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Welcome to the Palace
Here are a few tips for preparing your visit to the Palace. If you already have your ticket or if you are eligible for free admission, go directly to Palace Entrance A. Caution, the Palace gets very crowded during high season.
The Palace is open every day, except Mondays, from 9 am to 6.30 pm during the high season (April to October) and from 9 am to 5.30 pm during the low season (November to March).
We recommend coming at 9.00 am to visit the Palace when it opens or plan your visit for late afternoon.
Welcome
On the garden level, the Royal Courtyard gives access to the different tour itineraries. We indicate the essential practical points before the start of the tour. Caution, the Palace gets very crowded during the high season. We recommend coming at 9.00 am to visit the Palace when it opens or plan your visit for late afternoon..
Welcome
Continue your visit on the 1st floor with the King and Queen's Grand Apartments and the world-famous Hall of Mirrors. On certain days you can also visit the Gallery of Battles. Caution, the Palace gets very crowded during the summer.
We recommend coming at 9.00 am to visit the Palace when it opens or plan your visit for late afternoon.
Welcome to the Palace
Here are a few tips for preparing your visit to the Palace. If you already have your ticket or if you are eligible for free admission, go to Palace Entrance A. Caution, the Palace gets very crowded during high season. We recommend coming at 9.00 am to visit the Palace when it opens or plan your visit for late afternoon.
The Palace is open every day, except Mondays, from 9 am to 6.30 pm during the high season (April to October) and from 9 am to 5.30 pm during the low season (November to March).
The Empire Rooms
As a contemporary of Napoleon I, King Louis-Philippe was eager to obtain the support of former members of the Empire and the favour of Bonapartist opinion. At Versailles, he gathered most of the large paintings commissioned by Napoleon in the ground floor of the Palace’s South Wing, under the Gallery of Great Battles.
Main Entrance (Honour Gate )
Due to the anti-terrorist security plan, visitors with large baggage items are not admitted on the domain (exceeding 55x35x20 cm)
The Honour gate is the main entrance gate to the Estate. It separates the Honour courtyard from the Place d'Armes and is surrounded north-side by sculptures of the Victory of France over the Empire, by Gaspard Marsy, and south-side by sculptures of the Victory of France over Spain, by François Girardon.
This gate is open daily from 8AM to 8:30PM in high season.
Last access at 7PM
Entrance A - Entrance For Individual Visitors
Holders of time-stamped tickets are granted access via the middle door within 30 minutes of the time indicated on their ticket.
Visitors with tickets or free passes should head directly to entrance A (the Dufour pavilion at the top left of the Cour d'Honneur). It provides access to all unaccompanied routes.
Entrance B - Group Entrance
Groups with reservations should head directly to entrance B, at the top right of the Cour d'Honneur. It provides access to all unaccompanied routes.
Access To The Gardens Accès Jardins - Cour Des Princes
To access the garden, head to the left at the top of the Courtyard of Honour. Access is through the courtyard of the Princes, at the left-side of the entrance A.
How do I get to Petit Trianon? How do I get to Grand Trianon?
Main Ticket Office - South Ministers' Wing
Located in the South Ministers' Wing (to the left of the Honour Courtyard), the main ticket office sells tickets for unaccompanied visits to the Estate: Passport, Passport 2 days and Palace tickets.
Guided Tours And Subscriptions
Located in the South Ministers' North, this facility offers tickets for guided tours and the annual "1 year in Versailles " pass. It is also the start point for guided tours.
Information Point-Pavillon Gabriel
Having crossed the Royal Courtyard and before you begin your visit, you can pick up information, maps and leaflets at the audioguide kiosk.
Toilets-Pavillon Dufour
The toilets are accessible in the basement of the Dufour Pavilion after entrance A.
Shop Of The Chapel
In this shop you can purchase a range of themed products, books, guides, postcards, etc.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:45 pm
Angelina Tea Room And Restaurant
The Angelina restaurant and tea room offers sweet and savoury fare in a refined and elegant setting, to eat in. There is also a shop and groups are catered for (60 pers. max).
The restaurant is open :
- from 10am to 5:30pm (last access 5pm) (Tuesday to Friday)
- from 10am to 6:30pm (last access 6pm). (Saturday and Sunday)
- It is accessible from the Royal Courtyard or at the end of the tour of the Grand Apartments.
Reservations: +33 (0)1 39 20 08 32
Honour Courtyard
The Honour courtyard is located between the Place d'Armes and the Cour Royale. From this courtyard, you can access the Ministers' wings and the entrances to the Palace and Gardens.
Royal Courtyard
The Royal Courtyard is located behind the Royal Gate and is only accessible with a ticket. It gives access to the different visitor routes around the Palace.
