- 2-min walk (150 m)
- France’s most famous royal residence, opulent rooms, and gardens
- Cost: From €21
Top things to do near Versailles
The Palace of Versailles sits just outside Paris in the Yvelines department, surrounded by the historic town of Versailles. With its central location, you’ll find plenty to do near Versailles—whether you’re exploring the palace grounds, wandering through the town’s markets, or visiting nearby museums and parks within a 20-minute walk. It’s an ideal base for discovering French history, culture, and local flavors, all in one easy-to-navigate area.
Explore all attractions near the Versailles.
Save on entry to the Palace, Trianon Estate, and gardens with a Paris Museum Pass. Perfect for culture lovers, you’ll skip ticket lines and enjoy more sights in less time.
Hop-On Hop-Off bus tours from Paris stop near the palace, connecting you to central Paris, Trianon, and the gardens. It’s the easiest way to see more in a day.
Pair your Versailles visit with a guided tour of the Trianon Estate or Marie-Antoinette’s Hamlet. Combo tickets save time and offer deeper insights into royal life.
💡 Tip: Skip the palace cafés and pick up fresh bread, cheese, and fruit at Marché Notre-Dame. Enjoy your picnic by the Grand Canal or in a quiet garden grove for a classic Versailles experience.
💡 Tip: Even if you don’t attend a show, guided tours of the Royal Opera House reveal its ornate interiors and fascinating history.
Yes, Versailles is generally safe at night, especially around the palace and main streets. Stick to well-lit areas and main routes when returning from evening events.
The town and palace grounds are very walkable, with wide sidewalks and clear signage. Most attractions are within a 20-minute walk from the palace.
Marché Notre-Dame, Rue de Satory’s cafés, and the Potager du Roi are beloved by locals for food, shopping, and relaxing away from the palace crowds.
The banks of the Grand Canal in the palace gardens are perfect for a picnic, offering shade, views, and plenty of space to relax.
The Place d’Armes in front of the palace, the Hall of Mirrors, and the gardens’ central axis all offer iconic photo opportunities, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
You can stroll the gardens (except on fountain show days), visit the cathedral, browse the market, and explore the town’s historic squares and streets.
La Petite Venise, Ore, and Le Limousin are all within a short walk, offering a range of French and international cuisine.
The gardens maze, mini-train, Marie-Antoinette’s Hamlet, and rowboat rides on the Grand Canal are all family favorites.
Visit the palace’s interior, Musée Lambinet, or enjoy a long lunch at a local bistro. Many shops and cafés offer shelter and local charm.
Small lockers are available at the palace entrance, but large suitcases are not permitted. Consider using luggage storage services in Paris if needed.
Versailles Château–Rive Gauche (RER C) is the closest station, about a 10-minute walk from the palace entrance.
Dogs are not allowed in the palace or formal gardens but are permitted on leashes in the park and along the Grand Canal.
The Paris Museum Pass includes entry to the Palace of Versailles, Trianon Estate, and some local museums.
Marché Notre-Dame and Rue de Satory are the top spots for local shopping, food, and souvenirs.
The Place d’Armes and the gardens during the Musical Fountains Night Show offer beautiful evening views of the illuminated palace.
Potager du Roi, Parc Balbi, and the antique shops on Rue Carnot offer quieter, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Early mornings on weekdays, especially outside of school holidays and summer, are the quietest times to visit.
The Musical Fountains Show, Versailles Festival, and Christmas Market are highlights throughout the year.
