Palace of Versailles, the opulent former royal residence with Hall of Mirrors, gardens, and Grand Trianon.

About Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is the most magnificent royal residence in Europe, a sprawling masterpiece of French Baroque architecture that served as the seat of power from Louis XIV to the French Revolution. The palace contains over 2,300 rooms, including the breathtaking Hall of Mirrors — a 73-meter gallery with 357 mirrors reflecting light from arched windows overlooking the gardens.

The formal gardens, designed by André Le Nôtre, are a masterwork of landscape architecture covering over 800 hectares. Geometric flower beds, sculpted fountains (which come alive during spectacular Musical Fountains shows on weekends), tree-lined promenades, and the Grand Canal create an outdoor museum of symmetry and grandeur. The smaller Trianon palaces and Marie Antoinette's rustic Hamlet within the grounds offer more intimate glimpses of royal life.

The town of Versailles surrounding the palace is a pleasant destination in its own right, with an attractive market quarter, numerous restaurants, and the charming Quartier Saint-Louis with its antique shops. The town market (Marché Notre-Dame) operates several days a week and is one of the finest food markets in the Île-de-France region.

Nearby Landmarks

Hall of Mirrors Grand Trianon Marie Antoinette's Estate Gardens of Versailles Royal Chapel

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost EUR 50-70
Time 40-50 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost EUR 40-60
Time 40-50 minutes

Arrivals level

Train (RER C)

Cost EUR 4-6
Time 35 min from Paris
Frequency Every 15 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

Take Tram T7 to Villejuif-Louis Aragon, Metro 7 to Chatelet, RER C to Versailles Rive Gauche.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi EUR 50-70 40-50 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare EUR 40-60 40-50 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train EUR 4-6 35 min from Paris Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Versailles is primarily a daytime destination as the palace closes by 6:30 PM. The RER C runs until about midnight. After that, taxis from Orly to Versailles cost approximately €40-50. Late evening visits are only worthwhile if dining in the town of Versailles, which has a lively restaurant scene.

Luggage Tips

The Palace of Versailles does not allow large bags inside (backpacks over 55x35x20cm must be checked). There is a free cloakroom at the entrance. If coming directly from the airport with luggage, plan to check bags at the palace or store them at the Versailles-Château RER station lockers.

Accessibility

The Palace of Versailles has made significant accessibility improvements with ramps, elevators to the main floors, and wheelchair-available paths through the gardens. Free wheelchairs are available at the entrance. The RER C Versailles-Château station has limited accessibility — check RATP for elevator status.