Marble Courtyard
The Marble Courtyard is the original courtyard of the palace, built by Louis XIII in 1623. Its black and white tiles come from the castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte.
Apartment Of The Dauphin And The Dauphine
These apartments were always reserved to the leading members of the royal family. Their current decoration corresponds to the period in which they was occupied by Louis XV's son and his second wife, Maria Josepha of Saxony.
The Appartments Of Louis Xv’S Daughters
The Louis XV’s daughters apartments are symmetrical to the apartments of the Dauphin and Dauphine. Like them, they were turned into museum rooms by Louis-Philippe and recently restored to their state of princely apartments. Mesdames, as the six daughters of Louis XV were referred to, settled there in 1752, but only two of them, Adelaide and Victoire, lived there until the Revolution.
Grand Apartments (Hall Of Mirrors, King’S Chamber)
Visitors arrive at the Grand Apartments through the Gallery of the History of the Palace or the sculpture gallery. By taking this tour, visitors can explore the apartments of the King and Queen of France.
Gallery Of Battles
On the mobile app, listen to the audio commentaries of the paintings at the bottom of this screen.
Much larger than the Hall of Mirrors, the Gallery of Battles was the first ensemble chosen by Louis-Philippe for his Museum of the History of France. It presents an important series of historical paintings dedicated "to all the glories of France" and thus constitutes a "national record".
Gallery Of The History Of The Palace
With the main Palace, the Trianon palaces, the gardens and the park, Versailles is a site whose topography and history are rich. Located at the beginning of the Grand Apartments tour, the Gallery of the History of the Palace is an essential introduction to the visit.
Under the Ancien Régime, these rooms were the apartments of the royal princes, before Louis-Philippe transformed them to present a brief history of France through works ranging from the Baptism of Clovis to Louis XVI giving La Pérouse his instructions.
Upper Stone Gallery
Following the Gallery of the History of the Palace, this gallery connects to the second part of the tour: the Grand Apartments. Known as the Upper sculpture gallery due to its contents, it contains sculptures by Grand Condé, Turenne and Le Bossuet.
Royal Chapel
The construction of the Royal Chapel lasted between 1689 and 1710. Every day, usually in the morning at 10am, the court would assemble for the King's mass.
Every Thursday, an orchestra gives audiences the chance to discover the full range of the European repertoire from the 17th and 18th centuries.
The Royal Chapel is accessible as part of a guided tour.
Royal Chapel
The construction of the Royal Chapel lasted between 1689 and 1710. Every day, usually in the morning at 10am, the court would assemble for the King's mass.
Every Thursday, an orchestra gives audiences the chance to discover selections the European repertoire from the 17th and 18th centuries.
The Royal Chapel is accessible as part of a guided tour.
Grand Apartments (Hall Of Mirrors, King’S Chamber)
Visitors arrive at the Grand Apartments through the Gallery of the History of the Palace or the sculpture gallery. By taking this tour, visitors can explore the apartments of the King and Queen of France.
Access Grand Apartments (Hall Of Mirrors, King’S Chamber) - Gl
Visitors arrive at the Grand Apartments through the Gallery of the History of the Palace or the sculpture gallery. By taking this tour, visitors can explore the apartments of the King and Queen of France.
Entrance A - Entrance For Individual Visitors
Holders of time-stamped tickets are granted access via the middle door within 30 minutes of the time indicated on their ticket.
Visitors with tickets or free passes should head directly to entrance A (the Dufour pavilion at the top left of the Cour d'Honneur). It provides access to all unaccompanied routes.
Entrance B - Group Entrance
Groups with reservations should head directly to entrance B, at the top right of the Cour d'Honneur. It provides access to all unaccompanied routes.
Access To The Gardens - Cour Des Princes
To access the garden, head to the left at the top of the Courtyard of Honour. Access is through the courtyard of the Princes, at the left-side of the entrance A.
Toilets-Pavillon Gabriel
Toilets are located next to the Gabriel staircase in the basement.
These toilets are not accessible to the disabled.
Information Desk - South Ministers’ Wing
The information desk dispenses all information relating to visits, along with maps and leaflets. Guided tours can also be booked here.
Royal Chapel
The construction of the Royal Chapel lasted between 1689 and 1710. Every day, usually in the morning at 10am, the court would assemble for the King's mass.
Every Thursday, an orchestra gives audiences the chance to discover the full range of the European repertoire from the 17th and 18th centuries.
The Royal Chapel is accessible as part of a guided tour.
