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Best Palace of Versailles Tours

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• Palace of Versailles
• Versailles Palace Tours from Paris

The 10 Best Versailles Palace Tours from Paris for 2024

Are you planning to visit the Palace of Versailles from Paris?  

If so, you may be wondering:  what is the easiest, most stress-free way to get to Versailles, and how can you get the most out of your experience - especially if you want to avoid wasting time in the notoriously long lines at the Chateau's entrance?

Most Popular Paris Day Trips to Palace of Versailles

These top-rated day trips from Paris to Versailles fill up fast, so book early to get the dates you want:

Popular Versailles day trips with transportation from Paris:

• Palace of Versailles & Gardens - Audio tour; choose a full-day or half-day trip
• Versailles Skip-the-Line Guided Tour & Gardens  - Optional garden tour
• Versailles Bike Tour with Palace & Queen's Farm Entrance  - Highly-rated
• Giverny & Versailles Guided Day Trip - See 2 iconic attractions in one day

Traveling to Versailles on your own?  Book a ticket with a reserved time slot for fast entry:

• Versailles Palace & Gardens Full Access Ticket - Includes entire Estate, including 3 palaces, the gardens (including Musical Gardens or Fountain show from April-October), & Marie-Antoinette's Hameau (farm and village)

Fortunately, you can choose from many excellent guided Palace of Versailles tours from Paris that allow you to go through a special priority fast-track entrance gate for use only by group tours. 

In case you're wondering if the priority fast-track entrance is worth the extra cost, this is what the lines can look when you're waiting to go through the regular non-priority entrance:

Some of the priority fast-track entrance options from Paris include transportation on comfortable air-conditioned coaches.  

For others, you'll meet your guide in Paris and go to Versailles together on the train. 

However, sorting through all the tour choices and options can be challenging, especially if you're planning your first or even your second visit. 

To make choosing the best tour for you easy, we've compiled a list of the 10 best Versailles Palace tours from Paris in 4 different categories:

• Versailles Tours with Included Bus or Train Transport
• Guided Tours of Versailles - You take the train to Versailles on your own
• Guided Bike Tours of Versailles & Its Estate - You meet your group in Paris and travel together to/from Versailles on the train
• Guided Combo Tours of Versailles Plus Giverny or Fontainbleau with transport included

Top photo: A guided tour in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles, (c) Paris Discovery Guide

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Best Guided Tours of the Palace of Versailles with Transportation from Paris

These guided tours of Versailles departing from Paris eliminate all the guesswork and stress of getting there and back on your own. Plus, you get fast entry through the dedicated tour-only gate. 

These tours are perfect for when you want maximum convenience plus the knowledge and insights of an expert guide.

1.  From Paris: Full Day Guided Tour of Versailles with Lunch & Transportation

The highly-rated Full-Day Guided Tour of Versailles starts with a comfortable trip by air-conditioned coach from Paris. 

Your expert guide will whisk you through a special entrance  and take you on a tour of the most spectacular Palace rooms, such as the magnificent Hall of Mirrors. You'll get to enjoy entertaining stories about the history of Versailles and life at the Royal Palace as you explore the Sun King's home.

After your Palace tour, you'll have free time to stroll through the beautiful formal Palace Gardens, where you'll have lunch at around noon. 

During the afternoon, your guide will show you Versailles' other most important sights: the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, and Marie Antoinette's Estate including her charming Hamlet before your relaxing return to Paris by bus.

2.  Skip-the-Line Versailles Palace Guided Tour by Train from Paris

You'll meet your guide for the Skip-the-Line Versailles Palace Tour by Train in central Paris and travel together to the famous Chateau. 

After passing quickly through the priority entrance reserved for tour groups, your 3-hour journey through the opulent Palace begins.  

Your knowledgeable guide will keep you informed and entertained as you visit the Royal Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, and other opulent rooms, as well as the spectacular gardens.  Depending on the day of the week, you'll see the enchanting Musical Gardens or Musical Fountains show. 

After your tour, you can head straight back to Paris on the train if your schedule is tight.  But if you have enough time for a longer visit, you can linger in the gardens, walk around the Grand Canal, and perhaps even enjoy a delicious French dinner in a nearby bistro before taking the train to Paris.

3.  Versailles Palace & Gardens: Ticket, Audio Guide, & Bus from Paris

If you want the convenience of bus transportation to and from Paris but prefer audio guides or exploring independently rather than taking a guided tour, then the Versailles Palace & Gardens: Ticket, Audio Guide, & Bus from Paris may be an excellent choice for you. 

You can choose a half-day (with morning or afternoon arrival) or a full day at the Chateau.  For the half-day afternoon tour, your ticket will give you access to the Palace and Gardens, where you can experience a Musical Fountains show or Musical Gardens on days when they take place. 

When you choose the full-day excursion, you will also get access to the Grand and Petit Trianons, as well as to Marie Antoinette's Estate.  All options include an audio guide.

A host will accompany you on the air-conditioned bus from Paris and make sure you get through the skip-the-line entry to the Palace.  From there, you can spend your time discovering all the exciting wonders of this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site.

More about Visiting the Palace of Versailles

• Top Things to See & Do at the Palace of Versailles - Plus visitor tips
• Best Ways to Get from Paris to Versailles Palace
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4.  From Paris: Day Trip to Giverny & Versailles

To visit both Claude Monet's home and gardens at Giverny as well as the Palace of Versailles in one day from Paris, this small group Giverny & Versailles Guided Day Trip makes that easy to do, thanks to the included transportation on a comfortable air-conditioned coach.

You'll tour Giverny at your own pace with a self-guided audio app.  After a quick lunch break, you'll head to Versailles where you'll have a guided tour of the Palace's most famous rooms, and then explore the beautiful gardens on your own.

The Giverny portion of the tour includes a ticket to Monet's house and gardens.  At Versailles, your ticket also admits you to the Palace and Gardens. 

Best Skip-the-Line Guided Tours of the Palace of Versailles

For these tours, you'll take the train on your own from Paris to Versailles, and then meet your guide after you exit the station.  Together, you'll walk to the Chateau and because you're with a guide, you get the benefit of entering quickly through the guided tour-only gate. 

5.  Versailles Palace: Skip-the-Line Guided Tour 

The Versailles Palace: Skip-the-Line Guided Tour is perfect if you want to explore the spectacular Palace with an expert and learn a bit about Louis XIV (the "Sun King"), Marie Antoinette, and the leading members of the French monarchy who once lived here. 

After you meet your guide and go into the Palace through the priority entrance, your guide will introduce you to this architectural masterpiece.  Then, as you explore the most important rooms, such as the elaborate King's and Queen's Royal Apartments and the magnificent Hall of Mirrors, your guide will point out treasures you might not see on your own. 

When you book:  You can choose to do this tour with a group or as a private experience.

After your tour, you can continue exploring the Palace on your own, but please note: this tour does not include access to the Gardens.  If you want to also tour the sumptuous Gardens, with or without a guide, during the period when the Musical Garden and Musical Fountains shows take place, you'll need a ticket - so check out the following option below!

6. Versailles Palace & Gardens: Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Like the previous tour, the Versailles Palace & Gardens Skip-the-Line Guided Tour includes fast entry to the Palace through the priority gate used by tour guides.  You also get a fascinating guided tour of the Palace's most important rooms and can choose between a group and a private experience.

But here's the difference:  This offer also includes a ticket to the statue-filled Royal Gardens (on days when they're not free) where you can see beautiful flowers and ornate fountains.  Your ticket to the Gardens also includes Musical Fountains or Musical Gardens, depending on the day.

When you book your ticket, you can include a guided tour of the Gardens - or choose just to get an entry ticket and explore on your own.

When Can You Enter Versailles' Royal Gardens for Free? 

Currently, free entry days include Wednesdays during September and October, and every day from November through March. 

What happens on the other days?   Musical Fountains shows take place on Saturdays and Sundays from late May through October and on Bastille Day (July 14).  Musical Gardens take place on Tuesdays through Fridays during July and August, and on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays during September and October.

When you choose a tour ticket that includes admission to the Gardens on a day when Musical Fountains or Musical Gardens take place, you get to experience these special events.

Best Guided Bike Tours of Versailles

Versailles's mostly flat terrain and expansive grounds makes this the perfect location for bike tours. 

7.  Versailles Bike Tour with Palace & Queen's Farm Entrance

On the Versailles Bike Tour with Palace & Queen's Farm Entrance,  you'll meet up with your guide and the rest of your tour group in Paris and take the train together to Versailles. 

Once there, you'll visit the traditional farmers' market to pick up cheese, fruits, and charcuterie for a picnic lunch later in the day by the Grand Canal.

After a quick stop to pick up your bike (plus rain ponchos, just in case!), you're off to cycle around the Chateau's landscaped parklands and sumptuous gardens.   With over 2,000 acres, the place is enormous - so you'll appreciate having both a guide and a bike! 

Your guide will also take you to see the smaller palaces of the Grand and Petit Trianons as well as Marie-Antoinette's Hameau, her rustic village, and her farm.  Meanwhile, your guide will share lots of information about the incredible places you're seeing as well as the colorful French kings and queens who once lived there.

Finally, you'll visit the Palace of Versailles with the skip-the-line entry ticket included as part of your tour.  This portion of the trip is on your own, so you can use the included audio guide and explore the Hall of Mirrors and other opulent rooms at your own pace before heading back to Paris on the train.

8.  Paris: Versailles Sunset Bike Tour with Fireworks Show (& After-Hours Palace Entrance!)

The seasonal (late spring through early fall) Paris: Versailles Sunset Bike Tour with Fireworks Show  gives you three phenomenal experiences:

1. The spectacular evening Fountains Show in Versailles' Royal Gardens

2. Exclusive after-hours admission to the Palace where you'll see costumed performers and musicians as they sing, dance, and play musical instruments as you explore the Royal Chambers and other famous rooms without encountering crowds of other visitors.

