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French Holiday Calendar and Public Holidays for 2019

French Holiday Calendar and Public Holidays for 2019

This page provides you informations about School Holiday Calendar and Public Holidays in France for 2019, and my special tips for you, to help you to find your best time to visit Palace of Versailles.


Christmas & New Year Holiday

Zone A, B and C (and most of European Holiday) : Saturday 24th December 2018 to Sunday 7th January 2019.

During these 2 days of, Domain of Versailles is close :

  • Tuesday 25th Décember 2018 : Christmas Day
  • Tuesday 1st January 2019 : New Year
Christmas & New Year Holiday Tips
  • Prefered coming Wednesday or Thursday. If you can only come during these holidays, prefer going during the week. Remember, there are a lot of visitors every Sundays.
  • Domain of Versailles is close each Monday.
  • Avoid coming to Palace of Versailles during these French holidays : it’s crowded.
  • If you are on holidays in Paris during Christmas and New Year Holiday, enjoy visiting Paris the 25th December.

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Winter Holidays

Zone B : Saturday 9th February Sunday 25th February 2019
Zone A : Saturday 16th February to Sunday 4th March 2019
Zone C : Saturday 23th February  to Sunday 11th March 2019

Winter Holiday Tips
  • Prefered coming Wednesday or Thursday. If you can only come during these holidays, prefer going during the week. Remember, there are a lot of visitors every Sundays.
  • Domain of Versailles is close each Monday.
  • Avoid coming to Palace of Versailles during these French holidays : it’s crowded.

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Spring Holidays

Zone B : Saturday 5th April to Sunday 23th April 2019
Zone A : Saturday 13th April to Monday 29th April 2019
Zone C : Saturday 20th April to Monday 6th May 2019

+ Zone A-B-C : Thursday 30th May to Monday 3th June 2019

Be careful : Monday 1st May 2019, Versailles’ Domain is close.

Spring Holiday Tips
  • During 5 long weekends, French people will make a break (named « le pont ») : it will be crowed these weekends.
        Monday 22th April : Monday’s Easter Day
        Monday 1st May : Labor Day
        Monday 8th May : Second World War Victory Day
        Thursday 30th May : Ascension Day
        Monday 10th June : Pentecôte Day
    If you come a weekend perfer : 6-7 April ; 13-14 April ; 18-19 May ; 25-26 May ; 15-16 June
  • Prefered coming Wednesday or Thursday. If you can only come during these holidays, prefer going during the week. Remember, there are a lot of visitors every Sundays.
  • Domain of Versailles is close each Monday.
  • Avoid coming to Palace of Versailles during these French holidays : it’s crowded.

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Summer Holidays

Zone A, B and C (and most of European Holiday) : Saturday 6th July to Sunday 2nd September 2019.

Summer Holiday Tips
  • August is very busy. So if  you can, choose another month.
  • Prefered coming Wednesday orThursday. If you can only come during these holidays, prefer going during the week. Remember, there are a lot of visitors every Sundays.
  • Domain of Versailles is close each Monday.
  • Avoid coming to Palace of Versailles during these French holidays : it’s crowded.

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Automn Holidays

Zone A, B and C (and most of European Holiday) : Saturday 19th October to Sunday 4th November 2019.

Automn Holiday Tips

  • Prefered coming Wednesday orThursday. If you can only come during these holidays, prefer going during the week. Remember, there are a lot of visitors every Sundays.
  • Domain of Versailles is close each Monday.
  • Avoid coming to Palace of Versailles during these French holidays : it’s crowded.
  • This is the ideal time to walk in the park with beautiful colors.

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Christmas & New Year Holiday

Zone A, B and C (and most of European Holiday) : Saturday 21th December 2019 to Sunday 6th January 2020.

During these 2 days of, Domain of Versailles is close :

  • Wednesday 25th Décember 2019 : Christmas Day
  • Wednesday 1st January 2020 : New Year
Christmas & New Year Holiday Tips
  • Prefered coming Wednesday orThursday. If you can only come during these holidays, prefer going during the week. Remember, there are a lot of visitors every Sundays.
  • Domain of Versailles is close each Monday.
  • Avoid coming to Palace of Versailles during these French holidays : it’s crowded.
  • If you are on holidays in Paris during Christmas and New Year Holiday, enjoy visiting Paris the 25th December.

Back to top of French Holidays’ Calendar for 2019

Equestrian Academy of Versailles

National equestrian Academy of Versailles
The national equestrian Academy of Versailles

Founded in 2003 in the royal stables (Grande Écurie) of Versailles’ Palace, the Equestrian Arts Academy (Académie du spectacle équestre) is a high-level further education institution in equestrian arts.

You can visit the Royal Stables

Wednesdays from 01:30 pm to 05:30 pm and Saturdays from 01:30 pm to 04:30 pm.

Price : €5

« Les Matinales » (in the morning)

You can discover the Royal Stables and the work of the contemporary Squires School: work sessions, rider’s daily training.

Every Sundays from 10 am to 12 am from 25 September.
Tour every 20 min. (last visit at 11.20 am)

Shows of the equestrian Academy of Versailles
Shows of the equestrian Academy of Versailles

Equestrian show

The National Equestrian Academy of Versailles is unique. It’s the  only  “corps de ballet” in the world.

The rider Bartabas create in 2003 within the Royal Stables an equestrian show.

Each year, the Academy proposes a new repertory show with various artistic disciplines: dancing, singing, fencing or traditional Japanese archery (Kyudo).

Shows of the equestrian Academy of Versailles
Shows of the equestrian Academy of Versailles

The show is followed by a tour of the Stables.
Time : 1h15 – (Not suitable for children under five)

Starting from mid-July : On Saturdays at 6pm and Sundays at 3pm.

Things to do in Versailles

Things to do in Versailles

Fireworks
Fireworks in Palace of Versailles
  • Visit Palace of Versailles with an audioguide
  • Come dressed to the Royal serenade in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles
  • Listen to music and song in the Royal Opera
  • See the great Musical Fountains Show
  • Walk in Versailles’s gardens and discover differents views
  • Rent a bike and go to the end of the park
  • Play hide and seek in the garden
  • See the amazing Fountains Night Show
  • Savor an ice cream in the park in Summer
  • Rent a boat to see the reflection of the Castle in the water of the Grand Canal
  • In Summer  walk in the garden listening to the Baroque music
  • Participate in workshops for children (in French)
  • Visit Grand Trianon and Marie-Antoinette’s Estate
  • Buy souvenirs in one of the Palace of Versailles’ shops or in the park
  • Visit the Royal Stables and see the Equestrian Show Academy

Exhibition 2015 : The King is dead

For the tercentenary of King Louis XIV (1715-2015), Palace of Versailles organize the exhibition The King is dead (Le Roi est mort in French), from 27 October 2015 to 21 February 2016.

The King is dead
The King is dead

The exhibition give details of the death, autopsy and funeral of Louis XIV. Works of art and historical documents situate them in the funeral context of European sovereigns from the Renaissance period to the Enlightenment.

For the first time, ceremonial portraits, funeral statues and effigies, gravestones, the manuscript for the account of the autopsy of the king, coins from the Saint-Denis Treasury, gold medals, emblems and ornaments, and furniture of funeral liturgy are exhibited in public.

Arts works show how Louis XIV was a great king in the government, as a war leader, in diplomacy, in religion and in arts. Autopsy and embalming, ceremony, funeral convoy are presented.

The exhibition is open every day except Monday (and on Thursday 25th December 2015 and 1st January 2016) from 9:00am to 5:30pm (last entry at 4:45pm).
Admission included in Palace tickets.

A free audio guide, from 8 years of age, is available in English to provide a better understanding of the exhibition.

Petit Quotidien
Petit Quotidien

You can free dowload the Game bookled : Le Petit Quotidien, in english, for kids.

The King is dead : exhibition catalogue
The King is dead : exhibition catalogue

You can also buy the exhibition catalogue [336 pages, 44,90 €]

Sleep near Palace of Versailles

 Sleep near Palace of Versailles

You want to visit Palace of Versailles (Château de Versailles) and stay a few days in the city. Find here some informations about differents lodging’s solutions depending on your budget, the number of people you are, the proximity to the Palace you want, the standing you need…

  • Campsite, from €27 for 2 persons per night.
  • Bed and Breakfast, from €72 for 1 person to €140 for 2 persons per night.
  • Rental appartment, from €120 for 2 persons per night or €310 for a week.
  • Hotels, from €60 for 1 person per night to €155.

Campsite Huttopia Versailles

[2,3 miles from the Palace of Versailles]

Find Campsite Huttopia Versailles on the locator map.

31 rue Berthelot 78000 Versailles
+33(0)1 39 51 23 61
france.huttopia.com/en/destination/campsite/huttopia-versailles/site
versailles@huttopia.com

Campsite Huttopia
Campsite Huttopia

Tent, caravan or motorhome, camping on.
Heated pool with wading pool, central living room with TV, playground, bicycle rental, Internet access. Toilets, barbecues.
Eating: Pizza Grill, bar, bread, breakfast.

Accepted payment:  Visa,  Eurocard Mastercard, Species.
2-person Tent or camping car : €26,20 à €44,50.
4-person gipsy caravan: from €99 to €140 per night (2 nights minimum).
5-person A-frame: from €63 to €109 per night (2 nights minimum).
5-person trappeur : from €95 to €145 per night (2 nights minimum).
5-person Cahutte : from €109 to €159 (2 nights minimum).
6-person hut: from €139 to €175 per night (2 nights minimum).
Electricity : €5.80 a day.

Bed and Breakfast (Chambre d’hôtes)

Halte de la Fontaine

Halte de la Fontaine
Halte de la Fontaine

Find Halte de la Fontaine on the locator map.

