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]
Immerse yourself in the Mississippi Valley through April 26, 2026, with the Château de Versailles’ exhibition exploring the Indigenous nations who allied with the French as they settled in Louisiana, in the era of the young Louis XV. [Read more]
Starting with the February 2026 holidays, Château de Versailles will welcome families to enjoy fun workshops and activities on Wednesdays and weekends during school breaks, all centered around a specific theme or location. [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]
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]
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]
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]
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 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]
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]
Sprit Jardin is back on April 25 and 26, 2026, for its free plant festival in the Saint-Louis neighborhood and at the Potager du Roi in Versailles: 100 exhibitors, creative workshops, entertainment, and a special program to celebrate the 400th anniversary await visitors. [Read more]
Castles in Île-de-France open their doors for free on the first Sunday of every month. It’s a wonderful chance to discover our Île-de-France heritage without spending a dime this Easter weekend, Sunday, May 3, 2026. [Read more]
At the Palace of Versailles, the Grand Trianon hosts a brand-new exhibition: "Garden of Lights." Visitors can experience this captivating display from May 5 through September 27, 2026. [Read more]
The Royal Opera, tucked inside the Château de Versailles, opens to you free of charge on Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9, 2026, as part of the annual "Tous à l'Opéra" event. Don't miss this golden opportunity to discover this restored heritage jewel. [Read more]
A great vibe takes over at the Palace of Versailles for a fantastic electronic music night! Versailles Electro is making its return on May 16, 2026, in Paris. Here’s everything you need to know. [Read more]
What’s in store for the 2026 Night of Museums at the Château de Versailles? Here’s what to expect for the 22nd edition, taking place on Saturday, May 23, 2026. [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]
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 Nighttime Fountain Shows will be back in 2026. This enchanting evening walk through the gardens of the Palace of Versailles offers the chance to admire illuminated fountains beautifully lit up, all set to a stunning fireworks display. The shows will take place on Saturday evenings from June 6th to September 19th, 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]
The Grand Masquerade Ball at the Château de Versailles is making its highly anticipated return this Saturday, June 27, 2026. An enchanting and unforgettable event to experience this summer. Tickets are selling quickly, so be sure to reserve yours soon! [Read more]
The Palace of Versailles marks the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. To celebrate, experience a grand historical reenactment on July 4th and 5th, 2026, at the Trianon Estate. [Read more]
On Sunday, July 12, 2026, the city of Versailles will host its very first Ironman 70.3. This 113-kilometer triathlon will see competitors swimming across the Pièce d’Eau des Suisses, cycling through the picturesque Chevreuse Valley, and finishing with a run through the historic Potager du Roi, culminating in a spectacular finish right in front of the Chateau. [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
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
Amerindian allies at the court of Louis XV: the historical exhibition at the Château de Versailles
Royal Holidays! : Fun-filled family activities and entertainment at the Palace of Versailles
The Musical Fountains at the Château de Versailles: Dates for the 2026 Edition
A visit to the Château de Versailles and its program
The Admirable Trees of the Domaine de Versailles
Good plan: these areas of the Château de Versailles are accessible for free to all
Le Potager du Roi, a historic fruit and vegetable garden near the Château de Versailles
The Queen's Tea Time at the Château de Versailles at Ore
The Galerie des Carrosses, the free museum at the Grandes Ecuries of the Château de Versailles
The Trianon Rock: The Secret Sanctuary Hidden within the Gardens of the Petit Trianon
Esprit Jardin 2026 in Versailles: the Free Plant Festival — Here's the Program
4 free castles around Paris this Sunday, May 3, 2026, the first Sunday of the month
All to the Opera 2026: Exceptional free opening of the Royal Opera at Versailles Castle
Versailles Electro, the electrifying night featuring fireworks at the Palace of Versailles, is set to return in May 2026.
Museum Night 2026 at the Château de Versailles (Yvelines, 78): the program for the Sun King’s domain.
Marie-Antoinette at Trianon: a costume party before the Fêtes Galantes in Versailles - reservations
Fêtes Galantes 2026, a lavish costume party at the Palace of Versailles - ticket office date
The Nighttime Fountain Shows 2026 at the Palace of Versailles: Illuminated Fountains and Fireworks!
Royal Serenade 2026 at the Palace of Versailles: an immersive journey into the Sun King's courtyard
The Grand Masquerade Ball at Château de Versailles 2026: An Unforgettable Evening of Celebration
A grand historical reenactment at the Palace of Versailles celebrates American independence
Ironman 70.3: A regal triathlon set against the Château of Versailles this summer 2026 — tickets now on sale
Marie-Antoinette by Sofia Coppola: A Cinematic Exhibition at the Trianon Estate in Versailles