3.  An unforgettable fireworks display over the Grand Canal.

In addition, you'll have plenty of time to ride your bike around the Estate with your guide and see the famous gardens, the Petit Trianon and Grand Trianon, and Marie-Antoinette's Hamlet.  You'll even enjoy a picnic dinner.

Similar to the previous daytime tour by bike, you'll meet your guide in central Paris and go together to Versailles on the train.  Once you reach Versailles and pick up your bike, you'll head to the market square to pick up food for a picnic dinner.

Once you reach the Palace grounds, you'll explore the estate, with stops at Marie-Antoinette's Hameau, the Petit and Grand Trianons, and finally the Grand Canal, where you'll enjoy your picnic dinner. 

Finally, you'll get after-hours entrance to the Palace and Gardens, where the magical evening entertainment unfolds.

After the fireworks, you'll return to Paris by train where your tour ends.

Want to bike from Paris to Versailles?  Find out how

Best Combo Tours of Versailles + Giverny or Fontainbleau

When your schedule allows time for only one day trip from Paris, these guided tours from Paris let you experience Versailles and Giverny or Versailles and Fontainbleau in a single day. 

9. Versailles & Giverny Day Tour with Lunch at Moulin de Fourges

Giverny & Versailles Day Tour with Lunch - Medium (14 or less) group tour in a minibus. 

When you arrive at Giverny, you'll explore Impressionist artist Claude Monet's home, gardens, and the ponds where water lilies inspired his most famous paintings.

After enjoying a delicious 3-course lunch with wine at Moulin de Fourges, a restaurant in a delightful old mill house by a scenic river about 5 miles from Giverny, you'll head to Versailles, where an art historian will lead you on a guided tour of the most famous rooms including the Hall of Mirrors.  Headsets will be provided to enable you to hear the guide. 

This tour also includes access to Versailles' magnificent gardens,  which means you'll get to see the Fountain Show or Musical Gardens on the days when they're available.

Please note: the private option mentioned in the "Includes" section of online description appears to not be available at the current time.

10.  Versailles Palace & Château de Fontainebleau

Fontainebleau, like Versailles, is a magnificent palace which grew from a modest medieval hunting lodge.  The Palace overlooks a large lake and spectacular gardens including the largest formal garden in Europe.  It has served as a residence for numerous French rulers including 34 kings and two emperors from the 12th through the 19th century. 

The best way to see both Versailles and Fontainebleau in a single day is to sign up for a Chateau de Fontainbleau & Chateau de Versailles Private Tour.

Your driver/guide will pick you up at your hotel, will first take you to the Chateau de Fontainebleau for a private tour of the magnificent palace, where you'll also see Napoleon's Throne.  

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January in Paris

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July in Paris

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Welcome to the Palace

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interactive map of the palace of versailles

Where are the entrances? Where can I buy tickets? Where is the Hall of Mirrors? How do I get to Marie-Antoinette’s Estate? Where are the toilets? etc.

This interactive map will accompany you throughout your visit to the Palace and the Estate . With over 500 points of interest, " Bienvenue" also lets you explore the estate at your own pace and increase your knowledge of Versailles.

start the visit

• change the background
• Gardens Explore
• Park Explore
• Trianon Palaces and Marie-Antoinette’s Estate Explore
• Exterior view
• Garden level
• First floor

Here are a few tips for preparing your visit to the Palace. If you already have your ticket, go directly to Palace Entrance A. From April to October, due to the high number of visitors, admission to the palace can only be guaranteed through online booking .

The Palace is open every day, except Mondays, from 9 am to 6.30 pm during the high season (April to October) and from 9 am to 5.30 pm during the low season (November to March).

Where can I buy a ticket? Which one should I choose?

Where to book a guided tour, where are the entrances to the palace, where is the hall of mirrors, where are the toilets located, how do i get to the gardens.

• How do I get to Marie-Antoinette's Estate?

On the garden level, the Royal Courtyard gives access to the different tour itineraries. We indicate the essential practical points before the start of the tour. Caution, the Palace gets very crowded during the high season. We recommend coming at 9.00 am to visit the Palace when it opens or plan your visit for late afternoon. We advise you to buy online. Due to the high number of visitors, admission to the palace can only be guaranteed through online booking.

Where does the tour begin?

Where can i find a map and audioguides, where are the toilets.

Continue your visit on the 1st floor with the King and Queen's Grand Apartments and the world-famous Hall of Mirrors. On certain days you can also visit the Gallery of Battles. Caution, the Palace gets very crowded during the summer. We advise you to buy online. Due to the high number of visitors, admission to the palace can only be guaranteed through online booking.

We recommend coming at 9.00 am to visit the Palace when it opens or plan your visit for late afternoon.

Where does the visit to the 1st floor begin?

• Where is the King's Chamber?
• Where is the Queen's Chamber?

The Mesdames’ Apartments, Daughters Of Louis Xv

The Mesdames' apartments are symmetrical to the apartments of the Dauphin and Dauphine. Like them, they were turned into museum rooms by Louis-Philippe and recently restored to their state of princely apartments. Mesdames, as the six daughters of Louis XV were referred to, settled there in 1752, but only two of them, Adelaide and Victoire, lived there until the Revolution.

The Empire Rooms

As a contemporary of Napoleon I, King Louis-Philippe was eager to obtain the support of former members of the Empire and the favour of Bonapartist opinion. At Versailles, he gathered most of the large paintings commissioned by Napoleon in the ground floor of the Palace’s South Wing, under the Gallery of Great Battles.

Main Entrance (Honour Gate )

Due to the anti-terrorist security plan, visitors with large baggage items are not admitted on the domain (exceeding 55x35x20 cm)

The Honour gate is the main entrance gate to the Estate. It separates the Honour courtyard  from the Place d'Armes and is surrounded north-side by sculptures of the Victory of France over the Empire, by Gaspard Marsy, and south-side by sculptures of the Victory of France over Spain, by François Girardon.

This gate is open daily from 7:00AM to 7:30PM (from April to October). Last admission: 7PM

This gate is open daily from 8:00AM to 6:00PM (from November to March). Last admission: 5:30PM

Entrance A - Entrance For Individual Visitors

Due to the anti-terrorist security plan, visitors with large baggage items are not admitted on the domain (exceeding 55x35x20 cm).

This entrance provides access to all unaccompanied routes including temporary exhibitions.

To enter the Palace, you must have a ticket with a reserved time slot. Buy your ticket online . Due to the high number of visitors, admission to the palace can only be guaranteed through online booking.

If you are eligible for free admission, you must have booked a free time slot on the online ticketing service.

Entrance B - Group Entrance

Groups with reservations should head directly to entrance B, at the top right of the Cour d'Honneur. It provides access to all unaccompanied routes.

Entrance H - Chapel Courtyard Access

Entrance H will be the entrance for the European Heritage Days.

Access To The Gardens Accès Jardins - Cour Des Princes

To access the garden, head to the left at the top of the Courtyard of Honour. Access is through the courtyard of the Princes, at the left-side of the entrance A.

Main Ticket Office - South Ministers' Wing

Located in the South Ministers' Wing (to the left of the Honour Courtyard), the main ticket office sells tickets for unaccompanied visits to the Estate: 'Passeport', Palace tickets and 'Paris Museum Pass'.

From April to October, due to the high number of visitors, admission to the palace can only be guaranteed through online booking .

Guided Tours And Subscriptions

Located in the North Ministers' wing, this facility offers tickets for guided tours and the annual "1 year in Versailles " pass. It is also the start point for guided tours.

Information Point-Pavillon Gabriel

Having crossed the Royal Courtyard and before you begin your visit, you can pick up information, maps and leaflets at the audioguide kiosk.

Toilets-South Ministers’ Wing

Free toilets are located just beyond the Information desk.

Toilets-Pavillon Dufour

The toilets are accessible in the basement of the Dufour Pavilion after entrance A.

Shop Of The Chapel

In this shop you can purchase a range of themed products, books, guides, postcards, etc.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:45 pm

Grand Café D’ORléans

The Grand Café d'Orléans serves eat-in and takeaway food in a restaurant with a contemporary décor that covers over 700 m². It also offers group menus (60 pers. max). It is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30am to 6pm (10am to 5pm November to March). It is accessible from the Princes Courtyard.

Reservations: +33 (0)1 39 50 29 79

Angelina Tea Room And Restaurant

The Angelina restaurant and tea room offers sweet and savoury fare in a refined and elegant setting, to eat in. There is also a shop and groups are catered for (60 pers. max).

The restaurant is open Tuesday to Sunday:

• from 10am to 5:30pm (November to March)
• from 10am to 6:30pm (April to October)

It is accessible from the Royal Courtyard or at the end of the tour of the Grand Apartments.

Reservations: +33 (0)1 39 20 08 32

Honour Courtyard

The Honour courtyard is located between the Place d'Armes and the Cour Royale. From this courtyard, you can access the Ministers' wings and the entrances to the Palace and Gardens.

Royal Courtyard

The Royal Courtyard is located behind the Royal Gate and is only accessible with a ticket. It gives access to the different visitor routes around the Palace.

Marble Courtyard

The Marble Courtyard is the original courtyard of the palace, built by Louis XIII in 1623. Its black and white tiles come from the castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte.

Apartment Of The Dauphin And The Dauphine

These apartments were always reserved to the leading members of the royal family. Their current decoration corresponds to the period in which they was occupied by Louis XV's son and his second wife, Maria Josepha of Saxony.

The Appartments Of Louis Xv’s Daughters

The Louis XV’s daughters apartments are symmetrical to the apartments of the Dauphin and Dauphine. Like them, they were turned into museum rooms by Louis-Philippe and recently restored to their state of princely apartments. Mesdames, as the six daughters of Louis XV were referred to, settled there in 1752, but only two of them, Adelaide and Victoire, lived there until the Revolution.

