The Château de Versailles, located at Versailles in the Yvelines, is one of the finest achievements of 17th-century French art. Listed as a World Heritage Site for 30 years, it was the principal residence of the French kings Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI.
From the outset, the château was intended to glorify the French monarchy. Initially built as a hunting lodge for King Louis XIII, the estate became a favorite of the royal family as the royal court moved from Paris to Versailles. The hunting lodge was then transformed into a royal complex with richly decorated rooms, landscaped gardens and magnificent fountains.
For decades, the kings of France succeeded one another, transforming and embellishing the estate. This reign came to an end during the French Revolution, when the royal family was forced to return to Paris. Today, the château is one of the most admired and visited sites in France. Every year, an estimated 5 million people visit the Château de Versailles, and between 8 and 10 million stroll through its gardens (excluding sanitary conditions).
In addition to the sublime gardens, which boast no fewer than 2,300 water features spread over 63,154 m², 400 sculptures and 1,400 fountains, the château is a work of art in itself, housing thousands of remarkable works of art to discover. If you had to visit just one room, it would undoubtedly be the smoky Hall of Mir rors, which boasts no fewer than 357 mirrors, including seventeen mirror-covered arches reflecting the seventeen arched windows overlooking the gardens.
The Château de Versailles is so large that you'll need several days to visit it. Don't miss the Domaine du Trianon and the famous Hameau de la Reine. The Domaine de Trianon is adjacent to the Petit Parc and houses the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon palaces, the Hameau de la Reine and various ornamental gardens. A famous refuge for Marie Antoinette, the gardens and the Maison de la Reine bear her imprint.
To discover throughout the year and in the surrounding area:
Les Grandes Eaux Nocturnes welcomes the magic of drones this summer!
The Grandes Eaux Nocturnes, which will enchant us every Saturday until September 21, 2024 at the Château de Versailles, will welcome, from July 27 to September 7, the Magic of Drones, a sublime choreographed show in the air that has enough to enchant these already exceptional nocturnes. [Read more]
It's one of the most spectacular Olympic venues in the world: the Château de Versailles is hosting several Olympic events during these Paris 2024 Games. [Read more]
Equestrian sports are bringing their share of elegance and prestige to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. To tide you over until this summer, we tell you all about these eagerly-awaited equestrian events: history, key dates, venue, rules and French hopes, the competition will hold no secrets for you! [Read more]
The Galerie des Carrosses, nestled in the Grande Écurie at the Château de Versailles, opens its doors free of charge every weekend. When visiting Versailles, it's a discovery you'd be wrong not to make. We'll take you on a tour... [Read more]
The Sérénade Royale is one of the highlights of the summer in the Paris region. This immersive experience takes us back to the court of the Sun King, where we discover the leisure activities of the era. The Chapelle Royale, the Galerie des Glaces, the Grands Appartements du Roi et de la Reine and the Cour Royale unveil historic scenes with baroque dancers, sword fights and even theatrical skits. Saturday evenings from June 8 to September 14, 2024, as well as July 14 and August 15. [Read more]
Once again this year, the Château de Versailles is organizing its Nocturnes Electro. Rendezvous on Saturday, September 21, 2024, for this musical experience inviting you to stroll between the groves and fountains of the gardens exceptionally under water and to the rhythm of an electro DJ soundtrack. Bonus? A fireworks display to round off the evening! [Read more]
To celebrate August 15, 2024 on a flamboyant theme, the Château de Versailles is offering its Nocturnes de feu, an incredible show in the gardens, ending with a grandiose fireworks display. [Read more]
The Grandes Eaux Musicales and Jardins Musicaux at the Château de Versailles return to embellish the garden's basins and fountains for a new season. From March 29 to October 31, 2024, enjoy strolls around the estate's groves and fountains in a magical atmosphere worthy of Louis XIV. [Read more]
The Château de Versailles plunges us into the world of the horse, with an exhibition event organized from July 2 to November 3, 2024. Come and discover "Cheval en majesté, au cœur d'une civilisation". [Read more]
