The Palace of Versailles, a cherished French landmark, attracts tens of thousands of visitors daily, totaling around 10 million annually. With this much foot traffic, you’ll likely encounter long lines, especially during peak tourist season.
But don’t worry! With the right planning, you can skip the hassle and enjoy more of the palace and its famous gardens. Here’s how to avoid lines at Versailles to enjoy a smooth, crowd-free experience.
Tips for Visiting the Palace of Versailles
1. Prebook Your Tickets
One of the simplest ways to avoid the long wait at the entrance is to prebook your tickets online. The Palace of Versailles offers several options, including skip-the-line or priority access tickets, which allow you to bypass the main ticket line. These tickets are available for both the Palace and the Trianon Estate, so you can choose what works best for your visit.
While general admission tickets are available at the gate, purchasing online saves you precious time that could otherwise be spent standing in line. Aim to book as early as possible, as tickets can sell out, especially during high season.
Tip: Be sure to download your tickets or print them beforehand. Mobile signal can be spotty near the palace entrance, and you’ll want quick access to your tickets when you arrive.
2. Arrive Early
Beat the lines at Versailles by taking advantage of your jetlag, or if you’re already a morning person, consider purchasing a first-entry timed ticket. These tickets allow you to enter the palace as soon as it opens, giving you a head start before the crowds arrive.
The palace opens at 9 a.m., and by arriving early, you’ll be able to enjoy the famous Hall of Mirrors and other highlights in relative peace. You can leisurely stroll through the rooms, snapping pictures without being surrounded by large groups of tourists.
Tip: Set your alarm early! Plan to arrive at the gates around 8:30 a.m. so you can be one of the first in line when the palace opens. This is the best way to get a chance at getting your cleanest shot in the Hall of Mirrors.
3. Arrive Late
If waking up early isn’t your style, consider arriving later in the day, after the bulk of visitors have already gone through. Most people visit Versailles between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., so arriving after 3 p.m. can still give you enough time to explore the palace without feeling rushed. Plus, as many day-trippers leave, you’ll find that the palace and gardens are much less crowded in the late afternoon. Discover how long to spend in Versailles here.
Tip: During the summer months, the palace stays open until 6:30 p.m., so arriving around 3:30 or 4:00 p.m. gives you a few hours to enjoy the castle in the quieter part of the day.
4. Take a Guided Tour
One of the best ways to beat the crowds at Versailles is to book a guided tour. Not only do these tours offer a wealth of information about the palace’s rich history, but it also often comes with the perk of priority access.
Guided tours allow you to enter the palace through a special group entrance, effectively skipping the general admission line. Plus, with an expert guide at your side, you’ll get insights and stories that you might miss if you’re visiting on your own. You also won’t waste time looking at what’s not important. Guides can show you where to look!
There are several guided tour options available, from small private tours (of under 6 participants) to larger group tours. Some even focus on specific parts of the estate, such as the Royal Apartments or the hidden quarters of the palace. This is a great option if you want to delve deeper into history while skipping the lines at Versailles.
Tip: Look for guided tours that include skip-the-line access to both the palace and the gardens to maximize your time.
5. Visit on Lower-Volume Days
Like many popular tourist destinations, Versailles is busiest on weekends, holidays, and during the peak summer months (June to September). If possible, plan your visit for a weekday, particularly Wednesday or Thursday. These days typically have fewer visitors, meaning shorter lines and a more pleasant experience overall.
Avoid Tuesdays, when the Louvre is closed, as many visitors will head to the palace instead – resulting in long lines at Versailles. By visiting midweek, you’ll also find that the gardens and surrounding areas are more peaceful, allowing you to enjoy a quieter walk around the expansive grounds.
The Palace of Versailles is usually closed to the public on certain French national holidays. Here are the key holidays when Versailles is likely to be closed:
- January 1st (New Year’s Day) – Jour de l’An
- May 1st (Labor Day) – Fête du Travail
- December 25th (Christmas Day) – Noël
On these days, both the Palace and its grounds (including the gardens and Trianon Estate) are typically closed to the public. It’s always a good idea to check the official Versailles website before planning your visit around holidays, as schedules can sometimes vary.
Tip: Check the Versailles website for any special events or holidays that may impact crowds. It’s worth planning around any major events that might draw additional visitors.
6. Explore the Gardens First
Here’s another great tip to beat the crowds at Versailles… The lines at Versailles can get busy early in the day, but the gardens are vast and often much less crowded in the morning. One strategy is to explore the gardens and the Trianon Estate first and save the palace for the afternoon. By the time you finish exploring the gardens (remember to pack a picnic!), many visitors will have moved on from the palace, allowing you to visit without the heaviest crowds.
Tip: Rent a golf cart or bike to cover more ground in the gardens. The estate is large, and these options help you explore efficiently while enjoying the scenery.
7. Skip Peak Season
If your travel plans are flexible, consider visiting Versailles during the off-season, which typically runs from November to March.
During these months, the palace is far less crowded, making it easier to avoid lines at Versailles altogether. While the weather may be cooler, you’ll enjoy a more intimate experience without the hustle and bustle of peak season. Plus, the winter months offer a magical ambiance, with the gardens and fountains often taking on a serene, peaceful quality.
Tip: Winter in Versailles can be chilly, so dress warmly and take advantage of indoor palace tours to stay comfortable while you beat the crowds at Versailles.
How to Avoid Lines at Versailles: A Summary
By planning ahead and using these insider tips, you can easily avoid long lines at Versailles and make the most of your visit to this iconic landmark. Whether you’re exploring the grandeur of the palace or wandering through the sprawling gardens, a well-timed visit ensures you can soak up the beauty and history of Versailles without the stress of overcrowded spaces.
So book your tickets, set your itinerary, and get ready for a royal experience you’ll never forget!
