Palace of Versailles Opening Hours 2026: Best Times, Seasonal Hours & Crowd Tips
Looking for information on Palace of Versailles opening hours and the best time to visit?
Palace of Versailles opening hours vary by season and by estate area. Do not plan the day around the Palace opening time alone.
In high season, the Palace is generally open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 6:30pm. The Estate of Trianon opens at noon, while the Gardens and Park stay open later.
For most travelers, the best time to visit is a morning Palace time slot. That gives you room for the Gardens, Trianon, Queen’s Hamlet, and the return trip to Paris.
- The Palace is closed on Mondays.
- The Estate of Trianon is also closed on Mondays and opens later than the Palace.
- The Gardens and Park are open every day, weather permitting.
- High season runs from April 1 to October 31.
- Low season runs from November 1 to March 31.
- High-season hours are longer, but crowds and paid Garden-event dates matter.
- Low season has shorter hours, fewer crowds, and free Garden access.
- Musical Fountains and Musical Gardens can change both cost and timing.
For current official hours, exceptional closures, and last-minute access notes, use the official Château de Versailles visitor site (en.chateauversailles.fr). For direct timed-entry booking, use the official Château de Versailles ticket office.
If you want a guided visit, easier timing, or transport from Paris, compare options on GetYourGuide first, then use Viator as a useful backup.
⭐ Start here: the best Palace of Versailles tours to book first
- Paris: Versailles Palace and Gardens Full Access Ticket — best for independent access to the full estate
- Versailles: Skip-the-Line Tour of Palace and Gardens Access — best guided palace-and-gardens choice
- Skip-the-Line Versailles Palace & Garden Tour with Transport — easiest option from central Paris
- Versailles Bike Tour with Palace & Queen Farm Entrance — best full-day active estate experience
- Versailles: Palace, Gardens & Queen’s Estate Guided Tour — best deep-dive visit beyond the palace rooms
This page explains official Palace of Versailles opening hours, how they change by season, when the Gardens and Trianon are open, and how to choose the best time slot.
Palace of Versailles opening hours at a glance
Palace of Versailles hours vary by season and by estate area. The Palace, Trianon, Gardens, Park, Gallery of Coaches, and Royal Tennis Court do not all follow the same schedule.
| Estate area | High season: Apr 1–Oct 31 | Low season: Nov 1–Mar 31 | Closed days / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palace | 9am–6:30pm; last admission 5:45pm | 9am–5:30pm; last admission 4:45pm | Closed Mondays; also Jan 1, May 1, Dec 25 |
| Estate of Trianon | Noon–6:30pm; last admission 5:45pm | Noon–5:30pm; last admission 4:45pm | Closed Mondays; also Jan 1, May 1, Dec 25 |
| Gardens | 7am–8:30pm; last admission 7pm | 8am–6pm | Open daily, weather permitting; paid access on some high-season event dates |
| Park | 7am–8:30pm; last admission 7:45pm | 8am–6pm; last admission 5:30pm | Open daily, weather permitting |
| Gallery of Coaches | Weekends and French bank holidays, 12:30pm–6:30pm | Saturdays and Sundays, 12:30pm–5:30pm | Free; closed Mondays and some holidays |
| Royal Tennis Court | Tuesday–Sunday, 12:30pm–6:30pm | Tuesday–Sunday, 12:30pm–5:30pm | Free; also used for guided tours |
⏱️ Quick Win: Versailles is not a quick “pop in” attraction. Even a streamlined visit usually needs a half day once you include travel, security, the palace route, and the gardens.
Do Palace of Versailles hours change by season?
Yes. Versailles uses a high-season and low-season rhythm, and the difference affects both timing and budget.
High season has longer hours and more Garden programming. Low season has shorter hours, simpler pricing, and fewer crowds.
High season: April 1 to October 31
High season is the best period for long estate days, fountains, Gardens, and late-afternoon wandering.
