How to visit Versailles Palace (the easy way)

We did the work for you. You’re welcome!

(1) Pick a day in advance: Monday—Thursday

Going on a weekday will help minimize any wait time. We went on Thursday, September 8th, and there were no entry lines for ticket-holders. Whichever day you choose, avoid making evening plans back in Paris because this could easily be a full day excursion, and you will definitely be tired by the end.

(2) Buy your tickets from the official palace website

Most online sources advise purchasing a “skip-the-line-ticket” which promises faster entry, however the official Palace of Versailles ticketing website does not sell “skip-the-line” tickets. My thought was, how can a 3rd party promise a “skip-the-line” ticket when the Palace itself does not even sell such a thing? Sounds like a marketing ploy.

Purchase the “Passport” ticket.

While you won’t find a “skip-the-line” ticket for sale on the official site, you will find a “Passport" ticket with timed entry, which gives access to the whole Estate of Versailles including the Palace, Trianon Estate (smaller palaces on the opposite side of the estate that were constructed much later) and the gardens. Yes, you will want access to all 3 of these!

When you purchase a Passport ticket, you will be prompted to choose an entry time (hence, “timed entry”) which grants you priority admission starting at the time you chose, and for 30 minutes thereafter. For example, if you book your ticket for 9AM, then you get priority entry from 9:00-9:30 AM.

Choose the earliest time available to avoid lines and ensure enough time to see the whole estate. We booked our timed entry passport ticket for 9AM and got there an hour late (oops!) but still walked right in without lines.

Should I buy any of the Passport packages?

(i.e. Passport + Bike Ride). My advice is to skip purchasing those in advance because add-ons are easily available for purchase at the palace without lines. For example, we had already walked 8 miles by the time we got to the gardens so hopping on bikes sounded great. The bike stand was right in the garden near some restaurants so we just walked up to the little window and rented them via credit card.

(3) Download the audio tour BEFORE you go.

Yes, audio tour sets are available at the palace, but we found a much better solution. Download the free Rick Steves Audio Europe app.

(a) it’s free, (b) you’ll skip the audio set lines at the palace, (c) you can bring your own headphones, and (d) it comes with a transcription, if you prefer reading.

(4) Getting there

While taking a cab is probably the easiest way to get there without having to do any planning, I highly suggest taking the above ground train.

Take the train for a more authentic experience.

We took the Line L train from Paris Saint Lazare to Versailles Rive droite. It was a beautiful ride surrounded by trees and views of the Eiffel tower. It is easy to know when to get off because Versailles is the very last stop.

If you’re like us, you will likely need to take an underground train to get to the Paris Saint Lazare station. If you are close enough to walk to the station, do that! You can also explore bus options to the Paris Saint Lazare station if you’re not into the underground. For more guidance on getting to Versailles, check out this website.

When you get off the train, it’s a short (beautiful) walk.

Exit the station and put the Versailles palace into your phone map for walking directions. It was only about a 15 minute walk. The great thing is you walk straight through the quaint downtown of Versailles, loaded with cute cafes, outdoor markets, and little shops. You will probably want to stop back through here after your visit to the estate, which you will need to do anyway to take the train back to Paris.

(4) You made it! Where do you start?

Follow the signs to the entrance for ticket-holders with timed entry. When facing the palace, it is to the left and will be very obvious. They will check your ticket and you will walk through security. Then, you’re in!

First, tour the palace.

The tour starts on the right side of the palace, opposite to where you went through security. Once you get inside, whip out your phone with your pre-downloaded audio guide! Follow the audio guide for the entire indoor palace tour.

Second, tour the gardens.

You’ll probably be tired by the time you’re done walking through the palace. Take a rest in the gardens and enjoy the beautiful landscaping. You could easily walk around the gardens for hours, so consider renting a bike or stopping off for lunch in one of the garden cafes. We tried our first galette here!

Last, the Trianon.

You need to go through the gardens to get to the Trianon, which is why we suggest this last. These are mini estate buildings farther away from the main palace, which were constructed much later. They are cool to check out, but definitely not as exciting after you’ve seen the main palace. End your visit here with whatever energy you have left!

Before you catch the train back to Paris…

Wander through the town of Versailles. There are so many cute shops and winding streets full of cafes. One of my favorite patisseries on the entire trip was L'orangerie de Monsieur, located just next door to the train station. We tried the lemon and pistachio macarons.