Marble Courtyard Shop
This large souvenir shop offers a range of products: books, guides, postcards, gifts, etc. It can be found after the tour of the State Apartments, at the foot of the Queen's staircase, or straight after the Royal Courtyard.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5:45pm (subject to sufficient visitor flow)
Ladurée
Currently closed
Ladurée is a Parisian patisserie founded in 1862, and visitors are invited to explore their retail outlet. The company offers its fine delicatessen range, not forgetting their famous macaroons. The shop is open every day from 9.30am to 6.30pm in high season (April to October) and from 9.30am to 5pm during low season (November to March). It is accessible from the Royal Courtyard or at the end of the tour of the Grand Apartments, at the foot of the Queen's Staircase.
Gallery Of Battles
Built by architect Frédéric Nepveu in the nineteenth century, the Gallery of Battles was the first room commissioned by King Louis-Philippe for his museum of French history. The gallery was designed to represent his desire for national reconciliation, and presents a major series of historic paintings dedicated "to all the glories of France".
Louis Xiv Rooms ?
Louis XIV Rooms give visitors a vast panorama of the 17th century featuring the King, his family, the court and the major political, military and artistic events that marked his reign.
Information Point- Dufour’S Pavillion
The information desk dispenses all information relating to visits, along with maps and leaflets.
Changing Table-Pavillon Dufour
A baby-changing table is located in the basement near the toilets.
Toilets-Pavillon Dufour
The toilets are accessible in the basement of the Dufour Pavilion after entrance A.
Dufour Pavillion Shop
Located in the basement of the Palace, this large souvenir shop offers a range of products: books, guides, postcards, gifts, etc.
The shop is accessible in the basement after the entrance A or at the exit of the visit.
The shop is open every day from 10.15am to 6pm during high season (April to October) and from 9.30am to 5.15pm during low season (November to March).
Access Dufour Pavillion Shop
This large souvenir shop offers a range of products: books, guides, postcards, gifts, etc.
The shop is accessible in the basement after the entrance A or at the exit of the visit.
The shop is open every day from 10.15am to 6pm during high season (April to October) and from 9.30am to 6pm during low season (November to March).
Access Ore - Ducasse Au Château De Versailles
During the day, the restaurant ore is open to the public. An exceptional setting and view to take a break or to eat during the Palace's opening hours. A French inspired menu with classics of our cuisine, alongside light and quick snacks, desserts and gourmet pastries. Children are welcome here with their very own Prince & Princess menu.
You can access the restaurant ore - Ducasse from the vestibule of the Dufour Pavilion, accessible by the door on the left side of the entrance A.
Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9AM to 6:30Pm in high season (April to October) and 9AM to 5:30PM in low season (November to March). Access to the restaurant through the courtyard of Princes independantly of the tour of the Palace.
Reservation: +33 (0)1 30 84 12 96 – ore@ducasse-chateauversailles.com
Groups and events: +33 (0)1 30 84 12 98 – evenement@ducasse-chateauversailles.com
Access Ore - Ducasse Au Château De Versailles
During the day, the restaurant ore is open to the public. An exceptional setting and view to take a break or to eat during the Palace's opening hours. A French inspired menu with classics of our cuisine, alongside light and quick snacks, desserts and gourmet pastries. Children are welcome here with their very own Prince & Princess menu.
You can access the restaurant ore - Ducasse from the vestibule of the Dufour Pavilion, accessible by the door on the left side of the entrance A.
Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9AM to 6:30Pm in high season (April to October) and 9AM to 5:30PM in low season (November to March). Access to the restaurant through the courtyard of Princes independantly of the tour of the Palace.
Reservation: +33 (0)1 30 84 12 96 – ore@ducasse-chateauversailles.com
Groups and events: +33 (0)1 30 84 12 98 – evenement@ducasse-chateauversailles.com
Chapel Gate
The gate of the Chapel is closed.
Located in Léon Gambetta place, the Chapel Gate gives access, on foot, to the Palace (entrances A and B). It is accessible by skirting the Palace on the right, rue Robert de Cotte.
It is advised for groups to enter through the Chapel Gate that is much less used than the Honour Gate.
In addition, it will give you direct access to entrance B, where you must present your scheduled booking (self-guided tour).
However, the access through the Honour Gate is recommended for people with disabilities.
Open every day except Monday, from 9am to 5.30pm.
Audioguide - Dufour's Pavillon
A desk is at your disposal in the vestibule of the Dufour pavilion: every day from the opening of the Palace till 30 minutes before last admission, ie 5.30 pm in high season and 4.30 pm in low season.
The audio guides are returned at the end of the visitor circuit, on the ground floor of the Dufour pavilion.
For the permanent circuit, the audioguide is available in 12 languages: French, English, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese-Mandarin, Korean, Russian, Ukrainian and Polish.
Audioguide - Dufour's Pavilion
A desk is at your disposal in the vestibule of the Dufour pavilion: every day from the opening of the Palace till 30 minutes before last admission, ie 5.30 pm in high season and 4.30 pm in low season.