62 Rue Jean de la Fontaine, 78000 Versailles
haltedelafontaine.monsite-orange.fr
victoria.gires@orange.fr
+33(0)1 39 20 08 23

    3 rooms:

  • Chambre du Prince: €72 for 1 person / €83 for 2 persons
  • Chambre de la Reine: €82 for 1 person / €93 for 2 persons
  • Chambre du Roi: €88 for 1 person / €93 for 2 persons

L’Orangeraie

L'Orangeraie
L’Orangeraie

Find L’Orangerie on the locator map.

7bis, rue Hardy 78000 Versailles
www.versailles-orangeraie.com/en/
ines.vandamecapion@gmail.com
+33(0)1 39 53 26 78 / +33(0)6 86 87 83 69

    3 rooms:

  • Les Myosotis: €83 for 1 person / €91 for 2 persons
  • Chambre royale: €83 for 1 person / €91 for 2 persons
  • Le Potager du Roi: €86 for 1 person / €96 for 2 persons

L’Orangerie White-Palacio

L'Orangerie White-Palacio
L’Orangerie White-Palacio

Find L’Orangerie White-Palacio on the locator map.

37 Avenue de Paris, 78000 Versailles
www.l-orangerie-versailles.fr
mp.white@free.fr
+33(0)9 53 61 07 57 / +33(0)6 82 42 81 39
3 rooms in a 17 century house with a garden, from €120 per night.

Villa de la Pièce d’Eau des Suisses

Villa de la Pièce d'Eau des Suisses
Villa de la Pièce d’Eau des Suisses

Find Villa de la Pièce d’Eau des Suisses on the locator map.

6 Rue de la Quintinie, 78000 Versailles
www.bedinversailles.fr/?lang=en/
bedinversailles@gmail.com
+33(0)6 22 60 05 84
One room for €130 euros for 1 person/1 night // €140 euros for 2 persons/1 night.

Rental appartment

Les Petits Apparts de Versailles

Les Petits Apparts
Les Petits Apparts

Find Les Petits Apparts de Versailles on the locator map.

www.lepetitappartversailles.com
lepetitappart@gmail.com
+33(0)7 81 31 71 88

  • Le Petit Neptune (1 rue de la Paroisse): little house for 4 persons. From €310 for a week.
  • La Closerie (14 place Louis): studio for 2 persons.
  • Le Petit Tout Petit Appart (50 rue de la Paroisse): studio (215ft2) for 2 persons. From €390 to €430 for a week.
  • Le Marmouset (50 rue de la Paroisse): one-room apartment (269ft2) for 4 persons.
  • Le Petit Appart (50 rue de la Paroisse): one-room apartment (322ft2) for 4 persons. From €470 to €560 for a week / €98 per night (4 nights minimum).

L’Escapade Versaillaise

Escapade Versaillaise
Escapade Versaillaise

Find L’Escapade Versaillaise on the locator map.

23 Rue Hoche, 78000 Versailles
www.lescapadeversaillaise.com
contact@lescapadeversaillaise.com
+33(0)6 14 45 16 92

  • studio up to 2 guests: €125 per night (for 2 nights or more), €160 / night (for 1 single night).
  • one-bedroom apartment up to 4 guests: €170 per night (for 2 nights or more), €210 / night (for 1 single night).

Versailles Regence

Versailles Régence apartment - rue de Satory
Versailles Régence apartment – rue de Satory

Find Versailles Regence on the locator map.

www.versaillesregence.com
+33(0)6 68 82 82 34
contact@versaillesregence.com

  • 1 Rue de Satory: 2 rooms apartment in 430ft² for 2-4 persons. €120 per night (3 nights minimum).
  • 41 Rue Carnot: 2 rooms apartment in 463ft² for 2-4 persons. €140€ per night (3 nights minimum).

Hotels

Home Saint Louis **

Home Saint Louis
Home Saint Louis

Find Home Saint Louis on the locator map.

28 Rue Saint-Louis, 78000 Versailles
www.lehomestlouis.com
hotel@lehomestlouis.com
+33(0)1 39 50 23 55
From €60 per night.

Hôtel Richaud **

Hôtel Richaud
Hôtel Richaud

Find Hôtel Richaud on the locator map.

16 rue Richaud 78000 Versailles
www.hotelrichaud-versailles.com/description_5.php
contact@hotelrichaud-versailles.com
+33(0)1 39 50 10 42
From €78 per night.

Hôtel d’Angleterre

Hotel d'Angleterre
Hotel d’Angleterre

Find Hôtel d’Angleterre on the locator map.

2bis Rue de Fontenay, 78000 Versailles
www.hotel-angleterre-versailles.fr
contact@hotel-angleterre-versailles.fr
+33(0)1 39 51 43 50
From €88 per night.

Ibis Versailles Château

Ibis Versailles Château
Ibis Versailles Château

Find Ibis Versailles Château on the locator map.

4 avenue du Général de Gaulle 78000 Versailles
www.ibis.com/fr/hotel-1409-ibis-versailles-chateau/index.shtml
f1409@accor.com
+33(0)1 39 53 03 30
Located just 200 metres from the Palace of Versailles.
From €89 per night.

A l’Hôtel Des Roys **

A l'hôtel des Roys
A l’hôtel des Roys

Find A l’Hôtel Des Roys on the locator map.

14, avenue de Paris 78000 Versailles
www.hotel-roys-versailles.com
contact@hotel-roys-versailles.com
+33(0)1 39 50 56 00
From €90 per night.

Royal Hotel **

Royal Hôtel
Royal Hôtel

Find Royal Hotel on the locator map.

23 Rue Royale, 78000 Versailles
www.royalhotelversailles.com
royalhotel@sfr.fr
+33(0)1 39 50 67 31
From €68 and €91 per night.

Hôtel du Cheval Rouge ***

Hotel du Cheval Rouge
Hotel du Cheval Rouge

Find Hôtel du Cheval Rouge on the locator map.

18 Rue André Chénier, 78000 Versailles
www.chevalrougeversailles.fr
chevalrouge@sfr.fr
+33(0)1 39 50 03 03
From €94 per night.

Hôtel de France Versailles Château ***

Hôtel de France
Hôtel de France

Find Hôtel de France Versailles Château on the locator map.

5 Rue Colbert, 78000 Versailles
www.hoteldefranceversailles.com
hotel-de-france-versailles@wanadoo.fr
+33(0)1 30 83 92 23
From €95 per night.

Novotel Château de Versailles ****

Novotel
Novotel

Find Novotel Château de Versailles on the locator map.

4 Boulevard St Antoine 78150 Le Chesnay
www.accorhotels.com/fr/hotel-1022-novotel-chateau-de-versailles/index.shtml
H1022@accor.com
+33(0)1 39 54 96 96
From €95 per night.

Hôtel Le Versailles ****

Hôtel Le Versailles
Hôtel Le Versailles

Find Hôtel Le Versailles on the locator map.

7 rue Sainte Anne 78000 Versailles
www.hotel-le-versailles.fr
info@hotel-le-versailles.fr
+33 (0)1 39 50 64 65
From €109 per night.

Hôtel Mercure Versailles Château ***

Mercure
Mercure

Find Hôtel Mercure Versailles Château on the locator map.

19 rue Philippe de Dangeau, Angle rue Montbauron 78000 Versailles
www.accorhotels.com/fr/hotel-1909-hotel-mercure-versailles-chateau/index.shtml
H1909@accor.com
+33 (0)1 39 50 44 10
From €95 per night.

Hôtel Pullman Versailles Château ****

Hotel Pullman
Hotel Pullman

Find Hôtel Pullman Versailles Château on the locator map.

2 bis avenue de Paris 78000 Versailles
www.accorhotels.com/fr/hotel-1300-pullman-chateau-de-versailles/index.shtml
H1300@accor.com
+33 (0)1 39 07 46 46
From €140 per night.

Hôtel La Résidence du Berry ***

Hôtel la Résidence du Berry
Hôtel la Résidence du Berry

Find Hôtel La Résidence du Berry on the locator map.

14 Rue d’Anjou, 78000 Versailles
www.hotel-berry.com
resa@hotel-berry.fr
+33(0)1 39 49 07 07
From €149 per night.

Trianon Palace Versailles ****

Trianon Palace
Trianon Palace

Find Hôtel Trianon Palace Versailles on the locator map.

Waldorf Astoria
Hotel’s indoor heated swimming pool and Spa Guerlain.
1 Boulevard de la Reine 78000 Versailles
www.trianonpalace.fr
+33(0) 1 30 84 50 00
From €155 night.

Velib bikes in Paris: how it works?

Velib bikes in Paris: how it works?

Vélib in Paris
Vélib in Paris

Discover Paris by Velib bikes, a bike rental in Paris.

Since 2007, self-service bikes – called Velib – are beeing available all over Paris.

When it’s sunny, cycling in Paris could be great. Use the cycle lanes and discover Paris through a new way…

Velib map
Velib map

From Opera, Champs Elysee or the Eiffel Tower, take your bike and reach by your own to Montmartre with your Paris Velib Map.

Details on Paris Velib bike system :

  • Rental price:  €1,70 1-day ticket / €8 for 7-day ticket
  • Credit card only : Follow the screen’s instruction. Choose english for language. Get a ticket with your pin number.
  • You must agree for a €150 guarantee .
  • The firt half-hour is free. Put the Velib bicycle back before this time and just get another right after : no extra-charge… And you can cycle for more than 30 minutes for free…
  • Take a Velib bicycle and get it back where ever you want in a Velib Station.
  • Stop riding when you want, take some pictures and have fun…
  • Velib’s green light
    Velib’s green light

    A green light appears when you put it back correctly.

  • A red light appears when the Velib bicycle doesn’t interlock well in a Paris’ Station. In this case, don’t forget to declare on the screen that your bike is returned. Otherwise, your €150 will be debited.

