Imagine arriving at the breathtaking Palace of Versailles, only to spend three hours stuck in line outside under the scorching sun. Every year, thousands of visitors face this frustrating wait—while others enter by lesser-known entrances or breeze past with skip-the-line tickets.
Want to skip the hassle and make the most of your visit? This guide breaks down the best ticket options, secret entrances, and insider tips to help you experience Versailles like a pro.
Avoid Long Lines at the Palace of Versailles
Imagine arriving at the breathtaking Palace of Versailles, only to spend three hours waiting in line under the scorching sun. Every year, thousands of visitors face this frustrating wait—while others enter by lesser-known entrances, use priority access, or breeze past with skip-the-line tickets.
Want to skip the hassle and make the most of your visit? This guide breaks down the best ticket options, secret entrances, and insider tips to help you experience Versailles like a pro.
Types of Versailles Palace Tickets Explained
Let’s cut through the crap and confusion about Palace of Versailles tickets. Many most first-timers feel overwhelmed by the options. Here’s what you need to know before heading to the ticket office or booking online.
1. Palace-Only Tickets (€19.50)
The basic palace ticket gets you into the main château, including the famous Hall of Mirrors and State Apartments. I recommend this option if you’re visiting between November and March when the gardens are free and the fountains aren’t running. However, during high season, you might feel shortchanged with just palace access.
This entrance fee gives you access to the main château, including the Hall of Mirrors, State Apartments, and other iconic rooms once occupied by Louis XIV.
Best for: Winter visitors (November–March) when Versailles Gardens are free and the Musical Fountain Shows aren’t running.
Downside: During high season, this ticket can feel limiting as it doesn’t include the Trianon Estate or special temporary exhibitions.
2. Passport Tickets (€27.00) – BEST VALUE
This is my go-to recommendation for most visitors. The Passport ticket includes everything: palace, gardens (even on fountain show days), both Trianon palaces, and Marie-Antoinette’s Estate. I’ve found it’s actually cheaper than buying separate tickets if you want to see everything. Plus, it gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
This is the best ticket for first-time visitors. The Passport ticket includes:
- Palace of Versailles
- Gardens of Versailles (even on fountain show days)
- Grand Trianon & Petit Trianon
- Marie-Antoinette’s Estate
3. Garden Tickets (€8.50 – €12.00)
Here’s something many tourists don’t realize: the gardens are free except on fountain show days (Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from April to October). On these days, you’ll need a garden ticket to enjoy the Musical Fountains Show or Musical Gardens.
Worth it? Trust me, seeing those fountains dance to baroque music is worth every euro!
4. Guided Tour Options (€32.00 – €75.00)
After trying both self-guided and guided experiences, I strongly recommend guided tours for history buffs. The standard guided tour (€32.00) includes skip-the-line access and insights you’d never get otherwise.
For instance, our guide showed us where to look for the secret door Marie Antoinette used to escape during the French Revolution – something I’d walked past before without noticing.
How to Skip the Lines at Versailles
Let me share my most valuable discovery: the best skip-the-line strategy isn’t just about buying the right ticket – it’s about combining the right ticket with the right timing and entrance.
1. Official Website vs. Third-Party Vendors
Book through the official palace website for the best prices. While third-party vendors might offer convenient packages, they often mark up tickets by 20-30%. The only exception? If you’re booking a guided tour, companies like GetYourGuide sometimes offer better time slots than the official site.
2. The “Secret” Side Entrance
Here’s my favorite insider tip: use the entrance at Gate A (Grille de la Chapelle) instead of the main gate. Even with the same ticket type, the wait here is usually 70% shorter. I’ve walked right in during peak season while the main entrance had two-hour queues.
3.Choose the Best Time Slot: Timed Entry Tickets
Always book a timed entry ticket. This way you’re sure to visit the palace with the shortest wait times.
The palace releases new time slots exactly 60 days in advance at midnight Paris time. I’ve found that the 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM slots tend to have the shortest waits. Crowds start to thin after 4:30 PM.
Best Ticket Combinations for Different Visitors
Over the years, I’ve refined my recommendations based on different visiting styles:
First-Time Visitors
Go for the Passport ticket with a morning entry time (9:00-10:00 AM). Start with the palace while crowds are lighter, then explore the gardens during the afternoon when palace crowds peak.
History Enthusiasts
Book a guided tour of the King’s Private Apartments (€32.00 supplement to regular ticket). These rooms are only accessible with a guide, and they’re surprisingly intimate – you can still see Louis XVI’s original wooden exercise equipment!
Families with Children
Consider splitting your visit across two days. I’ve watched too many overwhelmed kids in the palace. Get a two-day Passport ticket (€37.00) and do the palace one morning, then the gardens and Trianon palaces the next day. The Farm at Marie-Antoinette’s Estate is a particular hit with little ones.
Seasonal Ticket Buying Guide
After experiencing Versailles in every season, I’ve learned that timing can make or break your visit. Here’s my season-by-season breakdown:
Spring (April-May)
This is my favorite time to visit. The gardens burst into bloom, and the Musical Fountains Shows begin. Book your tickets at least three weeks ahead. The 11:00 AM entry times tend to have the best garden lighting for photos.