The audio guides are returned at the end of the visitor circuit, on the ground floor of the Dufour pavilion.
For the permanent circuit, the audioguide is available in 12 languages: French, English, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese-Mandarin, Korean, Russian, Ukrainian and Polish.
Ore - Ducasse Au Château De Versailles
During the day, the restaurant ore is open to the public. An exceptional setting and view to take a break or to eat during the Palace's opening hours. A French inspired menu with classics of our cuisine, alongside light and quick snacks, desserts and gourmet pastries. Children are welcome here with their very own Prince & Princess menu.
The restaurant is open from Tuesday to Friday from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm, on Saturday from 9 am to 3:30 pm and from 6:30 pm to 10 pm (last departure) and on Sunday from 9 am to 5:30 pm. It is closed on Monday. Access to the restaurant through the courtyard of Princes independantly of the tour of the Palace.
Reservation: +33 (0)1 30 84 12 96 – ore@ducasse-chateauversailles.com
Groups and events: +33 (0)1 30 84 12 98 – evenement@ducasse-chateauversailles.com
The Empire Rooms
As a contemporary of Napoleon I, King Louis-Philippe was eager to obtain the support of former members of the Empire and the favour of Bonapartist opinion. At Versailles, he gathered most of the large paintings commissioned by Napoleon in the ground floor of the Palace’s South Wing, under the Gallery of Great Battles.
The Empire Rooms
As a contemporary of Napoleon I, King Louis-Philippe was eager to obtain the support of former members of the Empire and the favour of Bonapartist opinion. At Versailles, he gathered most of the large paintings commissioned by Napoleon in the ground floor of the Palace’s South Wing, under the Gallery of Great Battles.
Automatic Deposits (School Children Only)
Some automatic deposits (school children only) are available in different information points, and allow you to leave items that do not exceed the limited format (46x43x26 cm maximum).
Automatic Deposits
Some automatic deposits (school children only) are available in different information points, and allow you to leave items that do not exceed the limited format (46x43x26 cm maximum).
Parking-Place D'armes (Cars And Coaches)
At the Place d'Armes, parking is offered for cars, minibuses and coaches (charge payable).
Coach parking is only available at the Place d'Armes or at the crossroads of the Grand and Petit Trianon in the park.
Parking is free for disabled visitors on presentation of a valid permit.
Start Of The Tour
The entrance is on the left to visit the Apartments of the Dauphin and the daughters of Louis XV before discovering the Grand Apartments.
Start Of The Tour
The entrance is on the left to visit the Apartments of the Dauphin and the daughters of Louis XV before discovering the Grand Apartments.
Where can I buy a ticket? Which one should I choose?
To buy a Palace or Passport ticket (full access to the Versailles Estate), go to the Ticket Office on the left, in the South Ministers Wing, then go to Entrance A with your ticket.
If you are eligible for free admission, go directly to Entrance A with a presentation of supporting documents.
If you would like to book a guided tour, go to the dedicated area in the North Ministers Wing to the right of the Honour Courtyard.
Buy your tickets on line.
Entrance A - Entrance For Individual Visitors
Holders of time-stamped tickets are granted access via the middle door within 30 minutes of the time indicated on their ticket.
Visitors with tickets or free passes should head directly to entrance A (the Dufour pavilion at the top left of the Cour d'Honneur). It provides access to all unaccompanied routes.
Entrance B - Group Entrance
Groups with reservations should head directly to entrance B, at the top right of the Cour d'Honneur. It provides access to all unaccompanied routes.
Main Ticket Office - South Ministers' Wing
Located in the South Ministers' Wing (to the left of the Honour Courtyard), the main ticket office sells tickets for unaccompanied visits to the Estate: Passport, Passport 2 days and Palace tickets.
Guided Tours And Subscriptions
Located in the South Ministers' North, this facility offers tickets for guided tours and the annual "1 year in Versailles " pass. It is also the start point for guided tours.
Where are the entrances to the Palace?
Entrance A is reserved to individual visitors with tickets. If you are eligible for free admission, go directly to Entrance A without going to the Ticket Office.
Entrance B is reserved to groups that have booked their visit.
If you have booked a guided tour, the meeting place is at the North Ministers Wing to the right in the Cour d'Honneur.
Start Of The Tour
The entrance is on the left to visit the Apartments of the Dauphin and the daughters of Louis XV before discovering the Grand Apartments.
Entrance A - Entrance For Individual Visitors
Holders of time-stamped tickets are granted access via the middle door within 30 minutes of the time indicated on their ticket.
Visitors with tickets or free passes should head directly to entrance A (the Dufour pavilion at the top left of the Cour d'Honneur). It provides access to all unaccompanied routes.