The trade-off is crowds. This is also when Garden-event dates can affect access and cost.
High-season hours:
- Palace: Tuesday to Sunday, 9am–6:30pm
- Palace last admission: 5:45pm
- Palace ticket office closes: 5:40pm
- Estate of Trianon: Tuesday to Sunday, noon–6:30pm
- Trianon last admission: 5:45pm
- Gardens: daily, 7am–8:30pm
- Gardens last admission: 7pm
- Park: daily, 7am–8:30pm
- Park last admission: 7:45pm
Choose high season if you want the fullest version of Versailles. Book earlier, especially for morning Palace slots and Garden-event dates.
Low season: November 1 to March 31
Low season is quieter, cheaper, and easier to plan. Garden access is free for all visitors in low season.
The trade-off is time. The Palace, Trianon, Gardens, and Park all close earlier.
Low-season hours:
- Palace: Tuesday to Sunday, 9am–5:30pm
- Palace last admission: 4:45pm
- Palace ticket office closes: 4:30pm
- Estate of Trianon: Tuesday to Sunday, noon–5:30pm
- Trianon last admission: 4:45pm
- Gardens: daily, 8am–6pm
- Park: daily, 8am–6pm
- Park last admission: 5:30pm
Low season is a strong choice if you want fewer crowds and a cleaner ticket plan. It is less ideal if your dream visit is all about fountains, open groves, and long evening garden time.
💵 Budget Tip: Official tickets may be the cheapest when available. Third-party tours cost more, but they can add a guide, timed entry, transport, cancellation flexibility, or a cleaner plan.
What days is the Palace of Versailles closed?
The Palace is closed on Mondays.
The Estate of Trianon is also closed on Mondays.
The Palace and Estate of Trianon are also closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25.
The Gardens and Park are generally open every day, weather permitting. Snow, strong winds, and exceptional events can affect access, so check the official site close to your visit date.
A Monday Garden or Park walk can still work if you are already nearby. But Monday is not the right day for a first-time Versailles visit if you want the Palace, Hall of Mirrors, Trianon, and Queen’s Hamlet.
Best time to visit Palace of Versailles
For most travelers, the best time to visit Palace of Versailles is a morning Palace slot.
That gives the day room to breathe. You can see the Palace first, then move into the Gardens, lunch, Trianon, and Queen’s Hamlet without racing the clock.
Best overall time slot: morning Palace entry
Book a morning Palace time slot if this is your first visit.
A good flow looks like this:
- Arrive in Versailles before your Palace time.
- Enter the Palace first.
- See the State Apartments and Hall of Mirrors.
- Walk the Gardens.
- Break for lunch.
- Visit Trianon from noon onward.
- Add Queen’s Hamlet if time and energy hold up.
This is the easiest way to avoid the classic Versailles mistake: booking the Palace too late and trying to squeeze the estate into the afternoon.
For timed-entry rules, use the Palace of Versailles reservations guide.
🧭 Planning Tip: Do not book a tight evening plan right after Versailles. The return trip to Paris, crowds, and garden time can easily stretch the day.
Best time for the Palace rooms
Morning is usually best for the Palace rooms.
The main Palace route can feel crowded at almost any time, but mornings give you more control over the rest of the day. Later slots can work for short visits, but they are risky if you also want the Gardens, Trianon, and Queen’s Hamlet.
The last Palace entry is not a strategy. It is a fallback.
If you only want the rooms and Hall of Mirrors, a late-day visit can still work. If this is your one big Versailles day, choose earlier.
For ticket choices, use the Palace of Versailles ticket guide.
Best time for the Gardens
The best time for the Gardens depends on what you want from them.
In high season, early morning and late afternoon are the most atmospheric. Garden-event dates can be worth it if you want music, fountains, and access to groves that are not always open in the same way.
In low season, the Gardens are calmer and free. The trade-off is shorter hours and less spectacle.