See the rooms

Grand Apartments (Hall Of Mirrors, King’s Chamber)

Visitors arrive at the Grand Apartments through the Gallery of the History of the Palace or the sculpture gallery. By taking this tour, visitors can explore the apartments of the King and Queen of France.

Gallery Of Battles

On the mobile app, listen to the audio commentaries of the paintings at the bottom of this screen.

Much larger than the Hall of Mirrors, the Gallery of Battles was the first ensemble chosen by Louis-Philippe for his Museum of the History of France. It presents an important series of historical paintings dedicated "to all the glories of France" and thus constitutes a "national record".

Gallery Of The History Of The Palace

With the main Palace, the Trianon palaces, the gardens and the park, Versailles is a site whose topography and history are rich. Located at the beginning of the Grand Apartments tour, the Gallery of the History of the Palace is an essential introduction to the visit. Under the Ancien Régime, these rooms were the apartments of the royal princes, before Louis-Philippe transformed them to present a brief history of France through works ranging from the Baptism of Clovis to Louis XVI giving La Pérouse his instructions .

Upper Stone Gallery

Following the Gallery of the History of the Palace, this gallery connects to the second part of the tour: the Grand Apartments. Known as the Upper sculpture gallery due to its contents, it contains sculptures by Grand Condé, Turenne and Le Bossuet.

Royal Chapel

The construction of the Royal Chapel lasted between 1689 and 1710. Every day, usually in the morning at 10am, the court would assemble for the King's mass. Every Thursday, an orchestra gives audiences the chance to discover the full range of the European repertoire from the 17th and 18th centuries. The Royal Chapel is accessible as part of a guided tour.

The construction of the Royal Chapel lasted between 1689 and 1710. Every day, usually in the morning at 10am, the court would assemble for the King's mass. Every Thursday, an orchestra gives audiences the chance to discover selections the European repertoire from the 17th and 18th centuries. The Royal Chapel is accessible as part of a guided tour.

Access Grand Apartments (Hall Of Mirrors, King’s Chamber) - Gl

Access To The Gardens - Cour Des Princes

Toilets-pavillon gabriel.

Toilets are located next to the Gabriel staircase in the basement.  These toilets are not accessible to the disabled.

Information Desk - South Ministers’ Wing

The information desk dispenses all information relating to visits, along with maps and leaflets. Guided tours can also be booked here.

Marble Courtyard Shop

This large souvenir shop offers a range of products: books, guides, postcards, gifts, etc. It can be found after the tour of the State Apartments, at the foot of the Queen's staircase, or straight after the Royal Courtyard.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5:45pm. From November to March, the shop closes at 4:45pm.

Ladurée is a Parisian patisserie founded in 1862, and visitors are invited to explore their retail outlet. The company offers its fine delicatessen range, not forgetting their famous macaroons. The shop is open every day from 9.30am to 6.30pm in high season (April to October) and from 9.30am to 5pm during low season (November to March). It is accessible from the Royal Courtyard or at the end of the tour of the Grand Apartments, at the foot of the Queen's Staircase.

Built by architect Frédéric Nepveu in the nineteenth century, the Gallery of Battles was the first room commissioned by King Louis-Philippe for his museum of French history. The gallery was designed to represent his desire for national reconciliation, and presents a major series of historic paintings dedicated "to all the glories of France".

Librairie Des Princes

The Librairie des Princes bookshop offers a range of products over 200 m²: books, children's books, postcards, table decoration etc. The bookshop is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10.30am to 6.15pm during high season (April to October) and from 9.30am to 5.15pm during low season (November to March). Although it is not part of the visitor route, it can be accessed from Cour d'Honneur.

The library also presents the cabinet of the King's medals, where are sold medals from the Arthus-Bertrand Versailles collection.

Louis Xiv Rooms ?

Louis XIV Rooms give visitors a vast panorama of the 17th century featuring the King, his family, the court and the major political, military and artistic events that marked his reign.

Information Point- Dufour’s Pavillion

The information desk dispenses all information relating to visits, along with maps and leaflets.

Changing Table-Pavillon Dufour

A baby-changing table is located in the basement near the toilets.

Dufour Pavillion Shop

Located in the basement of the Palace, this large souvenir shop offers a range of products: books, guides, postcards, gifts, etc.

The shop is accessible in the basement after the entrance A or at the exit of the visit.

The shop is open every day from 10.15am to 6pm during high season (April to October) and from 9.30am to 5.15pm during low season (November to March).

Access Dufour Pavillion Shop

This large souvenir shop offers a range of products: books, guides, postcards, gifts, etc.

The shop is open every day from 10.15am to 6pm during high season (April to October) and from 9.30am to 6pm during low season (November to March).

Access Ore - Ducasse Au Château De Versailles

During the day, the restaurant ore is open to the public. An exceptional setting and view to take a break or to eat during the Palace's opening hours. A French inspired menu with classics of our cuisine, alongside light and quick snacks, desserts and gourmet pastries. Children are welcome here with their very own Prince & Princess menu.

You can access the restaurant ore - Ducasse from the vestibule of the Dufour Pavilion, accessible by the door on the left side of the entrance A.

Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10AM to 6:30Pm in high season (April to October) and 10AM to 5:30PM in low season (November to March). Access to the restaurant through the courtyard of Princes independantly of the tour of the Palace.

Reservation: +33 (0)1 30 84 12 96 – [email protected] Groups and events: +33 (0)1 30 84 12 98 – [email protected]

Chapel Gate

The gate of the Chapel is closed.

Located in Léon Gambetta place, the Chapel Gate gives access, on foot, to the Palace (entrances A and B). It is accessible by skirting the Palace on the right, rue Robert de Cotte.

It is advised for groups to enter through the Chapel Gate that is much less used than the Honour Gate. In addition, it will give you direct access to entrance B, where you must present your scheduled booking (self-guided tour). However, the access through the Honour Gate is recommended for people with disabilities.

Open every day except Monday, from 9am to 5.30pm.

Audioguide - Dufour's Pavillon

The audioguide desk is located in the entrance hall of the Pavillon Dufour: every day when the château is open and 30 minutes before the last admission, i.e. 5.30pm in high season and 4.30pm in low season.

The audioguides are returned at the end of the tour, on the ground floor of the Dufour Pavilion.

For the permanent tour, the audio guide is available in 13 languages: French, English, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Korean, Russian, Ukrainian, Polish and Arabic. A children's version is also available in French.

Audioguide - Dufour's Pavilion

Ore - Ducasse Au Château De Versailles

Acces To Dufour Pavilion's Auditorium

Installed on the 2nd floor of the Dufour Pavilion, this 148-seat auditorium is used as a reception area for conferences and seminars organized at the palace.

The access to the auditorium is the same one that of the restaurant ORE - Ducasse: from the vestibule of the Dufour Pavilion, accessible by the door on the left side of the entrance A.

Automatic Deposits

Some automatic deposits (school children only) are available in different information points, and allow you to leave items that do not exceed the limited format (46x43x26 cm maximum).

Parking-Place D'ARmes (Cars And Coaches)

At the Place d'Armes, parking is offered for cars, minibuses and coaches (charge payable).

Coach parking is only available at the Place d'Armes or at the crossroads of the Grand and Petit Trianon in the park.

Parking is free for disabled visitors on presentation of a valid permit.

Start Of The Tour

Visit the Apartments of the Daughters of Louis XV (entrance 1) before discovering the Grands Appartements (entrance 2).

Visit the Apartments of the Daughters of Louis XV and and the Apartments of the Dauphin and the Dauphine (entrance 1) before discovering the Grands Appartements (entrance 2).

Drinking Fountain

Open access drinking water supply point.

After taking the stairs at the end of the Gallery of History, your visit continues through the Galerie de Pierre Haute or the Louis XIV rooms.

Questel Staircase

The Questel staircase gives access to the first floor from the Gallery of the History of the Palace.

The Louis Xiv's Childhood

After 23 years of marriage to Anne of Austria, Louis XIII finally gained his much-longed-for heir in Louis XIV, who was acclaimed as 'Louis-Dieudonné', or 'Louis, the gift from God'. The portraits in this room depict him as a child, heir to the throne of France, who became king at a very young age.

Early Military Campaigns

Louis XIV was a warrior king for whom victory was a means of cementing his authority. After his marriage to Maria Theresa, daughter of the King of Spain, Louis XIV claimed certain Spanish territories in Flanders, thus triggering what is known as the War of Devolution.

The Académie Royale De Peinture Et De Sculpture

The king called upon the artists of the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture to illustrate the glory of his kingdom and its ruler. The academy, which was established in 1648 and overhauled in 1660, was a centre of training in and development of aesthetic principles. To be admitted to it, prospective members had to present a 'reception piece', i.e. a work on a given subject.

The Arts At The Start Of His Reign

Ever since 'La Fronde' (the French civil wars between 1640 and 1650 sparked by a double revolt by parliament and the princes who opposed Louis XIV and his family), Louis XIV mistrusted Paris. He therefore set up and oversaw the court at Versailles, where spectacular parties were organised and to which the great artists of the day were invited.  In this way, Louis XIV contributed to the advancement of the arts.

The Exercise Of Power

Louis XIV was an absolute monarch. He governed alone and relied on counsellors and ministers, whose role was to carry out royal wishes.

Versailles And Europe

Louis XIV turned France into the leading power in Europe and the world. He expanded the kingdom and furthered the reputation of the country beyond its borders.

At The Turn Of The Reign (The 1690S)

In France, the crown passes from father to son according to primogeniture. Of Louis XIV's six children, only his firstborn survived to adulthood. He was given the title of dauphin. However, the succession to the throne was not completely assured…

The King At War

Louis XIV has been portrayed many times as a war commander. These portraits create an image of him as a great and conquering king, and symbolise the military might of France.

