A building that has seen and made French history... The Château de Versailles, located in the Yvelines department, just a stone's throw from Paris, is certainly one of the region's most visited tourist attractions. Every year, no fewer than 7 million visitors stroll through the Hall of Mirrors and gardens in search of a piece of history.
A cultural establishment on an enormous scale: over 63,000 m2 of space, divided into 2,300 rooms, 1,000 of which are open to visitors, 815 ha of parkland, including 93 ha of gardens... There's plenty to keep you busy when you come to Versailles for a stroll or to revise your history.
Construction began in 1623 during the reign of Louis XIII, and was originally a small hunting lodge where the king, who suffered from agoraphobia, liked to stay. Over the years, he bought up the surrounding plots until 1631, when major expansion work began, directed by engineer-architect Philibert Le Roy. In 1643, the king died, leaving the reins of power to his 4-year-old son, who was unable to govern, and Versailles ceased to be a royal residence. It would take Louis XIV 18 years to return.
Throughout history, Louis XIV and Versailles have become so closely identified with the king that they've become inseparable. Louis XIV was largely responsible for creating the Versailles we know today, and for turning the château from a small hunting lodge into a pleasure residence with extensive garden entertainments. The château also became his principal residence from 1682, as well as that of the court and government.
After the king's death, his successor Louis XV deserted Versailles in favor of Vincennes, and it wasn't until Louis XVI came to power that the château was restored to its former splendor. Today, the château celebrates French history, while preserving traditions such as the Grandes Eaux and balls in period costume.
Good to know: Queen Marie-Antoinette had her own village, Le Hameau de la Reine, in the park at Versailles. Built in 1783, the rural-style village was designed to offer the king's wife a chance to escape the rigors of court life and recharge her batteries. The Queen's house has been renovated and is now open to the public once again.
A guided tour of the Jeu de Paume room, a treasure trove of the French Revolution
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
Sponsored - At Bonnie, the vibe carries through from morning coffee to an evening glass of wine without missing a beat. Just steps from the Château de Versailles and the Notre-Dame market, come by for a quick lunch, a coffee-and-pastry break, shared charcuterie and cheese boards, or simply a good glass with friends. [Read more]
The Musical Fountains and Garden Concerts at Château de Versailles are back, once again transforming the gardens’ pools and fountains into a symphony of water and music for the new season. From April 1 to November 1, 2026, visitors can wander through the groves and along the fountains, all set to the enchanting sounds of Baroque music, creating a magical atmosphere fit for the era of Louis XIV. [Read more]
Le Bal du Siècle returns to the Château de Versailles for a fourth edition inspired by the Roaring Twenties, this Monday, November 30, 2026. A dance-and-costume soirée with tickets on sale starting September 3, 2026. [Read more]
Starting September 22, 2026, the world of cinema takes center stage at the Trianon Estate with a groundbreaking exhibition dedicated to Sofia Coppola's film "Marie-Antoinette," filmed on the grounds of Versailles. [Read more]
Nestled within the Anglo-Chinese Gardens of the Petit Trianon, not far from the shimmering golden splendor of the Palace of Versailles, there's a tiny rocky mountain known as the Trianon Rock. Surmounted by an elegant belvedere, this romantic lookout hides cool, shaded cavities along its sides, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of the gardens. [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]
Can you visit the Palace of Versailles with a stroller? Where to change a baby? Do you need to reserve a ticket for children, and how can you avoid turning the Hall of Mirrors into a family marathon? Strollers, baby carriers, restrooms, free admission, reservations and routes: here are the practicalities to know before discovering Versailles with children and adults. [Read more]
Can you visit the Versailles gardens with a stroller? How far will you need to walk with the kids, are the gardens free, and do you have to push all the way to the Grand Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet? After touring the Chateau, the estate still offers several more kilometers of family-friendly strolls. Strollers, a mini-train, the Grandes Eaux, restrooms, breaks and distances: here’s what you need to know before you set off to explore Versailles with kids and adults alike. [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]
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 Château de Versailles, its gardens and grounds, are a world heritage site. The official residence of the kings of France, the Château de Versailles holds the record as the largest château in the world, and of course the most visited in France. [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 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]
Six Île-de-France châteaux offer free visits this Sunday, October 4, 2026 — the first Sunday of the month. It's the perfect chance to explore our regional heritage without spending a penny, wandering through opulent ceremonial rooms and expansive gardens. [Read more]
Location
Palace of Versailles
Château de Versailles
78000 Versailles
Route planner
Accessibility info
Prices
Billet Château: €18
Official website
www.chateauversailles.fr
More information
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 6.30pm. Free admission for EU residents under 26.
A guided tour of the Jeu de Paume room, a treasure trove of the French Revolution
The Trianon Estate and the Queen's hamlet
We tested the fabulous tea time at Les Airelles Château de Versailles - Le Grand Contrôle
The Perfumer's Garden, the garden of the Château de Versailles and the House of Francis Kurkdjian
6 Unesco World Heritage sites to discover in Paris and the Ile-de-France region
Le Grand Contrôle, the magical hotel at the Château de Versailles that goes back in time
The confidential brunch at the Grand Contrôle Château de Versailles
All-you-can-eat royal brunch at L'Alcove in Versailles
All-you-can-eat brunch at Chez Molly in Versailles, Yvelines
The Waldorf Astoria - Trianon Palace, a royal setting in the heart of the Parc de Versailles
Château de Versailles: discover General de Gaulle's apartments in a Trianon wing
Brunch and tea room at La Table d'Alice in Versailles, homemade food just the way we like it
Chez Bonnie in Versailles: a coffee shop and wine bar near the Palace
The Musical Fountains at the Château de Versailles: Dates for the 2026 Edition
Bal du Siècle 2026 in Versailles, Roaring Twenties edition: ticket sales open in September
Marie-Antoinette by Sofia Coppola: A Cinematic Exhibition at the Trianon Estate in Versailles
The Trianon Rock: The Secret Sanctuary Hidden within the Gardens of the Petit Trianon
Le Potager du Roi, a historic fruit and vegetable garden near the Château de Versailles
Visiting the Palace of Versailles: everything you need to know to explore it with your family
Visiting the Gardens of the Palace of Versailles: what you need to know for a family-friendly visit
The Queen's Tea Time at the Château de Versailles at Ore
Good plan: these areas of the Château de Versailles are accessible for free to all
A visit to the Château de Versailles and its program
The Admirable Trees of the Domaine de Versailles
The Galerie des Carrosses, the free museum at the Grandes Ecuries of the Château de Versailles
7 free castles around Paris this Sunday, October 4, 2026
