When is The Best Time to Visit Versailles Palace?

Feeling excited to visit Versailles palace, but wondering about what is the best time to visit Versailles palace and garden? No worries! You are at the right place.

By following this article, you will discover the best day to go to Versailles to avoid crowds and skip-the-line ticket solutions.

Versailles Palace is one of the most attractive places in Paris only second to the Eiffel Tower. It is estimated that almost fifteen million people visit this landmark every year. 

So, if you are planning to see palace highlight spots such as the Hall of Mirrors, wander Versailles’ famed gardens, Marie Antoinette’s hamlet, and admire the Grand and Petit Trianons with a minimal amount of stress, you’ll need to plan your trip carefully.

Okay, let’s dive in. Here is what you need to know for your comfortable tour of the palace in Versailles.

Key Takeaways

• Understand the best time to visit Versailles Palace
• Learn about peak and low seasons  
• Important ticketing tips
• Key spots to explore 
• Practical advice for your smooth travel

When Is The Palace Of Versailles Open?

The opening time of Versailles Palace is every day from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm, except Monday. This opening schedule differs based on the high season & low season.

The Gardens of Versailles is another major visited place that is not to be missed. It has different opening hours.  It opens every day of the year. 

The Park of Versailles opens every day at 8 am. During the high season (April – October) it closes at 8:30 pm.  During the low season (November – March), it closes at 6 pm.

Opening hours of the Trianon domains are as follows: April to October: from 12:00 noon to 6:30 pm; From November to March: from 12:00 noon to 5:30 pm.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Versailles Palace?

Now, I believe that you have got detailed information about the Place of Versailles opening hours. For more information let’s discuss the best day and time to visit the Palace of Versailles. You know, it depends on your preference for crowd levels, weather, and the type of experience you have. 

Here is a guide to Choosing the ideal day and time for your  visit:

Weekdays Vs Weekends:

Weekdays (Wednesday and Thursday): If you prefer a hassle-free experience with fewer crowds, visiting the Versailles Palace on a weekday could be your best option.

Wednesday and Thursday are the least crowded days. So, if your schedule is flexible, you may prioritize visiting Versailles on Wednesday and Thursday. 

Weekends (Saturday and Sunday): Versailles Palace is typically very busy on weekends, especially during the high season. When the Gardens and fountains are at their vibrant look, large tour groups can make it difficult to fully enjoy the scenery.

Another fact is, that if you don’t have skip-the-line tickets for Versailles, you may face a long wait just to collect your entry ticket. You could end up standing in a long queue to get in.

But don’t worry! Keep an eye on their website for updates. If that’s not possible, there are some authentic sites, like tours travel finder that can help you secure last-minute tickets for Versailles Palace and provide tour guidance as well.

Pro Tips: For a more relaxed visit to the Palace of Versailles, consider going on weekdays, such as Wednesday or Thursday, when crowds are smaller.

Other Days For Visiting The Palace Of Versailles

Monday:  The Versailles Palace itself is closed on Mondays, but the Garden and Park remain open. So, it might be an excellent opportunity to explore the vast gardens and enjoy a peaceful walk without the pressure of visiting the Palace.

Tuesday:  After the Monday closure, Tuesday is one of the busiest days at Versailles. So, it is advisable to avoid this day if you want a more relaxing experience to visit the Palace.

Friday: This day is not as crowded as the weekend. it is manageable if you want to visit the palace but we may recommend you arrive early.

Ideal Seasons and Months to Visit Versailles Palace

You know, many factors are considered if you want to know the ideal seasons and months to visit Versailles palace like the best day to see the fountain shower, the number of tour groups, and the high and low seasons. 

Visiting the Versailles palace is a magical experience and choosing the right time to go can make all the difference. The best seasons to visit are spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are more manageable.

Spring (April to June): To explore the Versailles, spring is the best season. From April to June, the Garden of Versailles comes alive with blooming flowers, greenery, and mild temperatures which makes it perfect for outdoor scrolling. 

During these months the weather is more comfortable, with longer daytime. On the other hand, spring attracts fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months. It feels like a more relaxed experience and a shorter line for tickets. 

Autumn ( September to October}: Another excellent season for visiting Versailles is Autumn. During the September & October months temperatures range from  12°C to 18°C (54°F to 64°F) and the crisp air and golden leaves create a mind-blowing scenery for exploring both the interior of the palace and its expansive gardens.

These ideal seasons’ weather plays a significant role in tourists enjoying the exact beauty of Versailles Palace.

How long do You need to visit Versailles?

The Palace of Versailles measures approximately 680,000 square feet and its ground covers 2,014 acres. So, you might be thinking how big is this palace?

In this situation, for a complete visit plan on spending either half a day or a full day. If you plan a quick visit for a half-day stroll through the gardens of Versailles within 2 hours then visit the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, and Queens Village within 1 hour. 

Ticketing and Entry Tips for Versailles Palace

When you are planning to visit Versailles Palace and want to have full access to the Estate of Trianon, Marie Antoinette’s Private compounds, and the gardens, securing the right tickets and understanding the best way to enter strategies can significantly enhance your travel experience.

Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process smoothly:

1. Skip-the-Line Tickets: To save your valuable time this type of ticket is highly recommended. Skip-the-line tickets allow you to bypass the often lengthy queues at the entrance.

2. Guided tours: This type of tour is the best for those seeking detailed insights into the Palace’s history and architecture. 

