The Easiest Way to Do a Day Trip From Paris to the Palace of Versailles
When visiting Paris, one of the best things you can include in your itinerary is a day trip to the lavish Palace of Versailles. This blog will explore the easiest way to do a day trip from Paris to the Palace of Versailles, as this excursion is one you can’t miss when you’re visiting the region.
For an entire day, you can feel like royalty itself as you walk underneath chandeliers in the Hall of Mirrors and pass from one decked-out room to the next. Continue reading to gain the answers you need as you plan your day trip to the Palace of Versailles.
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What Is the Palace of Versailles?
The Palace of Versailles was originally a hunting lodge built by Louis XIII in 1623. However, it was his son, Louis XIV, who transformed the small lodge into one of the most magnificent palaces in the world. Louis XIV decided to make Versailles his principal residence and expanded the estate into a colossal palace with over 700 rooms, including the Hall of Mirrors, the King's Grand Apartments, and the Queen's Apartments. The palace became the center of political power in France and the epitome of absolute monarchy, with Louis XIV ruling France from his throne at Versailles. The palace was also a center for art and culture, with Louis XIV patronizing many artists and musicians who lived and worked at Versailles.
In the 18th century, the Palace of Versailles underwent several changes and renovations, including the addition of the Petit Trianon. The palace also played a significant role in the French Revolution, with the royal family being forced to leave the palace in 1789 and the palace eventually being transformed into a museum. Today, the Palace of Versailles is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, attracting millions of visitors each year who come to marvel at the palace's grandeur and learn about its rich history.
How to Get to the Palace of Versailles From Paris
There are several ways to get to the Palace of Versailles from Paris, depending on your budget and preferences. The most convenient and easiest way to do a day trip from Paris to the Palace of Versailles is by train. This is the method I took, and I found it extremely easy to navigate everything!
Getting to the Palace of Versailles By Train: The RER C train line runs from Paris to Versailles and stops at the Versailles-Château-Rive Gauche station, which is just a short walk from the palace. The journey takes around 30-40 minutes, and trains frequently run throughout the day.
Where to Catch the RER C Train Line to the Palace of Versailles: Depending on where you are starting from, there are multiple stops from where you can catch the train. View the RER C map to help you in your planning. You might first have to take a metro to the train station, which is all included in the price of your metro/RER ticket to the Palace of Versailles (more information on purchasing tickets below).
When you arrive at the train station, just make sure that you board the train that says Versailles Chateau RG. Another way to confirm that this is the correct train is to look for the word VICK written next to the destination name.
Personally, the most helpful tool I used in navigating my way to the Palace of Versailles was Google Maps. By selecting the transport/train symbol, you’ll receive real-time directions guiding you from your current location to your desired destination and highlighting the exact metro lines and train numbers you should take. This is what I used to navigate my way through my entire 4 days in Paris, and it never once failed me! I actually had an easier time navigating the Parisian metro system than I’ve had navigating New York City’s subway system.
Other Ways to Travel From Paris to the Palace of Versailles: Another option is to take a guided tour or a shuttle bus from Paris to the Palace of Versailles. Many tour companies offer half-day or full-day tours that include transportation from Paris to Versailles, as well as a guided tour of the palace and its gardens. This option is more expensive than taking the train, but it can be a convenient way to see the palace and learn about its history from a knowledgeable guide.
If you prefer to travel by car, you can rent a car or take a taxi from Paris to Versailles. However, keep in mind that parking at the palace can be difficult, especially during peak tourist season, and traffic can be heavy in the area. It is recommended to plan your visit during weekdays and to arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and traffic.
Although the latter two options are still great methods of transportation, I still recommend the train as the easiest way to do a day trip from Paris to the Palace of Versailles, especially given how cost-friendly it is.
How Much Is a Train Ticket From Paris to Versailles?
As I just alluded to, traveling to Versailles from Paris by train is very cost-effective! Purchasing these tickets through the metro/train station will cost you 3,65€ one way, making the total round trip cost 7,3€ per person.
How to Purchase Train Tickets to the Palace of Versailles
You can purchase tickets at any metro or train station in Paris. Simply choose Versailles – Rive Gauche Château on the display screen and pay by cash or credit card. I recommend purchasing a roundtrip ticket, as this will only cost 7,3€ per person and is easily the cheapest option for traveling to the Palace of Versailles from Paris. Keep in mind that the machine will spit out two tickets, one for each way. I recommend keeping both of these on you until you have completed your day trip.
