Welcome to the gardens
Welcome to the gardens
Mini-Train - Palace Station
The little train, leaving from the Château, serves the Grand Canal, then the Grand Trianon and finally the Petit Trianon, before returning to the Château. From April to October, it is accessible with a Passport, Grandes Eaux Musicales or Jardins Musicaux ticket.
Return ticket* :
- Full price: €9
- Reduced price: €7
- Return to the Château: €5
* 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 every day except Mondays
- January: 11:10am to 5:10pm ( January 1st : 12am to 5pm ) .
- February: 11:10am to 5:10pm.
- March: 11:10am to 5:10pm
- April to August : 11:10am to 6:10pm
(in July and August: 10am to 6.10pm) - September: 11:10am at 6:10pm
- October: 11:10am to 6:10pm
- November: 11:10am to 5:10pm.
- December: 11:10am to 5:10pm. ( December 25th : 12am to 5pm )
Le Dauphin
In the middle of the Garden, Le Dauphin welcomes you for a gourmet break or a sweet or savoury snack, to take away or to eat on the go.
Open every day until 31 October:
- 8am to 6.30pm on Mondays
- from 8.30am to 7pm from Tuesday to Sunday (early closing on Fountains night shows days).
Telephone: +33 (0)1 39 07 01 87
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.
How do I get to Petit Trianon? How do I get to Grand Trianon?Dragon Gate
Visitors with large baggage items are not admitted on the domain (exceeding 55x35x20 cm) and every bag or vehicle is controlled upon access.
From April to October : 7:00AM - 7:30PM. Last admission: 7PM
From November to March: Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 8:00AM to 6:00PM (last admission : 5:30PM)
Gardens Ticket Office - South Parterre
On Fountains Show days, this ticket office sells tickets from 9am to 6pm for the Fountains Shows and Musical Gardens and on saturdays, for the Fountains Night Show from 2pm.
Payment type accepted: card or cash.
Gardens Ticket Office - Neptune Gate
Payment type accepted: card only.
On Fountains Show days, this ticket office sells tickets from 9am to 6pm for the Fountains Shows and Musical Gardens.
Gardens Ticket Office - Little Venice Gate
On Fountains Show days, this ticket office sells tickets from 9am to 6pm for the Fountains Shows and Musical Gardens.
Payment type accepted: card only.
Electric Vehicle Hire - 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.
Hours:
April to October, daily from 10am to 6.45pm (last departure at 5.45pm).
From March to November, daily from 10am to 5pm (last departure at 4pm).
For the months of February and March, every day from 10am to 5.30pm (last departure at 4.30pm).
Early closure on Fountain shows.
Closed in January
In February & March, daily from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm (last departure at 4:30pm)
Rates:
- 42 € per vehicle per hour,
- 10,50 € per additional 15 minutes.
- Discount for disabled people (-40%) and Subscribers (-30%).
Telephone: +33 (0)1 39 66 97 66
6 have been adapted for wheelchair users.
Toilets - Little Venice
There are free toilets with disabled access near the entrance to la Petite Venise.
In case of emergency, a defibrillator is available for public use. It is fully automatic and does not require any prior training.
Toilets - Girandole Grove
There are free toilets with disabled access opposite the entrance to the Girandole brasserie.
Toilets - Dapuhin's Grove
There are free toilets with disabled access opposite the entrance to the Buvette du Dauphin.
La Petite Venise Restaurant
La Petite Venise offers refined Italian cooking in a bucolic setting at the heart of the Versailles park. It also caters for groups (50 pers. max).
The restaurant is open daily from 11:45 am to 6 pm (closes at 5pm from November to March). Lunch service is available until 3.30pm and our drinks selection until closing time.
Reservations: +33 (0)1 39 53 25 69
La Girandole
In the heart of the Garden, La Girandole welcomes you for breakfast, lunch or a snack, on one of the two terraces in the middle of nature, or to take away.
Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm.Closed on Monday.
Telephone: +33 (0)1 83 24 00 20
The Orangery Garden
Latona's Fountain
This group of sculpted marble figures of Latona and her children is one of the most famous works of Versailles, made in 1670 by the Marsy brothers and lending its name to the fountain on which it proudly stands. Inspired by Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Latona's Fountain illustrates the transformation of the Lycian peasants into amphibians after they prevented the goddess and her children, Diana and Apollo, from quenching their thirst. The pool and parterre surrounding the fountain, designed by André Le Nôtre, were fully restored in 2015.