The History Gallery at the Château de Versailles reopens its doors to celebrate the 400th anniversary of this emblematic monument. Free of charge from September 15 to 17, 2023 for the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days), then from September 21 with a ticket, discover a completely redesigned and refurbished gallery, retracing the history of the Château from its construction in 1623 by Louis XIII to the present day. More than 120 works from the Versailles collections, accompanied by a digital device, enable us to understand the creations, transformations and upheavals that have marked the Château. [Read more]
Did you enjoy the film Jeanne du Barry, starring Johnny Depp and Maïwenn? Let us take you on a tour of the places where King Louis XV's favorite courtesan spent her life in the Île-de-France region! [Read more]
Did you know that? Some rooms and spaces related to the Palace and the Estate of Versailles are open to the public free of charge. Here are the conditions to visit them without paying a penny. [Read more]
The Palace of Versailles unveils a new walk to discover the "Admirable Trees" of the Versailles estate. These trees are full of history and are the living heritage of the estate. By their size, their beauty or their anecdotes, these subjects are a mine of discoveries. [Read more]
The Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) are back on September 21 and 22, 2024, to give us the chance to discover the riches of our heritage, which couldn't be richer. We're off to Versailles in the Yvelines to discover the best of this year's event, with visits to the Château de Versailles and other institutions on the agenda. [Read more]
The Académie Équestre de Versailles and the Versailles Campuses are opening the doors of the Grande Écurie at the Château de Versailles for the Heritage Days, on the weekend of September 21 and 22, 2024. [Read more]
Why not treat yourself to an all-you-can-eat brunch, even on the terrace, with homemade, local produce? Let's head for the Yvelines, to discover the Cour cachée des Senteurs, home to the Chez Molly tea room, where every weekend we can enjoy a gourmet brunch just a stone's throw from the Château de Versailles. [Read more]
How about a tea time duo at the very heart of the Château de Versailles? We'll take you to the Goûter de la Reine at Ore, the restaurant nestled in the Pavillon Dufour, which now offers a sweet and savory interlude from Tuesday to Sunday. [Read more]
The Salle du Jeu de Paume, famous since the French Revolution, can be visited at weekends near the Château de Versailles, to immerse yourself in history and discover a recently restored national treasure. [Read more]
Few people know it, but every Sunday, Le Grand Contrôle, the Michelin-starred restaurant orchestrated by Alain Ducasse, offers a refined brunch overlooking the Orangerie at the Château de Versailles. How about a royal interlude for a timeless moment? [Read more]
Looking for a good all-you-can-eat brunch in the Yvelines, and in Versailles in particular? We'll take you to the Alcôve in the Hôtel Le Louis, just a stone's throw from the Château de Versailles. It's the ideal place to treat yourself, before or after a stroll through the park, the château or the nearby Galerie des Carrosses. [Read more]
The Orangerie at the Château de Versailles welcomes "Chambre de soie", Eva Jospin's monumental work from June 18 to September 29, 2024. Inspired by nature and architectural follies, this 350 m2 embroidery offers an immersive promenade, blending the grandiose setting of the site with the meticulousness and preciousness of thread creation. Ready for a couture immersion in the gardens of Versailles? [Read more]
In the heart of the Château de Versailles estate, we discover Le Grand Contrôle, a 5-star hotel offering a unique experience, transporting us back in time. Opening in spring 2020, this unique venue combines history, refinement and authenticity, offering spectacular views over the Orangerie parterre and privileged access to the Château. [Read more]
Head to Versailles to discover the Potager du Roi, a production and experimentation site open to the public, which once supplied the King's table at the Château! Here you can find local, natural fruit and vegetables in the open air. [Read more]
Do you know the Unesco World Heritage sites in the Paris region? We reveal 6 jewels to discover in Paris and the Paris region that are well worth the detour. [Read more]
