Is Versailles Worth Visiting? What You Need to Know Before You Go

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Versailles. The name conjures both images of opulence and the ghosts of French kings. But if you’re wondering, Is Versailles worth visiting? when planning your trip to France, the answer, as it so often is, is: it depends.

It’s one of those bucket-list places that everyone seems to know about—likely due to a history lesson at some point in your life that you only vaguely remember. But should a day trip to Versailles be on yours?

Here’s the tl;dr on if Versailles is worth it – I included it in my France itinerary but since I don’t know that much about French history, some of its history was lost on me and I likely wouldn’t go back a second time. But it’s a beyond impressive estate that was fun to see and I don’t regret going either.

What is Versailles?

Versailles is more than just a palace—it’s a sprawling estate located about 12 miles (20 kilometers) outside of Paris. And by sprawling, I mean massive. The Palace of Versailles, or Château de Versailles, was built in 1631 and was the royal residence of King Louis XIV, aka the Sun King, and is widely known for its Hall of Mirrors, extravagant rooms, and meticulously manicured gardens.

So, if you’re a history buff or just someone who loves the finer things in life, it seems like an obvious must-see, right? Well, not so fast.

Where is Versailles?

Where is Versailles? Versailles is located about 12 miles southwest of Paris. It’s an easy day trip from Paris. The trains are frequent, and the journey is straightforward all things considered. But it isn’t in the heart of Paris so you won’t be stumbling upon Versailles by accident—you’ll need to plan for it. And make reservations in advance to see it.

Located just a short train ride from Paris, Versailles is incredibly accessible, especially if you’re already spending time in the French capital. The RER C train takes about 40 minutes from central Paris, making it easy to pop over for a day trip. No need to rent a car or book a tour—you can do this on your own with a train ticket and some comfortable shoes which is a plus.

The town itself isn’t particularly groundbreaking, so you don’t need to plan much time for seeing it. If you’re traveling with kids, fear not, you’ll walk by a McDonald’s on your way to and from the train station.

But here’s where things get tricky. Versailles is huge, and if you go during peak tourist season, you’ll be sharing the experience with thousands of other visitors. I visited Versailles in late May and while the crowds weren’t overwhelming, I vividly remember having to wait in line 30 minutes to use the restrooms on site. Which was not the most fun I’ve ever had.

What’s at Versailles?

Let’s start with the obvious: the Palace. The moment you step inside, you’ll be greeted with an overwhelming sense of grandeur. The Hall of Mirrors is a highlight for most visitors, with its glittering chandeliers and reflective walls that scream luxury. You can almost imagine Louis XIV hosting extravagant parties here (while quietly ignoring the plight of the peasants, of course).

But it doesn’t end there. The palace is filled with intricate rooms, like the King’s Grand Apartment, each more elaborate than the last. Every square inch is covered in gold, marble, and elaborate art, showcasing the absolute peak of royal indulgence.

However, what many people don’t realize is that the gardens are just as much a part of the Versailles experience. These aren’t your average flower beds—these are miles of perfectly symmetrical, manicured lawns, grand fountains, and ornate sculptures. You could spend hours wandering the grounds and still not see it all.

The Estate of Trianon is on the grounds but accessible via separate admission ticket than the palace itself. That includes the Petit Trianon which is a smaller palace built in the 18th century for Louis XV, but it is most famous for being closely associated with Queen Marie Antoinette (of “let them eat cake fan”) .

Surrounding the Petit Trianon is a play peasant village that Marie Antionette had built as a sort of personal Disneyland where she could cosplay as a peasant (side note: did she start the “trad wife” trend?) You can see where they might have wanted her head off, given that actual peasants were starving and having a pretty bad time in France.

The Crowds at Versailles

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: tourists. Versailles attracts millions of visitors each year, and if you visit during peak season (looking at you, summer), you’ll likely find yourself shoulder-to-shoulder with them. If you’re the type who needs peace and quiet to appreciate a historic site, this might be a major drawback.

There are ways to avoid the worst of the crowds—namely, by arriving early or going during the off-season. But even then, don’t expect to have the place to yourself. This is, after all, one of the most visited tourist attractions in France, second only to the Eiffel Tower.

Plus, Versailles is closed on Mondays, so all tourist traffic is crammed into six days instead of being spread across seven days.

