Visiting the stunning Palace of Versailles? You’re probably wondering where to park without breaking the bank or walking for miles. Here’s everything you need to know about parking in Versailles, from the most convenient spots near the château to budget-friendly alternatives in the city center.
Is There Free Parking in Versailles?
Unfortunately, there’s no free parking anywhere in Versailles. The entire city operates on a paid parking system to manage the millions of visitors who come to see this UNESCO World Heritage site each year.
Exception: Visitors with valid disability permits can park for free in designated spaces throughout the city with proper documentation (European Blue Badge or equivalent).
Best Parking Options Near the Palace of Versailles
1. Place d’Armes Parking – The Most Convenient Choice
Location: Directly facing the main gates of Château de Versailles
Walking Distance: 2 minutes to palace entrance
Capacity: Large lot accommodating cars and tour buses
Rates: €4.80/hour for first 4 hours, then €2.40/hour. Check the most recent prices here.
Hours: Open 8am – 19h
Place d’Armes is the premium choice for palace visitors. You’ll literally step out of your car and see the palace gates ahead of you – it doesn’t get more convenient than this. However, this prime location comes at a premium price, and spaces fill up rapidly by 10 AM during peak season (April-October). The lot can accommodate tour buses as well, so expect some congestion during busy periods, but the unbeatable proximity to the palace entrance makes it worth the cost for many visitors, especially those with limited time or mobility concerns.
Pro Tip: Arrive before 9 AM during summer months or consider booking in advance through parking apps to guarantee your spot.
2. Palace Grounds Parking (via the Queen’s Gate) – For Garden Explorers
Entry Points: Queen’s Gate (Grille de la Reine)
Cost: €15 per vehicle (all-day access) – prices increase during the high-season
Includes Access To: Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, Queen’s Hamlet parking areas, plus proximity to the Grand Canal
Hours: 7 AM – 8:30 PM (April-October), 7 AM – 6 PM (November-March)
This option is perfect for visitors planning to explore the extensive gardens, Trianon palaces, or Marie Antoinette’s estate. The flat rate eliminates hourly parking stress and gives you freedom to move between different areas of the palace grounds without returning to your car. It’s ideal if you’re planning a full day with a picnic, as you’ll have easy access to the most scenic areas of the estate. The parking areas within the grounds are well-maintained and offer a more serene setting than the busy Place d’Armes.
Important Note: Only accessible when the gardens are open to vehicles, so check seasonal schedules before your visit.
City Center Parking in Versailles
3. Marché Notre-Dame Parking – The Local Experience
Address: 2 Place du Marché Notre-Dame
Walking Distance: 10 minutes to palace
Capacity: Approximately 700 spaces
Features: Underground garage, 24/7 access, located beneath vibrant market square
Rates: Around €2.50/hour
This underground parking garage puts you in the heart of Versailles’ authentic local life. Above ground, you’ll discover the bustling Notre-Dame Market (open Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday mornings), plus genuine restaurants and cafés that most tourists never find. The walk to the palace takes you through residential streets and pedestrian passageways where you’ll see how locals actually live in this historic city. The garage itself is modern, well-lit, and secure, making it an excellent choice for those who want to experience Versailles beyond just the palace while still maintaining reasonable walking distance.
4. Versailles Saint-Cloud Parking – Modern Convenience
Address: 33 Avenue de Saint-Cloud, 78000 Versailles
Walking Distance: 8-10 minutes to Place d’Armes via Avenue de Saint-Cloud
Capacity: Around 450 spaces
Features: Fully underground garage with 24/7 access, contactless payment, EV charging stations, dedicated handicapped spaces, and optional monthly subscriptions
Max Height: 1.9 meters clearance
Rates: €2.50 for first hour, €2.50/hour thereafter; day rate around €24
This strategically located underground garage offers modern amenities while keeping you away from the surface traffic chaos near Place d’Armes. Real-time availability signs help you avoid the frustration of circling full lots. When you emerge, you’ll find yourself on a calm residential avenue with local cafés and quieter streets that tourists often overlook. The garage features the latest technology including contactless plate recognition and mobile payment options, making it hassle-free for international visitors.
5. Parking Saint-Louis – Historic District Charm
Location: Rue Hardy, near Saint-Louis Cathedral
Walking Distance: 10 minutes to palace
Atmosphere: Quieter alternative in the historic Saint-Louis quarter
This parking option is ideal for visitors who want to experience Versailles beyond the palace itself. The Saint-Louis district features charming antique shops, traditional bistros, and authentic French architecture. Your walk to the palace will take you down the pedestrian-friendly Rue Satory, lined with local shops and cafés perfect for a pre or post-palace drink on a sunny terrace. This area gives you a genuine taste of residential Versailles life while still maintaining easy access to the main attraction.
6. Boulevard de la Reine Street Parking – Scenic Tree-Lined Option
Location: Beautiful tree-lined boulevard with residential charm
Rates: €2-3/hour via meters or mobile apps
Payment Hours: 9 AM – 7 PM, Monday-Saturday
Walking Distance: 10-15 minutes to palace
Park under the shade of century-old trees along one of Versailles’ most beautiful residential streets. While you’ll need to walk a bit further than other options, the stroll through authentic residential Versailles offers wonderful glimpses of local life and architecture. The boulevard itself is worth experiencing – it’s the kind of tree-lined French street you see in movies. From this location, you also have the option to access underground parking at the nearby Waldorf Astoria or even drive directly into the palace grounds if you prefer.
