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.
The Waldorf Astoria - Trianon Palace, a royal setting in the heart of the Parc de Versailles
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]
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 Estate of Trianon is to be visited apart from the Palace. Set at two kilometers, it used to be a place of refuge for the kings who found rest and relaxation far from the Court. Designed by Louis XV, this estate becomes Marie-Antoinette’s fiefdom as she changes the place and creates a hamlet like a small village. [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 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]
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]
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 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]
A new garden awaits you in the Parc de Versailles. Under the patronage of Francis Kurkdjian, "Le Jardin du Parfumeur" will envelop 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]
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]
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]
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 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]
In this exceptional exhibition dedicated to Napoleon's silk order for the Château de Versailles, discover a set of never-before-used, like-new textiles in the Grand Trianon at Versailles. [Read more]
The Galerie des Carrosses, nestled in the Grande Écurie of the Château de Versailles, opens its doors to us free of charge every weekend and from April 11 to 21, 2024. When visiting Versailles, it's a discovery you'd be wrong not to make. We'll take you on a tour... [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]
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]
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]
Esprit Jardin celebrates the Fête des Plantes de Versailles on April 27 and 28, 2024. On the program: plant and equipment sales, workshops, entertainment, shows and much more with free admission. [Read more]
On Saturday, May 18, 2024, from now until midnight, the Château de Versailles is the place to be for an electro party! On the program? DJ sets by Bon Entendeur, Kavinsky, Radio Cargo and Nathalie Duchene. [Read more]
Les Grandes Eaux Nocturnes returns every Saturday evening from June 8 to September 21, 2024 at the Château de Versailles, as well as on July 14. As night falls, musicians and technicians join forces to bring back to life the evenings of Louis XIV, with large luminous jets of water and fireworks... It's a show you've got to see at least once! Bonus: this year, four exceptional evenings await us: June 28, 2024, July 14, 2024, the Nocturnes de feu on August 15 and the Nocturnes Electro on Saturday, September 21. [Read more]
The Château de Versailles, which will host the equestrian events as well as the pentathlon during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, is organizing its artistic events, to which families are invited, in June 2024. [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]
The Grand Bal Masqué at the Château de Versailles makes its grand return to our delight this Saturday, June 8, 2024. Don't miss the ticket launch on January 22! [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]
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 Château de Versailles invites us to celebrate the Fête Nationale while enjoying the Grandes Eaux Nocturnes with an exceptional date planned for July 14, 2024. The program includes a poetic stroll through the historic gardens, with a sublime fireworks display at the end! [Read more]
This Friday, July 19, 2024, we're celebrating International Castle Day. But how? By visiting these magnificent monuments, of course! And we're in luck: Paris and the Île-de-France region are home to some of the most beautiful châteaux in France. Here's a small selection of must-see palaces. [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]
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]
Location
Palace of Versailles
Place d'Armes
78000 Versailles
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.
The Waldorf Astoria - Trianon Palace, a royal setting in the heart of the Parc de Versailles
A guided tour of the Jeu de Paume room, a treasure trove of the French Revolution
The estate of Trianon and its gorgeous gardens
Madame Du Barry’s Apartment at the Palace of Versailles has been renovated
A visit to the Château de Versailles and its program
Petit Bouillon Versailles, the affordable bouillon just 2 steps from the Château de Versailles, takes shape
We tested the fabulous tea time at Les Airelles Château de Versailles - Le Grand Contrôle
The Admirable Trees of the Domaine de Versailles
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 Potager du Roi, a historic fruit and vegetable garden near the Château de Versailles
Le Grand Contrôle, the magical hotel at the Château de Versailles that goes back in time
The new History Gallery at the Château de Versailles to celebrate 400 years - photos
Good plan: these areas of the Château de Versailles are accessible for free to all
Imperial silks for Versailles, an exhibition by the Mobilier national at the Château de Versailles
The Galerie des Carrosses, the free museum at the Grandes Ecuries of the Château de Versailles
All-you-can-eat royal brunch at L'Alcove in Versailles
The confidential brunch at the Grand Contrôle Château de Versailles
Les Grandes Eaux Musicales du Château de Versailles 2024: a poetic stroll not to be missed
Esprit Jardin, the free plant festival of Versailles 2024, the program
Versailles Electro 2024: Bon Entendeur and Kavinsky in a dj set at the Château de Versailles
Les Grandes Eaux Nocturnes 2024 at the Château de Versailles: a magical trail with fireworks
Pentathlon des Arts: a weekend of family Olympiads at the Château de Versailles
The Grand Bal Masqué at the Château de Versailles 2024, tickets now available!
Eva Jospin's monumental embroidery exhibition at the Orangerie du Château de Versailles
Cheval en majesté, at the heart of a civilization: the exhibition at the Château de Versailles
July 14, 2024: fireworks at the Château de Versailles, Fête Nationale at the Grandes Eaux Nocturnes
International Castles Day: beautiful castles to visit in Île-de-France
Les Nocturnes de Feu 2024 at the Château de Versailles: a royal August 15
Nocturnes Electro 2024 at the Château de Versailles: music and fireworks