You can’t take another Velib bike with your pin number as long as your bike return hasn’t been checked (less than 24 hours).

You have to take another number. It’s not very useful.

Velib Station
Velib Station

Special tips :

  • it’s dangerous by wet weather.
  • Can’t be used with babies or young kids. It’s only available from 14 years old.
  • Sometimes, it’s difficult to park the Velib bicycles where you want, especially in the crowded area (city center).

For more information about Velib in Paris : find english Velib brochures, the Paris Velib’s map, reservation by Internet. If you need more informations, you can also call the customer service and get help in English : (+33) 1 30 79 79 30.

How to use public transport in Paris?

How to use public transport in Paris?

Subway (metro) and RER are quick and easy way to travel around Paris. The city metro has around 300 stations and 5 RER’ lines.

The bus by day of by night is a great way to discover the city. There are a lot of roads which go though the city centre, along the Seine River banks or through historical areas.

Go throught Paris (zone 1and 2) by subway or by bus costs the same price : single ticket €1,70 for one journey, including all connections.
It’s cheaper to purchase a book of 10 tickets (“carnet”) for €13,30 at tickets machines in subway stations. Transports are free for kids under 4, half price for children between 4 and 11 years old.

Subway (Métro) and RER

The Subway (metro) operates every day including public holidays from around 6 a.m. to 0.30 a.m. Times of the first and last trains depend on the stationalong the line where you are. Trains are less frequent on Sundays and public holidays.

Illuminated signs above the platform indicate the length of time until the next train arrives. Fast and fully automated, the newest line 14, also known as Météor, offers a regular service throughout, Sundays and public holidays included. On this line, a verbal announcement indicates the name of each stop.

Your white-coloured ticket remains valid for 2 hours until you leave the metro by going though the exit barriers. If you then take a bus, you need to use another ticket. If you happen to have kept some old green or yellow tickets from an earlier trip, you can still use them.

  • Find metro or RER

To find where catching public transport, follow special signs :

Old Metro Sign
Old Metro Sign

Metro Sign
Metro Sign

Paris RER
Paris RER
  •  Understand Paris Metro Plan
Paris Metro Plan
Paris Metro Plan

All RER lines are letters (A to E), all Metro lines are numbers (1 to 14). Each one has his own color. Each line has two directions, indicated by the terminus station at each end (the last station of the line). Every train and metro platform will mark which line you’re on and which direction the train is going, which is the terminus station.

  • Buy a ticket

Use the ticket machines at your disposal in the stations.  Choose your language to follow indications in english.

You can also ask for information to a metro worker at the ticket offices in the stations.

« Aller-Retour » means two single tickets.

Tickets are valid and usable every day. Your white-coloured ticket remains valid for 2 hours until you leave the metro by going though the exit barriers. If you then take a bus, you need to use another ticket.

You can pay by cash or €30 minimum for non-chip bank cards (like North American credit cards). Regular bank card with chip (CB, Visa, VPay, Visa Electron, Mastercard, Maestro) can be use from €1.

  •  Find the platform and board on train

Once past the turnstiles, follow the overhead signs and wall signs which indicate the terminus station (the last station on the line) of the line you are interested in. Each train and metro platform will mark which line you’re on and which direction the train is going, which is the terminus station.

On a same platform, many trains can go to differents directions. Take only train which indicate the direction and the terminus station you are interested in. As long as the terminus station is not before the station you want, you can take the line since it’s going in the right direction.

On the metro or RER platform you’ll see overhead signs along side the rails which show a lot of station names, each possibly lit with a yellow square before the name. If the name is marked with a yellow square, the next train that arrives will stop at that station. Look for the station that you want.
If the name of the station that you want is not on the board, check the other side of the platform, which is going in the opposite direction.

When train arrives, doors will not open automatically. Someone in the train, or you, must press the green or silver button on the door to open it.

After arriving at the terminus station, look for blue « Sortie » signs which mark exits for the station.

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Paris’ Bus

Paris’ bus offert 59 ways to go throught  the City. It’s a great complements of the subway (metro). Buses operate from Monday to Saturday: 7 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. Some special bus lines operate in the evening from 8.30 p.m. until 0.30 a.m. Half of the buses run on Sundays and public holidays. Paris’ bus plan is available in subways’ stations.

  • Find the bus station

Bus stops can be either glass-covered shelters or simply poles.
To find where catching public transport, follow these special signs.

Paris’ bus shelters
Paris’ bus shelters

Paris’ bus stop
Paris’ bus stop

Bus shelters display the numbers of the buses that stop there and the itinerary of each. There are also details of the first and last departures, and the average waiting time between buses. In some bus shelters, electronic displays show the number of minutes before the next bus.

The number and terminus are displayed on each bus. Raise your arm to indicate to the driver as he approaches that you wish him to stop. You must get on the bus at the front and get off by the middle or back doors. Punch your ticket in the machine as you get on or show your pass to the driver.
Within each bus there is a network map and the detail of the route. When your stop is approaching, press one the red buttons inside the bus. The sign “arrêt demandé” (stop requested) will light up at the front of the bus above the driver’s cabin.

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The Noctilien

Noctilien bus
Noctilien bus

The Noctilien is a night bus wich runs from 0.30 a.m. to 5.30 a.m. See the Noctilien Map.

Enjoy Paris by night inexpensively with the 42 lines of “Noctilien”. Metro or bus ticket can be used if you stay in Paris aera.

Do I need a Visa for France ?

Do I need a Visa for France ?

This section tells about different Visa for France (and for Palace of Versailles) and France visa requirements (excluded overseas departments and french territories), depending on wich country you travel from, the purpose of your trip and the length of your stay.

Do you need visa to France from Uk or USA ?
A visa from Inde to France?

France is part of the Schengen area.

The Schengen area includes the territory of the following European Union countries and associated countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.

Visa
Visa

France Visa Information

Several factors determine whether a visa is waived:

• If you come from an Europeen country or from the Economic Area (EEA)  you don’t need a visa :

Germany, Belgium, Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Danmark, spanish,Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Italia, Ireland, Lettonia, Lithuanian, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherland, Poland, Portugal, Romania, United-kingdom, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Czech republic, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Monaco and Andorra.

• All foreign citizens who wish to come to France must be able to present:

* a valid passport (at least 3 months after the date of the requested visa)
* a valid visa
* proof of the purpose of their stay (support and accommodation). In some cases, they need a visa to enter France.

Tourist Visa for France : Short stays

A short stay (In Palace of Versailles for example) is a stay in the Schengen area under 90 days or multiple stays totalling less than 90 days in a period of six months.

A visa is waived for:

  • Citizens of the following countries (and the list above for europeen citizen) :

Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bermuda, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Holy See, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela.

  • Holders of passports from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China and the Special Administrative Region of Macao of the People’s Republic of China.

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Tourist Visa for France : Long stays

A long stay is a stay in the Schengen area over 90 days or multiple stays totalling more than 90 days in.

  • No need a long-stay visa to France for : Member States of the European Union and the European Economic Area (EEA) (list of EEA), Switzerland, Monaco and Andorra.
  • All other country need a Schengen visitor visa for France.

Getting a Visa for France

If you are entering in France as a tourist it will be very easy to get a visa.

• France Visa requirements, French visa fees and application in the Official website of the government. The France Visa is called Schengen Visa.

• Passport holders from eligible countries can apply for their visa in France consulate or embassy.

• Fill up the France Visa application forms :

Short stay schengen visa (english version, PDF, 225 ko)

Long stay schengen visa (english version, PDF, 28.3 ko)

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Special guest: Anish Kapoor

This Summer 2015, from 9th June to 1st November, the Indian artist Anish Kapoor exhibits its work in Palace of Versailles and its gardens.

Anish Kapoor in Palace of Versailles
Anish Kapoor in Palace of Versailles

Anish Kapoor is born in 1954 in Mumbai. He studied art in England at Hornsey College of Art and at Chelsea School of Art and Design. He lives in London and is considered as a great sculptor.

Its artwork deal with the monumental and the opposite inside/outside, between the architecture and the red color organic forms (like red muscles, veins and tendons in the human body).

Eiffel Tower

Tower Eiffel
Tower Eiffel

Eiffel Tower was built by the architect Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Universal Exhibition (Exposition Universelle), which celebrated the 100th year anniversary of the French Revolution.

After 20 years, the Tower had to be destroyed, but it was saved by the installation of the first radio transmissions in 1898 on the top of the Tower. In 1903, it served as a military radio post and it transmitted the first public radio programm in 1925, and then broadcast television up to TNT.

Illuminated Tower Eiffel
Illuminated Tower Eiffel

Each night until 1a.m., the Tower is illuminated each hour during 5 min.

Eiffel Tower opens every day and every evening,
from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and in July and August from 9:00 a.m. to 00:00.

There are 2 possibilities to visit Eiffel Tower :
– access to the Summit (324 m/10,62 ft)
– access to 2nd floor (115 m/3,77 ft)

Rate :
€15,5 per Adult
€13,5 per Youth 12-24 years old
€11 per Kid 4-11 years old
Free for Kids under 4 years old

You can buy your Eiffel Tower Ticket.

Eiffel Tower
Eiffel Tower

Getting to Eiffel Tower from Palace of Versailles

Come to Eiffel Tower by train

From Palace of Versailles walk to Versailles-Chateau-Rive Gauche Station, during only 7 min. Take RER C (yellow line), in Direction «Paris». The Arrival Station is «Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel». It’s 26 min long.

The ticket costs €4,20 for adult / €2,10 for kids under 10 years old / free for kids under 4. Be careful, Ticket t+ is not available for this travel.
Young under 26 years old can travel unlimited during Saturday, Sunday and Days off after having buy the ticket. For Versailles  to Paris (zone 1-4), it costs €8,10.