The Cost of Versailles

Another factor to consider when asking if Versailles is worth it: the cost. If you’re wondering: can you visit Versailles for free? The answer is generally for tourists, no. The Park and Gardens are free everyday, but you’ll have to pay to enter the palace itself, unless you’re visiting the first Sunday of the month from November to December, in which case entrance to the palace and the Estate of Trianon are free (reservations are still required)

Tickets for the palace alone start at 21€, but if you want the full experience—palace, gardens, and Trianon—you’ll need to shell out about 32€ . You can expect lower rates if you’re traveling between November and March, which I outline in my guide to the Best Months to Visit Paris as actually decent months to visit.

If you’re wondering if you need to see the full estate, when I visited I personally opted just for tickets to the palace and had a full day wandering the grounds and palace.

For some, this might seem steep for what amounts to a day of wandering through historic rooms and fancy gardens. However, others would argue that the chance to step inside one of the most famous royal residences in the world is worth every penny. I mean, how often do you get to stroll the same halls as French kings and queens?

If you opt out of a higher priced guided tour, Versailles offers an audio guide which you can interact with on the official Versailles app for €5. Audio guides are often hit or miss for me, but the one at Versailles was actually pretty well done and I learned a lot instead of us wandering aimlessly through the halls and “oohing and ahhhing.”

Is Versailles Overhyped?

Here’s the part where I might get some side-eye: is Versailles a bit overhyped? Potentially. Let’s be real—there are only so many ornate rooms and gold-leafed ceilings a person can gawk at before they all start to blur together. If you’re expecting some sort of life-changing, soul-stirring experience, you might walk away feeling a little underwhelmed.

That being said, if you’re into history, art, or just want to say you’ve been there, Versailles is certainly worth the trip. But if grand palaces aren’t your thing, you might be better off spending your day wandering the charming streets of Paris or taking a quieter trip to one of France’s lesser-known chateaux.

Should You Visit the Gardens at Versailles?

For me, the gardens are what really set Versailles apart. You can explore the grounds for free (yes, free!) and they’re open year-round. If you’re not keen on paying the palace entry fee or dealing with crowds inside, you could easily spend a few hours wandering the gardens and still feel like you’ve seen the best of Versailles as you take in the palace’s marvelous exterior.

There are also plenty of spots to sit down, relax, and take in the meticulously crafted landscapes. Pro tip: pack a picnic and enjoy your lunch surrounded by centuries-old trees and grand fountains. The experience is just as regal, minus the price tag.

If you watched the Paris Olympics you’ll have seen the grounds of Versailles as the estate that played host to the equestrian competitions. Those couple of weeks in Paris actually had reduced crowds at Versailles thanks to all of the other athletic spectacles that took up the time of tourists.

Is Versailles Worth It for Families?

If you’re traveling with kids, Versailles can be hit or miss. On one hand, the sheer scale of the place is impressive, and the gardens are a great place for kids to run around and burn off some energy. On the other hand, kids might get bored quickly inside the palace, especially if they’re not into history or art. The entrance fee plus the train ticket costs don’t make this a super affordable day trip either.

If you do bring the family, consider renting bikes or a golf cart to explore the grounds. It’s a fun way to cover more ground without tiring everyone out.

When to Visit Versailles

Timing is everything when it comes to making Versailles worth it. Visiting during the off-season (spring or fall) will help you avoid the worst of the crowds, and you’ll have a better chance of actually enjoying the palace and gardens at a leisurely pace.

If you’re really looking for an unforgettable experience, try visiting during the Musical Fountains Show (April to October). The fountains come alive with water displays synchronized to classical music, adding an extra layer of magic to the already stunning gardens. Just watch out as those show days are days where entrance to the gardens has an admission fee.

So, is Versailles Worth It?

In short: yes, but with caveats. If you’re a history lover, art enthusiast, or someone who just appreciates opulence, Versailles will be right up your alley. However, if you’re short on time, follow my itinerary for 2 days in Paris instead and use your time to explore the city center.

Or even if you’ve got plenty of time to fill your France itinerary, you’re just not a fan of crowds, or already feeling a bit “palaced out,” it might not blow you away and you can skip it.

For me, the magic of Versailles lies in its gardens and the sheer extravagance of it all. It’s a place where you can feel the weight of history, but also escape into a world of absolute beauty and indulgence. Just make sure you know what you’re getting into, plan accordingly, and set your expectations accordingly.

In the end, Versailles is more than just a day trip from Paris—it’s a glimpse into a world of royalty, decadence, and excess. Whether that’s worth it to you is something only you can decide.