Apollo’s Baths Grove
The current grove dates from the reign of Louis XVI and was built between 1778 and 1781. The central pool is overlooked by a large artificial rock decorated with waterfalls and hollow caves. It houses the sculpted groups of The Horses of the Sun standing either side of Apollo Served by Nymphs, by François Girardon and Thomas Regnaudin.
The Girandole Grove
The Girandole Grove, which forms a pair with the Dauphin Grove, has seen few modifications since its creation. It is decorated with terms commissioned by Nicolas Fouquet, once Superintendent of Finances to Louis XIV, for the Château of Vaux-le-Vicomte and made in Rome after models by Poussin.
The Dauphin’s Grove
The Dauphin's Grove, also known as “The Two Groves” along with the Girandole, is one of the very first designed by André Le Nôtre around 1660. At the end of the 17th century, the sculptor Théodon completed the series of sculptures dedicated to the seasons and mythological gods.
Starting June 12th, the arboretum will be open daily from 9 am to 7 pm.
Apollo's Fountain
The original pool here was extended during the reign of Louis XIV and, in 1671, decorated with the famous gilded lead sculpture of Apollo on his chariot. The work was created by Jean-Baptiste Tuby after a drawing by Charles Le Brun and is inspired by the legend of the Sun god, the king’s emblem.
Neptune Fountain
The Neptune Fountain was made between 1679 and 1681 by Le Nôtre and was originally called “Lake Below the Dragon” or “Lake of the Pines”. The design was modified slightly in 1736 by Ange-Jacques Gabriel and the sculpted decoration glorifying the god of the sea was added in 1740. The new fountain, inaugurated by Louis XV, is composed of 99 water jets.
Mirror Pool
Built opposite the King's Garden, the Mirror Pool was commissioned by Louis XIV in around 1702. Built over three levels, it is framed by two dragons sculpted by Jean Hardy. Five paths lead to it, giving it an even more impressive appearance when seen from above.
Ballroom
Created by André Le Nôtre between 1680 and 1683, the Ballroom (also called the Rococo Grove after the gritstone and shells which the water cascades over) once featured a marble “island” in its centre. This island was used as a stage for dancing, an art at which Louis XIV excelled.
The Colonnade Grove
The construction of the Colonnade Grove started in 1685 under the direction of Jules Hardouin-Mansart, replacing the Spring Grove built by Le Nôtre in 1679. It takes its name from the peristyle composed of 32 marble columns surrounding the group of sculpted figures of the Abduction of Proserpina by François Girardon, made between 1678 and 1699.
Queen's Grove
Constructed on the site of the former Maze created by Charles Perrault, the Queen's Grove was specially created in 1776 for Queen Marie-Antoinette, so that she would have somewhere to walk, away from visitors. It was originally designed in the landscaped style that was popular in the gardens of the 18th century. To create this flower garden, several non-native, particularly North American, species introduced to France in the 18th century, such as the Virginia tulip tree and white fringetree, were acclimated.
Following a two-year restoration effort, the Queen’s Grove has been unveiled to the public on 14 June 2021.
King's Garden
The architect Dufour created the enclosed King's Garden in 1817, under orders from Louis XVIII, in an English style with many superb varieties that were sadly largely destroyed in the storm of 1999. Only the original installation of the Mirror Fountain now remains.
Grove Of The Domes
Built by André Le Nôtre in 1675 and modified in 1677 by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, this grove owes its name to two former white marble pavilions crowned with domes that were destroyed in 1820. It has an amphitheatre design with the central “arena” occupied by a hexagonal pool surrounded by a balustrade, and a white marble basin in the centre supported by dolphins.
The Enceladus Grove
The Enceladus Fountain was made of lead by Gaspard Marsy between 1675 and 1677, and was inspired by the legend of the fall of the Giants in Greek and Roman mythology. Punished for trying to climb Mount Olympus to dethrone the gods, they were buried under a heap of rocks, as illustrated here by the figure of Enceladus, whose suffering is conveyed by the powerful water jet gushing out of his mouth like a cry of pain.
Water Theatre Grove
Landscape artist Louis Benech and artist Jean-Michel Othoniel have created a permanent contemporary artwork for Water Theatre Grove.
Open every day - Access only from the Neptune fountain and North Parterre side.