Alternatively, you can book your ticket ahead of time through Trainline.
Should You Buy Tickets in Advance for the Palace of Versailles?
Given how many visitors the Palace of Versailles draws in, it is highly recommended to buy your tickets in advance. This will help you avoid long queues that form at the entrance like I had to wait in. Even with purchasing our tickets outside of the palace, however, the wait didn’t take much longer than 30 minutes, but the line kept growing longer behind us.
It’s important to note that some areas of the palace are free to enter, such as the gardens and park, with the exception of the Musical Fountains Shows and Musical Gardens. If you plan on only visiting these areas, you do not need to purchase a ticket in advance. However, if you want to see the palace's interior and its famous Hall of Mirrors, then purchasing a ticket in advance is highly recommended.
From November to March, you’ll also find the entrance to the palace’s interior and the Estate of Trianon is completely free on the first Sunday of every month. Because of the high volume of interest these days, it is mandatory that you book a time slot in advance. If you happen to be visiting France during one of these months and decide to do a day trip from Paris to the Palace of Versailles, picking a free Sunday is a great way to keep your trip within budget.
How Much Time Is Needed for the Palace of Versailles?
If you’re already making a day trip to the Palace of Versailles from Paris, I recommend spending as much time as you can exploring the interior and the well-maintained gardens. However, the amount of time you should spend at the Palace of Versailles largely depends on your personal interests and priorities.
Generally, it is recommended that you plan for a minimum of half a day to explore the palace's interior, gardens, and park. If you are interested in history, art, and architecture, you may want to dedicate a full day to the palace to fully appreciate its beauty and significance.
If you are short on time, it is possible to visit the highlights of the palace in just a few hours. However, keep in mind that you may not be able to see everything the palace has to offer, and you may miss out on some of its most iconic features, such as the Hall of Mirrors. Additionally, visiting during peak season can lead to longer waiting times, which may affect the amount of time you have to explore the palace.
Finally, if you are looking to have a more immersive experience at the Palace of Versailles, consider taking a guided tour. This can help you gain a deeper understanding of the palace's history, architecture, and art, and it can also help you navigate the palace more efficiently. Many guided tours offer skip-the-line tickets, which can save you time and help you make the most of your visit.
What Do People Do at the Palace of Versailles?
Explore the Interior: One of the top attractions is the palace's interior, which is full of stunning architecture, art, and historical artifacts. Some of the most famous rooms in the palace include the Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Chapel, and the King's Grand Apartments. Visitors can take a self-guided or guided tour of the palace to explore these magnificent rooms and learn about their history and significance.
Explore the Gardens and Park: Another highlight of the Palace of Versailles is its sprawling gardens and park. The gardens feature over 50 fountains, hundreds of statues, and miles of walking paths, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature. During the summer months, visitors can also enjoy musical fountain shows and garden parties that showcase the beauty and grandeur of the gardens, although these do require a ticket.
Attend Events: Visitors to the Palace of Versailles can also take part in a variety of cultural events, including concerts, operas, and ballet performances. The palace has several performance spaces, including the Royal Opera House, that host a range of shows throughout the year. These events offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience the palace's rich cultural history and enjoy world-class performances in a stunning setting.
Feel Like Royalty By Spending the Night: In recent years, the Palace of Versailles has opened its own hotel on the property for lucky visitors. The Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle is a 5-star luxury hotel featuring 11 rooms and two suites. As the only hotel at the palace, guests are offered a truly unique experience. Your royal stay here includes a world-class breakfast prepared by Michelin-star Chef Alain Ducasse, a private tour of the Domaine de Trianon, a golf buggy to explore the gardens, and a Marie-Antoinette-style afternoon tea. This overnight stay truly makes every girl’s princess dreams come true, but even a one-night stay will cost a minimum of 2,000€.
Is a 5-star hotel not in the budget? No worries. You’ll still have a fantastic time exploring the grounds for the day, as it’s not every day you get to step foot in what was once the home of royalty!
Have any other questions about the easiest way to do a day trip from Paris to the Palace of Versailles? I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have below!