Tower Eiffel from the Seine
Tower Eiffel from the Seine

Come to Eiffel Tower by car

From Palace of Versailles, the traffic sign to catch the A13 (E05) free motorway [Direction : Paris].
Then, follow the direction : « Paris-Centre / Paris-Porte de Saint-Cloud / Périphérique Sud ».
When you see : « Paris-Centre / Voie George Pompidou », follow it, in direction « Pont d’Iéna ».

It’s about 30 min long, if there is no traffic jam…

Eiffel Tower address :
Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris
GPS Coordinates :
Latitude : 48.858409 | Longitude : 2.294685

How to become Parisian in one hour?

Olivier Giraud’s show

Come and discover the Show 100% in English, in Paris.
You love Paris but you think that Parisians are rude? You’re right, they are!
You are too nice and you want to become arrogant like Parisians?
Don’t wait and come to the training ”How to become Parisian in one hour?”
After the show, you’ll act like a real Parisian in every situation encountered during your trip: shop, restaurant, taxi, metro, night club…
You’ll learn the typical Parisian language, facial expressions…
This is the essential survival guide to enjoy Paris!

Show isn’t recommended for kid under 16 years old.

Olivier Giraud: « How to become parisian in one hour? »

Théâtre des Nouveautés
24 boulevard Poissonnière 75009 Paris
Métro Grands Boulevards
+33 (0)6 98 57 45 98
Map to go to Théâtre des Nouveautés

From 24th September 2016 to 2nd February 2017.
Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 6 p.m. and Monday at 8 p.m.
July and August : Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8:30 p.m.
Duration 1:10, without intermission.
Theater with air conditioning.

Price range from : 26€ to 37€

Book your ticket.

Discover the Park and Grand Canal by bicycle, boat, Segways, little train of electric vehicle

Discover the Park and the Grand Canal by bicycle, boat, segways, little train, electric car

To best enjoy the Park of Versailles’ Palace, you can walk and run, have a bicycle or Segway® tour around the Grand Canal. You can also discover the Palace of Versailles from differents viewpoints by sailing on the Grand Canal. Confortably sitting, you can joint the Palace to Trianons by little train or with an electric car.

Bicycle

Bicycle in Palace of Versailles
Bicycle in Palace of Versailles

Rental points in Palace of Versailles: Petite Venise (all week long), Saint-Antoine’s grid (Grille de Saint-Antoine) on boulevard Saint-Antoine, Queen’s grid (Grille de la Reine) on Boulevard de la Reine (only weekends and holiday days).
Deposit: identification papers

Rental duration Bike Prices
30 min €5,50
1h €7,50
4 hours €17
1 day €19

Opening time:
February & March : 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
April to October: 10:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.
November: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
December & January: Closed.

Phebus (Versailles-Chantiers Station)

To reserve a bike: 01 39 20 16 60 / phebusvelo@orange.fr
www.velo-versailles.fr
Location : Place Raymond Poincaré in Versailles
in front of Versailles-Chantiers Station

Opening time:
Monday to Friday from 7am to 10am and from 4pm to 8pm.
In July and August, it’s open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 6pm.

Rental duration Bike Prices Electronic bike Prices
1h €2 €4
1 day €12 €20
1 week €17 €25

Boat

Boats on Grand Canal of Versailles
Boats on Grand Canal of Versailles

Sitting in your boat, you do the same thing as the court of Louis XIV. Under the Old Regime, nobility sailed here calmly. To impress foreign ambassadors, the minister Colbert created a real war fleet in miniature.

4 people maximum per boat (or 5 including children).
Minimum time: 30 minutes.
Adult presence required and identification papers deposit.
30 minutes: €12 / 1 hour: €16. To full enjoy it, I advice you to hire the boat for 1 hour.

Boat rental on the Grand Canal
Boat rental on the Grand Canal

Opening time:
* March: from Monday to Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Weekends and holidays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
* April: from Monday to Friday from 12:00 noon to 5:30 p.m. Weekends and holidays for 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
* May & June : from Monday to Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. Weekends and holidays from 10:30 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.
* July & August: Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.
* September: from Monday to Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Weekends from 10:30 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.
* October: from Monday to Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Weekends from 10:30 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.
* November: from Monday to Friday from 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Weekends from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
* Closed annually in December, January and February.

Segways®

Segways in Gardens of Versailles
Segways in Gardens of Versailles

On Segways®, you can have an historical and sporting guided tours (french, english and spanish speaking) around the Grand Canal (5,5 km).
(+33) 1 78 52 71 16 or reservation@versaillesevents.fr
€35 for 1 hour, €45 for 1h30 or €55 for 2 h [student rate: 10€].

Segways in Palace of Versailles
Segways in Palace of Versailles

The Segway® allows you to move about 15km/h. It’s perfect to visit easily the Gardens of Versailles. Training will be provided upon arrival.
Riders must have to be over 134 cm tall and over 45kg. Participants should not be pregnant.
By group of 8 people, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Departure at rue de la Paroisse, near the Neptune Fountain.

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Little train

Little Train in Gardens of Versailles
Little Train in Gardens of Versailles

Little train to go from North Terrace to Estate of Marie-Antoinette (Petit Trianon and Grand Trianon) and Grand Canal (Little Venise), and return.
(+33) 1 39 54 22 00.

Totally tour : 5 km / about 50 min.
* Trianon Tour : from Palace of Versailles (North Terrace) to Petit Trianon and Grand Trianon (Marie-Antoinette’s Estate) for 15 min to go.
* “Promenade” Tour : from Palace of Versailles (North Terrace) to Love’s Temple (Temple de l’Amour), Petit Trianon and Grand Trianon (Marie-Antoinette’s Estate), Grand Canal for 40 min.
Visitors can get off the little train at every stop and board one of the next trains with the same ticket.

€7,50 adult / €5,80 young (11-18 years old) / Free for kids under 11 years old.
Optional historical commentary by audioguide in 8 languages: €1,50.

Opening time:
January: 11h30 a.m. to 5h00 p.m. (no train on Monday).
February & March: 11 a.m. to 5h00 p.m. (Feb.)/5h30 p.m. (March)/ 5h00 p.m. (Monday).
From April to September: 10 a.m. (10h30 on Monday) to 6h15 PM/5h00 p.m. (Monday).
October: 10h30 a.m. (10h40 on Monday) to 6h00 PM/ 5h00 p.m. (Monday).
November & December: 11 a.m. (11h45 on Monday) to 5h00 p.m. (Nov.)/4h30 p.m.(Dec.)
Caution: days of Fountains Night Show (Grandes Eaux Nocturnes), the little train service stop earlier.

Kids tips: To have an enjoying pause and continue to visit in the same time, you can take the mini-train for a tour of huge Domain of Versailles (800 hectares). By rainy weather, you can safety go to Estate of Marie-Antoinette (Petit Trianon and Grand Trianon), 1,5 km for from Palace of Versailles.

Electric car

Electric car in Domain of Versailles
Electric car in Domain of Versailles

Electric car to follow 5 itineraries: discover the Gardes, Queens’Hamlet and the Trianon, tour of the Grand Canal (5,5 km), tour of the entire Estate.
24 years old for minimum age of driver and you have to deposit driver’s license to rent.
(+33) 1 39 66 97 66.
€32 for 1 hour, then €8,50 per additional quarter hour.

Opening time:
January: Closed
February / March : from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
April to September: from 10:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.
October: from 10:00 pam. to 6:45 p.m.
November / December: from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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Christmas and New Year Day in Paris

Christmas and New Year Day In Paris

If you visit Palace of Versailles in Winter, you can also enjoy get a trip in Paris.

This page provides information about Christmas fun and entertainment family in Paris. There are lots of special events at Christmas time for kids and adults that make this an extra magical time of year with lots of fun and special moments together.

Christmas Lights (illuminations) in Paris

Paris' Christmas lights
Paris’ Christmas lights

The spectacular Christmas Lights in Paris are an awaited event for Parisians and tourists .

Luminous arches, incandescent flames, sparkling projections of light and Paris’s finest monuments illuminated at nightfall transform the avenues of the French capital. Paris become the ‘City of Light’ for 2 months.

From November to the beginning of January, the Christmas illuminations on the avenue des Champs-Élysées, on avenue Montaigne, in Place Vendôme, the Montmartre district, Bercy Village and in many other places across the city make Paris more magical than ever.

Paris : Champs Elysée's lights
Paris : Champs Elysée’s lights
  • Avenue des Champs-Élysées
    From Thursday 20 November 2014 to Thursday 8 January 2015
    Metro: Charles de Gaulle – Étoile / RER: Charles de Gaulle – Étoile
  • Avenue Montaigne
    From Thursday 27 November 2014 to Sunday 21 December 2014
    Metro: Alma – Marceau / RER: Pont de l’Alma
  • Place Vendôme
    From Thursday 20 November 2014 to Monday 05 January 2015
  • Faubourg-Saint-Honoré
    From Tuesday 18 November 2014 to Wednesday 14 January 2015
  • Forum des Halles
    from Tuesday 25 November 2014 to Sunday 04 January 2015
    Metro: Les Halles / RER: Châtelet – Les Halles

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Outdoor activities at ice-rinks

  • Ice Rink in front of Paris City Hall
    Ice Rink in front of Paris City Hall

    Ice Rink in front of the Hôtel de Ville (Paris City Hall)
    from Friday 19 December 2014 to Sunday 1st March 2015
    Paris City Hall’s square
    Metro: Hôtel de Ville / RER: Châtelet – Les Halles

  • Ice skating at the Grand Palais (Le Grand Palais des Glaces)
    from Saturday 13 December 2014 to Sunday 4 January 2015
    Grand Palais, Avenue Winston Churchill , Paris 75008
    Metro: Champs-Élysées – Clemenceau / RER: Invalides
  • Charléty on snow : skating, skiing, sledding, zip lines, trampolines and climbing walls for 3-16 years old
    from Wednesday 24 December 2014 to Saturday 3 January 2015
    Stade Charléty, 99 boulevard Kellermann, Paris 75013
    Metro: Porte d’Italie / RER: Cité Universitaire