Star Grove
This grove was one of the first to be laid out by André Le Nôtre in the northern section of the gardens in 1666. The original design no longer exists.
The Obelisk Grove
The Obelisk Fountain was built by Jules Hardouin-Mansart in 1704 to replace the old Feasting Chamber Grove, or Council Grove, created by Le Nôtre in 1671. The fountain is composed of a large square pool built over two levels, with an imposing spray of 230 water jets shooting up from its centre.
Grove Of The Three Fountains
Built by Le Nôtre in 1677, this is the only grove mentioned on an old map as being “designed by the king”. Running parallel to the Water Walk, it is laid out over three distinct levels linked by cascades. Restored in 2005, it recovered its design and the water effects desired by the sovereign: in the lower pool, the water jets form a fleur-de-lys, in the middle one a watery vault, and in the upper pool a water column formed by 140 water jets.
Triumphal Arch Grove
Today, only one fountain remains in this grove completed between 1679 and 1683: Triumphal France made of gilded lead by the sculptors Antoine Coysevox, Jean-Baptiste Tuby and Jacques Prou. During the reign of Louis XIV, this verdant grove also contained a large triumphal arch made of gilded metal gleaming with water jets and cascades.
Mini-Train - Grand Canal Stop
The little train, leaving from the Grand Canal, serves the Grand Trianon then the Petit Trianon and the Palace.
Ticket "Retour Château" (Back to the Palace) * : €5.
* Visitors can get off at each stop and get back on the next train.
It is possible to pay by credit card directly to the drivers.
Opening hours: open every day except Mondays
- January: 11:10am to 5:10pm ( January 1st : 12am to 5pm )
- February: 11:10am to 5:10pm.
- March: 11:10am to 5:10pm
- April to August : 11:10am to 6:10pm
- September: 11:10am at 6:10pm
- October: 11:10am to 6:10pm
- November: 11:10am to 5:10pm.
- December: 11:10am to 5:10pm. ( December 25th : 12am to 5pm )
La Flottille Restaurant
This brasserie-restaurant on the edge of the Grand Canal offers traditional French food in c.1900 setting (set menus and à la carte dining). La Flottille also caters for groups (200 pers. max).
The restaurant is open every day from 9am to 7.30pm (early closure during days of Night Fountains shows).
Reservations: +33 (0)1 39 51 41 58
La Flottille Takeaway
Takeaway of sandwiches, salads, home-made ice creams, crêpes, hot and cold drinks. Open every day from 9am to 6:30pm from April to October (closes at 6pm from November to March).
Electric Vehicle Hire - Petite Venise
The electric vehicles with audioguides will help you to discover the park of Versailles at your own pace. Rental is available every day.
Hours:
April to October, daily from 10am to 6.45pm (last departure at 5.45pm).
From March to November, daily from 10am to 5pm (last departure at 4pm).
For the months of February and March, every day from 10am to 5.30pm (last departure at 4.30pm).
Early closure on Fountain shows.
Closed in January
In February & March, daily from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm (last departure at 4:30pm)
Rates:
- 42 € per vehicle per hour,
- 10,50 € per additional 15 minutes.
- Discount for disabled people (-40%) and Subscribers (-30%).
Telephone: +33 (0)1 39 66 97 66
6 have been adapted for wheelchair users.
Sphinx Ridden By A Putto
This group, depicting a putto straddling a sphinx, dates back to 1667/68 and is one of the oldest in the gardens. Made from marble and bronze, it was created by Jacques Houzeau, Louis Lerambert and founder Ambroise Duval, after a work by Jacques Sarazin.
Toilets - Halle Des Marmousets
After the Opera House, at the foot of the reservoirs, there are free toilets accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.
There is also a picnic area nearby.
Entrance To The Eva Jospin - Versailles Exhibition
- Exhibition open Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. (last admission 5.45 p.m.)
- Accessible with a Passport ticket, a Musical Gardens ticket, a Fountains Shows ticket and a Night Fountains Shows ticket.
- Open on Night Fountains Shows evenings.
Where are the different entrances located?
If you arrive via the Palace, head to the left at the top of the Courtyard of Honour (left-side of the entrance A).
If you are inside the Palace, the exit to the gardens is through the Royal Courtyard via the "Bois Sud" passageway (to the left when you are facing the Palace).