Entrance B - Group Entrance
Groups with reservations should head directly to entrance B, at the top right of the Cour d'Honneur. It provides access to all unaccompanied routes.
Honour Courtyard
The Honour courtyard is located between the Place d'Armes and the Cour Royale. From this courtyard, you can access the Ministers' wings and the entrances to the Palace and Gardens.
Royal Courtyard
The Royal Courtyard is located behind the Royal Gate and is only accessible with a ticket. It gives access to the different visitor routes around the Palace.
Marble Courtyard
The Marble Courtyard is the original courtyard of the palace, built by Louis XIII in 1623. Its black and white tiles come from the castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte.
Start Of The Tour
The entrance is on the left to visit the Apartments of the Dauphin and the daughters of Louis XV before discovering the Grand Apartments.
Where are the toilets located?
For access to the toilets, cross the courtyard and enter the Gabriel Pavilion. The toilets are on your right in the basement by the Gabriel Stairs.
Other toilets, accessible for disabled visitors, are available at the end of the Gallery of Palace History.
Caution, there are no toilets on the first floor of the Palace.
Toilets-Pavillon Dufour
The toilets are accessible in the basement of the Dufour Pavilion after entrance A.
Toilets-Pavillon Gabriel
Toilets are located next to the Gabriel staircase in the basement.
These toilets are not accessible to the disabled.
Toilets-North Wing
Toilets are available by taking the lift at the end of the Gallery of Palace History.
How do I get to the gardens?
When you arrive at the Palace, you can go directly to the gardens by going to the top left-hand side of the Cour d'Honneur, then entering the Courtyard of the Princes (left-side of the entrance A).
Access to the gardens is free of charge, except for Fountain Show and Musical Gardens days (from April to October).
Entrance A - Entrance For Individual Visitors
Holders of time-stamped tickets are granted access via the middle door within 30 minutes of the time indicated on their ticket.
Visitors with tickets or free passes should head directly to entrance A (the Dufour pavilion at the top left of the Cour d'Honneur). It provides access to all unaccompanied routes.
Entrance B - Group Entrance
Groups with reservations should head directly to entrance B, at the top right of the Cour d'Honneur. It provides access to all unaccompanied routes.
Access To The Gardens Accès Jardins - Cour Des Princes
To access the garden, head to the left at the top of the Courtyard of Honour. Access is through the courtyard of the Princes, at the left-side of the entrance A.
How do I get to Petit Trianon? How do I get to Grand Trianon?
Honour Courtyard
The Honour courtyard is located between the Place d'Armes and the Cour Royale. From this courtyard, you can access the Ministers' wings and the entrances to the Palace and Gardens.
Where does the tour begin?
After coming in through Entrance A, your tour begins in the Royal Courtyard.
The entrance to the tour is to the left of the Royal Court to visit the Apartments of the Dauphin, the Apartments of the Mesdames (including the Hall of Hoquetons) and the Apartments of the Captain of the Guards.
The Appartments Of Louis Xv’S Daughters
The Louis XV’s daughters apartments are symmetrical to the apartments of the Dauphin and Dauphine. Like them, they were turned into museum rooms by Louis-Philippe and recently restored to their state of princely apartments. Mesdames, as the six daughters of Louis XV were referred to, settled there in 1752, but only two of them, Adelaide and Victoire, lived there until the Revolution.
Gallery Of The History Of The Palace
With the main Palace, the Trianon palaces, the gardens and the park, Versailles is a site whose topography and history are rich. Located at the beginning of the Grand Apartments tour, the Gallery of the History of the Palace is an essential introduction to the visit.
Under the Ancien Régime, these rooms were the apartments of the royal princes, before Louis-Philippe transformed them to present a brief history of France through works ranging from the Baptism of Clovis to Louis XVI giving La Pérouse his instructions.
Royal Courtyard
The Royal Courtyard is located behind the Royal Gate and is only accessible with a ticket. It gives access to the different visitor routes around the Palace.
Start Of The Tour
The entrance is on the left to visit the Apartments of the Dauphin and the daughters of Louis XV before discovering the Grand Apartments.
Where can I find a map and audioguides?
Audioguides are located in the Gabriel pavilion.
For a map, go to the Information Centre located on the ground garden at the Dufour pavilion (after entry A).
Information Point-Pavillon Gabriel
Having crossed the Royal Courtyard and before you begin your visit, you can pick up information, maps and leaflets at the audioguide kiosk.
Information Point- Dufour’S Pavillion
The information desk dispenses all information relating to visits, along with maps and leaflets.
Where is the Hall of Mirrors?