If fountains matter, choose a Musical Fountains date. If simple pricing and fewer people matter more, choose low season or a non-event day.
🌳 Garden Tip: Garden access can vary by season and by fountain or musical garden dates. Always check what your ticket includes before comparing prices.
For fee details, use the Palace of Versailles entrance fee guide.
Best time for Trianon and Queen’s Hamlet
The Estate of Trianon opens at noon in both high and low season.
Do not plan Trianon first if the Palace is your priority. The better route is Palace first, Gardens and lunch next, then Trianon and Queen’s Hamlet in the afternoon.
For a full-estate visit, avoid a late Palace reservation. It compresses everything that makes Versailles feel like more than a museum.
🏰 Estate Tip: The Palace, Gardens, Trianon Palaces, and Queen’s Hamlet are not all the same thing. A “Palace” ticket may not include every part of the wider estate.
Best month to visit Palace of Versailles
The best month depends on your travel style.
Versailles in spring and fall gives you longer days and better Garden energy. Winter gives you lower crowds and simpler pricing.
Best months for balanced weather and crowds
The best balanced months are usually:
- April
- May
- Early June
- September
- October
These months give you high-season access, longer hours, and more Garden programming without the heaviest midsummer feel.
Weekends and Garden-event dates can still be busy. If you want more space, aim for a weekday and book a morning Palace slot.
Best months for lower crowds and lower cost
For lower crowds and better value, look at November through March, excluding major holidays.
Low season is not as lush. Some groves may be closed, the days are shorter, and the Gardens are less theatrical.
But the experience can be calmer. You also get free Garden access and lower official Passport pricing.
For cost comparisons, use the Palace of Versailles entrance fee guide.
Best months for fountains and gardens
For fountains, groves, and classic garden atmosphere, visit during the 2026 garden-event season.
The official 2026 Musical Fountains Show runs every Saturday and Sunday from April 4 to November 1, plus every Tuesday from May 5 to June 30.
The official 2026 Musical Gardens run every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from April 1 to October 30.
Choose a Musical Fountains day if water displays are a priority. Choose a non-event day if you want simpler pricing and fewer layers to plan around.
2026 Musical Fountains and Musical Gardens timing
The Musical Fountains Show and Musical Gardens are open-air Garden experiences. They are not the same thing.
The Musical Fountains Show includes fountain displays. Musical Gardens is a musical walk through the Gardens and groves, without the same full fountain-display focus.
Musical Fountains Show dates and times
In 2026, the Musical Fountains Show runs:
- Every Saturday and Sunday from April 4 to November 1, 2026
- Every Tuesday from May 5 to June 30, 2026
General Musical Fountains timing:
- Groves open from 9am to 7pm
- Musical displays run from 10am to 7pm
- Water displays vary by fountain and time of day
Some dates close early because of Night Fountains preparation and special events. On early-closing dates, the daytime Garden show can end before the usual evening closing.
For 2026, the Gardens close early at 5:30pm every Saturday from June 6 to September 19, and on July 14. Other special early-closing dates may apply, including May 16, October 25, October 31, and November 1.
Do not rely on generic “open until evening” assumptions if the Gardens are the main reason for your visit. Check the official schedule near your date.
Musical Gardens dates and times
In 2026, Musical Gardens run every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from April 1 to October 30.
General Musical Gardens timing:
- Groves open from 9am to 7pm
- Musical displays run from 10am to 7pm
Musical Gardens close early at 5:30pm on October 27, 28, 29, and 30, 2026.
If you want a Garden-focused visit but do not need full fountain displays, Musical Gardens can be a good middle ground. Just check whether your ticket includes access.
Night Fountains note
Night Fountains are separate from daytime Garden admission.
Do not assume a daytime Passport includes the evening Night Fountains event. It does not.
Night Fountains can also affect daytime closing times because the Gardens close early for preparation on some dates.