Royal Residences

In 1682, Versailles became the seat of government. As an absolute monarch, Louis XIV increased the number of royal residences as a way of extending his power. His successors and the royal family liked to spend time in these places, far from the Palace, often, simply, to get away from life at court.

The Hall of Mirrors is halfway through the Grand Apartments tour in the central section of the Palace.

Hall Of Mirrors

The Hall of Mirrors replaced a large terrace overlooking the garden that was considered too exposed to inclement weather. Its seventeen arches decorated with mirrors face seventeen arched windows, creating a commingling of the interior and exterior. The Hall of Mirrors was  a place for both social events and demonstrating the political might of Louis XIV.

Where is the King's Chamber?

This room adjoining the Hall of Mirrors is in the central section of the Palace. The Chamber can be visited halfway through the self-guided tour of the Grand Apartments.

The King's Chamber

This room was used several times a day: for the King's getting-up and going-to-bed ceremonies; for his private meals, i.e. when he would eat alone; and for receiving certain courtiers and ambassadors. The room was therefore subject to strict etiquette. Only Louis XIV ever slept there.

Where is the Queen's Chamber?

This room is in the central section of the Palace. It is located at the end of the Grand Apartments tour, after the Hall of Mirrors and the King's Chamber.

Queen's Chamber

The Queen's Bedchamber is located opposite the Apollo Room. It is where the queen slept, hosted her private audiences and went through the public going-to-bed ceremony. Contrary to the King's Bedchamber, this room was occupied by the various queens up to 1789.

There are no toilets on the 1st floor of the Palace. Take either the Queen's Stairway at the end of the Grand Apartments tour to the garden level and the Royal Courtyard or the Princes' Stairway to the exit and the groundfloor of the Dufour Pavilion

The Queen’s Staircase

Built in 1680, this staircase soon became the busiest in the Palace, as it led to the King and Queen's apartments. It now gives access to the Royal Courtyard before finishing the tour of the Grand Apartments.

Princes’ Staircase

This staircase links the first floor to the garden level of the Midi Wing and to the ground floor of the Dufour Pavilion . Its décor is largely from the 17th century.

After coming in through Entrance A, your tour begins in the Royal Courtyard.

Enter the Cour de Marbre to visit the Apartments of the Daughters of Louis XV. Next, head for the Pavillon Gabriel to visit the Grands Appartements.

The Marble Courtyard

The Marble Courtyard is the original courtyard of the palace, built by Louis XIII in 1623. Its black and white tiles come from the castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte.

The Hall of Mirrors is located on the first floor of the Palace and is part of the self-guided tour of the Grand Apartments. After entering, cross the Royal Courtyard and follow the signs to the Grand Apartments.

Audioguides are located in the Gabriel pavilion.

For a map, go to the Information Centre located on the ground garden at the Dufour pavilion (after entry A).

Toilets are available in the basement of the Dufour pavilion after entrance A.

After this, for access to the toilets, cross the courtyard and enter the Gabriel Pavilion. The toilets are on your right in the basement by the Gabriel Stairs. Other accessible toilets are available at the end of the Gallery of Palace History. Caution, there are no toilets on the first floor of the Palace.

To access to the Palace, buy a Palace or "Passport" ticket (full access to the Versailles Estate). Buy your ticket online . Due to the high number of visitors, admission to the palace can only be guaranteed through online booking. To buy your ticket on site, go to the Ticket Office on the left, in the South Ministers Wing, then go to Entrance A with your ticket. Visitors eligible for free admission are nonetheless required to book a free of charge time slot on the online ticket office to access the Palace.

If you would like to book a guided tour, buy on line and go to the dedicated area in the North Ministers Wing to the right of the Honour Courtyard.

 From April to October, access to the gardens is subject to a fee from Tuesday to Sunday (days of the Fountain Shows and Musical Gardens). In this case, buy a Passport ticket online (access to the entire estate) or a Grandes Eaux / Jardins Musicaux ticket (at the entrance of the gardens or preferably online ). Buy your tickets on line .

The reservation desk for guided tours is located in the North Ministers' Wing.

You can also book a guided tour on the online ticket office: https://billetterie.chateauversailles.fr

Entrance A is reserved to individual visitors with tickets. Visitors eligible for free admission are required to book a free of charge time slot on the online ticket office to access the Palace.

Entrance B is reserved to groups that have booked their visit.

If you have booked a guided tour, the meeting place is at the North Ministers Wing to the right in the Cour d'Honneur.

Access Grand Apartments (Hall Of Mirrors, King’s Chamber) - Gv

For access to the toilets, cross the courtyard and enter the Gabriel Pavilion. The toilets are on your right in the basement by the Gabriel Stairs. Other  toilets, accessible for disabled visitors, are available at the end of the Gallery of Palace History. Caution, there are no toilets on the first floor of the Palace.

Toilets-North Wing

Toilets are available by taking the lift at the end of the Gallery of Palace History.

When you arrive at the Palace, you can go directly to the gardens by going to the top left-hand side of the Cour d'Honneur, then entering the Courtyard of the Princes (left-side of the entrance A).

From 29 March to 31 October, access to the gardens is subject to a fee from Tuesday to Sunday (days of the Fountain Shows and Musical Gardens). In this case, buy a Passport ticket (preferably online) or if you only visit the gardens a Grandes Eaux / Jardins Musicaux ticket (at the entrance of the gardens).

How do I get there from the Palace?

• By foot through the gardens (around 30 minutes)   
• With the Little Train: from the Palace stop (North Terrace in the Gardens) to the Grand Trianon stop (around 20 minutes / Admission price : 8.50 €, reduced admission : 6.50 € and to only come back to the Palace : 4.60 €)    
• From the Water parterre by renting electric vehicles (34 € per hour)

Mini Train - Grand Trianon Stop

The little train, leaving from the Grand Trianon, serves the Petit Trianon, then the Palace. Return ticket to the Palace *: €5 * Visitors can get off at each stop and get back on the next train.

It is possible to pay by credit card directly to the drivers.

Opening hours: open every day except Mondays

• January: 11:10am to 5:10pm ( January 1st : 12am to 5pm )
• February: 11:10am to 5:10pm.
• March: 11:10am to 5:10pm
• April to August : 11:10am to 6:10pm (in July and August: 10am to 6.10pm)
• September: 11:10am at 6:10pm
• October: 11:10am to 6:10pm
• November: 11:10am to 5:10pm.
• December: 11:10am to 5:10pm. ( December 25th : 12am to 5pm )

Mini Train - Petit Trianon Stop

The little train, leaving from the Petit Trianon, serves the Palace. Return ticket to the Château: €5

Mini-Train - Grand Canal Stop

The little train, leaving from the Grand Canal, serves the Grand Trianon then the Petit Trianon and the Palace.

Ticket "Retour Château" (Back to the Palace) * : €5 * Visitors can get off at each stop and get back on the next train.

• April to August : 11:10am to 6:10pm

Electric Vehicle Hire - Petite Venise

The electric vehicles with audioguides will help you to discover the park of Versailles at your own pace. Rental is available every day.

April to October, daily from 10am to 6.45pm (last departure at 5.45pm). From March to November, daily from 10am to 5pm (last departure at 4pm).

For the months of February and March, every day from 10am to 5.30pm (last departure at 4.30pm).

Early closure on Fountain shows. Closed in January

In February & March, daily from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm (last departure at 4:30pm)

• 42 € per vehicle per hour,
• 10,50 € per additional 15 minutes.
• Discount for disabled people (-40%) and Subscribers (-30%).

Telephone: +33 (0)1 39 66 97 66 6 have been adapted for wheelchair users.

Mini-Train - Palace Station

The little train, leaving from the Château, serves the Grand Canal, then the Grand Trianon and finally the Petit Trianon, before returning to the Château. From April to October, it is accessible with a Passport, Grandes Eaux Musicales or Jardins Musicaux ticket.

Return ticket* :

• Full price: €9
• Reduced price: €7
• Return to the Château: €5

* Visitors can disembark at each stop and board another mini-train later.

Opening hours : open every day except Mondays

• January: 11:10am to 5:10pm ( January 1st : 12am to 5pm ) .

The Grand Trianon Entrance

The entrance to the Grand Trianon is on the left as you face the building. Open from midday to 6.30pm during high season (April to October) and from midday to 5.30pm during low season (November to March). Gardens open until 7.30pm during high season and until 6pm during low season.

Ticket Office - Grand Trianon

The ticket office is located inside the Grand Trianon, through the archway. 

Petit Trianon Entrance (Via The Swiss Guard House)

For guided tours only (for other visits, access through the Grand Trianon)

The entrance is on the left of the Petit Trianon gate. Open from midday to 6.30pm during high season (April to October) and from midday to 5.30pm during low season (November to March). Gardens open until 7.30pm during high season and until 6pm during low season.

Ticket Office - Petit Trianon

The ticket office is located beyond the information desk and the courtyard.

Electric Vehicle Hire - South Terrace

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Half-Day Versailles Palace and Gardens Day Trip with Skip-the-Line Tickets

• Versailles Gardens
• Versailles Palace and Gardens

• Embark on an enriching journey through Versailles alongside a captivating, locally-renowned expert historian.
• Unique, personal tours for the intentional traveler. Choose from private tours for just you and your party, or join a small group tour with up to 10 other travelers

• You are looking for valuable insights and context to the architectural and historical significance of Versailles. 
• You're interested in architecture, history, or simply admiring stunning landscapes. This tour caters to a wide range of interests.
• Versailles Palace
• Our Private tours will begin with car service pick-up from your accommodations in Paris. Please let us know where you'll be staying.
• Our small group tours begin from a centralized meeting point. Your tour confirmation will have the exact meeting point and details.
• Unless you've booked the private car transfer back to Paris with us, your tour will end in Versailles. You can return to Paris at your leisure by train or taxi.
• If you're booking a small-group tour, the group will meet at a centralized point in the city center
• If you're booking a private tour, the car service will depart from your accommodations in central Paris. Please provide your address when booking.
• NOTE: Return car transfer from Versailles to Paris is NOT included, you can optionally add this at check out if you are booking a private tour.
• Skip-the-line entry tickets into Versailles Palace and grounds
• With your entry ticket, you'll have access to all sites within the Versailles complex, even those we don't include in our tour (such as Marie Antoinette's Hamlet and the Trianon Palace). If you are taking a morning tour, we encourage you to stay on your own to explore these sites independently.
• Depending on your group size, we may be required by the venue to order headsets. If you would like to guarantee headsets for your tour regardless of your group size, please email us and we’ll be happy to get them reserved for you.

