Visiting Versailles from Paris: a practical guide

Versailles is about twenty kilometres from central Paris, but the estate is huge: the day needs planning.

Getting there

• RER C to Versailles Château Rive Gauche, then about ten minutes on foot: cheap, but slow with children.
• Taxi van: 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic, dropping you at the main gate. See our Versailles taxi van.
• Hire by the hour: the driver drops you at the palace and picks you up at the Trianon or the Grand Canal, at the far end of the park. The most comfortable option: see van hire with driver.

How long to allow?

• Palace only (State Apartments, Hall of Mirrors): 2 to 3 hours.
• Palace + gardens: half a day.
• Palace + gardens + Trianon estate: a full day. The estate covers more than 800 hectares.

Avoiding the crowds

• The palace is closed on Mondays: check opening hours before you go.
• Book a timed-entry ticket on the official website.
• Arrive at opening time, or start with the gardens and Trianon and visit the palace in the afternoon.
• On weekends in the warmer months, the gardens host the Musical Fountains show: beautiful, but busier.

With children

The little train and bike or electric cart hire help you get around the park with kids. Bring a picnic; the picnic areas are near the Grand Canal.

Versailles combines well with a CDG or Orly transfer on your arrival or departure day, luggage on board. Discover our other destinations.