Versailles Travelers Recommend

Once frequented by King Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette, the Palace of Versailles is one of the world’s largest and grandest historic royal residences—little wonder it’s one of the most popular day-trip destinations from Paris. Here’s how to spend a day at the landmark, from its iconic Hall of Mirrors to its sweeping gardens and fountains.

Morning: Discover the Palace

Hop aboard an early morning train from Paris, or, if you sign up for a private or small-group tour, travel in the comfort of a private vehicle. It's a quick trip to the Palace of Versailles, 10 miles (17 kilometers) southwest of the French capital. Upon arrival, soak in the palace’s grandeur before heading inside for a tour. Whether you explore with a guide or with an audio tour, you can walk through the chandelier-filled Hall of Mirrors, Royal Apartments, Apollo Room, and more. For a splurge, enjoy a decadent lunch at Ore, Alain Ducasse’s on-site restaurant.

Afternoon: Explore the Gardens and Grounds

Though sprawling and lavishly decorated, Versailles’ main palace building is just one of the palace complex's many highlights. Save time to stroll its sweeping gardens, designed by landscape architect André Le Nôtre in the classical French style—they cover a vast expanse of 1,976 acres (800 hectares). Seek out the Grand and Petit Trianons—two separate, on-site palaces—and venture to a bucolic retreat once favored by Marie Antoinette, the Hamlet. Alternatively, bike or Segway tours provide a zippy way to navigate the grounds.

Night: Fountain Show

Cap off your day of regal decadence with one final flourish: a Versailles fountain show. Held on select days between April and October, the performances see the palace’s grand fountains “dance” in time, accompanied by a musical soundtrack (separate, music-only garden walks are also hosted in the same time period). Alternatively, venture into the charming town of Versailles for a traditional bistro dinner before returning to Paris proper.

France's Palace of Versailles is a must-see at any time of year, but the palace especially comes alive in summer, when fireworks and musical fountain shows add to the magic. Here's what you need to know to experience these special summer events.

When to Go

The palace's summer garden events run from April to October. You can view the stunning fountain show on weekends between 10am and 7pm (plus some Tuesdays) and experience the Music in the Gardens program, which includes a musical promenade running through the formal French gardens, on Tuesdays and Fridays.

For an illuminated view, visit after dark and watch the special fountain night show and fireworks display, both of which run from mid–June to mid–September on Saturday evenings. Some tours also offer access to the Royal Serenade, a full period–costumed performance in Versailles’ famous Hall of Mirrors.

How to Go

Versailles is a quick day trip from Paris and one of the most popular. To see the summer shows and make the most of your time at the palace, choose a guided Versailles tour with fountain show tickets; skip-the-line palace tickets with included fountain show entry; or stand-alone royal garden tickets.

Things to Know

• Most tours include roundtrip transportation from Paris.

• The Versailles summer shows present a variety of stunning lights, colors, and water displays set to Baroque music, offering a unique Versailles experience that can only be had in summer.

• Guided garden tours can be added to tours of the palace and state apartments—these options range from half-day to full-day experiences.