Guided tours offer you a comprehensive and informative experience with expert commentary. It will allow you to access the main palace,  the Trianon Palaces, and the Queen’s Hamlet, as well as the gardens.

4. Passport Ticket: This type of ticket allows you to get access to all highlight spots including the main palace, the Trianon Palaces, and the Queen’s Hamlet. 

It also includes the gardens, which are essential during the Musical Fountain Shows or the Musical Gardens (available from April to October).

Timed Entry Tickets

It is a great option for those who require a more structured visit. This type of ticket allows you to enter the palace at a specific time. In that case, you do not have to wait long to get in. 

Pro Tip: Opt for skip-the-line tickets to save time and avoid long queues when visiting the Palace of Versailles.

How To Get The Versailles Palace Last-Minute Tickets

Option – 1: Book tickets in advance:  

To avoid disappointment & guarantee your smooth journey, it is best to purchase your tickets online in advance. You know, there are long queues at ticket counters because the Palace of Versailles attracts many tourists. 

First of all, you should try to purchase the tickets from their official websites, if you fail to collect them then you might feel stressed. But do not worry! 

Option -2: Third-party website

There are several options for getting your palace tickets with proper guidance. You can visit the  Get Your Guide website, which can help you secure skip-the-line tour tickets for your visit to Versailles.

Option – 3: Last-minute ticket solution

On the other hand, if you need last-minute tickets for visiting your Versailles palace, there are other sources available. In that case, you may visit Some reliable sites like tour travel finders for your last-minute ticket.

Tips for Visiting the Palace of Versailles

Beat the Crowds: The Palace of Versailles opens at 9:00 am and arriving early is the advantage for you to go ahead of the crowds. If you enter early in the palace you may enjoy the most famous rooms in the palace such as the Hall of Mirrors,  royal opera, etc. 

Consider a late afternoon visit: If you don’t manage your time in the morning then you may consider late afternoon would be a good option for you. 

Recheck the opening hours: Before visiting the Palace of Versailles, you should recheck the opening hours, because some highlight spots have specific times. So, you have to manage your time according to their schedule.

Bring Snacks & Water: While there are cafes or restaurants on-site, they can be pricey and crowded. In this situation, it is a wise decision to bring your snacks & water. 

Be Prepared for Walking: You know, Versailles Palace is vast and you will be doing a lot of walking both inside the palace and the gardens. So, comfortable shoes are a must.

Things to Do on a Versailles Day Trip 

There are many interesting things to visit in the Palace of Versailles. So, here is the list;

1. Château de Versailles

It is called the heart of the Versailles Palace. Château de Versailles is one of the most attractive castles in France. You will be surprised to know that there are 2300 rooms and halls in the palace. 

The most famous room in the Château is the Hall of Mirrors used for ceremonies and exceptional occasions.

2. Gardens of Versailles

One of the most attractive and peaceful spots inside the palace is the Garden of Versailles. It was designed by Andre Le Notre.  It surrounds the Château on three sides and they are decorated with many fountains, grooves, statues, colonnades, etc.

The interesting thing is that from April to October, they have lucrative music and water shows, and there is an entrance fee to watch them.

3. The Estate of Trianon

Basically, the estate of Trianon is a part of the Palace of Versailles complex. It provides a peaceful retreat from the opulence of the main palace. 

The estate of Trianon consists of two smaller palaces, the Grand Trianon and the Petit Trianon, as well as the Queen’s Hamlet.

4. The Park

The Park of Versailles is free to access and it is surrounded by the Grand Canal. It is a very famous spot for the locals and Persians for family picnics, jogging, and bike riding.

5. The Royal Stables

It consists of two buildings-the Great Stables and the Small Stables. The great stables where the hunting horses were kept. On the other side, the small stables were used to keep the carriages, sleds, and coaches.

6. Versailles Fountain Night shows

During the summer month, the Versailles Fountain Night Show is a spectacular event for travelers. It is held in the gardens of the Palace of Versailles and at that time gardens are transformed into a striking visual aurora and musical stage. 

The show represents the famous fountains of Versailles, which are illuminated and set to music. The night culminates in a stunning fireworks show over the Grand Canal, illuminating the sky and reflecting off the water. 

The Versailles Fountain show is a popular event. If you want to experience it, it’s recommended to visit Versailles Palace & Gardens at the best time. 

However, during the peak tourist season, getting tickets can be challenging. Don’t worry, though—you can purchase your Versailles Palace tickets in advance from Get Your Guide.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, we can say that the Palace of Versailles is one of the most attractive Places to visit. By understanding the best time to visit Versailles Palace, securing the right tickets, and preparing for the day carefully, you can make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable. 

Whether you are exploring the palace rooms and halls, walking into the gardens, or enjoying the night show by the fountains, your visit to the Versailles Palace will be filled with unforgettable memories.

Frequently Asked Questions for the best time to visit Versailles palace

When is the high season at the Palace of Versailles?

The high season at the Palace of Versailles is considered from the first day of April until the end of October. It is the busiest season for tourists in Paris. 

When is the low season in the Palace of Versailles?

From the first of November until the end of March is considered the low season in the Palace of Versailles. During the low season, the Versailles Palace visiting hours close an hour earlier at 5:30 pm, and the ticket office also closes at 5:00 pm.

What should I wear when visiting the Versailles Palace?

During the visiting time, you do not need to wear anything special for your enjoyable journey. But keep in mind that you should wear comfortable shoes.