Last Updated: February 2026
Buying Versailles Palace tickets shouldn’t be this confusing.
But here we are: three ticket types with similar names, multiple websites selling the same thing, and a long entrance line looming on the horizon.
The TL:DR version (if you’re in a hurry)
- Buy the Passport Ticket (€35 high season / €25 low season) — it covers everything you want to see at Versailles, especially if it’s your first time
- Book 1–2 weeks ahead (3–4 weeks in summer)
- Choose a 9:00 AM entry if humanly possible
What to Do If Versailles Tickets Are Sold Out
Don’t panic. The official Château website often shows “sold out” days — especially during spring break, summer, and holidays — but you still have options.
1. Check Authorized Resellers
GetYourGuide or Tiqets.
These resellers are reliable and they often have slots when the official site doesn’t.
2. Reserve Breakfast or Lunch at Ore
Book the Menu Coupe Fille at Ore restaurant
You can get in at either Breakfast (9am- 11:30) or Lunch (11:30 – 3p.m.)
Book your reservation directly through their website.
3. Loyalty Points
Consider spending €65 per ticket for an annual pass.
Annual pass holders do not need to wait in the line, not do they need to reserve a time to visit.
You can find more information on annual passes is on the castle website here.
4. Book a Guided Tour
Many guided tours include their own ticket allocation. Even if general entry is sold out, tours may still have space.
Still feeling unsure?
If you want a real human (hi, it’s me) to look at your dates, crowd tolerance, kids/no kids situation, and tell you exactly which ticket to buy and when to go — you can book a one-on-one Versailles planning call with me here.
Types of Versailles Tickets
Which one do you need?
Short answer: Buy the Passport Ticket unless you have a very specific reason not to.
- First time visiting Versailles? → Passport Ticket
- Visiting November–March? → Palace-only ticket
- Already seen the palace? → Trianon & Estate ticket
- Only want the gardens on a fountain day? → Gardens/Fountains ticket
- Want zero logistics stress? → Guided tour
If this is your first visit, buy the Passport. Almost everyone regrets not seeing the Trianon.
If you want the why, keep reading.
Ticket Types at a Glance (2026)
| Ticket | What it includes | Best for | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport | Palace + gardens + Trianon + Hamlet | First-timers | €25–35 |
| Palace only | Palace interior | Winter visits | ~€24 |
| Trianon & Estate | Trianon + Hamlet | Return visitors | €12–15 |
| Gardens/Fountains | Gardens on show days | Garden-only visits | €10–15 |
| Guided tours | Priority entry + guide | History & ease | €39–150+ |
The Passport Ticket (aka: the One I Recommend to Almost Everyone)
2026 price: €35 high season / €25 low season
The Passport Ticket is the all-access pass. It includes:
- Palace interior (Hall of Mirrors, State Apartments, the works)
- Gardens even on fountain show days
- Grand Trianon & Petit Trianon
- Marie-Antoinette’s Estate & Hamlet
- Temporary exhibitions
Why it’s worth it:
Most people underestimate how big Versailles is. They buy the basic ticket, arrive, see the Trianons shimmering in the distance… and immediately regret their life choices.
The Passport gives you flexibility. No mental math. No “wait, am I allowed in here?”
When to skip it:
If you’re visiting November–March, when gardens are free and fountain shows aren’t running. In that case, save your money.
Palace-Only Ticket (Best for Winter)
2026 price: ~€24
This ticket gives you:
- Palace interior
- Hall of Mirrors
- State Apartments
It does not include:
- Gardens on fountain days
- Trianon palaces
- Marie-Antoinette’s Estate
Best for:
Winter visitors (November–March) who want the palace highlights without extras.
Trianon & Estate Ticket (Quiet, Underrated, Lovely)
2026 price: €15 / €12 (EEA residents)
Includes:
- Grand Trianon
- Petit Trianon
- Marie-Antoinette’s Hamlet
- Trianon gardens
Does not include the main palace.
This is perfect if:
- You’ve already seen the palace
- You prefer calmer, more intimate spaces
- You’re fascinated by Marie-Antoinette’s private world
The Trianon estate feels like a different universe — less gold, more humanity.
Visiting April–October? Fountain Show Days Change Everything
From April to October (usually Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays), the gardens require a ticket because of the Musical Fountains Shows.
Your options:
- Passport ticket (easiest)
- Gardens/Fountains ticket (gardens only)
- Combined Gardens + Trianon ticket
Are the fountain shows worth it?
Yes. Unequivocally. Kids love them. Adults love them. History suddenly feels very alive.
Winter bonus:
November–March = gardens are completely free. Quiet, moody, beautiful.
Guided Tours (Worth it, as the castle can be overwhelming)
Price range: €39–84
I used to think guided tours were overpriced. Then I took one.