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Carousels and The Big Wheel in the districts (arrondissements) of Paris

  • Big Wheel in Paris
    Big Wheel in Paris

    The Big Wheel on Place de la Concorde
    from Friday 14 November 2014 to Sunday 15 February 2015
    Place de la Concorde, Paris 75008
    Metro: Concorde / RER: Charles de Gaulle – Étoile

  • Carousel (Manège) Square Bonsergent
    from Sunday 21 December 2014 to Monday 5 January 2015
    Square Bonsergent, place Bonsergent, Paris 75010
    Metro: Porte d’Italie / RER: Cité Universitaire
  • Carousel (Manège) Square Willette
    from Sunday 21 December 2014 to Monday 5 January 2015
    Square Willette, Paris 75013
    Metro: Porte d’Italie / RER: Cité Universitaire
  • Carousel (Manège) Rue Belgrand
    from Saturday 20 December 2014 to Sunday 04 January 2015
    rue Belgrand, Paris 75020
    Metro: Porte d’Italie / RER: Cité Universitaire
  • Carousel (Manège) Place du Bourg Tibourg
    from Saturday 20 December 2014 to Sunday 4 January 2015
    place du Bourg Tibourg, Paris 75004
    Metro: Porte d’Italie / RER: Cité Universitaire
  • Carousel (Manège) square Saint-Médard
    from Saturday 20 December 2014 to Sunday 4 January 2015
    Square Saint-Médard, rue Censier, Paris 75005
    Metro: Porte d’Italie / RER: Cité Universitaire
  • Carousel (Manège) Place Joffre
    from Saturday 20 December 2014 to Sunday 4 January 2015
    Place Joffre, Paris 75007
    Metro: Porte d’Italie /RER: Cité Universitaire
  • Carousel (Manège) Place Lino Ventura
    from Saturday 20 December 2014 to Sunday 4 January 2015
    Place Lino Ventura, Paris 75009
    Metro: Porte d’Italie / RER: Cité Universitaire
  • Carousel (Manège) Square du Père Chaillet
    from Saturday 20 December 2014 to Sunday 4 January 2015
    Square du Père Chaillet, place du Père Chaillet, Paris 75011
    Metro: Porte d’Italie / RER: Cité Universitaire
  • Carousel (Manège) Place d’Italie
    from Saturday 20 December 2014 to Sunday 4 January 2015
    Place d’Italie, Paris 75013
    Metro: Porte d’Italie / RER: Cité Universitaire
  • Carousel (Manège) Place du Trocadéro
    from Saturday 20 December 2014 to Sunday 4 January 2015
    Trocadéro square, Paris 75016
    Metro: Trocadéro / RER: Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel
  • Carousel (Manège) Place Armand-Carrel
    from Saturday 20 December 2014 to Sunday 4 January 2015
    Place Armand Carrel, Paris 75019
    Metro: Laumière
  • Carousel in Paris
    Carousel in Paris

    Carousel (Manège) Square du Temple
    from Saturday 20 December 2014 to Sunday 4 January 2015
    Square du Temple, Rue de Bretagne, Paris 75003
    Metro: Temple

  • Carousel (Manège) Esplanade de la Gare Montparnasse
    from Saturday 20 December 2014 to Sunday 4 January 2015
    Gare TGV de Paris-Montparnasse, boulevard de Vaugirard, Paris 75014
    Metro: Temple
  • Carousel (Manège) Place du Docteur Félix-Lobligeois
    from Saturday 20 December 2014 to Sunday 4 January 2015
    Place du Docteur Félix-Lobligeois, Paris 75017
    Metro: Temple
  • Carousel (Manège) Place de la Mairie du 12e arrondissement
    from Sunday 21 December 2014 to Monday 5 January 2015
    Mairie du 12e arrondissement, avenue Daumesnil, Paris 75012
    Metro: Temple
  • Carousel (Manège) Place de l’Odéon
    from Sunday 21 December 2014 to Monday 5 January 2015
    Place de l’Odéon, Paris 75006
    Metro: Odéon / RER: Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame
  • Carousel (Manège) Place Saint-Sulpice
    from Saturday 20 December 2014 to Sunday 4 January 2015
    Place Saint-Sulpice, Paris 75006
    Metro: Saint-Sulpice / RER: Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame
  • Carousel (Manège) Place de la Madeleine
    from Saturday 20 December 2014 to Sunday 4 January 2015
    Place de la Madeleine, Paris 75008
    Metro: Madeleine
  • Carousel (Manège) corner of rue Didot and rue d’Alésia
    from Saturday 20 December 2014 to Sunday 4 January 2015
    Rue d’Alésia, Paris 75014
    Metro: Madeleine

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Christmas tree and Windows displays

  • Inverted christmas tree in Galeries Lafayette
    Inverted christmas tree in Galerie Lafayette
    Inverted christmas tree in Galerie Lafayette

    from Wednesday 05 November 2014 to Wednesday 07 January 2015
    40 boulevard Haussmann, Paris 75009
    Metro: Chaussée d’Antin – La Fayette / RER: Auber

  • Windows displays at the big department stores
    According to the tradition, the facades of Parisian department stores (Printemps Haussmann, Galeries Lafayette, BHV, Le Bon Marché) are adorned with festive decorations. Just walk along the windows displays to see these scenes layout with toys.

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Christmas markets in Paris

Christmas Market in Paris
Christmas Market in Paris

Traditional and popular Christmas markets (marchés de Noël) are a major shopping event since November.

Originating in Alsace and Germany , Christmas markets have spread throughout Europe since the 1990s. You can find them all over the capital. Let’s have a hot spicy wine (vin chaud) for adults and hot chocolate for kids while walking in this magical Christmassy atmosphere.

It’s the perfect place to pick up Christmas decorations, festive objects, regional produce and arts & crafts … You will certainly find some original ideas for Christmas presents and ingredients to prepare a delicious Christmas meals.

  • Gourmet Christmas Fair
    from Friday 19 December 2014 to Monday 22 December 2014
    Palais Brongniart, Place de la Bourse – Rue Notre-Dame des Victoires, Paris 75002
    Metro: Bourse, Grands Boulevards
  • Christmas Market on the Champs-Elysées
    from Friday 14 November 2014 to Sunday 04 January 2015
    Avenue des Champs-Élysées , Paris 75008
    Metro: Charles de Gaulle – Étoile / RER: Charles de Gaulle – Étoile
  • Marché de Noël de la Place Saint Sulpice
    from Monday 01 December 2014 to Wednesday 24 December 2014
    Place Saint-Sulpice, Paris 75006
    Metro: Saint-Sulpice / RER: Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame
  • Christmas Market at Saint-Germain-des-Prés
    from Saturday 6 December 2014 to Friday 2nd January 2015
    Saint-Germain-des-Prés square, Paris 75006
    Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés
  • Christmas Market at Montparnasse
    from Thursday 4 December 2014 to Wednesday 31 December 2014
    Gare de Paris Montparnasse, place Raoul-Dautry, Paris 75015
    Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés
  • Christmas Market at Versailles
    from Friday 5 December 2014 to Friday 26 December 2014
    Town Center Versailles, avenue de Paris, Versailles 78000
  • Christmas Market at Boulogne-Billancourt
    from Wednesday 3 December 2014 to Saturday 24 January 2015
    Grand place, Boulogne-Billancourt 92100
    Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés
  • Christmas Market at  Abbesses
    from Friday 28 November 2014 to Wednesday 31 December 2014
    Place des Abbesses, Paris 75018
    Metro: Abbesses
  • Christmas’ Village at Vincennes
    from Friday 5 December 2014 to Saturday 20 December 2014
    Place Pierre Semard, Vincennes 94300
    Metro: Abbesses
  • Solidarity know-how Fair (Foire des savoir-faire solidaires)
    from Friday 19 December 2014 to Sunday 21 December 2014
    Parvis de la Basilique royale de Saint-Denis, rue de la Légion-d’Honneur, Saint-Denis 93200
    Metro: Abbesses
  • The Féeries d’Auteuil
    from Saturday 6 December 2014 to Sunday 14 December 2014
    Apprentis d’Auteuil, 40 rue Jean de La Fontaine, Paris 75016
    Metro: Jasmin
  • Christmas Market at Montmartre
    from Friday 5 December 2014 to Sunday 4 January 2015
    Place du Tertre, Paris 75018
    Metro : Abbesses, Lamarck – Caulaincourt
  • Christmas Market at La Défense
    from Thursday 20 November 2014 to Sunday 28 December 2014
    Parvis de La Défense, Courbevoie – La Défense 92400
    Metro : Abbesses, Lamarck – Caulaincourt
  • Alsacien Christmas Market at Est Station (Gare de l’Est)
    from Thursday 4 December 2014 to Friday 19 December 2014
    Parvis de la Gare de l’Est, place du 11-Novembre 1918, Paris 75010
    Metro : Abbesses, Lamarck – Caulaincourt

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Christmas Nativity Scenes (crèches de Noël)

Nativity scenes are installed in Parisian churches. Figures range from small to life-size and these figurative and poetic scenes may be animated, inspired by local life are even be given a new look by contemporary artists.

Every year, Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, the Madeleine church, and Basilique Sacré-Coeur welcome new Nativity scenes. Whether they be traditional, baroque or modern, these veritable works of art welcome a large number of visitors.

The Fééries d’Auteuil invite visitors to see not just one but several Nativity scenes, which are all part of original exhibitions.