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ .

Explore the Versailles with Context

Get to know one of the art historians leading this tour.

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The Best Tours of the Palace of Versailles in 2024 and Why

Brie Greenhalgh Last Updated: September 29, 2023

Ahh, Versailles. Its magnificence is almost unrivaled, which is why it’s one of the most popular attractions near Paris. The question is merely whether you want to explore on your own or enjoy an unforgettable day thanks to a passionate guide. If the latter sounds ideal, check out some of the best tours of the Palace of Versailles.

Pro Tip: Planning what to do on your trip to Versailles Palace? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. Check out our guide to Versailles for more planning resources, our top Versailles tours for a memorable trip, and if a Versailles tour is worth it.

Should You Take a Tour of Versailles Palace and Gardens?

The Palace of Versailles is a massive, opulent estate that will take your breath away. There’s so much to explore here but you’ll miss so much if you don’t have the help of a guide who knows about the rooms, art, and scandals here.

It’s located just outside of the city, so it takes extra planning and time to get here. You can leave the details to your guide and book an all-inclusive trip from Paris to Versailles with skip-the-line tickets for your guided tour of this incredible palace. Don’t trust us. Read our 5-star reviews!

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a Versailles tour is worth it .

Six of the Best Versailles Tours to Take and Why

Did you know that Versailles is a town and Versailles Palace is the attraction? Or that the palace grounds are 3.1 square miles with 2,300 rooms in the palace alone? If that sounds complicated, then trust a local guide to help you make the most of your day trip to Versailles and make it easy to see the highlights.

Our tours include skip-the-line tickets to the palace, but you can also decide if you want a guided tour of the gardens or the palace. And for extra convenience, our most popular Versailles tours leave from Paris, which means you don’t have to worry about how to get there on your own. Keep reading to choose which tour of Versailles is best for you.

• Versailles Bike Tours from Paris
• Skip the Line Palace of Versailles and Gardens Tour from Paris
• Versailles Gardens Tour from Paris with Skip-the-Line Palace Access
• From Versailles: Skip the Line Royal Palace of Versailles and Gardens Tour
• Private Golden Versailles Palace and Garden Tour
• Palace of Versailles and Eiffel Tower Full-Day Combo Tour

1. Versaille Bike Tour From Paris

The best tours remove all the complex logistics of getting into Europe’s mega-monuments or offer an experience that would only be possible with local knowledge and a guide’s expertise. The great tours do both! This is a great tour.

This is an exciting way to explore one of Paris’ most beautiful palaces. Join this unforgettable, guided bike tour of Versailles’ top sights! Cruise from an outdoor market to the Queen’s Hamlet, enjoy a picnic lunch on the Grand Canal, and visit the Grand Trianon.

Cap off your exploration with a visit inside the royal palace! Roundtrip trains from Paris, bicycle and helmet rentals, and entrance tickets are included, so all you need to do is enjoy the adventure!

• Friendly, local guide
• Bike rental with helmets
• Two-seater children’s trailers if needed
• Roundtrip train from Paris
• Visit Versailles’s outdoor market for Parisian picnic supplies (bring extra cash for purchases)
• Free time in Grand Trianon
• Tour inside the Hamlet
• Entry into the Chateau de Versailles to explore on your own

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  Versailles Guide for more resources.

2. Skip the Line Palace of Versailles and Gardens Tour from Paris

Round-trip Transportation from Paris

This tour takes all the hassle out of planning how to get to Versailles. Meet our local guide in the center of Paris and board the train towards the ideal stop for the Palace of Versailles. You’ll have round-trip tickets so you can return to Paris anytime after your tour ends.

Palace of Versailles

The lines at Versailles are notoriously long. Thankfully, you’ll have skip-the-line tickets that let you bypass the hoards of other tourists who will wait for hours just to get inside. Thanks to your headphones, you’ll be able to hear your guide as you navigate through the accessible areas of the palace. There are 2,300 rooms here, but you won’t have to wander through them all!

Gardens and Trianon Estate

Your guide will lead you through the ticket booth and into the famous gardens of Versailles. Hear a brief overview of how these gardens came to be and what to explore here. You’ll be free to wander the gardens on your own, and your tickets even include entry to the Petite and Trianon Estates, where King Louis XIV often used to escape his larger palace.

• 3 hours (plus travel time)
• Round-trip transportation from Paris (usually by train)
• Skip-the-line entry to Palace of Versailles
• Guided tour of the palace
• Entry to the gardens and Trianon Estate
• Free time to explore the gardens

3. Versailles Gardens Tour from Paris with Skip the Line Palace Access

When you’re staying in Paris, you don’t want to have to worry about how to get all the way out to Versailles to see the gardens. That’s why we’ve taken care of the round-trip transportation from central Paris on this tour. Just meet your guide and small group, hop aboard the train, get off at the ideal stop, then head to the palace.

This tour makes sure you get to explore the best of the Gardens of Versailles. If nature’s beauty is what really thrills you, then a guided tour of the perfectly planned gardens designed by then-famous André Le Nôtre. Your garden tickets also include access to the Petite and Trianon Estates, which are other popular spots to visit here.

After the guided garden tour, you’ll head to the ostentatious palace where your guide will share the most fascinating facts and stories about its creation and those who lived there. You’ll see long lines of people waiting to get in, but this tour includes skip-the-line tickets so you don’t waste any time getting in to explore on your own. Feel free to wander through the palace at your own pace.

• Round-trip transportation from Paris (usually train)
• Guided tour of the gardens
• Access to Trianon Estate

4. From Versailles: Skip the Line Royal Palace of Versailles and Gardens Tour

So what’s different about this tour? Well, we don’t assume that everyone visiting Versailles is staying in Paris. If that’s you, then this tour is ideal for you. It starts right at the edge of the Palace of Versailles, so you can simply meet your guide and group and off you go!

This tour also includes skip-the-line tickets, which means you’ll bypass that super-long line of tourists. Follow your guide, who knows exactly which rooms are worth spending more (or less) time in to maximize your visit. You’ll have plenty of time in the jaw-dropping Hall of Mirrors, of course.

With this tour, your guide will escort you through the ticket checkpoint to head out to the gardens. You’ll get an overview of what to see and how to see it all, from the fountains to the Trianon Estate. And yes, your tickets do include entry at both Petite and Trianon, so be sure to head over there on your own.

5. Private Golden Versailles Palace and Garden Tour

A private tour of Versailles is the way to go. Start in central Paris where your private guide will escort you onto the right train and off at the exactly right stop at Versailles. It’s about 40 minutes outside of the city, so leaving the details to your guide makes this day stress-free.

The crowds at Versailles are notorious, but booking this private tour ensures two things: you’ll skip past the lines and enter quickly, and you’ll be able to interact closely with your private guide despite the crowds. They’ll know just where to take you to find a quieter space to talk about what you’re seeing. And if you want more time in a certain area, like the Hall of Mirrors, just let them know!

The beauty of the gardens at Versailles almost rivals the beauty within the palace. These impeccable gardens are still well-maintained and worth exploring. Your private guide will talk about the incredible undertaking of planning and constructing these gardens. And you’re free to explore them and the Trianon Estate with your entry ticket here.

• Skip-the-line entry to the Palace of Versailles
• Entry to the gardens

6. Palace of Versailles and Eiffel Tower Full-Day Combo Tour

Roundtrip Train Journey

Versailles is located just outside the city, but you don’t want to miss it on your trip to Paris. On our day tour with the Palace of Versailles and Eiffel Tower , go on a roundtrip train journey to see the palace with countryside views along the way. With all the logistics taken care of, all you have to do is enjoy a day of French opulence. 

Palace of Versailles, Gardens of Versailles, and Trianon Estate

Get straight in with skip-the-line tickets and explore areas like the famed Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, the magnificent Gardens of Versailles, and Trianon Estate.

Seine River Cruise and Eiffel Tower

Back in the city, see more of Paris’ majesty from the river Seine as you cruise past the Louvre, Notre Dame, and other top sights. And the cherry on the cake: visit the iconic Eiffel Tower. Skip the line, get priority access to the elevator, and enjoy the incredible views from high up on the second floor. Is there a better way to see Paris?

Highlights:

• 8-hour tour
• Skip-the-line guided tour of the Palace of Versailles
• Round-trip transportation by train from Paris to Versailles
• 1-hour guided riverboat cruise on the Seine
• Skip-the-line elevator tickets to the Eiffel Tower second floor

Where To Stay in Paris

With a city as magnificent as Paris, it can be hard to find the perfect hotel at the perfect price. Explore the best hotels and places to stay in these incredible neighborhoods in Paris.

About Brie Greenhalgh

Writer, editor, teacher, hiker, traveler, dreamer. With a book or pen in hand and a majestic sunset on the horizon, life is never short of fulfilling moments for Brie. She has a background in history and writing, and enjoys writing and editing for BobVila.com, The Tour Guy, and her own business.

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Palace of Versailles tickets tours

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Roundrip transportation Versailles/Paris (half-day)

You already have your ticket or you wish to book it by yourself, take our shuttle to the castle of Versailles.

