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Quick Information

ADDRESS

Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles, France

RECOMMENDED DURATION

4 hours

Timings

Closed today

VISITORS PER YEAR

15000000

TICKETS

From $17.81

NUMBER OF ENTRANCES

5

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

1-2 hours (Peak), 30-60 mins (Off Peak)

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE

0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

UNESCO YEAR

1979

Plan your visit

Did you know?

The Queen's House, nestled in the gardens, was rumoured to be haunted by Marie Antoinette's ghost, with sightings of her spectral apparitions wandering the premises.

Versailles nurtured a musical heritage as acclaimed composers like Jean-Baptiste Lully and Christoph Willibald Gluck crafted timeless masterpieces, contributing to an unparalleled musical legacy.

During the winter season, the vast Grand Canal at Versailles transformed into an enchanting ice-skating rink, providing the royal court with the exhilaration of gliding across frozen waters.

The impressive interiors of Versailles Palace

Hall of Mirrors

Step into the iconic Hall of Mirrors that reflects the grandeur of Versailles. Here, 17 mirrored arches reflect dazzling chandeliers and intricate ceiling paintings, creating a spectacle. This historic space has witnessed momentous treaties and opulent celebrations, offering a glimpse into Versailles' opulent past.

More about the Hall of Mirrors

The Royal Apartments

Explore the historic Royal Apartments, once home to the kings and queens of France. Walk past and admire the intricate details of the decor and furniture, and learn about the regal lifestyle of the past.

Apollo's Gallery

This iconic gallery features French Baroque design, paying homage to the Sun King, Louis XIV. The vaulted ceiling portrays Apollo, the radiant sun god, riding a chariot surrounded by celestial figures. This room exemplifies the grandeur and artistry of the French Baroque style

The Royal Chapel

Step into the historic Royal Chapel, where French royalty once worshipped. Admire the stunning Baroque architecture and the intricate decor details, and imagine the grandeur of royal ceremonies.

Explore the exterior attractions of the Versailles Palace

The Grand Trianon

Discover the calm beauty of the Grand Trianon, a smaller palace the king used to escape the stress of court life. The pink marble facade and exquisite interiors made it a peaceful retreat for French royalty.

More about the Trianon Estate

The Orangerie

Stroll through the impressive Orangerie, a massive greenhouse housing a large collection of citrus trees. The fragrant citrus trees and the elegant building create a serene and refreshing escape.

The Neptune Fountain

The Neptune Fountain is a colossal sculpture that dominates the gardens. This masterpiece depicts the sea god Neptune surrounded by mythical creatures, showcasing the grandeur of Versailles' garden design.

More about Versailles Palace Fountains

Marie Antoinette's Hamlet

Step back in time and explore Marie Antoinette's idyllic retreat. With its charming cottages and gardens, this historic hamlet offers a glimpse into the queen's private world. This rustic village, complete with cottages, gardens, and a mill, was the queen's peaceful haven, contrasting the opulence of the court.

View the Palace's collections

Paintings
Sculptures
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Paintings

The museum boasts a diverse collection of over 6,000 paintings showcasing historical and mythological themes. Admire paintings by artists like Jacques-Louis David, whose works capture pivotal moments in French history, including The Coronation of Napoleon. The array of portraits features iconic pieces by Hyacinthe Rigaud, such as his famous portrait of Louis XIV, and Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun, celebrated for her depictions of Marie Antoinette.

Sculptures

Versailles houses an exquisite array of sculptures, adding a three-dimensional charm to the museum. You can catch the neoclassical wonders by Jean-Antoine Houdon, and marvel at the intricate details of marble sculptures adorning the Palace's grand salons.

Decorative Arts

Experience the luxury of Versailles through its exquisite decorative arts collection. Ornate furniture, intricate tapestries, and luxurious porcelain reveal the lavish tastes of French royalty. Discover the finest Sèvres porcelain and the iconic furniture designed by André-Charles Boulle.

Ceramics

Explore a treasure trove of ceramic wonders, showcasing the skills of renowned potters from the past. The collection includes dazzling vases, intricate dinnerware, and charming figurines reflecting the artistic elegance of bygone eras

Textiles

The museum's textile collection features an impressive array of royal garments and tapestries. Highlights include ceremonial robes shot with gold thread, and tapestries  such as those from Gobelins and Beauvais manufactories, depicting scenes from mythology and royal life. A real glimpse into the royal past of Versailles.

Historical Artifacts

Discover fascinating artifacts illuminating life in the Court of Versailles. Delve into the personal belongings of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI, as well as diplomatic gifts and royal souvenirs, offering intriguing glimpses into their extraordinary lives.

History

Versailles, originally a modest hunting lodge built in 1624, underwent a breathtaking transformation when King Louis XIV chose it as the site for his opulent Palace. The Sun King's vision was realized when he moved his entire court to Versailles in 1682, making it the center of French politics and culture.

The pièce de résistance of the Palace is the Hall of Mirrors, completed in 1684, which witnessed not only grand celebrations but also crucial diplomatic events. However, history took a dramatic turn in 1789 during the French Revolution when the Palace fell under the scrutiny of the Revolutionaries, signaling the end of the monarchy. In 1837, Versailles was reimagined as a museum, welcoming countless visitors annually to admire its extensive art collection. Among the notable historical events that transpired here was the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, formally ending World War I.

Explore regal life and pivotal historical moments at Versailles as you embark on a fascinating journey through the captivating tapestry of French history.

​Read more on its history here

Architecture

Versailles is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture of the 17th century, a style that celebrates grandeur and drama. The palace's symmetrical layout and towering facade are instantly recognizable, while its opulent interiors, like the Hall of Mirrors, dazzle with intricate details and dancing light. A great example of this work is the Hall of Mirrors, with its 17 arched mirrors and magnificent chandeliers.

The gardens, a work of art in their own right, are a blend of nature and human design. Meticulously designed by André Le Nôtre, they feature geometric patterns, stately walkways, and cascading fountains. As you wander through these stunning landscapes, you'll feel transported to a bygone era of royal splendor.

​More on its architecture here

Frequently asked questions about Palace of Versailles

Consider a combination of self-guided exploration and guided tours. This allows you to delve into the history and art at your own pace, while also gaining deeper insights from expert guides.