How to visit the Palace of Versailles and its Gardens

The Palace of Versailles is the most famous royal palace in the world and is also the most visited of all.
In addition, we can not only highlight the architecture of its main building and others that are on the premises, but also its famous gardens, almost as impressive as the Palace of Versailles itself.
If you have the opportunity to visit the Palace of Versailles, take advantage of it because you will not be disappointed in any way.
What to see in the Palace of Versailles
The main palace
The Palace of Versailles is a huge building and during your visit you will go through a large number of rooms.
Even so, it is the minimum part of those that exist in the immense Palace. If you also want to visit its gardens, you should reserve at least one morning to see everything.
The most important of all, and that under no circumstances should you miss, are the King’s Apartments, the Queen’s Apartments, the Royal Chapel (the one in the Royal Palace of Madrid is a copy of this).
And above all, the most beautiful and important room in Versailles, the Hall of Mirrors, a spectacular place that will not leave you indifferent and that also has the honor of having witnessed one of the most important events in history: the signing of the Treaty of Versailles ending World War I.
At the end of the visit, before leaving the building, you can visit the Museum of the History of France with interesting paintings that review this history, among which those in the Gallery of Battles stand out. There is also a copy of the famous The Coronation of Napoleon, the original of which is in the Louvre Museum.
What to see in the gardens of the Palace of Versailles
Almost as important as the Palace of Versailles itself, are its gardens.
They are so big that it is almost impossible to get to know all their corners on foot, although it is possible to rent a bicycle or an electric car with which you will be able to explore them more quickly.
There is also a tourist train that takes you to the most important places in the gardens.
In its more than 800 hectares we can enjoy statues, trees, fountains, ponds and, above all, tranquility. Inside there are also several restaurants.
An interesting water and music show is performed in them that allow you to enjoy the gardens in a very special way. They take place between April and October and you have to pay a separate ticket when there is a show. The rest of the time admission is free.
Grand Trianon and Domain of Marie Antoinette
In the middle of the immense Gardens of Versailles, we find other mansions built later, much simpler than the main building but with a special charm.
The Grand Trianon is a marble palace that was built by order of Louis XIV to escape from the noisy court and to be in a calmer environment, as well as to be able to meet his lover.
On the other hand, the Domain of Marie Antoinette was a gift from Louis XVI to his wife Marie Antoinette so that she could enjoy the tranquility and a simpler life.
Practical information for visiting the Palace of Versailles
- How to get
- RER, Versailles Rive Gauche (line C).
- Bus, line 171.
- Palace Hours
- Tuesday to November, 9am-5:30pm.
- April to October, 9am-6:30pm.
- Closed on Mondays.
- Trianon and Marie Antoinette timetables:
- Tuesday to Sunday, 12:00-5:30 p.m.
- Closed on Mondays.
- Garden Hours
- November to March, 8am-6pm.
- April to October, 8am-8:30pm,
- Rates
- There are different types of tickets depending on the places you want to visit.
- To know them all and the possibilities of entering at a reduced price or for free, you can see the official page of the rates of the Palace of Versailles.
- The first Sunday of the month between November and March is free.
- For more information visit the official website of the Palace of Versailles.