  • Christmas Nativity Scenes
    Christmas Nativity Scenes

    Christmas Nativity Scenes in Saint-Joseph-Artisan
    from Saturday 29 November 2014 to Sunday 11 January 2015
    Paroisse Saint Joseph-Artisan, 214 rue La Fayette, Paris 75010
    Metro: Louis Blanc / RER: Gare du Nord – Magenta

  • Christmas Nativity Scenes in basilique du Sacré-Cœur
    from Monday 1st December 2014 to Saturday 10 January 2015
    La Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre, 35 rue du Chevalier de la Barre, Paris 75018
    Metro: Anvers
  • Christmas Nativity Scenes in la Madeleine church
    from Thursday 11 December 2014 to Sunday 1st February 2015
    Eglise de la Madeleine, Place de la Madeleine, Paris 75008
    Metro: Madeleine / RER: Auber
  • Christmas Nativity Scenes in Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris
    from Monday 1st December 2014 to Monday 02 February 2015
    Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, 6 place du Parvis Notre-Dame, Paris 75004
    Metro: Cité / RER: Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame
  • The Féeries d’Auteuil
    from Saturday 6 December 2014 to Sunday 14 December 2014
    Apprentis d’Auteuil, 40 rue Jean de La Fontaine, Paris 75016
    Metro: Jasmin

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Domain of Versailles’ Facilities

Domain of Versailles’ Facilities

This page provides information about many services in Domain of Versailles.

Special tips

Wear good shoes: Domain of Versailles is huge, you will have to walk al lot during the Palace of Versailles, to joint Marie-Antoinnette’s estate (Petit Trianon, Grand Trianon) 1,5 km far from the Castle.

In Summer, don’t forget a cap, solar cream and little bottle of water (50 cl maximum to be allowed during the Palace of Versailles’ visit).

In wet weather, don’t forget a folding umbrella. Becareful : Umbrella that doesn’t bend are forbidden inside the Palace of Versailles.

At the entrance of Palace of Versailles :

  • Free left-luggage office for your stroller, backpacks, suitcases and umbrellas : Prefer bring with you a baby sling or a baby-carrier without metal frames for children under a year old.
  • Public toilets free of charge, basement level (Gabriel Pavilion)
  • Free distribution of audio-guide in 11 languages : French, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Korean, Polish.

Bicycle and row boat hire, Segways, mini-train and electric vehicle to rent

The garden’s designer, André Le Nôtre transformed this wet section of the park into a huge reservoir: The Grand Canal of Versailles. This east-west view from the Versailles’ garden is a source of changing light, perfect to visit in each season. It offers many differents specials views of the palace.

Tour the Grand Canal of Versailles is 5.5 km long. Walking takes about 1h/1h15, rollerblading 35/40 minutes and by bicycle 25 to 30 minutes. This quite flat path is accessible to stroller  and wheelchair occupants.

The Grand Canal of Versailles is the best place in the park to have a glance all the place. Its 23 hectares of water, 60 meters wide, it forms a cross of nearly 1700 meters in the east-west and 1000 in north-south direction. To full enjoy it, it’s better to hire a boat for an hour.

The park is daily open.
General schedules:
April to September: 7:00 AM-7:00 PM (for vehicles) and 8:30 PM for pedestrians.
October to  March: 8:00 AM-6:00 PM.

There are several gates to enter through  the park: from  Boulevard de la Reine, the entrance to the palace or the Saint Cyr road.
Admission to the palace park is free, unless you enter through the gardens (the section close to the palace where the various groves are located) on Musical Fountain days during high-season.
The price to enter by car is €5 per vehicle. There is car park beside the Grand Canal, at Little Venice.

Drink in Domain of Versailles

From April to October, you can find  Fresh-pressed orange juice  in the alleys of Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, Saint-Antoine’s Gate.

Have an ice cream in Domain of Versailles

From April to October, you can have an ice cream (fruits sorbets) Grille de la Ménagerie, at the beginning of the Grand Canal when arriving from the Palace of Versailles.

1 cornet : €2,50 / 2 cornets : €4.

Eat in Domain of Versailles

In Domain of Versailles, you have few possibilities to eat, for every budget :

  1. Picnic
  2. Restaurants in Palace of Versailles
  3. Restaurants in Park and Gardens of Domain of Versailles
  4. Restaurant in Petit Trianon
  5. Restaurants in Versailles near Château de Versailles

Where you can eat in Domain of Versailles?

Where you can eat in Domain of Versailles?

In Domain of Versailles, you have got few possibilities to eat, for every budget:

  1. Picnic
  2. Restaurants in Palace of Versailles
  3. Restaurants in Park and Gardens of Domain of Versailles
  4. Restaurant in Petit Trianon
  5. Restaurants in Versailles near Château de Versailles

1. Picnic

Pièce d’eau des Suisses
Pièce d’eau des Suisses


Eat Sandwiches on a bench is tolerated.

Picnic is allowed in the Domain of Versailles.
Find below best places to picnic:

  • along the Grand Canal
  • around the Pièce d’eau des Suisses (in front of the Orangerie)

Find the area of picnic in Park of Versailles’ Palace on the locator map.

Not to carry your picnic too far, I recommend you to park at Parking Boulevard de la Reine, it costs €6 for a day and it’s near the Grand Canal.

2. Restaurants in Palace of Versailles

  • Salon de Thé Angelina
    Find Salon de Thé Angelina on the locator map.
    First floor of Pavillon d’Orléans (also accessible via the Royal Courtyard)
    Restaurant, tea room with sweet and savoury dishes and snacks all day.
    +33 (0)1 39 20 08 32
    Snack Menu until 5.30 p.m. : club sandwiches, quiche lorraine, charcuterie assortment, large salads, choice of three cheeses…
    Price: from €16 to €26.
    Pastries, Macaroons and small cakes for tea time from €4,5 to €10.
  • Le Grand Café d’Orléans
    Find Le Grand Café d’Orléans on the locator map.
    Garden-level (also accessible via the Princes’ Courtyard)
    +33 (0)1 30 83 04 02
    Ladurée shop (macaroons), Parisian pastry shop, range of delicatessen: jams, teas, coffee, macaroons.

3. Restaurants in Park and Gardens

  • Parmentier de Versailles
    Find Parmentier de Versailles on the locator map.
    Address : Place du Grand Trianon
    * From April to October: South of grand Canal
    * From November to March:  Allée du Bosquet des DômesPotato toppings cold or hot to takeaway.
    Price : between €5 and €8.
  • La Flottille
    Find La Flottille on the locator map.
    +33 (0)1 39 51 41 58
    Restaurant in 1900 style, brasserie, tea room and takeaway inside or outside, near the Grand Canal.
    Menus: €27,50 (main dish + desert), €29 (starter + main dish), €35 (starter + main dish + desert).
    Price: starter at €12,50,  main courses (fish and meat dishes) at €21, desert at €9.
  • La Petite Venise
    Find La Petite Venise on the locator map.
    Situated between Bassin d’Apollon and the Grand Canal
    +33 (0)1 39 53 25 69
    Open every days from 10h30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    This house was the gondolier’ house of Louis XIV who sailed on the Grand Canal. Inside or outside, you can eat italien food : risotto, delicatessen, charcuterie assortment, large salads, pastries…
    Average price for the restaurant menu : €30-50.
  • Les terrasses de la Petite Venise
    Find Les terrasses de la Petite Venise on the locator map.
    +33 (0)1 39 53 25 69
    Open every days from 10h30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    This house was the guards’ house of Louis XIV who keept the Gardens. Inside or outside, you can eat italien meal : ciabatta, pizzas, tiramisu…
    Average price for the restaurant menu : €14

4. Restaurant in Petit Trianon

Angelina Petit Trianon
Near the entrance of Petit Trianon in Marie-Antoinette’s Domain
+33 (0)1 39 20 91 67
Opening 12h-18h (12h-17h November to March)
Sandwiches, pastries, hot chocolate.
Price: from €6. Noon Menu: €9,90

5. Restaurants in Versailles, near the Palace

  • Brasserie du Musée
    Find Brasserie du Musée on the locator map.
    2 place Gambetta (near from Versailles’ Palace, in front of Versailles’ Opera).
    +33 (0)1 39 50 18 08 or infos@brasseriedumusee.fr
    Open from 11:00 a.m. to midnight.
    Takeaway in a terrace: lemonade and crêpes (french pancakes).
    Sandwiches, pizzas, fresh pasta, mussels, toasted sandwiches, omelettes, soups, entrecote…
    Menus :
    €13,90 [starter + main course / main course and cheese + desert]
    €17 [starter + main course + desert]
    €26 [starter + main course + cheese or desert + coffee].

Tickets to visit Palace of Versailles are sold in the restaurant.

  • Le Saint-Julien
    Find Le Saint-Julien on the locator map.
    6 rue Saint-Julien. +33 (0)1 39 50 00 97
    Opening from tuesday noon to saturday night.
    Traditional French Cuisine.
    Menus: between €12 and €30.
  • La Veranda
    Find La Veranda on the locator map.
    1 Boulevard de la Reine / Trianon Palace Hotel
    +33 (0)1 30 84 55 55
    Opening: 12:30-2:30 p.m. every day and 7:00-10:30 p.m. every day
    Traditional French Cuisine.
    Menus:
    €59 [starter + main course]
    €55 [main course + desert]
    €69 [starter + main course + desert].
  •  Gordon Ramsay **
    Find Gordon Ramsay on the locator map.
    1 Boulevard de la Reine / Trianon Palace Hotel
    +33 (0)1 30 84 50 18
    Opening: noon-2:00 p.m. (Friday and Saturday)  and 8:00 to 10: 00 p.m. (Tuesday to Saturday)
    International Cuisine.
    Menus [starter + main course + desert]: €90, €143, €193.

Where can I park my car at Palace of Versailles?

Versailles’ Palace Car Parks Informations

If you come by car or with a camper, you have to park it during you visit or your holiday at Domain of Versailles.

Find in this page some informations about car parks (Parking).

