Beat the Crowds: The Best Time to Visit Palace of Versailles

– This post was written by Emma Levin –

You may be wondering when’s the best time to visit Palace of Versailles, if you’re planning a trip to Paris’ museums and top landmarks. Versailles is one of the most visited landmarks in Paris, only second to the Eiffel Tower. However, considering almost fifteen million people visit the palace every year, it can get a little cozy while visiting. 

With over 2,300 rooms to explore, you’ll need to devise a foolproof plan for an enjoyable visit. However, the best time to visit the Palace of Versailles may depend on your own personal preference. You may need to consider the time of day, the high or low season, and choose your top things to see at the Palace of Versailles. Keep reading below to learn everything you need to know about your visit, including how to plan it perfectly so that you can beat the crowds. 

A brief history of Versailles 

Many people know the Palace of Versailles for its opulent decor, decadent rooms, and the infamous debauchery of the French court. However, the Palace of Versailles began its life as a small hunting lodge before it became the large, 63,000 square meter palace. 

Louis XIV decided to move the monarchy from Paris to Versailles because he didn’t want to be vulnerable in Paris. He chose his father’s hunting lodge about 20 kilometers from Paris and expanded it into the opulent Versailles, where he invited the French court to gamble, party, and reside. 

The Sun King practiced the “keep your friends close, enemies closer” mentality by moving the entire court to Versailles. His nobles were separated from their homes and regional power, and he got them drunk and partied regularly. Louis also was very fond of Versailles and wanted to show off his display of wealth. 

However, in 1789, the palace ceased to be the monarchy’s home when Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were brought to Paris and beheaded during the French Revolution. 

It became a French History Museum in 1837 and a world heritage site in 1979. Today, visitors come from all over the world to lay their eyes on Versailles’ epic architecture and luxurious wealth.

How big is the Palace of Versailles?

The Palace of Versailles spreads over 63,000 square meters and contains 2,300 rooms. 

Where is the Palace of Versailles located? 

The Palace of Versailles is located about 20 kilometers west of Paris in the department of the Yvelines, Île-de-France. You can reach the palace from Paris by train in about 30 minutes or by car in about twenty minutes if traffic is light. 

When is the Palace of Versailles open? 

The Palace of Versailles is open every day except on Mondays, from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm. The Estate of Trianon is open from noon to 6:30 pm every day except Mondays.

When is the best time to visit the Palace of Versailles? 

Many factors go into planning the best time to visit the Palace of Versailles. You’ll have to consider many things like the best day to see the fountain shows, the number of tour groups, and the high and low seasons. Look at the questions below to find what timing works best for you. 

When is the high season at the Palace of Versailles? 

The high season at the Palace of Versailles coincides with Paris’ busiest tourist season, making it the busiest time of year to visit the palace. The high season lasts from the first of April until the end of October. During the high season, ticket offices close right before 6 pm, and the palace is open until 6:30 pm. 

When is the low season at the Palace of Versailles?

The low season at the Palace of Versailles lasts from the first of November until the end of March. The low season coincides with the colder months in Paris, so there are fewer visitors during these months. During the low season, the palace closes an hour earlier at 5:30 pm, and the ticket office closes right before 5 pm. 

What day of the week is the least crowded at the Palace of Versailles?

The Palace of Versailles is closed on Mondays, so Sundays and Tuesdays are typically packed with visitors. So, Wednesday and Thursday are the least crowded days to visit the palace. However, the garden’s fountains are only open the other four days a week, so you’ll miss out on a fountain show if you visit on Wednesday or Thursday. 

When are the Palace of Versailles’ garden shows? 

The garden shows are one of the most amazing things to see at the Palace of Versailles. The fountain and garden shows represent the splendor and opulence during life at Versailles, featuring music from the period. The Musical Fountains Shows are shown every weekend, and the Musical Gardens are open from Tuesday to Friday. 

What is the best time to get to the Palace of Versailles? 

It’s very common for tour groups to visit Versailles from 9 am to 3 pm every day. Occasionally, the palace sells discounted tickets for later in the day to encourage guests to visit after 3 pm. 

For many people, the best time to visit the Palace of Versailles is with the least amount of visitors. If this is the case for you, then arrive after 4 pm. You shouldn’t need more than two hours to tour all of the palace. Keep in mind the last entry is at 6 pm during the high season. 

Is the Palace of Versailles free to visit? 

The Palace of Versailles and the Estates of Trianon are free to anyone under 18. If you are a resident of the European Union under 26, you can access the palace for free with your ID card. 

The Palace of Versailles, and all the museums in Paris, are free to visit from November to March on the first Sunday of every month. 

The park of Versailles is also 100% free to visit seven days a week for pedestrians and cyclists. Also, the gardens are free to visit except on Musical Fountains Show and Musical Gardens days.

Tickets for the Palace of Versailles

Tickets for Palace of Versailles, Gardens & Estate

Grab these entrance tickets to visit the extravagant Palace of Versailles. Have full access to the Estates of Trianon, Marie Antoinette’s private compound, and the Gardens. This ticket grants entry to the top things to see at the Palace of Versailles, like the incredible Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Opera, and the Petit and Grand Trianon. Plus, Marie Anoinette’s private village, which was a simple, idyllic compound reserved for her private use. 

Versaille Bike Tour

Those looking for a more adventurous way to see Versailles and its stunning grounds can book a bike tour. Take a guided bike tour around the pristine grounds of Versailles and hear all the salacious details about life inside the palace and its surrounding property. The one-and-a-half-hour tour also includes a visit to a local farmers market with French delicacies and a tour of Marie Antoinette’s private village. The ticket also includes a roundtrip train ride from Paris and a timed entry ticket to the palace. 

Extra tip: As you explore the palace, keep an eye out for the golden suns throughout Versailles. The Sun King’s face is hidden in every sun, and it is one of the coolest things to see at the Palace of Versailles. 

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Planned your trip? Here’s a helpful guide to Visiting Versailles: Highlights, Hidden Gems and Insider Tips