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Palace of Versailles entrances | Which gate to use and why

Quick overview: Palace of Versailles entrances

The Palace of Versailles has three main visitor entrances: the Main Cour d'Honneur Entrance for most ticket holders, the Group Entrance for guided groups, and the Accessibility Entrance for visitors with reduced mobility. Your ticket determines which entrance to use, so checking in advance can help you avoid unnecessary queues.

  • Shortest queues: Main Cour d'Honneur Entrance, ideally before 9am.
  • Skip-the-line / timed tickets: Main Cour d'Honneur Entrance (dedicated ticket-holder lane).
  • Guided tours meet here: Group Entrance or the designated meeting point mentioned on your voucher.
  • Step-free access: Accessibility Entrance (priority access for wheelchair users and eligible visitors).

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Locating the entrances to the Palace of Versailles

Ticket offices

  • Enter from: You can head to the ticket offices from the Gate of Honor, the main entrance to the palace grounds.
  • Access for:
    • Standard Entry Tickets: Located in the left wing of the palace, from the courtyard.
    • Guided Tour Tickets: Located in the right wing of the palace, from the courtyard.

Palace entrances

Entrance A (to the left)

  • Access for: Online tickets and free admission tickets
  • Expected wait time: 30 minutes to 2 hours

Entrance B (to the right)

  • Access for: Group tickets
  • Expected wait time: Minimal

Entrance H (to the left of the courtyard)

  • Access for: Differently abled guests
  • Expected wait time: Minimal

Find the right entrance for your ticket

Ticket typeUse this entranceNotes

Standard / Timed Entry Ticket

Main Cour d'Honneur Entrance

Join the timed-entry queue and arrive 15–20 minutes before your reserved slot. Security screening applies.

Guided Tours

Group Entrance or the meeting point on your voucher

Meet your guide first. Follow your voucher instructions, as some tours begin outside the palace before entering together.

Palace Passport / Full Access Ticket

Main Cour d'Honneur Entrance

Use the ticket-holder queue at your booked entry time. Your ticket also includes access to other areas of the estate, subject to opening hours.

Priority Access Experiences

Main Cour d'Honneur Entrance

Meet your host at the location specified on your voucher. They will escort you to the appropriate entry lane.

Visitors with Reduced Mobility

Accessibility Entrance

Priority, step-free access is available for wheelchair users and eligible visitors. One accompanying person may also receive priority access where applicable.

Which Palace of Versailles entrance is right for you?

Not every visitor enters through the same gate. The Palace of Versailles has dedicated entrances based on your ticket type, accessibility needs, or whether you're visiting with a group. Here's a quick guide to help you choose the right one.

Use: Entrance A

Most visitors with pre-booked timed-entry or Passport tickets should head to Entrance A. While you'll still pass through security, this is the standard entrance for individual visitors.

Use: Entrance B

Visitors booked on a guided tour or hosted experience enter through Entrance B. Group entry is usually quicker and includes dedicated processing for tour groups.

Use: Entrance H

Entrance H is reserved for visitors with reduced mobility and their companions. Staff are available to assist, and queues are typically much shorter.

Go to: Ticket Office

If you haven't purchased your tickets online or need to collect certain ticket types, visit the ticket offices through the Gate of Honour before heading to your designated entrance.

Meet your guide at the right entrance

Guided tours begin from dedicated meeting points outside the palace. Booking ahead means your guide handles navigation and leads your group through the correct entrance.

Book Palace of Versailles Guided Tours

Accessible entrance at Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility through the Main Palace Entrance (Cour d'Honneur), where dedicated staff can direct you to the appropriate accessible route and security lane.

Most of the main visitor circuit inside the palace can be reached using lifts and ramps, including the State Apartments and Hall of Mirrors. Accessible restrooms are available throughout the estate, and wheelchairs can be borrowed free of charge (subject to availability).

Visitors with disabilities may qualify for complimentary admission, with free entry for one accompanying companion upon presentation of valid supporting documentation. While the palace is largely accessible, some historic areas and parts of the gardens feature uneven surfaces, gravel paths, or stairs that may limit access.

Security, bags & re-entry

All visitors must pass through airport-style security screening before entering the Palace of Versailles. To help your visit go smoothly:

  • Arrive 15–30 minutes before your timed entry slot.
  • Small backpacks and handbags are permitted, but oversized luggage and prohibited items are not allowed.
  • Photography for personal use is generally permitted inside the palace unless otherwise indicated. Flash photography, tripods, and selfie sticks may be restricted in certain areas.
  • Cloakroom facilities are available for permitted items, subject to capacity.
  • Re-entry is not permitted once you leave the palace. If your ticket includes the Gardens or Trianon Estate, plan your route before exiting the main palace.

Frequently asked questions about Palace of Versailles entrances

The palace has 2 main entrances or gates named A and B.

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