Our guide pressed on what looked like a decorative wall panel. It opened. Hidden door. Marie-Antoinette escape route. Mind blown.
Popular options:
- VIP King’s Apartments tour (€39) — exclusive rooms, no crowds
- Guided palace tour (€75) — great context for first-timers
- Full day from Paris (€84) — transport + everything handled
If you like to know the stories, secrets, and “wait, WHAT?” moments — this is money well spent.
Where to Buy Versailles Tickets (and Why “Sold Out” Isn’t Final)
Start here:
- billetterie.chateauversailles.fr (official site in English)
But — tickets are released in batches, often just 2–4 weeks out.
If your preferred date shows sold out, check these reliable sites:
These platforms get separate ticket allocations, so availability often differs. It’s worth it to check each of them if sold out.
Pro tip:
If your preferred slot appears, book it right away.
Money-Saving Tips and Discounts
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 oftentimes released just 24 hours before.
You must book a time slot 24 hours in advance. Free ≠ no reservation. You still need a time slot.
Winter travel
Low-season tickets, the gardens are free, cheaper hotels, less people.
Combination tickets
Day visit + evening fountain show = cheaper together than separately.
Lesser-Known Discounts
- Children under 18 (worldwide) Always free
- EU residents under 26: Free admission with valid ID
- Disabled visitors and one companion: Free with proper documentation
- Teachers with French education passes: Free entry
The One-Day Versailles Timeline That Actually Works
8:45 AM — Arrive
9:00–11:00 — Tour the palace interior
11:00–12:30 — Gardens
12:30 — Lunch
1:30–3:30 — Trianon & Hamlet
4:00 — Head back
You’ll cover most things without sprinting or crying. But I’ll always recommend that you break this into two days, for maximum enjoyment.
Palace Hours & Last Admission (Read This Twice)
High season (Apr–Oct):
- Last palace entry: 5:30 PM
- Palace closes: 6:30 PM
Low season (Nov–Mar):
- Last palace entry: 5:00 PM
- Palace closes: 6:00 PM
If you arrive after last admission, you are not getting in.
Yes, even with a ticket.
Common Mistakes (Learn From Others)
- Assuming gardens are always included
- Arriving late because “it closes at 6:30”
- Waiting to buy tickets on site
- Standing in the wrong entrance line for hours
Read your ticket. Follow signage. Ask staff. They want to help.
Final Thoughts
Versailles isn’t meant to be rushed.
Don’t speed-walk the Hall of Mirrors.
Don’t skip the Hamlet because your feet hurt.
Don’t leave without walking toward the Grand Canal.
This place was designed to stop you in your tracks.
Plan smart. Buy the right ticket. Show up early.
Then let Versailles do what it does best.
Ready to plan?
🎟️ Book Versailles tickets
🎭 Browse tours & fountain shows
💬 Questions? Book a one-on-one Versailles consult with me
Ready to visit Versailles? Book your tickets now!
Frequently Asked Questions About Versailles Tickets
Do I need to book Versailles tickets in advance?
Yes. Versailles uses timed entry, and popular slots sell out quickly. Booking ahead is strongly recommended.
What’s the best ticket to buy for Versailles?
The Passport Ticket. It includes the palace, gardens (even on fountain days), the Trianons, and Marie-Antoinette’s Hamlet, which are so. worth. it.
Are the Versailles gardens free?
They’re free from November to March. From April to October, garden access requires a ticket on Musical Fountain or Musical Garden days.
What if tickets are sold out on the official Versailles website?
Check resellers like GetYourGuide or Tiqets. They often have more availability because they receive separate ticket allocations.
Can I buy tickets at the palace on the day of my visit?
This strategy can be a bit risky. Tickets often sell out in advance and they are difficult to get at the door if the website says “sold out”.
What time slot should I choose to see Versailles?
9:00 AM if possible. It’s the calmest, coolest, and least crowded time to enter the palace.
If I miss my time slot, can I still enter?
Usually yes, on the same day and subject to capacity—but it’s not guaranteed. Arriving early is always safer.
Are guided tours worth it?
If you like context and hidden details, absolutely. Some tours include access to rooms you can’t see on your own.
How long should I plan to spend at Versailles?
You can plan 2-3 hours for the palace alone, or 5–7 hours for the full experience including gardens and Trianon. It’s really nice if you can split the grounds into two days, which is always my preference. Castle on one day, and the grounds and city the next.
Is Versailles closed on certain days?
Yes. The palace is closed on Mondays, though the gardens and park remain open.
Is there air conditioning inside the palace?
No. In summer, it can get very hot inside—early entry and water help.
Is Versailles suitable for kids?
I love to take my kids to the Versailles castle. However, the park including gardens, fountains, and Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet are much bigger hits with my kids than the palace interiors.