Guided Tour of the Palace of Versailles with Priority Access from Versailles

Come discover the Palace of Versailles leaving from Versailles. An expert guide will accompany you as you discover the history of French kings by visiting their superb apartments and the incomparable Hall of Mirrors. 

Versailles Half Day Audio Guided Tour of the Palace from Paris with transportation

Half a day to visit the Palace of Versailles at your own convenience. Audio guides available for the grand apartments of the Palace. Free time in the French-style gardens. Excursion departing from Paris

Audio Guided Tour of the Palace of Versailles and Access to the whole Estate Day Trip from Paris with transportation

Day trip to the Palace of Versailles. Free time to visit the King and Queen’s Grand Apartments and reception rooms with an audio guide. Free time to lunch and then discover the French gardens of the Palace of Versailles.

Versailles Essential Tour from Paris (Guided Tour of the Palace of Versailles with Priority Access) with transportation

Guided tour of the Château de Versailles and its gardens with direct access. Round trip bus transportation from/to Paris, priority access to the interior of the castle.

Versailles Extended Tour from Paris (Palace with guide, gardens, the Trianons and the Queen’s Hamlet)

Guided tour of the Palace of Versailles, including the King and Queen’s grand apartments and the Hall of Mirrors. Lunch in the park of the Palace. Guided tour of the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon, as well as the Queen’s Hamlet.

Guided Tour of the Palace of Versailles with Priority Access in a Small Group (transportation included 1-15)

Small groups or private tours. Discover the Palace of Versailles with a guided tour of the King’s Grand Apartments and the Hall of Mirrors. Take a walk in the French gardens designed by André Le Nôtre. Departure and return by minibus to the Pullman hotel in Paris.

Audio Guided Tour of Giverny Monet's Gardens and the Palace of Versailles Day Trip (lunch and transportation included)

A guided day tour with two must-see destinations close to Paris. Discover the Gardens of Giverny, with free time to visit the studio and House of Claude Monet. Then head to the Palace of Versailles, with free time to stroll through the gardens. Stop for lunch at Moulin de Fourges or Bistrot du Moulin.

All day trip guided tour Giverny Monet's Gardens and Palace of Versailles from Paris with skip-the-line access (lunch and transportation included)

A guided day tour with two must-see destinations close to Paris. Discover the Gardens of Giverny, with free time to visit the studio and House of Claude Monet. Then head to the Palace of Versailles, with free time to stroll through the gardens. Stop for lunch at Moulin de Fourges.

Guided Tour of Giverny and Versailles in small group (1-15) with Skip-the-Line Access Day Trip from Paris (Lunch and transportation included)

In a small group or private tour, go and discover Versailles and Giverny. The Monet Foundation with its magnificent gardens, his house, and the picturesque Norman village of Giverny. And the majestic Palace of Versailles.

5-DAY TOUR IN FRANCE : round-trip airport/hotel transfers + 2-day guided tour of Mont Saint Michel/Chateaux de La Loire + guided tour of Versailles

Enjoy a complete experience combining the discovery of Paris, the rich history of Normandy, the splendor of the Loire castles, and the magnificence of Versailles.

Versailles tickets, guided tours et priority access

When visiting Paris, it's easy to visit Versailles by booking your tickets in advance with PARISCityVISION. On board a comfortable coach from the centre of Paris or by train, to visit the gardens and the Palace of Versailles with priority access with a guide-interpreter or on your own with an audio guide, choose the tickets that suit you best. Whether you prefer to condense your visit into a morning or an afternoon, or take the time to have lunch in the park near the Grand Canal and stroll over to the Trianon, there are tours and excursions to suit all tastes .

A priority ticket enables you to visit the Grands Appartements royaux and the Hall of Mirrors, with an audio guide to comment on the history of the Palace of Versailles in the language of your choice. You can then wander at your leisure through the gardens laid out by Le Nôtre , while a more comprehensive guided tour will take you to the Petit and Grand Trianon, where you can discover the Queen's domain. Guided tours of the Palace of Versailles and its formal gardens can also be arranged for small groups.

Visit our website to find out about prices and opening times for visitors, and book your tickets in advance. Guided tours, musical performances or both, make the most of the best rates when booking your excursion.

Versailles, a must-see in France

The history of the Versailles Palace is unique and very important in French history. Louis XIV conceived of the Château de Versailles as an expression of his omnipotence, and as a representation of the power of the kings of France . At the height of his power, he made Versailles the epitome of superlatives. Today, this immense palace, surrounded by splendid gardens, is one of the most visited monuments in France, just a few kilometres from Paris.

The Château de Versailles is a must-see if you're staying in Paris to discover the history of Louis XIV and Marie-Antoinette, through historical reconstructions and educational exhibitions. To get an idea of what life was like at Court, you need to have seen the 2,300-odd rooms in the château , admired the Hall of Mirrors and the King's and Queen's flats , and strolled along the paths of the landscaped gardens, as more than 10 million visitors do every year. Slip into the intimacy of Marie-Antoinette at the Petit Trianon and the Queen's hamlet , in a world that is both rural and delicate, less ostentatious and particularly poignant.

To fully immerse yourself in the grandeur of Versailles and its aristocratic history , book your tickets during the spring to catch the Grandes Eaux Musicales show . This aquatic and musical spectacle, set to Baroque music, unfolds in the basins and gardens of Versailles in the afternoon. Alternatively, during the summertime, you can experience an extraordinary show on Saturday nights, culminating with fireworks above the Grand Canal. Ensure you reserve your tickets to witness this captivating spectacle .

Book your Versailles tickets online

Buy your Versailles ticket onlin e and discover this extraordinary place at your own pace. Order your tickets for Versailles online and discover every corner of the estate: the palace, the gardens, the two Trianons and the Queen's hamlet all bear witness to the past splendour and now bygone daily life of the French monarchy. Your tickets include an audio guide to the history and secrets of the château.

Don't hesitate any longer, purchase your ticket now for one of the various tours offered by PARISCityVISION and relish the experience of visiting one of the world's most stunning monuments .

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Palace of Versailles

Versailles, Ile-de-France, France

The Palace of Versailles was the residence of King Louis XIV and former seat of the French Government.

24 Nov 2020

@histluketomes.

About Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is an opulent complex and former royal residence outside of Paris. It remains one of France’s most iconic national landmarks.

Palace of Versailles history

The Palace of Versailles was originally the hunting lodge of France’s King Louis XIII, but was transformed into a magnificent residence by his son and successor, Louis XIV.

The ostentatious monarch built the Grand Apartment of the King and Queen which included the magnificent Hall of Mirrors before moving both his court and the government of France to Versailles in 1682. And so it remained until the French Revolution in 1789. As a symbol of the monarchical power and authority, the Palace was right at the epicentre of the Revolution.

On 5 October 1789, a procession of women, accompanied by a few men, travelled to Versailles. At this time, the king was hunting at Meudon, while Marie-Antoinette was walking on the Trianon estate. News of the march spread quickly through the town, and the gates of the Palace were shut. The queen, having been alerted, returned to her apartments and the king returned to the Palace. He received a delegation of women, to whom he made many promises.

The women were soon joined by representatives of the rioters, which compromised the safety of the royal family. In the Royal Courtyard, in front of the Palace, the crowd cried “To Paris! To Paris!” The reunited royal family left Versailles on 6 October 1789.

In the 19th Century King Louis-Philippe turned it into the Museum of the History of France. The gardens of the Palace of Versailles, designed by André Le Nôtre at the instruction of Louis XIV, are equally spectacular and took forty years to complete.

Palace of Versailles today

Today the Palace contains 2,300 rooms spread over 63,154 m2 and is owned by the French state. Its formal title is the Public Establishment of the Palace, Museum and National Estate of Versailles.

Since 1995, it has been run as a public establishment, with an independent administration and management supervised by the French Ministry of Culture.There are numerous places to visit at the Palace of Versailles and a range of tour options. Audio headsets are available as are guided tours. When visiting the Palace of Versailles, you can also see Marie Antoinette’s estate and The Grande Trianon.

The historical landmark is UNESCO World Heritage site.

Getting to the Palace of Versailles

There are several ways to get to the Palace of Versailled via public transport. The Versailles Express shuttle offers transport to the Palace of Versailles from the Eiffel Tower in Paris from Tuesday to Sunday. If travelling via bus, The RATP bus line 171 runs between Pont de Sèvres (terminus of the Paris metro line 9) and the Palace of Versailles in 30 minutes without traffic.

By train, the RER line C arrives at Versailles Château – Rive Gauche train station, just 10 minutes’ walk to the Palace. SNCF trains from Gare Montparnasse arrive at Versailles Chantiers train station, which is 18 minutes on foot to the Palace. SNCF trains from Gare Saint Lazare arrive at Versailles Rive Droite train station, 17 minutes on foot to the Palace.

If travelling by car or coach, from the A13 motorway, take exit number 5 (Versailles Centre) and follow the signs for the Palace of Versailles. There are several paying car parks located around the site.

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The Palace Of Versailles France

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I was a Francophile, since day one! From the moment that I learned how to read, I read many novels by French authors. I also saw many French films, with my dad. We loved to spend time together, going to the movies! SO: it was on the TOP of my bucket list, to visit France! I was lucky enough, to visit: Twice! First in1977, & a second 2 week vacation in 1983! France is an amazing country to visit! Both TWA tours. In 1977 we only visited Paris, for a few days. But in 1983, we took a 2 week tour that started on the south of France, & ended in Paris. We visited Versailles twice. It's considered by experts in architecture, as one of the most beautiful places, ever built! From the moment that you reach the gate, & that you enter & start walking towards the palace, you are impressed by the grandeur of it! You also come to realize as to WHY there was a revolution in France years ago! The palace of Versailles is opulent, & the French people were starving! Things needed to change! Improvements were necessary! An impressive statue of: King Louis XIV, will greet you, as you are reaching the door, & after viewing room after gorgeous room inside the palace, you can then go outside & have a lovely walk enjoying the large formal classical garden! IF you are wealthy enough, you can have your wedding or your reception, at the palace of Versailles! It's a MUST see, destination! NYC.

