arriving early or late, and understanding how the Versailles opening hours shift with the seasons, you can trade crowds for calm and turn a bucket-list attraction into an unforgettable experience. Book a timed-entry ticket, target Wednesday or Thursday, and structure your day to put the Palace at opening or after mid-afternoon. With these strategies, Versailles becomes not just a place you’ve seen—but a place you’ve truly enjoyed.

Note: Opening hours, ticket policies, and event schedules can change. Check the official Versailles website before your visit for the latest information.