Here’s what you most need to know if you’re visiting Versailles.
1️⃣ There’s lots to see, spend the day (note that Versailles is closed on Mondays).
2️⃣ Get the annual pass for maximum flexibility. Order online in advance OR purchase onsite day-of in the North Ministers Wing. With the annual pass, you can show up whenever you wish during daytime hours and get certain discounts on site. You’ll still need to ticket for evening and special events, e.g., night fountains, Royal Serenade.
💶COST:
👉Solo pass for individuals (€65).
👉Duo pass for couples (€98) – primary pass holder can bring in one free guest.
3️⃣ OR, get a Passport ticket, for entry to palace, Trianons, gardens, park, temp exhibits.
💶COST:
👉€32 during high season (April 1 – Oct 31); €24 during low season (Nov 1 – March 31)
4️⃣ With Paris Museum Pass, you can enter main palace and Trianons, but not the gardens on days of Musical Fountains and Musical Gardens. You’ll need to book a free, timed-entry “Palace Ticket” online, even with the Paris Museum Pass.
5️⃣ Go opposite direction of the crowds. Visit the gardens first, have lunch, head to the Trianons (open at noon), visit palace late afternoon.
6️⃣ Rent an electric cart to explore the expansive grounds. Rental opens 10am. Lines can get long and carts run out. 30% discount w/ annual pass, which pretty much covers the addt’l cost of pass v. single day tix. Show the annual pass at time of cart rental. Need to leave a drivers license to rent.
💶COST:
👉42€ / hour, 10,50€ per each addt’l 15 minutes.
👉40% discount for disabled people; 30% discount for subscribers (annual pass holders).
NOTE: Carts are not free to roam anywhere on the grounds. There is a prescribed path for the carts, which unfortunately does not well align with the scheduled of the fountains. If you go off the path, the cart will shut down.
The “Little Train” is another option for getting around the grounds, but you may be left waiting for an empty train back to the palace later in the day.
💶COST: €9 (get on and off at different stops within a single circuit); single journey €5
7️⃣ If you want a Hall of Mirrors pic w/ the fewest number of people, arrive before 9 and beeline to Hall of Mirrors.
8️⃣ On Saturdays, consider staying into the evening for the Royal Serenade (also offered on other select days).
💶COST:
👉Royal Serenade €32; Reduced price (incl. annual pass holders) €29
👉 Combined tix for Royal Serenade + Night Fountains €57; €50 reduced rate
9️⃣ Musical Gardens = fountains aren’t running.
🔟 Weekends, w/ the Musical Fountains, brings larger crowds (Musical Fountains also on select summer weekdays). On Musical Fountains days, fountains don’t run continuously – schedule is online (though the advertised schedule seems more aspirational than accurate).
1️⃣1️⃣ Uber costs ~50 Euro each way b/w Paris. By train, take RER Line C to Versailles Château – Rive Gauche, then ~15 minute walk to the Palace.
1️⃣2️⃣ No animals, selfie sticks, tripods, flash photography, costumes, knives, scissors. Check website for current security procedures.
🌟Bonus Tips: While on the grounds, you can picnic, ride bikes, rent a rowboat, dine at several different restaurants. You can even overnight on the property and get a private after hours tour of the chateau! But that’s for a separate video. . .
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