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Moscow, St Petersburg and Golden Ring Rendezvous

Duration 11 days

Price from USD $2,655 ? Currency Conversion Converted from USD based on the latest exchange rate. Final amount and payment will be in USD. Final conversion rate is determined by your bank.

Trip Style Culture & Sightseeing

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Home / Golden Ring Tours / Moscow, St Petersburg and Golden Ring Rendezvous

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Embark on an endlessly enthralling exploration of the places that shaped Russia’s history on this 11-day tour of Moscow, St Petersburg and the Golden Ring. From the reign of the Tsars to the iron grip of the USSR to the people and projects ushering in a new era of cultural expression and innovation, you’ll gain a deeper insight into Russia’s ancient heritage and a fascinating glimpse into its future.

Moscow, St Petersburg and Golden Ring tour highlights:

• Moscow City Walking Tour: Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of one of the world’s biggest metropolises on a guided tour of Moscow on foot, taking in the Red Square, the Kremlin, the fantastical St Basil’s Cathedral and more
• Moscow Metro Tour: go deep underground on a subway tour of the famous metro system, a Soviet innovation renowned for its palatial, lavishly decorated stations
• Mini Golden Ring Tour: spend two days in the gorgeous Russian countryside visiting three of the most beautiful towns of the historic Golden Ring – the medieval village of Vladimir, Suzdal’s storybook wooden houses and Sergei Posad, the “Russian Vatican”
• St Petersburg Walking Tour: Admire the spectacular urban architecture, old-world grandeur and buzzing vibe on a guided walking tour of St Petersburg, including a stroll along its lively high street, Nevsky Prospekt
• Take a hydrofoil boat trip to the World Heritage-listed Peterhof Palace and Park
• Marvel at some of the most esteemed treasures among the 3 million works of art on a guided tour of St Petersburg’s State Hermitage Museum
• Enjoy a day excursion to Tsarkoe Selo (the Tsar’s village) in the charming suburb of Pushkin, home of the extravagant Catherine Palace and the stately Alexander Palace.

Our Russian rendezvous begins in the faced-past mega-city of  Moscow , taking in its most famous attractions and uncovering the ongoing revolutionary spirit that makes Moscow one of the world’s most exciting urban destinations. Trace Russia’s extraordinary journey from one of the world’s greatest empires to a secretive Soviet state to a rising modern superpower. Next, be transported back in time as we follow the famous Golden Ring circuit through the Russian countryside. Enjoy the relaxed pace of rural life and explore some of the route's most historically significant and aesthetically charming townships.

Finally, we hop on the Sapsan to Moscow and St. Petersburg, a high-speed rail line and a testament to Russia’s technological progress. On arriving in St Petersburg, you’ll be stunned by the sights and sounds of one of the world’s most beautiful and romantic cities. With its splendid palaces, parks and canals, it’s the perfect place to end our expedition through the cultural heartland of Russia. Our signature Moscow, St Petersburg and Golden Ring tour is a travel dream come true for art, history and culture buffs. You’ll be treated to the accommodation at centrally located hotels, private drivers and hand-picked, professional local guides.

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Culture & Sightseeing

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11 days / 10 nights

Private - Any Date

Culture & Sightseeing

Itinerary View map

Day 1 arrival to moscow.

Welcome to Moscow, the monumental capital of Mother Russia! You’ll be met by your driver at the airport and taken to your centrally located hotel. Rest up, or explore the local area on your own for the remainder of the day.

As an option* we recommend an evening on the Moskva River enjoying a sumptuous dinner cruise, taking in the stunning sights and city lights of this mesmerising metropolis by night.

Day 2 Moscow: Red Square, Kremlin and Armoury Chamber

There’s no better way to acquaint yourself with Moscow than a walking tour of the historic city centre. Our guided walk will include a stroll through the Red Square, the hub of cultural life in Moscow, with its fantasy-like St Basil’s Cathedral – a postcard-perfect symbol of the nation. Break for lunch in one of the many downtown restaurants before continuing on a tour of the Kremlin and Armoury Museum.

Spend the evening your way, or let us prepare something extra special as an option* - an unforgettable night at the opera or the Russian ballet at the iconic Bolshoi Theatre.

Day 3 Moscow: Metro tour, Tretyakov Gallery and Red October district

Start a day with a tour of the 19th century Tretyakov State Gallery, the world’s foremost depository of Russian fine art, containing over 130,000 exhibits, with work by Rublev, Kandinsky, Repin and many others. You’ll visit the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, one of the most important churches in Russia. We’ll get to the gallery via a Metro Tour, stopping on the way to marvel at some of the most elaborately decorated stations of the world-famous Moscow subway system. Beside the cathedral is a bridge with fantastic views of this part of the city.

Next, we explore the Red October district , and a vibrant hangout for Moscow’s youth, with its old industrial alleyways and lovingly restored courtyards lined with chic cafes, designer studios and galleries. After a break, the second half of the day consists of a wandering sojourn through some of Moscow’s most famous streets and squares.

Day 4 Moscow: free day

Today is yours to take the knowledge you’ve gained from your expert guide and discover your own favourite hang-outs and hidden treasures within this dynamic city of over 12 million.

Alternatively, choose from one of the experiences on offer* (download a detailed itinerary).

Day 5 Golden Ring: Vladimir and Suzdal

Today we depart Moscow and drive to two of the most picturesque Golden Ring cities, Vladimir and Suzdal. 190km east of Moscow, Vladimir was the former capital of medieval Russia and is one of the region’s oldest settlements. Visit spectacular landmarks including the white and gold Assumption Cathedral and the Golden Gates, constructed in 1164 and nearly obliterated in the Mongol invasions. After lunch, we head to our overnight destination of Suzdal, one of the most charismatic villages on the Golden Ring route. With wooden houses straight from the pages of a storybook and horse-drawn buggies plying its quiet streets, Suzdal has managed to retain a tranquil, rural atmosphere that’s changed little over a span of centuries.

We’ll walk the ramparts of the Old Kremlin and admire the divine frescoes and classic wooden architecture of the Church of the Transfiguration.

Day 6 Golden Ring: Sergiev Posad

Following the Golden Ring route 170km to the east of Suzdal, we head for Sergiev Posad on a scenic drive through the Russian countryside. The spiritual heart of the Orthodox Church, Sergiev Posad is known as the Russian Vatican thanks to the gleaming blue and gold cupolas scattered all around the town. Our afternoon will include a visit to the resplendent Trinity Lavra, dedicated to Russia’s patron saint. Built in 1423, the working monastery is a World Heritage site, with a cathedral brimming with works by many of Russia’s greatest religious painters.

In the evening, we board a Sapsan – a Russian high-speed train – which will whisk us to our next destination, St Petersburg, completing the 700km journey in just four hours. On arrival in St Petersburg, you’ll be transferred straight to your centrally located hotel.

Day 7 St Petersburg: historical city tour

Meet your friendly and knowledgeable St Petersburg guide in the lobby and begin your discovery of Russia’s ‘Cultural Capital’ with a walking tour of the city’s most popular attractions. Your walking tour will include Nevsky Prospect, St. Petersburg’s fanciful high street, the Anichokov Bridge and Palace, viewpoints over the Fontaka and Moika Rivers, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Palace Square and the Senate Square, with its bronze horseman monument to Peter the Great and the Church of the Spilled Blood. You’ll also get the chance to stroll the grounds of the magnificent Peter and Paul Fortress on the banks of the Neva River, a burial place for the Russian emperors from Peter the Great to Nicholas II.

After lunch, we’ll pay a visit to the Aurora Cruiser, the legendary ship that supposedly sparked the Russian Revolution by firing the first shot, signalling the revolutionaries to storm the Winter Palace.

As an option* for this evening, we invite you to enjoy an evening of classical music at one of St. Petersburg’s beautiful palaces, with this 2-hour experience. Take a seat in the magnificent Hall of the Palace. Then, lose yourself in much-loved works by Russian composers such as Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich and others, all played by an orchestra of St Petersburg. As the perfect curtain raisers, enjoy an interesting pre-concert tour of the palace's halls and a glass of sparkling wine.

Day 8 St Petersburg: Peterhof

50km from St Petersburg is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Peterhof, the ‘Russian Versailles’. We’ll travel by fast boat to avoid city traffic. Once the opulent summer resort of the Romanovs, today Peterhof is an open-air museum and a testament to Peter the Great’s contribution to the city’s development. Marvel at the brilliance of the 18th-century architects and artists who designed the Grand Palace, the Lower Gardens and some 150 stunning fountains on the palace grounds.

As an option*, we will visit the recently opened Faberge Museum, a private collection of over 4,000 Faberge Eggs and other bejewelled objects of desire, elegantly displayed inside the stunning Shuvalov Palace.

Day 9 St Petersburg: Hermitage and canals cruise

Today starts with a walk to the Palace Square to admire the grand designs of the Tsar’s Winter Palace, now a part of the State Hermitage Museum complex. In the afternoon, it’s time to see St Petersburg from a different angle on a boat ride through the city’s maze of canals. We’ll pass under some of the city’s 400 bridges and casually drift past 18th-century palaces and striking architectural landmarks. Affectionally referred to as the ‘Venice of the North', St Petersburg’s romantic atmosphere rivals Venice and Paris, with the bonus of far fewer tourists!

Enjoy special optional* evening activity – attending a Russian folk show at Nikolaevsky Palace. Alternatively, ask us about reserving a table and transfers to one of the city’s most famous restaurants.

