The Château de Versailles, located at Versailles in the Yvelines, is one of the finest achievements of 17th-century French art. Listed as a World Heritage Site for 30 years, it was the principal residence of the French kings Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI.
From the outset, this château was intended to glorify the French monarchy. Initially built as a hunting lodge for King Louis XIII, the estate became a favorite of the royal family as the royal court moved from Paris to Versailles. The hunting lodge was later transformed into a royal complex with richly decorated rooms, landscaped gardens and magnificent fountains.
For decades, the kings of France succeeded one another, transforming and embellishing the estate. This reign came to an end during the French Revolution, when the royal family was forced to return to Paris. Today, the château is one of the most admired and visited sites in France. Every year, an estimated 5 million people visit the Château de Versailles, and between 8 and 10 million stroll through its gardens (excluding sanitary conditions).
In addition to the sublime gardens, which boast no fewer than 2,300 water features spread over 63,154 m², 400 sculptures and 1,400 fountains, the château is a work of art in its own right, with thousands of remarkable works to discover. If you had to visit just one room, it would undoubtedly be the smoky Hall of Mirrors, which boasts no fewer than 357 mirrors, including seventeen mirror-covered arches reflecting the seventeen arched windows overlooking the gardens.
The Château de Versailles is so large that you'll need several days to visit it. Don't miss the Domaine de Trianon and the famous Hameau de la Reine. The Domaine de Trianon is adjacent to the Petit Parc and houses the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon palaces, the Hameau de la Reine and various ornamental gardens. A famous refuge for Marie Antoinette, the gardens and the Maison de la Reine bear her imprint.
To discover throughout the year and in the surrounding area:
Fêtes Galantes 2025, a sumptuous costumed evening at the Château de Versailles - SOLD OUT
The Fêtes Galantes return to the Château de Versailles! For one evening, Monday June 2, 2025, slip into the shoes of a marquis or princess, and take part in the dances and games of this wild celebration, culminating in a fireworks display! [Read more]
The Château de Versailles is one of France's jewels, so it's impossible to let the palace fall into disrepair. Discover the exceptional craftsmen who contribute to the preservation of our heritage, during the Journées européennes des Métiers d'Art, on April 5 and 6, 2025. [Read more]
Plunge into the heart of the original gardens of the Château de Versailles, now no longer in existence, with an immersive virtual reality experience that takes you back in time, from March 25, 2025 to January 4, 2026. [Read more]
Discover Louis XIV through the works of Bernini, with a new exhibition at the Château de Versailles from June 3 to September 28, 2025. [Read more]
Novelty alert at the Château de Versailles! Exceptionally, from February 15 to the end of September 2025, the monument will be revealing behind-the-scenes areas of power during the Third Republic, by opening up spaces that are usually closed to the public... Come and discover the Salle du Congrès, still used by the French Assembly and Senate, and the ceremonial apartments of the President of the Congress. We took a sneak preview... [Read more]
The Château de Versailles is the place to be for an electro party! Versailles Electro returns to Paris on May 24, 2025. This year, Bob Sincla, Kittin and Nicolas Sasson will be on hand! Tickets go on sale tomorrow [Read more]
The Grand Bal Masqué at the Château de Versailles is back to delight us this Saturday, June 21, 2025. [Read more]
The Grandes Eaux Musicales and Jardins Musicaux at the Château de Versailles return to embellish the garden's basins and fountains for a new season. From April 1 to October 31 2025, enjoy strolls around the estate's groves and fountains in a magical atmosphere worthy of Louis XIV. [Read more]
To celebrate August 15, 2025 on a flamboyant theme, the Château de Versailles is offering its Nocturnes de feu, an incredible show in the gardens, topped off by a spectacular fireworks display. [Read more]
Once again this year, the Château de Versailles is organizing its Nocturnes Electro. Join us on Saturday, September 20, 2025 for this musical experience, as we invite you to stroll through the groves and fountains of the gardens, which are exceptionally flooded, to the rhythm of an electro DJ soundtrack. Bonus? A fireworks display to round off the evening! [Read more]
The Château de Versailles invites us to celebrate the Fête Nationale again this year, while enjoying the Grandes Eaux Nocturnes with an exceptional date planned for July 14, 2025. The program includes a poetic stroll through the historic gardens, with a sublime fireworks display at the end! [Read more]
Les Grandes Eaux Nocturnes will take place in 2025. The program includes a sublime nocturnal stroll through the gardens of the Château de Versailles to admire the illuminated fountains and a sublime fireworks display. Saturday evenings from June 7 to September 20, 2025. [Read more]