Budget-Friendly and Long-Term Parking Options
7. Interparking Versailles – Gare des Chantiers
Address: 9 Rue des Étangs Gobert
Capacity: Over 400 spaces
Features: 24/7 surveillance, EV charging stations, covered parking
Walking Distance: 15-20 minutes to palace
Best For: Multi-day visits or budget-conscious travelers
This facility offers the best combination of security, amenities, and reasonable rates for longer stays. Located near Versailles-Chantiers train station, it’s perfect for combining car and train travel – you can drive to Versailles, park here affordably, then take the train to explore Paris during your trip. The longer walk to the palace is offset by significant cost savings and the peace of mind that comes with professional security and weather protection for your vehicle.
7. Parking Gare de Versailles Rive Droite
Location: Rue du Maréchal Foch
Advantages: Lower rates than palace-adjacent parking, good for train connections
Perfect For: Overnight visitors or those planning day trips to Paris
This station parking offers another economical option with the added benefit of direct train access to Paris. It’s particularly useful for visitors staying overnight in Versailles or those who want to combine their palace visit with Paris sightseeing.
Special Parking Situations
Campervan and RV Parking
Day Parking: Avenue de l’Europe Car Park accepts campervans during daytime hours
Overnight Restrictions: No overnight parking allowed within city limits
Recommended Alternative: Huttopia Versailles campsite (March-October) offers proper RV facilities with easy bus access to the palace
Disabled Parking in Versailles
Free Parking Available With Valid Permits:
- Place d’Armes: Reserved spaces near payment kiosk
- Palace Grounds: Free entry via Queen’s Gate with disability documentation
- All municipal garages: Designated accessible spaces
Required Documentation: European Blue Badge or equivalent disability permit
Smart Parking Tips for Versailles Visitors
Timing Your Arrival
- Best Times: Before 9 AM or after 4 PM
- Avoid: 10 AM – 2 PM during peak season
- Weekend Considerations: Saturday mornings are busiest due to local market activity
Technology Solutions
Recommended Parking Apps:
- PayByPhone: Most widely accepted for street parking
- EasyPark: Excellent for multi-day management
- Flowbird: Popular across French cities
Benefits: Start, extend, or end parking sessions remotely without returning to your car.
Money-Saving Strategies
- Park Slightly Further: Save 30-50% by walking an extra 5-10 minutes
- Use Apps: Avoid overpaying at meters with precise timing
- Consider Public Transport: Park at train stations and take RER C to Paris. I’ve written a guide on how to do that here.
- Weekday Visits: Generally less crowded and stressful.
Seasonal Parking Considerations
Summer (June-August)
- Arrive by 8:30 AM or before 4 PM for best palace-adjacent spots
- Consider early morning or late afternoon visits to avoid crowds
Winter (December-February)
- More parking availability but shorter opening hours for palace grounds
- Indoor garages become more attractive
Spring/Fall
- Ideal visiting seasons with moderate crowds
- Perfect weather for walking from slightly distant parking spots
- Garden access may vary based on seasonal schedules
Understanding Versailles Parking Enforcement
Important Facts:
- Streets are patrolled regularly and fines are issued quickly and efficiently
- Camera enforcement and speed radars are common on main streets (especially the Avenue de Paris).
- You don’t need to pay on Sundays.
- Appeals process exists but requires French language skills
Typical Fines: €17-35 for minor violations, up to €135 for serious infractions
Alternative Transportation Options
If parking stress doesn’t appeal to you, consider these alternatives:
From Paris:
- RER C Train: Direct service to Versailles Château station. Here’s a guide.
- Bus Tours: Many include transportation and skip-the-line tickets
- Private Drivers: Available through various booking platforms
Local Options:
- Local Buses: Connect different districts and train stations
Final Recommendations
For First-Time Visitors: Place d’Armes parking offers the most straightforward experience, despite higher costs.
For Budget Travelers: Marché Notre-Dame or train station parking provides good value with a pleasant walk.
For Garden Enthusiasts: Palace grounds parking eliminates the hassle of moving your car between different estate areas.
For Extended Stays: Interparking Versailles offers the best combination of security, amenities, and reasonable rates.
Conclusion
Parking in Versailles doesn’t have to derail your royal experience. While all parking comes with a cost, the variety of options means there’s something for every budget and itinerary. The key is planning ahead, arriving early, and choosing the parking location that best matches your Versailles adventure.
Remember that the short walk from any parking area to the palace is part of the experience – you’ll be following in the footsteps of countless visitors who have marveled at this architectural wonder for over 300 years. The parking fee is a small price to pay for convenient access to one of the world’s most spectacular palaces.
Whether you’re spending a few hours touring the château or multiple days exploring the gardens and city, smart parking choices will help ensure your Versailles visit starts and ends on a high note.
Planning your visit? Remember to book palace tickets in advance and check the official Château de Versailles website for current opening hours and special events that might affect parking availability.
