The Palace of Versailles is one of the most important monuments in France and a must visit, should you be in Paris.

Bearing a paramount symbolism and cultural importance, the history of the Palace of Versailles is the history of France itself: from its absolutist monarchs and the rituals in the court of the Sun King to the agitation of the French Revolution and the 19^th century, which would bear witness to countless changes of government and popular uprisings. Today it has become one of the finest museums in the country, hosting over ten million visitors every year.

Stay tuned to explore the history of the Palace of Versailles and a full guide on how to visit it! 

History of the Palace of Versailles

First of all, let us present a summary of the history of the Palace of Versailles, its kings and its most relevant events. 

Origins and building

The origins of the Palace of Versailles can be found in the so-called “old castle”, a hunting pavilion commissioned by King Louis XIII in 1623 in a location surrounded by woods.

It would actually be Louis XIV, “the Sun King”, who would shoulder the construction of the Palace of Versailles as we know it nowadays as of 1661 and up until his passing in 1715, turning it into a pompous recreational palace. It was over this period when most of the gardens, premises and main rooms in the site were devised, such as the Hall of Mirrors, the War and Peace Rooms or the Grand Trianon. The architects in charge of this magnificent project would be Louis Le Vau and, following his death, François d’Orbay, Jules Mansart and Robert de Cotte.

The decorations, centred on the concept of the Sun, would be managed by the team of Charles Le Brun.

In 1682, Louis XIV left Louvre Palace and the rest of his abodes in Paris, thus making the Palace of Versailles the official residence of the French royalty. This site would become the epitome of courtly life and a nobility which went from being troublesome and rebellious to becoming dependent, servile and pampered.

Everything revolved around the “Sun King”, who shielded himself by means of a strict protocol that turned each one of his actions into a sacred ceremony.  

Important rulers and historical events 

The Palace of Versailles was fundamentally inhabited by three French monarchs: Louis XIV –whose lavish court has already been introduced-, Louis XV and Louis XVI.

Louis XV would also undergo his own works and renovations to the palace and its grounds as of 1722, with the birth of the Petit Trianon, the Apartments for the King, the Queen and the royal princesses, and the Royal Opera.

Finally, several minor premises would be erected during the reign of Louis XVI, such as the “Queen’s Hamlet” and the Queen’s Theatre, both commissioned by Marie Antoinette. 

The French Revolution would bear witness to the siege upon the Palace of Versailles in 1789, being taken over by the people as the royal family was forced to flee Versailles. The palace was closed down immediately and later on, with the abolition of monarchy, its interiors were stripped of all of its art pieces and furniture, which were auctioned in seventeen thousand lots.

Countless historical events took place in the Palace of Versailles, including Mozart’s visit—who was barely seven years old at the time—with his family during Christmas, 1763. After having lunch with the royals, little Mozart would play several of his own works there, to the amazement of the court.

All sorts of historical characters treaded the palace parlours: kings, courtesans, servants, revolutionaries, Prussian soldiers who settled their headquarters within its grounds during the 1870 Siege of Paris, government officials of Adolphe Thiers during the convoluted Paris Commune, and, of course, the signatories of the Treaty of Versailles putting an end to World War I in 1919.

The palace as a museum

As early as 1794, few years after the beginning of the French Revolution, part of the King’s Apartments were open for the public to visit. However, it would be Louis Philippe I, France’s last king, who would turn the Palace of Versailles into the spellbinding Museum of French History in 1837.

Architecture and Grounds

Remarkable architectural features

The architecture of the Palace of Versailles presents an elegant Baroque style, with clean and harmonious lines. Some of its chambers are outstandingly famous, such as the Hall of Mirrors. As underscored previously, it was erected during the reign of Louis XIV, designed by Mansart as a perfect symbol of the absolutist power of the French monarch. The Hall is seventy-three meters long and it was used to connect the King’s and Queen’s Apartments. It boasts three hundred and fifty seven mirrors reflecting the light coming in through the windows, which must have surely astonished dignitaries and courtesans alike due to the outrageous cost of such mirrors back in the day.

Other relevant chambers include the Royal Chapel of Versailles, whose building would mark the end of Louis XIV as a ruler, and the King’s Apartments.

Gardens of Versailles

The Gardens of Versailles straddle eight hundred hectares of land and are designed in a classic French formal garden style, perfected by André Le Nôtre. It consists of parterres, sculptures and dazzling fountains.

The fountains in Versailles date back to the times of Louis XIV, still function by means of their original hydraulic network, and they are still turned on weekends with the “Great Musical Waters” show. Other important landmarks in the gardens are the Grand Canal, the Grand Trianon –a palace built in lovely pink marble– and the Petit Trianon –a pavilion gifted to Madame du Barry, who enjoyed the favour of Louis XV–.

Shows in the grounds

As pointed out earlier, on weekends during spring and fall time, visitors can enjoy a variety of shows in the Gardens of Versailles, such as musical fountains and the opening of the adjoining woods.

Visiting the Palace of Versailles

Useful information for visitors

The opening times of the Palace of Versailles can be checked on its official website, which is also available in English. The Palace is open every day as of 09:00 except on Mondays, when it remains closed. The grounds and park are open from 08:00.

As for admission fees to visit Versailles, they can vary depending on the areas you may wish to visit and the events held on that day. The joint entry to the Palace and grounds on a regular day costs 24 euros. EU citizens under 26 can visit it free of charge. Make sure to check the fees on its website and book your preferred time slot beforehand!

Walks and tours

There are options to take several kinds of guided walks and tours throughout Versailles, such as those exploring the King’s Apartments or the Splendours of Versailles. You can book it all on the official Palace website!

Besides, you can use both the tourist train and also electric bikes (both require paying a fee) to move around the grounds.

Tourist Highlights

Domains of Marie Antoinette

The Domains of Marie Antoinette are one of the most interesting areas to visit in the Gardens of Versailles. They consist of the aforementioned Grand and Petit Trianon, as well as the Queen’s Hamlet. Secluded from the sumptuousness of the Palace, these sites were the haven chosen by the queen to live a peaceful life far away from the politics and intrigues of the court. Set a couple of hours aside to visit it!

Recommended events and activities

As you can already see, there is a wide array of events and activities going on in the Palace of Versailles. Always make sure to check the official website to see the offer during your trip days, so you don’t miss out on special tours, the Musical Gardens or the Great Waters!

Where to eat near the Palace of Versailles

Should you feel like treating yourself, you can eat in the restaurants within the Palace of Versailles itself –the most affordable one is the Café d’Orleans–, or those next to the Grand Canal, where you can even buy some sandwiches and snacks to eat in the grounds as a picnic.

If you would rather eat outside the Palace, you can find the Creperie La Place and La Guiguette in its outskirts, as well as numerous and varied eateries across the Rue de Satory.

How to reach the Palace of Versailles

You can reach the Palace of Versailles from downtown Paris in just half an hour riding line C of a RER train. It is undoubtedly your best pick!

Frequently Asked Questions