The Hall of Mirrors is located on the first floor of the Palace and is part of the self-guided tour of the Grand Apartments. After entering, cross the Royal Courtyard and follow the signs to the Grand Apartments.
Grand Apartments (Hall Of Mirrors, King’S Chamber)
Visitors arrive at the Grand Apartments through the Gallery of the History of the Palace or the sculpture gallery. By taking this tour, visitors can explore the apartments of the King and Queen of France.
Where does the visit to the 1st floor begin?
After taking the stairs at the end of the Gallery of History, your visit continues through the Galerie de Pierre Haute or the Louis XIV rooms.
Upper Stone Gallery
Following the Gallery of the History of the Palace, this gallery connects to the second part of the tour: the Grand Apartments. Known as the Upper sculpture gallery due to its contents, it contains sculptures by Grand Condé, Turenne and Le Bossuet.
Questel Staircase
The Questel staircase gives access to the first floor from the Gallery of the History of the Palace.
The Louis Xiv's Childhood
After 23 years of marriage to Anne of Austria, Louis XIII finally gained his much-longed-for heir in Louis XIV, who was acclaimed as 'Louis-Dieudonné', or 'Louis, the gift from God'. The portraits in this room depict him as a child, heir to the throne of France, who became king at a very young age.
Early Military Campaigns
Louis XIV was a warrior king for whom victory was a means of cementing his authority. After his marriage to Maria Theresa, daughter of the King of Spain, Louis XIV claimed certain Spanish territories in Flanders, thus triggering what is known as the War of Devolution.
The Académie Royale De Peinture Et De Sculpture
The king called upon the artists of the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture to illustrate the glory of his kingdom and its ruler. The academy, which was established in 1648 and overhauled in 1660, was a centre of training in and development of aesthetic principles. To be admitted to it, prospective members had to present a 'reception piece', i.e. a work on a given subject.
The Arts At The Start Of His Reign
Ever since 'La Fronde' (the French civil wars between 1640 and 1650 sparked by a double revolt by parliament and the princes who opposed Louis XIV and his family), Louis XIV mistrusted Paris. He therefore set up and oversaw the court at Versailles, where spectacular parties were organised and to which the great artists of the day were invited. In this way, Louis XIV contributed to the advancement of the arts.
The Exercise Of Power
Louis XIV was an absolute monarch. He governed alone and relied on counsellors and ministers, whose role was to carry out royal wishes.
Versailles And Europe
Louis XIV turned France into the leading power in Europe and the world. He expanded the kingdom and furthered the reputation of the country beyond its borders.
At The Turn Of The Reign (The 1690S)
In France, the crown passes from father to son according to primogeniture. Of Louis XIV's six children, only his firstborn survived to adulthood. He was given the title of dauphin. However, the succession to the throne was not completely assured…
The King At War
Louis XIV has been portrayed many times as a war commander. These portraits create an image of him as a great and conquering king, and symbolise the military might of France.
Royal Residences
In 1682, Versailles became the seat of government. As an absolute monarch, Louis XIV increased the number of royal residences as a way of extending his power. His successors and the royal family liked to spend time in these places, far from the Palace, often, simply, to get away from life at court.
Where is the Hall of Mirrors?
The Hall of Mirrors is halfway through the Grand Apartments tour in the central section of the Palace.
Hall Of Mirrors
The Hall of Mirrors replaced a large terrace overlooking the garden that was considered too exposed to inclement weather. Its seventeen arches decorated with mirrors face seventeen arched windows, creating a commingling of the interior and exterior. The Hall of Mirrors was a place for both social events and demonstrating the political might of Louis XIV.
Where is the King's Chamber?
This room adjoining the Hall of Mirrors is in the central section of the Palace. The Chamber can be visited halfway through the self-guided tour of the Grand Apartments.
The King's Chamber
Room currently not open to visitors
This room was used several times a day: for the King's getting-up and going-to-bed ceremonies; for his private meals, i.e. when he would eat alone; and for receiving certain courtiers and ambassadors. The room was therefore subject to strict etiquette. Only Louis XIV ever slept there.
Where is the Queen's Chamber?
This room is in the central section of the Palace. It is located at the end of the Grand Apartments tour, after the Hall of Mirrors and the King's Chamber.
Queen's Chamber
The Queen's Bedchamber is located opposite the Apollo Room. It is where the queen slept, hosted her private audiences and went through the public going-to-bed ceremony.
Contrary to the King's Bedchamber, this room was occupied by the various queens up to 1789.
Where are the toilets?
There are no toilets on the 1st floor of the Palace. Take either the Queen's Stairway at the end of the Grand Apartments tour to the garden level and the Royal Courtyard or the Princes' Stairway to the exit and the groundfloor of the Dufour Pavilion
The Queen’S Staircase
Built in 1680, this staircase soon became the busiest in the Palace, as it led to the King and Queen's apartments. It now gives access to the Royal Courtyard before finishing the tour of the Grand Apartments.