For car

  • Parking Place d’armes, just in front of Palace of Versailles.
    It costs 1h = 3€ ; 2h = 5,50€ ; 3h = 8€ ; 4h = 10€ ; 5h = 11,20€ ;  each added hour = 1,20 €
  • Parking Europe : (+33)1 39 51 47 26
  • Parking Sceaux : (+33)1 30 21 25 77
    It costs 20 min = 0,50€ ; 1h30 = 2,70€ ; 4h = 4€ ; 8h = 6€ ; 2 days = 10€ ; 3 days = 15€ ; Sunday = free
  • Parking Chantiers : (+33)1 30 21 25 77
    It costs 20 min = 0,50€ ; 2h = 3,60€
  • Parking Boulevard de la Reine : (+33)1 39 51 95 36
    It costs 8h = 6€
  • Parking underground Saint-Cloud et Notre-Dame : (+33)1 39 53 15 53
  • Parking Cathédrale – Saint-Louis : (+33)1 39 51 69 19
    It costs 1h = 1,90€ ; 2h = 3,90€ ; 3h = 5,70€ ; 24h = 20€ ; packages from 3 to 20 days

For Camper (camping-car)

Parking Sceaux : (+33)1 30 21 25 77

During the day, you can park your camper on the Parking  Sceaux.
For the night, campers have to go to Versailles’ campsite (camping de Versailles) : Huttopia [ (+33)1 39 51 23 61].

How Getting to Palace of Versailles from Airports?

Getting to Palace of Versailles from Airports

Paris-Airports by public transport
Paris-Airports by public transport [enlarge]
Versailles’ Palace is connected by highway to 2 international airports and 1 airport business :

Come to Palace of Versailles from Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport

  • by train

RER B (blue line) until « Saint-Michel Notre Dame ».
RER C (yellow line), in Direction « Versailles-Rive Gauche ». Arrival Station : « Versailles-Rive Gauche ».

It’s 1h30  long (RER B : 38 min + RER C : 39 min).
After the travel, from the Station to Versailles’ Palace, you walk only 7 min.

The ticket costs about €14 for adult / €9 for kids under 10 years old / free for kids under 4. Be careful, Ticket t+ is not available for this travel.
Young under 26 years old can travel unlimited during Saturday, Sunday and Days off after having buy the ticket. For Paris to Versailles (zone 1-4), it costs €8,10.

  •  by bus and train

1st: bus

CDG Shuttle Bus (Air France Company, line 4) to go to Paris Montparnasse.
The travel takes approximately 1h15.
The ticket costs €16,60 for adult / €14,20 for young (12-25 years old) / €8,50 for kid (2-11 years old).

2nd: train

After this travel, take the SNCF trains. Direction Rambouillet. The Arrival Station is « Versailles Chantier » Station.

It’s 27 min long. After the travel, from the Station to Versailles’ Palace, walk 10 min.

The ticket costs €3,45 for adult / €1,70 for kids under 10 years old / free for kids under 4 years old. Be careful, Ticket t+ is not available for this travel.
Young under 26 years old can travel unlimited during Saturday, Sunday and Days off after having buy the ticket. For Paris to Versailles, it costs €8,10.

To go to Versailles’ Palace from Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport by bus and train, it’s about 2h long [bus (1h15) + train (27 min) + walk (10 min)].

  • by car

Catch A1 (E19) free motorway [Direction : Saint-Denis / Cergy / Pontoise / Paris-Centre]
Take Périphérique Ouest [Direction : Rouen / Porte de Clignancourt]
Follow A13 (E05) free motorway [Direction : Rouen / Saint-Quentin en Yvelines / Versailles]
until exit n°5 [Versailles-Centre Versailles-Château / Vaucresson / La Celle-Saint-Cloud].
Follow the traffic sign to « Château de Versailles », it’s well done indicated.

GPS Coordinates :
Latitude : 48.804865 | Longitude : 2.120355
Latitude : N 48°48’17.514 » | Longitude : E 2°7’13.279 »

From Central Paris (Notre-Dame de Paris), it’s 1h long, if there is no traffic jam…

To park your car, you have got few possibilities.

  • by cab

The price depends on the company you choose.
It costs between 70€ and 90€. It’s 1h-1h20 long, if there is no traffic jam…

To return to Airport or Paris, there is a taxi rank just outside the Palace : avenue de Paris

Come to Versailles from Orly Airport

  • by bus and train

1st: bus

Bus (Navette) PPLT line 1 until « Pont de Rungis Aéroport d’Orly RER ».
It costs 2€50. Buy ticket directly to the bus driver.

2nd: train

After this short travel, take RER C (yellow line), until « Massy Palaiseau ». It’s 12 min long.
Take another RER C, Direction : « Versailles-Rive Gauche ». Arrival Station : « Versailles-Rive Gauche ». It’s 24 min long.
After the travel, from the Station to Versailles’ Palace, you walk only 7 min.

The ticket costs about €8 for adult / €4 for kids under 10 years old / free for kids under 4 years old. Be careful, Ticket t+ is not available for this travel.

Young under 26 years old can travel unlimited during Saturday, Sunday and Days off after having buy the ticket. For Paris to Versailles (zone 1-4), it costs €7.

In total, it’s about 1h long (bus + 2 RER C + walk) and it costs about €10,5 for adult (bus = €2,50 + RER C = €8).

  • by car

Catch A106 free motorway [Direction : Paris / Villejuif / L’Haÿ-les-Roses / Rungis].
Exit n°5 [L’Haÿ-les-Roses / Rungis-Ville].
Take A86 free motorway [Direction : Versailles / Fresnes] until exit « Versailles Château ».
Follow the traffic sign to « Château de Versailles », it’s well done indicated.

GPS Coordinates :
Latitude : 48.804865 | Longitude : 2.120355
Latitude : N 48°48’17.514 » | Longitude : E 2°7’13.279 »

It’s about 35 min long, if there is no traffic jam…

To park your car, you have got few possibilities.

  • by cab

The price depends on the company you choose.
It costs between €45 and €60. It’s about 40 min – 1h long.

To return to Airport or Paris, there is a taxi rank just outside the Palace : avenue de paris.

Come to Versailles from Toussus le Noble Airport

  • by car

Take  D938 [Direction : Buc].
Go throught Buc. Follow the road, go under the bridge.
At Versailles, take « rue des Etats Généraux ».
Follow the traffic sign to « Château de Versailles », it’s well done indicated.

GPS Coordinates :
Latitude : 48.804865 | Longitude : 2.120355
Latitude : N 48°48’17.514 » | Longitude : E 2°7’13.279 »

It’s 20 min long.

To park your car, you have got few possibilities.

  •  by cab

The price depends on the company you choose.
It costs about €21 for 20 min long.

To return to Airport or Paris, there is a taxi rank just outside the Palace : avenue de Paris.

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Come to Versailles from Beauvais Airport

  • by bus and train

1st: bus

After each arrivals, bus services every 20 minutes between Beauvais airport and Paris porte Maillot.
Find Buses schedules for Beauvais-Paris.
Ticket costs about €13/€16. You can’t book the ticket in advance: no CB / cash only.
Bus Phone number: (+33) 344 114 686 / (+33) 892 682 066.

2nd: metro and train

  • At terminus point, Porte Maillot, purchase your subway (metro) ticket to Paris Montparnasse station. The ticket costs €1,70 for adult, reductions for kids.
    Take the line 1 (yellow line) [Direction: Château de Vincennes] to « Champs Elysée Clémenceau ».
    Take the line 13 (blue line) [Direction: Châtillon-Montrouge] to « Gare Montparnasse ».
    It’s about 15 min long.
  • After this travel, take the SNCF trains. Direction Rambouillet. The Arrival Station is « Versailles Chantier » Station.

It’s 27 min long. After the travel, from the Station to Versailles’ Palace, walk 10 min.

The ticket costs €3,45 for adult / €1,70 for kids under 10 years old / free for kids under 4 years old. Be careful, Ticket t+ is not available for this travel.
Young under 26 years old can travel unlimited during Saturday, Sunday and Days off after having buy the ticket. For Paris to Versailles, it costs €8,10.

To go to Palace of Versailles from Beauvais Airport by bus and train, it’s about 2h10 long [bus (1h15) + metro (15min) + train (27 min) + walk (10 min)].

  • by car

Take  A16/E401 [Direction: Paris] since 44km. Have a toll ticket (€3,80).
Follow A115, then A15 [Direction: Paris].
Join A86 [Direction: Saint-Denis, Nanterre, Paris, La Défense].
Have a toll ticket.
Exit n°33 [Versailles], pay €10 toll.
Follow the traffic sign to « Château de Versailles », it’s well done indicated.

GPS Coordinates :
Latitude : 48.804865 | Longitude : 2.120355
Latitude : N 48°48’17.514 » | Longitude : E 2°7’13.279 »

It’s 1h15 min long.

To park your car, you have got few possibilities.

  • by cab

The price depends on the company you choose.
It costs about €180 or €250 for 1h15 min long.To return to Airport or Paris, there is a taxi rank just outside the Palace : avenue de Paris.

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How Getting to Palace of Versailles from Paris?

Getting to Palace of Versailles from Paris

Domain of Versailles is located in southwest side of Paris.

The address is :
Château de Versailles (Palace of Versailles)
Place d’armes
78000 Versailles

To come to Palace of Versailles from Paris, you have got few possibilities :

  1. by train
  2. by bus / Versailles Express
  3. by car
  4. by cab

Come to Versailles by train

  • Rer C Versailles
    Rer C Versailles

    From Central Paris, take RER C (yellow line), in Direction « Versailles-Rive Gauche ». The Arrival Station is « Versailles-Rive Gauche ».

From Eiffel tower (Champ de Mars Tour Eiffel station) to Versailles-Chateau-Rive Gauche Station, it’s 26 min long.
After the travel, from the Station to the Palace, you walk during only 7 min.

