Palace of Versailles Tickets

Palace of Versailles FAQ’s

• When is the best time to visit the Palace of Versailles?
• Given its one of France’s most popular tourist attractions, you are never going to have the palace to yourself, especially during the high-season. However, early morning visits can be quieter with slightly smaller crowds.
• Can you take luggage into the Palace of Versailles?
• No. You can’t take luggage with you. There is a baggage drop point available.
• Where is the Palace of Versailles?
• The Palace of Versailles is located at Place d’Armes, 78000, Versailles.
• What is the Palace of Versailles?
• The Palace of Versailles is a historic royal residence located in Versailles. It served as the centre of political power and the official residence of French kings from 1682 until the French Revolution in 1789!
• Who built the Palace of Versailles?
• Louis XIII initially built it as a hunting lodge in 1623, but Louis XIV transformed it into a grand palace and the seat of his court starting in 1661.
• Why is the Palace of Versailles famous?
• It is renowned for its opulent architecture, the Hall of Mirrors, expansive gardens, and its significance in French history as a symbol of absolute monarchy.
• What is the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles?
• The Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces) is a stunning 73-meter-long gallery covered with 357 mirrors, crystal chandeliers, and gilded decorations. It served as a ceremonial passageway and a venue for grand events.
• How large is the Palace of Versailles?
• The palace covers approximately 63,154 square meters (679,784 square feet) and contains over 2,300 rooms!
• What happened at Versailles during the French Revolution?
• The palace was stormed during the Women’s March on Versailles in 1789, which led to the relocation of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette to Paris!
• What is the significance of Versailles in world history?
• The Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I, was signed in the Hall of Mirrors in 1919!
• Can you visit the Palace of Versailles?
• Yes! Click HERE for Palace of Versailles ticket options. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of France’s most popular tourist attractions.
• How do you get to Versailles from Paris?
• Versailles is about 20 kilometres (12 miles) southwest of Paris and can be reached by train (RER Line C) or car!
• What are some famous works of art at The Palace of Versailles?
• The palace contains numerous masterpieces, including paintings by Charles Le Brun and sculptures by François Girardon.
• What is the Queen’s Hamlet at The Palace of Versailles?
• Built for Marie Antoinette, the Queen’s Hamlet is a rustic retreat with charming cottages and gardens, designed to resemble a rural village.

The Palace of Versailles Fun Facts

• Hall of Mirrors Trivia: The 357 mirrors in the Hall of Mirrors were a technological marvel of the 17th century which showed off French craftsmanship!
• Gold Everywhere: The palace's gilded exteriors required hundreds of kilograms of gold to achieve their luminous finish.
• Endless Keys: Versailles had so many rooms that King Louis XVI reportedly carried a large set of keys at all times to access them!
• Water Challenges: The fountains in the gardens were so elaborate that they couldn’t all run simultaneously. They were turned on only when the king passed by!
• Hidden Apartments: Louis XV created secret apartments within the palace to escape the public eye.
• A Servant Army: At its peak, the palace housed 5,000 residents, including courtiers, servants, and guards!
• Expensive Construction: The cost of building Versailles is estimated to have been equivalent to billions in today’s currency!
• Marie Antoinette's Secret Village: The Queen's Hamlet was built so Marie Antoinette could pretend to be a peasant, complete with farm animals.
• A Clock That Still Works: The Clock Room houses a clock made in 1754 that still functions and even predicts astronomical events.
• Fake Marble: To save costs, some of the "marble" in Versailles is actually painted wood!
• Napoleon's Connection: After the French Revolution, Napoleon used parts of the palace for government offices.
• Ghost Stories: Versailles is rumoured to be haunted, with reports of visitors encountering ghostly figures dressed in period attire!

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