Day 10 St Petersburg: Pushkin and Palovsk

Experience the extravagance of the Imperial rulers on an excursion to the suburban estates of Tsarskoe Selo (Tsar’s village). Now part of the nearby town of Pushkin, the vast estate is made up of acres of exquisite parks and gardens. Dotted with remarkable structures like the Marble Bridge and the Creaking Pagoda, constructed for the amusement of Catherine the Great, the Empress once strolled these grounds, accompanied by her beloved Italian greyhounds. Here you’ll find the baroque Catherine Palace, a dazzling testament to Catherine’s love of luxury and royal excess. We also explore the stately neoclassical Alexander Palace, whose tumultuous history paints a fascinating portrait of the Romanov family. We’ll also visit Pavlovsk Palace and Park, commissioned by Catherine as the summer residence of her son, Emperor Paul I. The 600-hectare park is one of the largest landscaped parks in Europe.

Optionally* you may choose to take a tour of Yusupov Palace on the Moika River, best known for being the scene of the assassination of Rasputin.

Day 11 Departure from St Petersburg

Our journey through the historic heart and cultural soul of Russia has come to an end. After breakfast and check-out, you’ll be transferred to the airport, filled with lifelong memories and unforgettable impressions of this captivating country.

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Group arrival and departure airport or train station transfers

All transportation on tour, according to the itinerary (private driver, metro)

Centrally located 3* hotels, can be upgraded to 4* or 5*

Breakfasts in the hotels, some meals during a tour of the Golden Ring cities

Sapsan train tickets from Moscow to St Petersburg ("economy plus" class, *can be upgraded to the business class upon request)

Local licensed English-speaking tour leaders

All activities indicated in the itinerary, except optional

Entry tickets, according to the itinerary (skip-the-line policy)

Russian visa support document

Travel insurance

Russian visa and visa fees. *Russian visa can be arranged by 56th Parallel for an additional cost (for Australian citizens only). Apply for concierge visa service here .

Optional excursions

Individual transfers

Moscow to St Petersburg

*Private Tour. Price is per person, based on min 2 people

Testimonials

Christabel Lim Australia

Thank you so much for arranging everything!

James and Maria Short Australia

We would recommend this tour to our friends and prospective travellers...

Vladimir, Suzdal and Posad – 

On the 5th day, we travelled with Irina and our driver to Vladimir and Suzdal – as with our experience in Moscow this tour did not disappoint. Irina was old school and we benefitted by her experience and mature viewpoint. The 2 days of this part of the tour was superbly balanced with the previous days spent in Moscow. The itinerary was impressive.

St Petersburg – 

The arrival in St Petersburg was after 9 pm and at the time the Hotel reception was chaotic with guest arrivals. The combination of a busy fast train and pesty Chinese travellers many of whom do not possess spacial awareness, plus vehicle transfer by a driver who seemingly was in an urgent hurry we have left abruptly at the entry of the hotel.

Having been spoiled with the quality of accommodation in Moscow and Suzdal we felt the room assigned to us at Solo Sokos Palace left a lot to be desired. The day following we upgraded to a suite, paid additional to our tour cost.

St Petersburg was in full flight tourist wise –  the longer we stayed the more familiar the city became.

By this time both of us were ill with the flu and we had to manage our excursions to suit the daily schedule. But not to be deterred we made the most of our days touring, and like all that have been to this city before us, we fell in love with St Petersburg.

Our guide Julia was young and eager to impart her knowledge of this great city with its amazing history.  We have little reason to criticize Julia although if there was any reservation it was her to do with her maturity – there were times we felt she was on task to cover her content a little to robotically. That said we sorted out things and cut short parts where we thought were repetitive. Mind you we did not doubt he knowledge of history and if we felt we had our fill of Tzars and Tzarinas we gently persuaded her to vary the tour. I have an interest in the siege of Leningrad during WW2 and the Stalinist period pre and post-war – to which she accommodated.

She was very ill herself the last day of the tour and we cut short the tour because of this although she was prepared to soldier on and insisted she arranged a refund for this part of the tour. In a few words, we Loved St Petersburg.

We would recommend this tour to our friends and prospective travellers,  the tour ran seamlessly and we did not want for anything.

Fiorella Calvinisti and Rolando Masseli Guatemala

The tour in Russia has been excellent!

It is hard to find a single most enjoyed thing in our tour, it was extremely good. We enjoyed it all. The selected places, the route, the food even the climate was perfect. There is one thing that deserves a special word and it is the tour guides. They were amazingly friendly and well prepared. Thank you very much 56th Parallel for such a wonderful time.

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Why travel to Russia with 56th Parallel?

Destination Specialists

Our team offers over 18 years of experience travelling and planning travel in Russia. Delivering outstanding travel experiences in Russia’s capitals and in some of the most stunning & remote locations takes experience, special access and the right connections. We make sure that all the fine details are handled perfectly so you can enjoy your Russia travel experience.

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The choice to join a small group on a guaranteed departure or chose to travel on your own dates with your own mates. Each destination we travel to in Russia offers an option between private tours and small group tours. Please note: on our adventure tours in remote destinations, we mostly run group tours to keep the cost down.

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Day 1: Arrival to Moscow

Day 2: moscow: red square, kremlin and armoury chamber, day 3: moscow: metro tour, tretyakov gallery and red october district, day 4: moscow: free day, day 5: golden ring: vladimir and suzdal, day 6: golden ring: sergiev posad, day 7: st petersburg: historical city tour, day 8: st petersburg: peterhof, day 9: st petersburg: hermitage and canals cruise, day 10: st petersburg: pushkin and palovsk, day 11: departure from st petersburg, not included, start planning your tour.

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Due to Olympic Games events being held in the park of the Estate of Versailles, certain areas of the park are not accessible to the public. Visitors, whether on foot, horseback or bicycle, are asked not to go through the gates and barriers. Find out more about conditions of access to the park .

The Palace of Versailles Park remains open every day, free of charge, and accessible via the Gardens, the Queen's Gate and the Saint-Anthony's Gate .

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All year long, concerts, operas, ballets... in famous places of the Palace: the Royal Opera and the Royal Chapel .

From the beginning of April to the end of October, enjoy the Musical Fountains Shows and the Musical Gardens .

Show in the Palace, access through  entrance B .

Shows in the Gardens, access through  the Princes courtyard .

Locate on the map

Fountains shows in one look

A simplified presentation of the tickets allowing access to the Musical Fountains Show, the Musical Gardens, the Royal Serenades or the Fountains Night Show.

Guided tours

Led by a tour guide from the palace of Versailles.

Tours of different parts of the Palace depending on the theme, such as the State Apartments or the Hall of Mirrors, and areas not open to the public on unaccompanied tours.

Except if otherwise indicated, the meeting point for guided tours is at the welcome desk is in the  North Ministers’ Wing .

Mandatory booking, as early as 3 months before the day of the visit (on the first working day in the month). On the form to request a guided visit for a group of adults , you can select up to three dates. Visits are possible every day that we are open except public holidays and free-admission Sundays , subject to availability of places.

Price : 600€ for all the visitors of  the group. After the visit, free access to the permanent collections (at the Palace of Versailles or the Estate of Trianon, depending on the theme of your visit).

Every ticket in one look

A summary of the "Groups" offer for tourism professionals and associations.

Self-guided tours

Self-guided tours :

• a time slot for direct access to the Palace within half an hour of the booked time slot.
• speaking rights for your guide.

Mandatory booking,  as early as 3 months before the day of the visit (on the first working day in the month).

For groups  : booking online or by phone on +33 1 30 83 04 05.

Following new health guidelines, significant changes have been made to the reception of groups. Access new guidelines.

Audiophones

All groups (except for school groups and special audiences) must be equipped with audiophones , whether inside the palace or in the grounds. If you don't have your own equipment, you can hire it on site, by phone or by selecting the Audiophone product in the online ticket office.

Private tours

A unique private tour, with a Palace speaker.

A la carte tours with personalized themes during opening hours but in otherwise closed locations.

Price : 1000€. After the private tour, free access to permanent collections, to the Musical Fountains Show and Musical Gardens (from April to October). 

For more information, please send an email to [email protected] or telephone 00 33 (0)1 30 83 77 82

Mandatory booking through  [email protected]

Please include your full contact details (postal address and telephone number) in your application.

Prestige Tours

Prestige Tours or private events, with a speaker from the Palace, in locations of the museum and estate of Versailles

Access to the main areas of the Palace : the State Apartments, the Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Opera House, the Royal Chapel...

Outside of public opening times

Price : on request

Contact : [email protected]

The Petit Trianon of Marie-Antoinette

The Queen received the Petit Trianon as a gift by Louis XVI in 1774. The Estate will become her kingdom. Freed from the Etiquette, she created a world matching her personality and the fashion of her time.

The Petit Trianon

Enter several dates in the book form. This visit is available every

opening day except on public

holidays and on

free Sundays .

Splendorous Versailles

Versailles’s treasures down to the smallest details! Let yourself be amazed by the King’s chamber, a dazzling reflection of the King’s glory, by the sparkling Hall of Mirrors and its three hundred and fifty seven mirrors, and by all the wonders which contributed to the fame of the Sun King’s Palace.

North Ministers' wing

• Motor deficiencies
• Visual impairment

The King's Private Apartments

Beyond the walls and ceremonial life of the State Apartment, was the Kings' Private Apartment. Discover the intimate atmosphere and refined decoration of this "small apartment” which include the Clock Room, the recently restored Corner Room, the library and Louis XVI's Games Room.

The King's Private Apartments

The Petit Trianon and the Queen's theater

In 1774, Louis XVI gave the Queen the Petit Trianon. The estate will become her kingdom. Freed from the etiquette, she created there a world that reflects her personality and the trends of her time.

The Petit Trianon and the Queen's theater

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Discover the estate and enjoy numerous visits with the membership "1 year in Versailles"

Patronage within everyone's reach

Contribute to the enhancement of a world heritage that is also yours.