The Sérénade Royale is one of the highlights of the summer in the Paris region. This immersive experience takes us back to the court of the Sun King, where we discover the leisure activities of the era. The Chapelle Royale, the Galerie des Glaces, the Grands Appartements du Roi et de la Reine and the Cour Royale unveil historic scenes with baroque dancers, sword fights and even theatrical skits. Saturdays from June 7 to September 13, 2025, as well as July 14 and August 15, 2025. [Read more]
Prince Louis de France, known as Monseigneur or the Grand Dauphin, was Louis XIV's eldest son, yet he never acceded to the throne. The Château de Versailles revisits his story in an exhibition opening on October 14, 2025. [Read more]
Immerse yourself in the Mississippi Valley from November 25, 2025 with the Château de Versailles exhibition on the native nations who allied themselves with the French when they settled in Louisiana during the reign of the young Louis XV. [Read more]
The Château de Versailles welcomes Guillaume Bresson and his works where history and contemporary art meet. An exhibition to discover from January 21 to May 25 2025. [Read more]
The Galerie des Carrosses, nestled in the Grande Écurie at the Château de Versailles, opens its doors free of charge every weekend. When visiting Versailles, it's a discovery you'd be wrong not to make. We'll take you on a tour... [Read more]
The History Gallery at the Château de Versailles reopens its doors to celebrate the 400th anniversary of this emblematic monument. Free of charge from September 15 to 17, 2023 for the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days), then from September 21 with a ticket, discover a completely redesigned and refurbished gallery, retracing the history of the Château from its construction in 1623 by Louis XIII to the present day. More than 120 works from the Versailles collections, accompanied by a digital device, enable us to understand the creations, transformations and upheavals that have marked the Château. [Read more]
Did you enjoy the film Jeanne du Barry, starring Johnny Depp and Maïwenn? Let us take you on a tour of the places where King Louis XV's favorite courtesan spent her life in the Île-de-France region! [Read more]
Did you know that? Some rooms and spaces related to the Palace and the Estate of Versailles are open to the public free of charge. Here are the conditions to visit them without paying a penny. [Read more]
The Palace of Versailles unveils a new walk to discover the "Admirable Trees" of the Versailles estate. These trees are full of history and are the living heritage of the estate. By their size, their beauty or their anecdotes, these subjects are a mine of discoveries. [Read more]
On the first Sunday of every month, certain monuments, and in particular châteaux, open their doors to us for a free visit. Why not take advantage of this Sunday, April 6, 2025, to treat yourself to one of the sublime châteaux of our Ile-de-France heritage? Don't forget, some of them require free advance reservations, so be sure to check and prepare your visits in advance. [Read more]
Esprit Jardin celebrates the Fête des Plantes in Versailles on April 26 and 27, 2025. On the program: plant and equipment sales, workshops, entertainment, shows and much more, with free admission. [Read more]
In the heart of the Château de Versailles estate, we discover Le Grand Contrôle, a 5-star hotel offering a unique experience, transporting us back in time. Opening in spring 2020, this unique venue combines history, refinement and authenticity, offering spectacular views over the Orangerie parterre and privileged access to the Château. [Read more]
This Saturday, July 19, 2025, is International Castle Day. But how? By visiting these magnificent monuments, of course! And we're in luck: Paris and the Île-de-France region are home to some of the most beautiful châteaux in France. Here's a small selection of must-see palaces. [Read more]
Fancy a royal weekend in the countryside, just a stone's throw from Paris? Head for the Waldorf Astoria - Trianon Palace, offering a real change of scenery on the edge of the Château de Versailles park. A truly relaxing experience, especially if you haven't been able to go on vacation abroad due to the health crisis. [Read more]
Why not treat yourself to an all-you-can-eat brunch, even on the terrace, with homemade, local produce? Let's head for the Yvelines, to discover the Cour cachée des Senteurs, home to the Chez Molly tea room, where every weekend we can enjoy a gourmet brunch just a stone's throw from the Château de Versailles. [Read more]
How about a tea time duo at the very heart of the Château de Versailles? We'll take you to the Goûter de la Reine at Ore, the restaurant nestled in the Pavillon Dufour, which now offers a sweet and savory interlude from Tuesday to Sunday. [Read more]
The Salle du Jeu de Paume, famous since the French Revolution, can be visited at weekends near the Château de Versailles, to immerse yourself in history and discover a recently restored national treasure. [Read more]
Few people know it, but every Sunday, Le Grand Contrôle, the Michelin-starred restaurant orchestrated by Alain Ducasse, offers a refined brunch overlooking the Orangerie at the Château de Versailles. How about a royal interlude for a timeless moment? [Read more]
Looking for a good all-you-can-eat brunch in the Yvelines, and in Versailles in particular? We'll take you to the Alcôve in the Hôtel Le Louis, just a stone's throw from the Château de Versailles. It's the ideal place to treat yourself, before or after a stroll through the park, the château or the nearby Galerie des Carrosses. [Read more]
