Welcome to the Palace
Here are a few tips for preparing your visit to the Palace. If you already have your ticket, go directly to Palace Entrance A. From April to October, due to the high number of visitors, admission to the palace can only be guaranteed through online booking.
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).
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. We advise you to buy online. Due to the high number of visitors, admission to the palace can only be guaranteed through online booking.
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 advise you to buy online. Due to the high number of visitors, admission to the palace can only be guaranteed through online booking.
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, go directly to Palace Entrance A. From April to October, due to the high number of visitors, admission to the palace can only be guaranteed through online booking.
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 Mesdames’ Apartments, Daughters Of Louis Xv
The Mesdames' 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.
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 7:00AM to 7:30PM (from April to October). Last admission: 7PM
This gate is open daily from 8:00AM to 6:00PM (from November to March). Last admission: 5:30PM
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.
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 H - Chapel Courtyard Access
Entrance H will be the entrance for the European Heritage Days.
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: '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.
Guided Tours And Subscriptions
Located in the North Ministers' wing, 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
Grand Café D’ORléans
The Grand Café d'Orléans serves eat-in and takeaway food in a restaurant with a contemporary décor that covers over 700 m². It also offers group menus (60 pers. max). It is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30am to 6pm (10am to 5pm November to March). It is accessible from the Princes Courtyard.
Reservations: +33 (0)1 39 50 29 79
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 Tuesday to Sunday:
- from 10am to 5:30pm (November to March)
- from 10am to 6:30pm (April to October)
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 Café D’ORléans
The Grand Café d'Orléans serves eat-in and takeaway food in a restaurant with a contemporary décor that covers over 700 m². It also offers group menus (60 pers. max). It is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30am to 6pm (10am to 5pm November to March). It is accessible from the Princes Courtyard.
Reservations: +33 (0)1 39 50 29 79
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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. From November to March, the shop closes at 4:45pm.
Ladurée
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".
Librairie Des Princes
The Librairie des Princes bookshop offers a range of products over 200 m²: books, children's books, postcards, table decoration etc. The bookshop is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10.30am to 6.15pm during high season (April to October) and from 9.30am to 5.15pm during low season (November to March). Although it is not part of the visitor route, it can be accessed from Cour d'Honneur.
The library also presents the cabinet of the King's medals, where are sold medals from the Arthus-Bertrand Versailles collection.
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 10AM to 6:30Pm in high season (April to October) and 10AM 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 10AM to 6:30Pm in high season (April to October) and 10AM 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
The audioguide desk is located in the entrance hall of the Pavillon Dufour: every day when the château is open and 30 minutes before the last admission, i.e. 5.30pm in high season and 4.30pm in low season.
The audioguides are returned at the end of the tour, on the ground floor of the Dufour Pavilion.
For the permanent tour, the audio guide is available in 13 languages: French, English, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Korean, Russian, Ukrainian, Polish and Arabic. A children's version is also available in French.
Audioguide - Dufour's Pavilion
The audioguide desk is located in the entrance hall of the Pavillon Dufour: every day when the château is open and 30 minutes before the last admission, i.e. 5.30pm in high season and 4.30pm in low season.
The audioguides are returned at the end of the tour, on the ground floor of the Dufour Pavilion.
For the permanent tour, the audio guide is available in 13 languages: French, English, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Korean, Russian, Ukrainian, Polish and Arabic. A children's version is also available in French.
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 Tuesday to Sunday:
- from 10am to 5:30pm (November to March)
- from 10am to 6:30pm (April to October)
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
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.
Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10AM to 6:30Pm in high season (April to October) and 10AM 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
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.
Acces To Dufour Pavilion's Auditorium
Installed on the 2nd floor of the Dufour Pavilion, this 148-seat auditorium is used as a reception area for conferences and seminars organized at the palace.
The access to the auditorium is the same one that of the restaurant ORE - Ducasse: from the vestibule of the Dufour Pavilion, accessible by the door on the left side of the entrance A.
Acces To Dufour Pavilion's Auditorium
Installed on the 2nd floor of the Dufour Pavilion, this 148-seat auditorium is used as a reception area for conferences and seminars organized at the palace.
The access to the auditorium is the same one that of the restaurant ORE - Ducasse: from the vestibule of the Dufour Pavilion, accessible by the door on the left side of the entrance A.
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
Visit the Apartments of the Daughters of Louis XV (entrance 1) before discovering the Grands Appartements (entrance 2).
Start Of The Tour
Visit the Apartments of the Daughters of Louis XV and and the Apartments of the Dauphin and the Dauphine (entrance 1) before discovering the Grands Appartements (entrance 2).
The Mesdames’ Apartments, Daughters Of Louis Xv
The Mesdames' 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.
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.
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
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 does the tour begin?
After coming in through Entrance A, your tour begins in the Royal Courtyard.
Enter the Cour de Marbre to visit the Apartments of the Daughters of Louis XV. Next, head for the Pavillon Gabriel to visit the Grands Appartements.
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.
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.
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 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.
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
Visit the Apartments of the Daughters of Louis XV and and the Apartments of the Dauphin and the Dauphine (entrance 1) before discovering the Grands Appartements (entrance 2).
The Mesdames’ Apartments, Daughters Of Louis Xv
The Mesdames' 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.
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 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.
Audioguide - Dufour's Pavillon
The audioguide desk is located in the entrance hall of the Pavillon Dufour: every day when the château is open and 30 minutes before the last admission, i.e. 5.30pm in high season and 4.30pm in low season.
The audioguides are returned at the end of the tour, on the ground floor of the Dufour Pavilion.
For the permanent tour, the audio guide is available in 13 languages: French, English, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Korean, Russian, Ukrainian, Polish and Arabic. A children's version is also available in French.
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
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 can I buy a ticket? Which one should I choose?
To access to the Palace, buy a Palace or "Passport" ticket (full access to the Versailles Estate). Buy your ticket online. Due to the high number of visitors, admission to the palace can only be guaranteed through online booking. To buy your ticket on site, go to the Ticket Office on the left, in the South Ministers Wing, then go to Entrance A with your ticket.
Visitors eligible for free admission are nonetheless required to book a free of charge time slot on the online ticket office to access the Palace.
If you would like to book a guided tour, buy on line and go to the dedicated area in the North Ministers Wing to the right of the Honour Courtyard.
From April to 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, buy a Passport ticket online (access to the entire estate) or a Grandes Eaux / Jardins Musicaux ticket (at the entrance of the gardens or preferably online).
Buy your tickets on line.
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.
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 H - Chapel Courtyard Access
Entrance H will be the entrance for the European Heritage Days.
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.
Guided Tours And Subscriptions
Located in the North Ministers' wing, 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 to book a guided tour?
The reservation desk for guided tours is located in the North 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 North Ministers' wing, 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. Visitors eligible for free admission are required to book a free of charge time slot on the online ticket office to access the Palace.
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
Visit the Apartments of the Daughters of Louis XV (entrance 1) before discovering the Grands Appartements (entrance 2).
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.
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 H - Chapel Courtyard Access
Entrance H will be the entrance for the European Heritage Days.
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
Visit the Apartments of the Daughters of Louis XV (entrance 1) before discovering the Grands Appartements (entrance 2).
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.
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.
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.
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) - Gv
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 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
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).
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, buy a Passport ticket (preferably online) or if you only visit the gardens a Grandes Eaux / Jardins Musicaux ticket (at the entrance of the gardens).
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.
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.
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.