If you come directly from the town, there are several entrances to the gardens depending on what you want to see (from the different gates of the Estate).
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.
How do I get to Petit Trianon? How do I get to Grand Trianon?Little Venice Gate
The Little Venice Gate separates the gardens from the park.
Visitors with large baggage items are not admitted on the domain (exceeding 55x35x20 cm).
Menagerie Gate
The Menagerie Gate separates the gardens from the park.
Visitors with large baggage items are not admitted on the domain (exceeding 55x35x20 cm).
Dragon Gate
Visitors with large baggage items are not admitted on the domain (exceeding 55x35x20 cm) and every bag or vehicle is controlled upon access.
From April to October : 7:00AM - 7:30PM. Last admission: 7PM
From November to March: Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 8:00AM to 6:00PM (last admission : 5:30PM)
Neptune Gate
The Neptune Gate separates the gardens from the park. On Fountains Shows and Musical Gardens days, there is a charge for access to the gardens. This gate closes at 6:00 PM.
Visitors with large baggage items are not admitted on the domain (exceeding 55x35x20 cm)
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.
Entrance A - Entrance For Individual Visitors
Due to the anti-terrorist security plan, visitors with large baggage items are not admitted on the domain (exceeding 55x35x20 cm).
This entrance provides access to all unaccompanied routes including temporary exhibitions.
To enter the Palace, you must have a ticket with a reserved time slot. Buy your ticket online. Due to the high number of visitors, admission to the palace can only be guaranteed through online booking.
If you are eligible for free admission, you must have booked a free time slot on the online ticketing service.
Neptune Gate
The Neptune Gate separates the gardens from the park.
Visitors with large baggage items are not admitted on the domain (exceeding 55x35x20 cm).
Where can I buy a ticket?
From 29 March to 31 October, access to the gardens is subject to a fee from Tuesday to Sunday (days of the Fountain Shows and Musical Gardens). In this case, you have two possibilities:
- buy a Passport ticket (full access to the Versailles Estate). Due to the high number of visitors, admission to the Palace can only be guaranteed through online booking. If your prefer to buy on site, go to the Ticket Office in the South Ministers Wing or at the Ticket Offices for Trianon Palaces.
- Go to the Ticket Offices for Fountain Show and Musical Gardens if you want to visit the gardens only, at the entrance of the gardens. Also you can buy online.
See the dates for Fountains shows, Musical Garden and Fountains Night Show.
Gardens Ticket Office - South Parterre
On Fountains Show days, this ticket office sells tickets from 9am to 6pm for the Fountains Shows and Musical Gardens and on saturdays, for the Fountains Night Show from 2pm.
Payment type accepted: card or cash.
Gardens Ticket Office - Neptune Gate
Payment type accepted: card only.
On Fountains Show days, this ticket office sells tickets from 9am to 6pm for the Fountains Shows and Musical Gardens.
Gardens Ticket Office - Little Venice Gate
On Fountains Show days, this ticket office sells tickets from 9am to 6pm for the Fountains Shows and Musical Gardens.
Payment type accepted: card only.
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: 'Passeport', Palace tickets and 'Paris Museum Pass'.
From April to October, due to the high number of visitors, admission to the palace can only be guaranteed through online booking.
Restaurants and shops
The Palace of Versailles has many services to make your visit a real pleasure. Restaurants, takeaway outlets, souvenir shops, etc. - take a break between two visits!
Picnicking is not allowed in the gardens, only at certain dedicated locations in the Park.
Le Dauphin
In the middle of the Garden, Le Dauphin welcomes you for a gourmet break or a sweet or savoury snack, to take away or to eat on the go.
Open every day until 31 October:
- 8am to 6.30pm on Mondays
- from 8.30am to 7pm from Tuesday to Sunday (early closing on Fountains night shows days).
Telephone: +33 (0)1 39 07 01 87
"Gourmandises De La Petite Venise"
Currently closed
This takeaway outlet proposes homemade ice creams, sweet snacks (waffles, crêpes), cakes and hot drinks.
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 12:30 to 5:30pm in high season (April to October)
Open Tuesday, Saturday and Sundays and during school holidays (except on Mondays) from 12:30 to 4:30pm in low season (November to March)
Telephone: +33 (0)1 39 53 25 69
La Petite Venise Restaurant
La Petite Venise offers refined Italian cooking in a bucolic setting at the heart of the Versailles park. It also caters for groups (50 pers. max).