Head to Versailles to discover the Potager du Roi, a production and experimentation site open to the public, which once supplied the King's table at the Château! Here you can find local, natural fruit and vegetables in the open air. [Read more]
Do you know the Unesco World Heritage sites in the Paris region? We reveal 6 jewels to discover in Paris and the Paris region that are well worth the detour. [Read more]
The park at Versailles is home to a little-known garden: "Le Jardin du Parfumeur". Under the patronage of Francis Kurkdjian, the plot envelops the Trianon estate in an elegant floral fragrance. [Read more]
It's in the enchanting, historic setting of Les Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Controle, the hotel located within the Château de Versailles, that we set out to discover Marie-Antoinette's famous afternoon tea, orchestrated by talented pastry chef Aymeric Pinard. Come and slip into the shoes of a queen and king for an enchanted, gourmet interlude. [Read more]
A bouillon (the city's first!) awaits you a stone's throw from the Château de Versailles: Le Petit Bouillon Versailles! We're off to discover it, and reveal what's in store for you in terms of decor and menu. [Read more]
Madame Du Barry’s Apartment is opening again in the heart of the Palace of Versailles, after 18 months of renovations. For the opening of King Louis XV exhibition – of whom she was the last favorite – rediscover these 350sqm through a dozen rooms decorated in a singular and sumptuous fashion. [Read more]
The Domaine de Trianon can be visited separately from the Château. Located two kilometers away, it was once a place of refuge for kings, who found rest and relaxation away from the Court. Created by Louis XV, the estate became the fiefdom of Marie-Antoinette, who modified the grounds and created an entire hamlet, like a small village. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
Starts March 24, 2025
Location
Palace of Versailles
Place d'Armes
78000 Versailles
Prices
Billet Domaine de Trianon: €12
Billet Château: €18
Billet complet hors Grandes Eaux: €20
Billet complet avec Grandes Eaux: €27
Official website
www.chateauversailles.fr
Booking
Book your tickets with Paris je t'aime here
More information
The Château and the Trianon estate are open every day except Monday. The Château opens at 9 a.m.; the Trianon estate opens at noon.
The Park and Gardens are open every day. The Gardens are subject to a charge on the days of the Grand Eaux Musicales.
Fêtes Galantes 2025, a sumptuous costumed evening at the Château de Versailles - SOLD OUT
JEMA 2025: artistic encounters and tours at the Château de Versailles
The Sun King's lost gardens: a virtual reality experience at the Château de Versailles
Genius and majesty: Louis XIV by Le Bernin: the exhibition at the Château de Versailles
Château de Versailles: several rooms about the Third Republic open - our photos
Versailles Electro, the electro party at the Château de Versailles, returns in May 2025
The Grand Bal Masqué at the Château de Versailles 2025 - Complete
Les Grandes Eaux Musicales du Château de Versailles 2025: a poetic stroll not to be missed
Les Nocturnes de Feu 2025 at the Château de Versailles: a royal August 15
Les Nocturnes Electro 2025 at the Château de Versailles: magical night-time stroll and fireworks display
July 14: fireworks at the Château de Versailles, Fête Nationale 2025 at Grandes Eaux Nocturnes
Les Grandes Eaux Nocturnes 2025 at the Château de Versailles: illuminated fountains and fireworks!
La Sérénade Royale 2025 at the Château de Versailles, an immersive journey through the court of the Sun King
Amerindian allies at the court of Louis XV: the historical exhibition at the Château de Versailles
Guillaume Bresson at the Château de Versailles: the exhibition where contemporary art meets history
The Galerie des Carrosses, the free museum at the Grandes Ecuries of the Château de Versailles
The new History Gallery at the Château de Versailles to celebrate 400 years - photos
In the footsteps of Jeanne du Barry, King Louis XV's favorite, from Versailles to Louveciennes
Good plan: these areas of the Château de Versailles are accessible for free to all
The Admirable Trees of the Domaine de Versailles
4 free castles around Paris to discover this Sunday, April 6, 2025, 1st Sunday of the month
Esprit Jardin, the free Fête des Plantes of Versailles 2025, the program
Le Grand Contrôle, the magical hotel at the Château de Versailles that goes back in time
International Castles Day 2025: beautiful castles to visit in Île-de-France
The Waldorf Astoria - Trianon Palace, a royal setting in the heart of the Parc de Versailles
All-you-can-eat brunch at Chez Molly in Versailles, Yvelines
The Queen's Tea Time at the Château de Versailles at Ore
A guided tour of the Jeu de Paume room, a treasure trove of the French Revolution
The confidential brunch at the Grand Contrôle Château de Versailles
All-you-can-eat royal brunch at L'Alcove in Versailles
Le Potager du Roi, a historic fruit and vegetable garden near the Château de Versailles
6 Unesco World Heritage sites to discover in Paris and the Ile-de-France region
The Perfumer's Garden, the garden of the Château de Versailles and the House of Francis Kurkdjian
We tested the fabulous tea time at Les Airelles Château de Versailles - Le Grand Contrôle
Petit Bouillon Versailles, the affordable bouillon just 2 steps from the Château de Versailles, takes shape
Madame Du Barry’s Apartment at the Palace of Versailles has been renovated
The Trianon Estate and the Queen's hamlet
