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, this 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 later 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 its own right, with thousands of remarkable works to discover. If you had to visit just one room, it would undoubtedly be the smoky Hall of Mirrors, 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 de 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:
Paris-Versailles-Mantes walk 2026, registration now open for the night hike
Registration for the 89th edition of the Paris-Versailles-Mantes walk has been open since December 3, 2025, in the Yvelines. Join us on the night of January 24-25, 2026, for this legendary night hike between Versailles and Mantes-la-Jolie, with four routes ranging from 12 to 52 km. [Read more]
The Fêtes Galantes are back at the Palace of Versailles! For one evening, on Monday, May 25, 2026, slip into the shoes of a marquis or princess and take part in the dances and games of this wild celebration, which ends in style with fireworks! Ticket sales open on Thursday, November 13, at 2 p.m. [Read more]
The Palace of Versailles is commemorating its Fête Merveilleuse of 1923... by organizing an even more magical evening on Monday, December 8, 2025. A Ball of the Century not to be missed! [Read more]
The Palace of Versailles is celebrating Christmas 2025 with four unique concerts from December 12 to 21 in its magnificent Royal Chapel, which also serves as an opera house, offering an exceptional musical holiday experience. [Read more]
Prince Louis de France, known as Monseigneur or the Grand Dauphin, was the eldest son of Louis XIV, yet he never acceded to the throne. The Château de Versailles revisits his shattered destiny in a grandiose exhibition opening on October 14, 2025. [Read more]
Le Parcours du Roi is the Château de Versailles' Christmas show, offering families the chance to discover the château's most beautiful rooms in a Baroque atmosphere, from December 13, 2025 to January 3, 2026. The event culminates in a very special meeting with Baroque Santa Claus! [Read more]
After opening the Salle du Congrès and the apartment of the President of the Congress to the public, the Château de Versailles is now unveiling the apartments of General de Gaulle in the Trianon-sous-Bois wing, from April 5, 2025. [Read more]
Plunge into the heart of the original gardens of the Château de Versailles, now no longer in existence, with an immersive virtual reality experience that takes you back in time, from March 25, 2025 to January 4, 2026. [Read more]
Immerse yourself in the Mississippi Valley from November 25, 2025 with the Château de Versailles exhibition on the native nations who allied themselves with the French when they settled in Louisiana during the reign of the young Louis XV. [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 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 2025 New Year's Concert at the Royal Opera of Versailles celebrates the bicentennial of Johann Strauss with a program of Viennese waltzes, operetta arias, and polkas in an exceptional historical setting on December 29. [Read more]
The castles of Île-de-France open their doors free of charge on the first Sunday of every month. This is a great opportunity to discover our regional heritage without spending a penny this Sunday, December 7, 2025. [Read more]
Versailles is getting ready for a royal night like no other! On Sunday, May 24, 2026, Marie Antoinette will open the doors of her Trianon Estate for an exceptional costume party, organized to celebrate the 10th edition of the Fêtes Galantes, which will be held the following day at the Palace. Tickets go on sale at 2 p.m. [Read more]
Looking for a good place to have brunch in Versailles? Head to the Montreuil neighborhood, on Place Saint-Symphorien, to discover La Table d'Alice, a friendly spot offering homemade brunch with its specialty soufflé pancakes every weekend and on public holidays. [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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
Dates and Opening Time
Starts December 4, 2025
Location
Palace of Versailles
Château de Versailles
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
Book your tickets with Paris je t'aime here
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.
Paris-Versailles-Mantes walk 2026, registration now open for the night hike
Fêtes Galantes 2026, a lavish costume party at the Palace of Versailles - ticket office date
Christmas at the Royal Chapel 2025: concerts at the Royal Opera House of the Palace of Versailles
Le Grand Dauphin, fils de roi, père de roi et jamais roi: the exhibition at the Château de Versailles
Le Parcours du Roi, the Château de Versailles' 2025 Christmas tour and show
Château de Versailles: discover General de Gaulle's apartments in a Trianon wing
The Sun King's lost gardens: a virtual reality experience at the Château de Versailles
Amerindian allies at the court of Louis XV: the historical exhibition at the Château de Versailles
The Galerie des Carrosses, the free museum at the Grandes Ecuries of 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
2025 New Year's Concert at the Royal Opera House in Versailles: tribute to Johann Strauss
9 castles to visit for free around Paris this Sunday, December 7, 2025, the first Sunday of the month
Marie-Antoinette at Trianon: a costume party before the Fêtes Galantes in Versailles - reservations
Brunch and tea room at La Table d'Alice in Versailles, homemade food just the way we like it
Le Grand Contrôle, the magical hotel at the Château de Versailles that goes back in time
The Waldorf Astoria - Trianon Palace, a royal setting in the heart of the Parc de Versailles
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
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
The Trianon Estate and the Queen's hamlet
