Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is the epitome of French royal extravagance, located about 20 kilometers southwest of Paris. Originally a hunting lodge, it was transformed by Louis XIV into a sprawling complex that served as the seat of political power from 1682 until the French Revolution. The palace is renowned for its opulent interiors, including the dazzling Hall of Mirrors, where 357 mirrors reflect the gardens through arched windows. The King's and Queen's State Apartments are lavishly decorated with marble, gold leaf, and ceiling paintings. Beyond the palace, the vast formal gardens designed by André Le Nôtre feature fountains, sculptures, and the Grand Canal. The estate also includes the Grand Trianon and Marie Antoinette's estate, the Petit Trianon and the Queen's Hamlet. A visit here is a full-day immersion into the grandeur of the Ancien Régime.

Don't miss

• The Hall of Mirrors, with its chandeliers and painted ceiling
• The King's Grand Apartments and the Queen's Bedchamber
• The expansive gardens with the musical fountains show (seasonal)
• The Grand Trianon, a pink marble retreat for the king
• Marie Antoinette's Hamlet, a rustic village built for her escape

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Palace of Versailles

Cheapest way inVersailles Palace Tour with Garden Access4.4★ · 82 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$64 per personSee dates →Most bookedVersailles Palace and Gardens Tour from Paris4.4★ · 4,163 travelers3–4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$74 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleVersailles Royal Palace & Gardens Private Tour by Golf Cart4.9★ · 434 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$232 per personSee dates →