The restaurant is open daily from 11:45 am to 6 pm (closes at 5pm from November to March). Lunch service is available until 3.30pm and our drinks selection until closing time.
Reservations: +33 (0)1 39 53 25 69
La Petite Venise Terraces
Italian-inspired takeaway with a terrace on the Grand Canal. Ice cream from the Manufacture Alain Ducasse. From April to October, the terrace is open every day from 10:30am to 6pm.
From November to March, the terrace is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.30am to 5pm.
La Girandole
In the heart of the Garden, La Girandole welcomes you for breakfast, lunch or a snack, on one of the two terraces in the middle of nature, or to take away.
Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm.Closed on Monday.
Telephone: +33 (0)1 83 24 00 20
Covered Picnic Area
This place is the only one where you can have a picnic in the gardens. Access to the gardens is free of charge, except for Fountains Shows and Musical Gardens days.
Picnicking is allowed in the Park.
La Flottille Restaurant
This brasserie-restaurant on the edge of the Grand Canal offers traditional French food in c.1900 setting (set menus and à la carte dining). La Flottille also caters for groups (200 pers. max).
The restaurant is open every day from 9am to 7.30pm (early closure during days of Night Fountains shows).
Reservations: +33 (0)1 39 51 41 58
La Flottille Takeaway
Takeaway of sandwiches, salads, home-made ice creams, crêpes, hot and cold drinks. Open every day from 9am to 6:30pm from April to October (closes at 6pm from November to March).
Sorbets Kiosk - Grand Canal
Open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 1pm to 6pm (depending on weather conditions).
Sorbets Kiosk - Trianon Crossroads
Open on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 1pm to 6pm (depending on weather conditions). Organic sorbets and jams are sold on the avenues of the park, at the south end of the Grand Canal and Trianon Crossroads. This kiosk also offers crêpes (organic ingredients and toppings).
During school holidays, open Tuesday to Sunday.
What time are the fountain shows?
Every Saturdays and Sundays from April to October, enjoy The Musical Gardens and explore the fountains and groves with their water features.
Due to high temperatures, the water display of the fountains is changed.
- The water jets are lowered all day long
- The water display of the fountains is now rotating
All day long:
- Water display of the Mirror Pool every 10 minutes
- Water display of the Neptune Foutain every 15 minutes
- Water display of the Water Theater Grove continuously
In the morning: water display of the southern groves
From 11.00 am to 12.00 am: water display of the Great Perspective
From 11.15 am to 11.45 am: water display of the Ballroom, Bacchus and Saturn’s fountains, the Colonnade and Girandole Groves’ fountains
Afternoon: water display northern groves
From 3.30 pm to 4.30 pm: water display of the Three Fountains Grove, the Pyramid foutain, the Mermaid, Water Alley and Golden children’s fountains as well as Ceres and Flora fountains, and the Girandole groves
At 4.00 pm: water display of the Great Perspective and the Dauphin’s Grove
From 3.30 pm to 5.00 pm: water display of the Enceladus and Appolon’s baths grove
At 5:20 pm: final at Neptune Fountain (water display on the last minutes of the music)
Water Garden
The Water Garden appears to be an extension of the facade of the Palace. Their layout was modified several times before receiving its definitive form, in 1685. Each pool is decorated with statues of lying-down figures representing the rivers of France, accompanied by nymphs and children.
Dragon Fountain
The Dragon Fountain represents an episode from Apollonian legend: The young Apollo kills the serpent Python with an arrow. The reptile is surrounded by dolphins and Cupids with bows and arrows, riding on swans. The main fountain reaches twenty seven metres in height.
Latona's Fountain
This group of sculpted marble figures of Latona and her children is one of the most famous works of Versailles, made in 1670 by the Marsy brothers and lending its name to the fountain on which it proudly stands. Inspired by Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Latona's Fountain illustrates the transformation of the Lycian peasants into amphibians after they prevented the goddess and her children, Diana and Apollo, from quenching their thirst. The pool and parterre surrounding the fountain, designed by André Le Nôtre, were fully restored in 2015.
The Girandole Grove
The Girandole Grove, which forms a pair with the Dauphin Grove, has seen few modifications since its creation. It is decorated with terms commissioned by Nicolas Fouquet, once Superintendent of Finances to Louis XIV, for the Château of Vaux-le-Vicomte and made in Rome after models by Poussin.