The park at Versailles is home to a little-known garden: "Le Jardin du Parfumeur". Under the patronage of Francis Kurkdjian, the plot envelops the Trianon estate in an elegant floral fragrance. [Read more]
It's in the enchanting, historic setting of Les Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Controle, the hotel located within the Château de Versailles, that we set out to discover Marie-Antoinette's famous afternoon tea, orchestrated by talented pastry chef Aymeric Pinard. Come and slip into the shoes of a queen and king for an enchanted, gourmet interlude. [Read more]
A bouillon (the city's first!) awaits you a stone's throw from the Château de Versailles: Le Petit Bouillon Versailles! We're off to discover it, and reveal what's in store for you in terms of decor and menu. [Read more]
Madame Du Barry’s Apartment is opening again in the heart of the Palace of Versailles, after 18 months of renovations. For the opening of King Louis XV exhibition – of whom she was the last favorite – rediscover these 350sqm through a dozen rooms decorated in a singular and sumptuous fashion. [Read more]
The Domaine de Trianon can be visited separately from the Château. Located two kilometers away, it was once a place of refuge for kings, who found rest and relaxation away from the Court. Created by Louis XV, the estate became the fiefdom of Marie-Antoinette, who modified the grounds and created an entire hamlet, like a small village. [Read more]
Fancy a royal weekend in the countryside, just a stone's throw from Paris? Head for the Waldorf Astoria - Trianon Palace, offering a real change of scenery on the edge of the Château de Versailles park. A truly relaxing experience, especially if you haven't been able to go on vacation abroad due to the health crisis. [Read more]
Location
Palace of Versailles
Place d'Armes
78000 Versailles
Prices
Billet Domaine de Trianon: €12
Billet Château: €18
Billet complet hors Grandes Eaux: €20
Billet complet avec Grandes Eaux: €27
Official website
www.chateauversailles.fr
Booking
www.chateauversailles.fr
More information
The Château and the Trianon estate are open every day except Monday. The Château opens at 9 a.m.; the Trianon estate opens at noon.
The Park and Gardens are open every day. The Gardens are subject to a charge on the days of the Grand Eaux Musicales.
Les Grandes Eaux Nocturnes welcomes the magic of drones this summer!
Paris 2024 Olympics: the Château de Versailles, a royal setting for the Olympic events
Paris 2024: history, practice, athletes, program of events, horseback riding at the Olympic Games
The Galerie des Carrosses, the free museum at the Grandes Ecuries of the Château de Versailles
La Sérénade Royale 2024 at the Château de Versailles, an immersive journey through the court of the Sun King
Nocturnes Electro 2024 at the Château de Versailles: music and fireworks
Les Nocturnes de Feu 2024 at the Château de Versailles: a royal August 15
Les Grandes Eaux Musicales du Château de Versailles 2024: a poetic stroll not to be missed
Cheval en majesté, at the heart of a civilization: the exhibition at the Château de Versailles
The new History Gallery at the Château de Versailles to celebrate 400 years - photos
In the footsteps of Jeanne du Barry, King Louis XV's favorite, from Versailles to Louveciennes
Good plan: these areas of the Château de Versailles are accessible for free to all
The Admirable Trees of the Domaine de Versailles
Heritage Days 2024 in Versailles (78): program of places to visit and events
Heritage Days 2024 at the Grande Ecurie de Versailles (78), the program
All-you-can-eat brunch at Chez Molly in Versailles, Yvelines
The Queen's Tea Time at the Château de Versailles at Ore
A guided tour of the Jeu de Paume room, a treasure trove of the French Revolution
The confidential brunch at the Grand Contrôle Château de Versailles
All-you-can-eat royal brunch at L'Alcove in Versailles
Eva Jospin's monumental embroidery exhibition at the Orangerie du Château de Versailles
Le Grand Contrôle, the magical hotel at the Château de Versailles that goes back in time
Le Potager du Roi, a historic fruit and vegetable garden near the Château de Versailles
6 Unesco World Heritage sites to discover in Paris and the Ile-de-France region
The Perfumer's Garden, the garden of the Château de Versailles and the House of Francis Kurkdjian
We tested the fabulous tea time at Les Airelles Château de Versailles - Le Grand Contrôle
Petit Bouillon Versailles, the affordable bouillon just 2 steps from the Château de Versailles, takes shape
Madame Du Barry’s Apartment at the Palace of Versailles has been renovated
The Trianon Estate and the Queen's hamlet
The Waldorf Astoria - Trianon Palace, a royal setting in the heart of the Parc de Versailles
