How to Go To Versailles from Paris – Your Ultimate Guide!
In this guide, we'll discuss how to get to Versailles and back, as well as the best guided tour options and all the amazing things you'll see and do once you're there. From the Hall of Mirrors to the secret royal tunnels, we'll cover everything you need to know for your journey to Versailles from Paris.
10/19/20248 min read
Bonjour, fellow travelers! 😊
If you’re planning a trip to Paris, you're likely dreaming of seeing the Eiffel Tower, strolling along the Seine, or indulging in croissants at a charming café. But, if you're looking to experience something beyond the typical Parisian landmarks, let me introduce you to one of the most magnificent day trips you can take: The Palace of Versailles! 🏰✨
Located just outside Paris, Versailles is the epitome of royal grandeur and luxury. It's where the French monarchy lived in absolute splendor before the revolution, and it remains a symbol of opulence that draws millions of visitors every year. So, if you're ready to step back in time and explore this royal gem, let me help you plan the perfect trip!
In this guide, we’ll go over how to get to Versailles, the best tour options, and all the amazing things you’ll see and do once you're there. And don’t worry, I’ll make sure we cover everything, from the Hall of Mirrors to those secret royal tunnels! So buckle up and let’s dive into your journey to Versailles from Paris. 🌟
Getting to Versailles: A Few Different Options
When it comes to getting to Versailles, you’ve got options! Depending on your travel style, you can opt for a guided tour that takes care of all the details, or you can get there on your own by bus or train. Let’s break it down:
1. Guided Day Tour by Bus
If you want the easiest and most stress-free option, a guided tour by bus is the way to go. 🚌
Many tour companies offer day trips to Versailles, and they usually include pick-up from your hotel or a central location in Paris. It’s a great choice if you want to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride without worrying about train schedules or directions. The bus will drop you off at Versailles, where you’ll join a guided tour of the palace and gardens.
One of the best parts about this option? You get to skip the long lines! More on that in a bit. 😉
Versailles: Skip-the-Line Tour of Palace with Gardens Access - Enjoy an exclusive guided tour of Versailles Palace and visit its beautiful royal gardens. Skip the long lines and enter through a separate entrance alongside an expert guide.
What You Will Experience and Highlights of this Guided Tour:
Explore Versailles Palace on an 90-minute guided tour with an expert guide
Visit the grandiose royal gardens and admire the opulent fountains
Learn about the figures of the French monarchy and important historical events
Beat the huge crowds and jump straight in with your pre-booked time slot
Enjoy an optional 45-minute tour through the gardens
Discover the opulence, beauty, and history of Versailles Palace on an interactive guided tour.
2. Guided Day Tour by Train
For those who like a little more independence but still want the perks of a guided tour, there’s the option of taking a scenic train ride to Versailles. 🚂
The Versailles Skip-the-Line Palace Tour by Train is incredibly popular. You’ll meet your guide in Paris, hop on the train together, and in just about 30 minutes, you’ll be in Versailles! Once there, you’ll be taken on a 3-hour guided tour of the palace and gardens. Not only do you avoid the lines, but you also get to enjoy a bit of the French countryside along the way. Win-win!
Guided tour - Skip-the-Line Versailles Palace Tour by Train from Paris - Enjoy a 3-hour guided tour of the Château of Versailles with this tour from Paris. Marvel at the glimmering Hall of Mirrors, the lavish state apartments, and the beautifully-manicured gardens.
What You Will Experience and Highlights of this Guided Tour:
Skip the long lines with a reserved entry time at the Palace of Versailles
Marvel at the Musical Gardens or Fountains Show
Enjoy escorted train travel between Paris and Versailles
Benefit from the insights of a professional local guide
Visit the Château de Versailles, the royal residence of Louis XIV. See the Hall of Mirrors and the lavish state apartments, where the royals received the elite. Your English-speaking guide will make life at Versailles come alive.
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3. Do-It-Yourself with Public Transport
If you’re the type of traveler who likes to go solo, you can also easily reach Versailles by taking the RER C train from central Paris. The trip takes around 30-40 minutes, and the train will drop you off at Versailles Château – Rive Gauche station, which is just a 10-minute walk from the palace. 🎟️
Once you arrive, you can either book an audio guide or explore on your own at your own pace. This is the most affordable option, but you’ll have to navigate the public transportation system, and of course, there will be no skipping the lines unless you’ve purchased your tickets in advance.
The Hall of Mirrors: Possibly the most famous room in the entire palace, the Hall of Mirrors is a dazzling space filled with over 350 mirrors! It’s where King Louis XIV hosted extravagant parties, and where the Treaty of Versailles (which ended World War I) was signed.
