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.
Chez Bonnie in Versailles: a coffee shop and wine bar near the Palace
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 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]
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]
At the Grand Trianon of the Palace of Versailles, in Yvelines, the exhibition Jardins des Lumières (1750-1800) delves into the art of the landscape garden through nearly 160 works, including paintings, models, drawings, and furniture. Go see it from May 5 to September 27, 2026, and take the opportunity to explore the Trianon gardens and the Queen's Hamlet. [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]
The Grandes Eaux Nocturnes invite you to join us in the summer of 2026. On the program: a sublime evening stroll through the heart of the gardens of the Château de Versailles to admire the illuminated fountains, capped by a spectacular fireworks display. Discover them on Saturday evenings from June 6 to September 19, 2026. [Read more]
The Royal Serenade is one of the highlights of summer in the Île-de-France region. This immersive experience transports visitors to the court of the Sun King, offering a glimpse into the leisure activities of the era. The Royal Chapel, the Hall of Mirrors, the Grand Apartments of the King and Queen, and even the Royal Court come alive with historical scenes featuring baroque dancers, sword fights, and theatrical sketches. Join us on Saturdays from June 6 to September 19, 2026, as well as on July 14 and August 15, 2026. [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]
On the occasion of the United States’ 250th anniversary, the Château de Versailles invites you to delve into the saga of the American War of Independence and the diplomatic secrets of the Franco-American alliance, through a mixed-reality journey. [Read more]
This summer, the Palace of Versailles will offer an exceptional opening of the Royal Chapel from July 7 to September 27, 2026. A chance to admire its nave, its painted ceiling, its sacristies, its stone marquetry, and many other beauties! [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]
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]
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]
Les Journées du Patrimoine are back on September 19 and 20, 2026, inviting us to discover the riches of our heritage. We head to Versailles, in Yvelines, to make the most of this edition’s highlights with tours of the Palace of Versailles, as well as other institutions on an exceptional lineup. [Read more]
The Versailles Equestrian Academy and Versailles Campuses will open the doors to the Grand Stables at the Palace of Versailles for Heritage Days on the weekend of September 19–20, 2026. The weekend’s program is now being unveiled. [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]
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.
Chez Bonnie in Versailles: a coffee shop and wine bar near the Palace
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
The Musical Fountains at the Château de Versailles: Dates for the 2026 Edition
Jardins des Lumières: an exhibition on the art of garden design at the Grand Trianon, Palace of Versailles
The Trianon Rock: The Secret Sanctuary Hidden within the Gardens of the Petit Trianon
Grandes Eaux Nocturnes 2026 at the Palace of Versailles: installations, illuminated fountains and fireworks!
Royal Serenade 2026 at the Palace of Versailles: an immersive journey into the Sun King's courtyard
The Queen's Tea Time at the Château de Versailles at Ore
Light of Freedom: American Independence in Virtual Reality at the Palace of Versailles
The Royal Chapel of the Palace of Versailles and its sacristies on an exceptional visit this summer, 2026
Bal du Siècle 2026 in Versailles, Roaring Twenties edition: ticket sales open in September
Le Potager du Roi, a historic fruit and vegetable garden near the Château de Versailles
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
European Heritage Days 2025 in Versailles (78): the schedule of activities and places to visit
Heritage Days 2026: Free admission to the Grand Stables of Versailles (78)
Marie-Antoinette by Sofia Coppola: A Cinematic Exhibition at the Trianon Estate in Versailles
