monument
Palace of Versailles
Residence of French kings from Louis XIV to Louis XVI, Versailles is Europe's most grandiose palace.
History & context
A hunting lodge of Louis XIII transformed by Louis XIV from 1661 into Europe's grandest palace, symbol of absolute monarchy.
Marie-Antoinette lived its revolutionary downfall here. The 1919 peace treaty was signed in the Hall of Mirrors.
Key facts
- Built
- 1661–1715
- Architect
- Le Vau · Hardouin-Mansart · Le Nôtre
- Style
- French Classicism
- District
- Versailles (RER C)
Why visit
- ·Hall of Mirrors and Grands Appartements
- ·Le Nôtre's gardens and Grand Canal
- ·Trianon and Marie-Antoinette's Hamlet
- ·Summer Musical Fountain shows
- ·A full day out of Paris, total immersion
What to see
- ·Hall of Mirrors
- ·King's Bedroom
- ·Gardens and Grand Canal
- ·Petit Trianon
- ·Queen's Hamlet
Practical tips
- ·Take RER C to Versailles Château Rive Gauche
- ·Book online, closed Mondays
- ·Summer weekend fountain shows
Good to know
- ·Take RER C to Versailles Château Rive Gauche.
- ·Closed on Mondays. Online booking required in peak season.
- ·Wear comfortable shoes — the gardens cover 800 hectares.
- ·Hours, prices and shows may change: check chateauversailles.fr.
Schedules and tickets may change. Check the official website before booking.
Anu's insider tip
Leave early (RER C before 8:30 am) and start with the gardens: free on non-fountain days and magical at dawn.
With family
Rent a bike or an electric buggy in the gardens: essential with kids — 800 hectares is huge.
Frequently asked
＋How long should I plan?
＋Which day to avoid?
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