Princes’ Staircase
This staircase links the first floor to the garden level of the Midi Wing and to the ground floor of the Dufour Pavilion . Its décor is largely from the 17th century.
Where is the Hall of Mirrors?
The Hall of Mirrors is located on the first floor of the Palace and is part of the self-guided tour of the Grand Apartments. After entering, cross the Royal Courtyard and follow the signs to the Grand Apartments.
Access Grand Apartments (Hall Of Mirrors, King’S Chamber) - Gl
Visitors arrive at the Grand Apartments through the Gallery of the History of the Palace or the sculpture gallery. By taking this tour, visitors can explore the apartments of the King and Queen of France.
Where are the toilets?
Toilets are available in the basement of the Dufour pavilion after entrance A.
After this, for access to the toilets, cross the courtyard and enter the Gabriel Pavilion. The toilets are on your right in the basement by the Gabriel Stairs.
Other accessible toilets are available at the end of the Gallery of Palace History.
Caution, there are no toilets on the first floor of the Palace.
Toilets-Pavillon Gabriel
Toilets are located next to the Gabriel staircase in the basement.
These toilets are not accessible to the disabled.
Toilets-Pavillon Dufour
The toilets are accessible in the basement of the Dufour Pavilion after entrance A.
Where to book a guided tour?
The reservation desk for guided tours is located in the South Ministers' Wing.
You can also book a guided tour on the online ticket office: https://billetterie.chateauversailles.fr
Guided Tours And Subscriptions
Located in the South Ministers' North, this facility offers tickets for guided tours and the annual "1 year in Versailles " pass. It is also the start point for guided tours.
How do I get there from the Palace?
It is possible to reach the Estate of Trianon from the city of Versailles or from the Palace and its gardens.
From the Palace, there are three ways to reach the Trianon Palaces and Marie-Antoinette's Estate:
- By foot through the gardens (around 30 minutes)
- With the Little Train: from the Palace stop (North Terrace in the Gardens) to the Grand Trianon stop (around 20 minutes / Admission price : 8 €, reduced admission : 6.10 € and to only come back to the Palace : 4.30 €)
- From the Water parterre by renting electric vehicles (34 € per hour)
Important information: access to the Petit Trianon and to the Queen's Hamlet is through the Grand Trianon only.
Access to the gardens is free of charge, except for Fountain Show and Musical Gardens days from April to October. However, the Passport ticket entitles you to visit the Palace, the Trianon palaces and the Marie-Antoinette's Estate as well as giving you access to the gardens, including Fountain Show and Musical Garden days.
See the dates for Fountains shows, Musical Garden and Fountains Night Show.
Mini Train - Grand Trianon Stop
The mini-train departs from the Grand Trianon and travels to the Petit Trianon, the Grand Canal and the Palace before returning to the Grand Trianon.
Return Ticket*:
- Full Price: € 8,50
- Concessions: € 6,50
- Return to the Palace: € 4,60
* Visitors can disembark at each stop and board another mini-train later.
It is possible to pay by credit card directly to the drivers.
Opening hours: Open daily except on some Mondays during low season (50% gauge)
- January: 11:10am to 5:10pm ( January 1st : 12am to 5pm ) . Closed Mondays except during school holidays Zone C.
- February: 11:10am to 5:10pm. Closed Mondays except during school holidays Zone C.
- March: 11:10am to 5:10pm
- April to August : 11:10am to 6:50pm ( Mondays from 11:10am to 5:10pm )
- September: 11:10am at 6:50pm ( Monday from 11:10am to 5:10pm )
- October: 11:10am to 6:50pm ( Mondays from 11:10am to 5:10pm )
- November: 11:10am to 5:10pm. Closed Mondays except during school holidays Zone C.
- December: 11:10am to 5:10pm. ( December 25th : 12am to 5pm ) Closed Mondays except during school holidays Zone C.
Mini Train - Petit Trianon Stop
The mini-train departs from the Petit Trianon and travels to the Grand Canal, the Palace and the Grand Trianon, before returning to the Petit Trianon.
Return Ticket*:
- Full Price: € 8,50
- Concessions: € 6,50
- Return to the Palace: € 4,60
* Visitors can disembark at each stop and board another mini-train later.
It is possible to pay by credit card directly to the drivers.
Opening hours: Open daily except on some Mondays during low season (50% gauge)
- January: 11:10am to 5:10pm ( January 1st : 12am to 5pm ) . Closed Mondays except during school holidays Zone C.
- February: 11:10am to 5:10pm. Closed Mondays except during school holidays Zone C.