Summer (June-August)
I won’t sugarcoat it: summer is intense. Temperatures in the Hall of Mirrors can reach uncomfortable levels, and lines are longest. If you must visit in summer, book the first entry time (9:00 AM) or the last entry (4:00 PM). I’ve noticed crowds thin significantly after 4:30 PM, even in peak season.
Fall (September-October) – Hidden Gem
This is Versailles’s best-kept secret. The crowds thin out, but you still get Musical Fountains Shows and pleasant weather.
Plus, the gardens turn golden, which makes for pretty pictures. October sunsets over the UNESCO World Heritage Site make for stunning photos.
Ticket availability is better, but still book a week ahead.
Winter (November-March) – Budget Friendly
Here’s a money-saving tip: winter visits can be half the price since garden shows are off-season and access is free. The palace is heated, and the lower visitor numbers mean you can linger in each room.
Money-Saving Tips and Discounts
After years of visiting and hosting friends, here are some ways to save on palace tickets:
Free Admission Days
Mark your calendar: Versailles offers free admission on the first Sunday of each month from November to March. But here’s what the websites don’t tell you – you still need to book a time slot online, and they’re released just 24 hours before.
Lesser-Known Discounts
- EU residents under 26: Free admission with valid ID
- Teachers with French education passes: Free entry
- Children under 18: Always free
- Disabled visitors and one companion: Free with proper documentation
Here’s my best hack: if you’re visiting between May and October, book a combination ticket with an evening fountain show. It’s actually cheaper than buying separate day and evening tickets, saving about €10 per person.
Step-by-Step Booking Guide
1️⃣ Visit the official Versailles website
2️⃣ Click “Buy tickets” (top right corner)
3️⃣ Choose your ticket type (Passport recommended!)
4️⃣ Select your date & check the fountain show schedule
5️⃣ Pick a time slot (9:00 AM or 3:00 PM for shortest waits)
6️⃣ Book & screenshot your confirmation email
Pro Tip: The website can be glitchy on mobile—book on a desktop computer for fewer issues.
Common Ticket Mistakes to Avoid
Let me help you dodge the mistakes I’ve seen countless visitors make:
The “Garden Access” Confusion
The most common error? Assuming garden access is always included with palace tickets. During fountain shows, you need either a Passport ticket or a separate garden ticket.
Booking Time Slot Errors
Time slots are for palace entry only, not garden access. You can enter the gardens at any time, even before your palace slot. I always recommend exploring the gardens first if you have an afternoon palace entry.
Refund and Exchange Policies
Here’s something crucial that most sites don’t mention: Versailles tickets are date-specific but not time-specific. If you miss your time slot, you can still enter anytime that same day. However, date changes are not permitted except for complete closure days.
Step-by-Step Booking Guide
Let me walk you through my tried-and-tested booking process:
- Visit the official website
- Select “Buy tickets” (top right corner)
- Choose your ticket type (remember, “Passport” for most visitors)
- Select your date (check the fountain show calendar first)
- Pick a time slot (9:00-10:00 AM or after 2:00 PM for the shortest lines)
- Complete your purchase (keep your confirmation email!)
Pro tip: The website can be glitchy on mobile. I always book on a desktop computer and take screenshots of my tickets as backups.
Day-of-Visit Tips
After countless visits, here’s my perfect preparation checklist:
What to Bring
- Printed tickets or fully-charged phone with downloaded tickets
- ID that matches your ticket name
- Comfortable shoes (you’ll easily walk 4-8 miles in a full visit)
- Water bottle (there are fountains to refill throughout the gardens)
- Light snacks (food inside is expensive, and exits are definitive)
Arrival Strategy
Arrive 30 minutes before your time slot – even with skip-the-line tickets, you’ll need to clear security. I usually enter through the Grille de la Chapelle entrance (Gate A) where lines move faster.
Palace of Versailles Last Admission Details:
- Regular Hours (April–October):
Closing time: 6:30 PM
Last admission: 5:30 PM
Security gates close at 6:00 PM - Winter Hours (November–March):
Closing time: 6:00 PM
Last admission: 5:00 PM
Security gates close at 5:30 PM
💡 Important Notes:
- After last admission, ticket holders cannot enter the château, even if they purchased a skip-the-line or timed entry ticket.
- The gardens and park stay open later (until 8:30 PM in summer), but the Trianon Estate closes earlier at 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM).
- If you’re on a day trip from Paris, plan to arrive at least 3-4 hours before closing to explore fully.
Conclusion
Watching tourists come and go in Versailles, I know that ticket strategy makes or breaks your experience. The extra few minutes spent choosing the right ticket and time slot can save you hours of waiting and ensure you see everything you want to see.
Remember: book your tickets early, choose morning or late afternoon slots, consider a Passport ticket for maximum flexibility, and don’t forget to check the fountain show schedule if you’re visiting between April and October.
A well-planned Versailles visit means less stress and more magic. Skip the long lines, choose the right ticket, and explore like a pro. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, I hope that these insider tips will help you experience Versailles at its best.
Ready to visit Versailles? Book your tickets now!