Apollo's Fountain
The original pool here was extended during the reign of Louis XIV and, in 1671, decorated with the famous gilded lead sculpture of Apollo on his chariot. The work was created by Jean-Baptiste Tuby after a drawing by Charles Le Brun and is inspired by the legend of the Sun god, the king’s emblem.
Neptune Fountain
The Neptune Fountain was made between 1679 and 1681 by Le Nôtre and was originally called “Lake Below the Dragon” or “Lake of the Pines”. The design was modified slightly in 1736 by Ange-Jacques Gabriel and the sculpted decoration glorifying the god of the sea was added in 1740. The new fountain, inaugurated by Louis XV, is composed of 99 water jets.
Flora Fountain
The Flora Fountain is located at the crossroads of several groves, including the Queen's Grove. Flora is the Roman goddess of flowers, gardens and springtime, and the fountain symbolises the first season of the year. Sculpted by Jean-Baptiste Tuby, the goddess can be found at the centre of the fountain, wearing a floral crown.
Saturn Fountain
Entirely in symmetry with the Flora Fountain, the Saturn Fountain in the south of the gardens was sculpted by François Girardon and symbolises winter. Saturn sits on a throne in the centre, surrounded by cupids, on an island dotted with seashells.
Mirror Pool
Built opposite the King's Garden, the Mirror Pool was commissioned by Louis XIV in around 1702. Built over three levels, it is framed by two dragons sculpted by Jean Hardy. Five paths lead to it, giving it an even more impressive appearance when seen from above.
Ballroom
Created by André Le Nôtre between 1680 and 1683, the Ballroom (also called the Rococo Grove after the gritstone and shells which the water cascades over) once featured a marble “island” in its centre. This island was used as a stage for dancing, an art at which Louis XIV excelled.
The Colonnade Grove
The construction of the Colonnade Grove started in 1685 under the direction of Jules Hardouin-Mansart, replacing the Spring Grove built by Le Nôtre in 1679. It takes its name from the peristyle composed of 32 marble columns surrounding the group of sculpted figures of the Abduction of Proserpina by François Girardon, made between 1678 and 1699.
Water Theatre Grove
Landscape artist Louis Benech and artist Jean-Michel Othoniel have created a permanent contemporary artwork for Water Theatre Grove.
Open every day - Access only from the Neptune fountain and North Parterre side.
Bacchus Fountain
Also known as the autumn fountain, it is the equal of the three other fountains dedicated to the seasons located close to the Royal Walk. The mythological Roman figure Bacchus spread the cultivation of vines throughout the world. God of wine and intoxication, he symbolises the grape harvest and is surrounded by small satyrs - half children, half goat.
Ceres Fountain
The square Ceres fountain was laid out between 1672 and 1679 by Thomas Regnaudin from a drawing by Charles Le Brun. Ceres, the Roman goddess of harvests, is seated on a bed of corn stalks, surrounded by cornflowers and roses. Symbolising summer, the fountain forms a group with those of Bacchus, Flora and Saturn, which represent the other three seasons.
Golden Children's Pool
Situated on the edge of the Water Theatre Grove, the Golden Children’s Pool was built in 1709 by Jules Hardouin-Mansart. This small, elliptical pool is decorated with a central group of eight cherubim sculpted in lead by Jean Hardy. It was restored in 2016.
Where are the toilets?
Several toilets are available in the gardens, notably near the entrance to the gardens.
Toilets - Little Venice
There are free toilets with disabled access near the entrance to la Petite Venise.
In case of emergency, a defibrillator is available for public use. It is fully automatic and does not require any prior training.
Toilets - Girandole Grove
There are free toilets with disabled access opposite the entrance to the Girandole brasserie.
Toilets - Dapuhin's Grove
There are free toilets with disabled access opposite the entrance to the Buvette du Dauphin.
Toilets - Halle Des Marmousets
After the Opera House, at the foot of the reservoirs, there are free toilets accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.
There is also a picnic area nearby.
How do I get there from the Palace?
- 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 : 8.50 €, reduced admission : 6.50 € and to only come back to the Palace : 4.60 €)
- From the Water parterre by renting electric vehicles (34 € per hour)
Mini Train - Grand Trianon Stop
The little train, leaving from the Grand Trianon, serves the Petit Trianon, then the Palace.
Return ticket to the Palace *: €5
* Visitors can get off at each stop and get back on the next train.