The ticket costs €4,20 for adult / €2,10 for kids under 10 years old / free for kids under 4. Be careful, Ticket t+ is not available for this travel.
Young under 26 years old can travel unlimited during Saturday, Sunday and Days off after having buy the ticket. For Paris to Versailles (zone 1-4), it costs €8,10.

That’s the easiest way to travel to Palace of Versailles from Paris

  • From « Montparnasse » Station, you can take the SNCF trains. Direction Rambouillet. The Arrival Station is « Versailles Chantier » Station.

It’s 27 min long. After the travel, from the Station to the Palace, you walk during 10 min.

The ticket costs €3,45 for adult / €1,70 for kids under 10 years old / free for kids under 4. Be careful, Ticket t+ is not available for this travel.
Young under 26 years old can travel unlimited during Saturday, Sunday and Days off after having buy the ticket. For Paris to Versailles (zone 1-4), it costs €8,10.

  • From « Saint Lazare » Station, you can take the SNCF trains. Direction and Arrival Station : « Versailles Rives-Droite » Station.

It’s 28 min long. After the travel, from the Station to the Palace, you walk during 10 min.

The ticket costs €4,20 for adult / €2,10 for kids under 10 years old / free for kids under 4. Be careful, Ticket t+ is not available for this travel.
Young under 26 years old can travel unlimited during Saturday, Sunday and Days off after having buy the ticket. For Paris to Versailles (zone 1-4), it costs €8,10.

Back to top of Getting to Palace of Versailles from Paris

Come to Versailles by bus

  • From the Center of Paris, to go to Palace of Versailles by RATP’s bus, you will have to take the metro.

Take the Metro line 9 (green line) to Pont de Sèvres Station (last station of the line 9). Catch the bus n°171 until Palace of Versailles (the end of the line).

It’s 31 min long, if there is no traffic jam…

  • Versailles Express transfers to Palace of Versailles from the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
    Travellers takes the bus at « Port de Suffren », nearby the Seine (boat company « Vedettes de Paris »).

It’s 45 min long, if there is no traffic jam…

The price depends on your choice :

– Transfer Paris-Versailles and return
Schedules (Tuesday to Sunday) : Departure at 2:00 p.m. / Return to Paris (Eiffel Tower) at 6:00 p.m.
Adult : €29 / Young (9-17 years) : €29 / Kid (0-8 years) : 0€

– Transfer Paris-Versailles and return + Ticket to Palace of Versailles
Schedules (Tuesday to Sunday) : Departure at 2:00 p.m. / Return to Paris (Eiffel Tower) at 6:00 p.m.
Adult : €44 / Young (9-17 years) : €29 / Kid (0-8 years) : €0

Back to top of Getting to Palace of Versailles from Paris

Come to Versailles by car

Catch the A13 (E05) free motorway [Direction : Rouen / Saint-Quentin en Yvelines / Versailles]
until exit n°5 [Versailles-Centre Versailles-Château / Vaucresson / La Celle-Saint-Cloud].
Follow the traffic sign to « Château de Versailles », it’s well done indicated.

GPS Coordinates :
Latitude : 48.804865 | Longitude : 2.120355
Latitude : N 48°48’17.514 » | Longitude : E 2°7’13.279 »

From Central Paris (Notre-Dame de Paris), it’s 45 min long, if there is no traffic jam…

To park your car, you have got few possibilities.

Come to Versailles by cab

The price depends on the company you choose.
It costs between €45 and €60. It’s 45 min long, if there is no traffic jam…

To return to Paris, there is a taxi rank just outside the Palace : avenue de Paris.

Back to top of Getting to Palace of Versailles from Paris

Special tips to Visit Palace of Versailles with kids

Visit Palace of Versailles with kids

This page provides information and advice on everything you have to know before visiting Palace of Versailles with kids.

Palace of Versailles is a great monument visited by a lot of tourists, so you have to be organize before coming.

What to you want to see?

You have few possibilities which depends on what you want to see with your kids.

  • If you only want to visit the Versailles’ Palace, you should come in the morning (at 9:00 AM) or at 4:30 PM to avoid the crowd.
  • If you only want to visit the Versailles’ Palace and Gardens in 1 day, you should visit the Palace in the morning (at 9:00 AM) or at 4:30 PM to avoid the crowd, and walk in the Gardens and the Park the rest af the time.

I prefer going to the Palace in the morning, so that kids can run in the park after being so kind and quiet during the visit; it’s like a reward.

  • If you want to both visit Versailles’ Palace, the gardens and Trianon Palace and Marie-Antoinette’s hamlet in 1 day, you can organize your day that way : See the interior of the Palace at 9:00 AM, than gardens and park, and after Trianon palaces and Marie-Antoinette’s hamlet (open until 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM in high season).

I advice this plan, because kids can romp in the park before moving on with a new tour.

Reserve your ticket

When you choose what you want to visit, buy your tickets through Internet to avoid a long queue on site.

You have to reserve for adults, but it’s free for kids until 18 years old and for European Union residents under 26 (student card). To benefit, don’t forget your proof to show it at the main entrance.

The price of your ticket depends on what you want to visit.

For information, even if you have a ticket entrance for the Palace of Versailles, you will queue to the Palace main entrance (named A) to pass the control.

How many time do I need to visit?

Palace of Versailles
For visiting the Palace of Versailles with kids, you need at least one hour and half.

After two hours, my kids want to run out to the Park. 😉

At the entrance, you can have audioguides with explanations specially adapted for kids, but only in french. The audioguide is free, it’s included in the price of the ticket. The adults’ audioguide exists in 11 languages. Officially, the audioguide is available for kid from 8 years old, but kids really appreciate to have one even if they don’t fully understand.

You can also visit with a Guided tour. It costs 7€ for adult in addition to the admission price. Admission is free for children under 10 years old.

Gardens and Park
For Gardens and the Park, it depends on your legs and your kids!
You can stay as long as you want until the closing 6:00 PM (8:30 PM in the summer).

Trianon Palace and Marie-Antoinette’s hamlet
For  Trianon Palace and Marie-Antoinette’s hamlet, you need one hour and a half.

Special advice when visit with babies and Toddlers

Be careful ! Pushchairs and baby-carriers with metal frames are not allowed in the rooms of the Palace. You should bring a baby sling or a baby-carrier without metal frames for children under a year old.

Palace of Versailles : Cost and Booking

Shall I book ?

You can go to Palace of Versailles without a reservation, but you will wait for a very long time (few hours), and with kids it could be awful.

My best advice : reserve before coming !

For information, even if you have a ticket entrance for the Palace of Versailles, you will queue to the Palace main entrance (named A) to pass the control.

Where book or buy a ticket in Versailles ?

  • Ticketing’s Palace of Versailles. You could also buy it in Palace of Versailles but you will queue more than 1 hour.
  • By Internet Palace of Versailles’ partners : Digitick (€15 + €1,45 to book), FNAC (€16.80 + €0,50 for delivery) and Ticketmaster (€16,80).
  • Guidatours : this tourist agency located on the way between Versailles Rive Gauche Station and Palace of Versailles sells ticket. If you book by Internet or buy in law season (November to March) the ticket price is sold at the same price as in Palace of Versailles. You just have to remove locally with your email confirmation. In high season (April to October) : Ticket for Palace of Versailles’ visit + €2.
    10 avenue du Général de Gaulle, tel. 01 39 02 05 18
  • Tourist office (Office de tourisme) : Ticket for Palace of Versailles’ visit + €1,5€ / Passport + €2.
  • Town center of Versailles, in coffee shop and restaurants (You don’t have to consume) sign by a posters outside. The ticket is sold at the same price as in Palace of Versailles, it’s valid for 2 years. Be careful, they could be out of tickets or do not sell in low season (November to March).
    * Le Café Bleu Roi, 7 rue Colbert, (+33) 1 39 50 05 79
    * La Brasserie du Musée, 2 place Gambetta, (+33) 1 39 50 18 08
    * Le Café Place d’Armes, 1 avenue de Saint-Cloud, (+33) 1 39 50 03 60
    * Le Saint Claire, 2 rue de Satory, (+33) 1 39 50 11 42

How much will it cost ?

Good news : it’s free for kids until 18 years old and for European Union residents under 26 (student card). Be careful, don’t forget your proof to show it at the main entrance. And Guided tour is free for children under 10 years old.

The domain of Versailles is free on the first Sunday of every month from November to March. I avoid this specially day : it’s free but there are too many people. Queue is very long and it may take several hours before visiting, after that time kids are very upset.

The price depends on your visit :

  • Palace ticket allows you to visit the Palace of Versailles. The price is €15 for adult / free : 18-25 years old (student card proof) and 0-18 years old.
  • Passeport ticket lets you access anywhere at Versailles. It costs €18. Be careful : on the days of the Musical Fountains and Gardens shows (week-end from 1st April to 31th October), it costs €25.
  • 2-days Passeport ticket allows you to access anywhere at Versailles over 2 consecutive days. It costs €25, or €30 on the days of the Musical Fountains and Gardens shows.
  • Trianon Palaces and Marie-Antoinette’s hamlet ticket entitles you to admission to those places only. The price is €10.
  • Musical Gardens (Jardins musicaux) : €8 for adult [free for kids under 5 years old].
  • Fountains Night Show (Grandes Eaux Nocturnes) : €24 for adult / €20 for kid.
  • Serenade Ticket : €18.
  • Combate Ticket Serenade + Fountains Night Show (Grandes Eaux Nocturnes) : €36.
  • Admission to the Park and Gardens of Versailles is free for pedestrians but there is a fee for vehicles: €3 for a motorcycle, €6 for a car and €30 for a bus (from 12 seats).
  • Guided tour cost €7 for adult in addition to the admission price. Admission is free for children under 10 years old.