- March: 11:10am to 5:10pm
- April to August : 11:10am to 6:50pm ( Mondays from 11:10am to 5:10pm )
- September: 11:10am at 6:50pm ( Monday from 11:10am to 5:10pm )
- October: 11:10am to 6:50pm ( Mondays from 11:10am to 5:10pm )
- November: 11:10am to 5:10pm. Closed Mondays except during school holidays Zone C.
- December: 11:10am to 5:10pm. ( December 25th : 12am to 5pm ) Closed Mondays except during school holidays Zone C.
Mini-Train - Grand Canal Stop
The mini-train departs from the Grand Canal and travels to the Palace, the Grand Trianon and the Petit Trianon before returning to the Grand Canal.
Return Ticket*:
- Full Price: € 8,50
- Concessions: € 6,50
- Return to the Palace: € 4,60
* Visitors can disembark at each stop and board another mini-train later.
It is possible to pay by credit card directly to the drivers.
Opening hours: Open daily except on some Mondays during low season (50% gauge)
- January: 11:10am to 5:10pm ( January 1st : 12am to 5pm ) . Closed Mondays except during school holidays Zone C.
- February: 11:10am to 5:10pm. Closed Mondays except during school holidays Zone C.
- March: 11:10am to 5:10pm
- April to August : 11:10am to 6:50pm ( Mondays from 11:10am to 5:10pm )
- September: 11:10am at 6:50pm ( Monday from 11:10am to 5:10pm )
- October: 11:10am to 6:50pm ( Mondays from 11:10am to 5:10pm )
- November: 11:10am to 5:10pm. Closed Mondays except during school holidays Zone C.
- December: 11:10am to 5:10pm. ( December 25th : 12am to 5pm ) Closed Mondays except during school holidays Zone C.
Electric Vehicle Hire - Little Venice
The electric vehicles with audioguides will help you to discover the park of Versailles at your own pace. Rental is available every day except Mondays.
Hours: daily from 10am to 6:45pm (last departure 6:15pm)
Rates: Minimum 1 hour at €36/h, then 9€ for every additional 15 minutes
Telephone: +33 (0)1 39 66 97 66
6 have been adapted for wheelchair users.
Mini-Train - Palace Station
The mini-train departs from the Palace and travels to the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon and the Grand Canal before returning to the Palace.
Return Ticket*:
On Musical Gardens days, visitors can access to the mini-train with a Passport ou Musical Gardens ticket.
- Full Price: € 8,50
- Concessions: € 6,50
- Return to the Palace: € 4,60
* Visitors can disembark at each stop and board another mini-train later.
It is possible to pay by credit card directly to the drivers.
Opening hours: Open daily except on some Mondays during low season (50% gauge)
- January: 11:10am to 5:10pm ( January 1st : 12am to 5pm ) . Closed Mondays except during school holidays Zone C.
- February: 11:10am to 5:10pm. Closed Mondays except during school holidays Zone C.
- March: 11:10am to 5:10pm
- April to August : 11:10am to 6:50pm ( Mondays from 11:10am to 5:10pm )
- September: 11:10am at 6:50pm ( Monday from 11:10am to 5:10pm )
- October: 11:10am to 6:50pm ( Mondays from 11:10am to 5:10pm )
- November: 11:10am to 5:10pm. Closed Mondays except during school holidays Zone C.
- December: 11:10am to 5:10pm. ( December 25th : 12am to 5pm ) Closed Mondays except during school holidays Zone C.
The Grand Trianon Entrance
The entrance to the Grand Trianon is on the left as you face the building.
Open from midday to 6.30pm during high season (April to October) and from midday to 5.30pm during low season (November to March). Gardens open until 7.30pm during high season and until 6pm during low season.
Ticket Office - Grand Trianon
The ticket office is located inside the Grand Trianon, through the archway.
Petit Trianon Entrance (Via The Swiss Guard House)
For guided tours only (for other visits, access through the Grand Trianon)
The entrance is on the left of the Petit Trianon gate.
Open from midday to 6.30pm during high season (April to October) and from midday to 5.30pm during low season (November to March). Gardens open until 7.30pm during high season and until 6pm during low season.
Ticket Office - Petit Trianon
The ticket office is located beyond the information desk and the courtyard.
Electric Vehicle Hire - South Terrace
From the South Terrace, the electric vehicles with audioguides will help you to discover the park of Versailles at your own pace. Rental is available every day except Mondays.
Hours: daily from 10:00 to 18:45 (last departure at 17:45)
Rates: Minimum 1 hour at €36/h, then €9 for every additional 15 minutes
Telephone: +33 (0)1 39 66 97 66
6 have been adapted for wheelchair users.