It is possible to pay by credit card directly to the drivers.
Opening hours: open every day except Mondays
- January: 11:10am to 5:10pm ( January 1st : 12am to 5pm )
- February: 11:10am to 5:10pm.
- March: 11:10am to 5:10pm
- April to August : 11:10am to 6:10pm
(in July and August: 10am to 6.10pm) - September: 11:10am at 6:10pm
- October: 11:10am to 6:10pm
- November: 11:10am to 5:10pm.
- December: 11:10am to 5:10pm. ( December 25th : 12am to 5pm )
Mini Train - Petit Trianon Stop
The little train, leaving from the Petit Trianon, serves the Palace.
Return ticket to the Château: €5
It is possible to pay by credit card directly to the drivers.
Opening hours: open every day except Mondays
- January: 11:10am to 5:10pm ( January 1st : 12am to 5pm )
- February: 11:10am to 5:10pm.
- March: 11:10am to 5:10pm
- April to August : 11:10am to 6:10pm (in July and August: 10am to 6.10pm)
- September: 11:10am at 6:10pm
- October: 11:10am to 6:10pm
- November: 11:10am to 5:10pm.
- December: 11:10am to 5:10pm. ( December 25th : 12am to 5pm )
Mini-Train - Grand Canal Stop
The little train, leaving from the Grand Canal, serves the Grand Trianon then the Petit Trianon and the Palace.
Ticket "Retour Château" (Back to the Palace) * : €5
* Visitors can get off at each stop and get back on the next train.
It is possible to pay by credit card directly to the drivers.
Opening hours: open every day except Mondays
- January: 11:10am to 5:10pm ( January 1st : 12am to 5pm )
- February: 11:10am to 5:10pm.
- March: 11:10am to 5:10pm
- April to August : 11:10am to 6:10pm
- September: 11:10am at 6:10pm
- October: 11:10am to 6:10pm
- November: 11:10am to 5:10pm.
- December: 11:10am to 5:10pm. ( December 25th : 12am to 5pm )
Electric Vehicle Hire - Petite Venise
The electric vehicles with audioguides will help you to discover the park of Versailles at your own pace. Rental is available every day.
Hours:
April to October, daily from 10am to 6.45pm (last departure at 5.45pm).
From March to November, daily from 10am to 5pm (last departure at 4pm).
For the months of February and March, every day from 10am to 5.30pm (last departure at 4.30pm).
Early closure on Fountain shows.
Closed in January
In February & March, daily from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm (last departure at 4:30pm)
Rates:
- 42 € per vehicle per hour,
- 10,50 € per additional 15 minutes.
- Discount for disabled people (-40%) and Subscribers (-30%).
Telephone: +33 (0)1 39 66 97 66
6 have been adapted for wheelchair users.
Mini-Train - Palace Station
The little train, leaving from the Château, serves the Grand Canal, then the Grand Trianon and finally the Petit Trianon, before returning to the Château. From April to October, it is accessible with a Passport, Grandes Eaux Musicales or Jardins Musicaux ticket.
Return ticket* :
- Full price: €9
- Reduced price: €7
- Return to the Château: €5
* 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 every day except Mondays
- January: 11:10am to 5:10pm ( January 1st : 12am to 5pm ) .
- February: 11:10am to 5:10pm.
- March: 11:10am to 5:10pm
- April to August : 11:10am to 6:10pm
(in July and August: 10am to 6.10pm) - September: 11:10am at 6:10pm
- October: 11:10am to 6:10pm
- November: 11:10am to 5:10pm.
- December: 11:10am to 5:10pm. ( December 25th : 12am to 5pm )
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
The electric vehicles with audioguides will help you to discover the park of Versailles at your own pace. Rental is available every day.
Hours:
April to October, daily from 10am to 6.45pm (last departure at 5.45pm).
From March to November, daily from 10am to 5pm (last departure at 4pm).
For the months of February and March, every day from 10am to 5.30pm (last departure at 4.30pm).
Early closure on Fountain shows.
Closed in January
In February & March, daily from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm (last departure at 4:30pm)
Rates:
- 42 € per vehicle per hour,
- 10,50 € per additional 15 minutes.
- Discount for disabled people (-40%) and Subscribers (-30%).
Telephone: +33 (0)1 39 66 97 66
6 have been adapted for wheelchair users.