What to See and Do at Versailles
Now, onto the fun part – what exactly is there to see and do at the Palace of Versailles? Spoiler alert: a lot. Versailles isn’t just a quick in-and-out type of place; you’ll want to take your time exploring the palace, the gardens, and the hidden gems scattered throughout the estate.
1. The Palace of Versailles
Let’s start with the main event: the palace itself. Once you step inside, you'll immediately feel transported to a different era. The palace is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, and its luxurious decor is truly jaw-dropping.
Some of the highlights you absolutely can’t miss:
The Hall of Mirrors: Possibly the most famous room in the entire palace, the Hall of Mirrors is a dazzling space filled with over 350 mirrors! It’s where King Louis XIV hosted extravagant parties, and where the Treaty of Versailles (which ended World War I) was signed. You’ll feel like royalty as you walk through this glittering hall.
The State Apartments: These were the king’s and queen’s official living quarters, and they’re as grand as you’d expect. From gilded walls to rich tapestries, every corner oozes luxury.
The Royal Chapel: An architectural marvel, the chapel hosted daily mass for the royal family and features some truly stunning artwork.
2. The Gardens of Versailles
No visit to Versailles is complete without spending some time in its famous gardens. The Gardens of Versailles span over 800 hectares and are filled with beautiful fountains, perfectly manicured lawns, and peaceful groves. 🌳🌷
During the summer months, you can even catch the Musical Fountains Show, where the garden’s fountains come to life in sync with classical music. If you visit during the right season, this is an absolute must!
3. The Trianon Palaces and Marie-Antoinette’s Estate
Once you’ve explored the palace and gardens, make your way to the Trianon Palaces and Marie-Antoinette’s Estate. These are located a bit farther from the main palace but are well worth the visit.
The Grand Trianon: This smaller palace was where the king would escape for some peace and quiet away from the formalities of the main court. It’s more intimate, but still just as opulent.
Marie-Antoinette’s Estate: If you’re interested in the story of Marie-Antoinette, you’ll love visiting her private estate, where she created a more rustic world, complete with a charming village and farm animals.
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Top Guided Tours You Can Book
If you’re looking to book a guided tour, here are a few options that come highly recommended:
1. Versailles: Skip-the-Line Tour of the Palace with Gardens Access
This tour is perfect for those who want to maximize their time and avoid the long lines. You’ll get to enter through a separate entrance and enjoy a guided tour of both the palace and the gardens. It’s one of the most popular tours for a reason!
2. From Paris: Giverny and Versailles Palace Guided Day Trip
Want to combine your love for French art and history in one epic day? This tour lets you do just that. You’ll start with a visit to Claude Monet’s house in Giverny, followed by a guided tour of Versailles. It’s a great way to experience two iconic French sites in one day. 🎨🏰
3. From Paris: Day Trip to Giverny & Versailles with Lunch
If you want the full experience, this tour is for you. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of Giverny, followed by a visit to Versailles, with a delicious lunch in between. It’s an all-day excursion that’s perfect if you have the time to soak in both the art of Monet and the opulence of the French monarchy.
So, Which Tour Should You Choose?
Ultimately, it depends on how much time you have and what you want to get out of your trip. If you’re short on time, a half-day Skip-the-Line Tour might be your best bet. But if you want to really immerse yourself in both art and history, the Giverny and Versailles combo tours are an unforgettable experience.
Giverny is a charming village in Normandy, France, renowned for its beautiful gardens and the home of the Impressionist painter Claude Monet. Monet's house and gardens are open to the public and offer visitors a glimpse into the artist's life and inspiration. An interesting fact about Monet's house is the iconic Japanese-style bridge that crosses the water lily pond, a recurring theme in his paintings.
Ready to Book Your Versailles ( or Include Giverny) Adventure?
There’s no doubt about it – visiting Versailles is a must-do when you're in Paris. Whether you're drawn to the palace's opulent history, its stunning gardens, or the quirky facts about secret tunnels, you’re sure to leave feeling inspired by the grandeur of French royalty.
Check out the links in the description to explore all the fantastic tours available and make your booking! And hey, don’t forget to comment below if you’ve visited Versailles before – I’d love to hear about your experience. If it’s your first time, let me know what you’re most excited to see!
Guided Tour Options for Day Trips In and Around Paris
See below some very popular and optional guided tours in and around Paris to give you more ideas and options for making it your best travel destination and getting the most out of your trip to France.
➡️ Day Trip to Mont-Saint-Michel from Paris 👉 Book Here
➡️ From Paris: Full-Day Loire Valley Chateaux Tour 👉 Book Here
➡️ Fontainebleau & Vaux-le-Vicomte Châteaux Day Tour from Paris 👉 Book Here
➡️ From Brussels: Ghent and Bruges Day Tour 👉 Book Here
➡️ From Paris: Loire Valley Castles Day Trip With Wine Tasting 👉 Book Here
Au Revoir and happy travels! ✨