If the evening show is the reason you are going, plan it as a separate booking and build the rest of the day around it.
Best day of the week to visit Palace of Versailles
There is no perfect crowd-free day at Versailles. There are only better trade-offs.
For most Palace-focused visits, Tuesday through Friday are better than weekends. Wednesday and Thursday can be good compromise days in high season, depending on your Garden plans.
Avoid Monday for a first-time visit. The Palace and Estate of Trianon are closed.
Weekends can be busier, but they are often the better match if the Musical Fountains Show matters to you. If fountains matter more than crowd avoidance, a weekend may still be the right call.
Should you visit on a Musical Fountains day?
Visit on a Musical Fountains day if:
- Fountains are a priority.
- You want the classic Garden experience.
- You are prepared for Garden-event pricing.
- You do not mind more people.
- You want a fuller high-season Versailles day.
Skip a Musical Fountains day if:
- You want simpler pricing.
- You want lower crowds.
- You care more about the Palace interiors.
- You are traveling with tired kids.
- You have a tight schedule.
For many first-time visitors, the best compromise is a morning Palace slot plus enough time for the Gardens afterward. Whether that falls on a fountain day depends on your priorities.
Best itinerary by opening-hours strategy
The right itinerary depends on how much time you have and how much estate you want to see.
Do not force a full-estate plan into a half-day booking. Versailles punishes tight schedules.
Half-day Palace-focused visit
Best Palace slot: morning or early afternoon.
See:
- Palace rooms
- Hall of Mirrors
- Short Garden walk
Skip:
- Deep Trianon plan
- Queen’s Hamlet
- Long Grand Canal loop
Best booking choices:
- Official Château de Versailles ticket office
- Versailles: Palace of Versailles Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
This is the right approach if Versailles is one part of a busy Paris day. It is not the right approach if you want the full estate.
First-time Palace + Gardens visit
Best Palace slot: morning.
See:
- Palace
- Hall of Mirrors
- Gardens
- Optional Gallery of Coaches if open
Best booking choices:
- Paris: Versailles Palace and Gardens Full Access Ticket
- Versailles: Skip-the-Line Tour of Palace and Gardens Access
This is the best default plan for first-timers who want a strong visit without turning it into a marathon.
Full-estate day
Best Palace slot: early morning.
See:
- Palace
- Gardens
- Trianon
- Queen’s Hamlet
- Park or Grand Canal if energy allows
Best booking choices:
- Passport
- Versailles: Palace, Gardens & Queen’s Estate Guided Tour
- Versailles Bike Tour with Palace & Queen Farm Entrance
A full-estate day is the best way to understand Versailles as a royal landscape, not just a palace.
Easy day trip from Paris
If timing feels stressful, choose a tour with transport from Paris.
This is best for:
- First-time Paris visitors
- Travelers who do not want train logistics
- Families
- Travelers with limited time
- Visitors who want a fixed plan
A strong option is Skip-the-Line Versailles Palace & Garden Tour with Transport.
🚆 Transit Tip: Independent travelers usually reach Versailles from Paris by RER C or train. Tours with transport cost more, but they simplify the day for first-time visitors.
Official hours vs tour timing
Official hours tell you when the estate opens. A good tour or ticket strategy tells you how to use those hours.
| Booking path | Best time strategy | Why | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official timed-entry ticket | Morning Palace slot | Cheapest direct route and most flexible estate day | You manage transport and route |
| Official Passport | Morning Palace slot, then Gardens/Trianon | Best official full-estate structure | Garden-event dates affect cost |
| Guided Palace tour | Morning or midmorning | Adds context without needing a full-day tour | Check included areas |
| Tour from Paris with transport | Follow tour departure time | Simplifies the day | Less independent flexibility |
| Full-estate guided tour | Full day | Better for Trianon and Queen’s Hamlet | Needs stamina |
| Bike tour | Full day, fair weather | Covers more of the estate | Weather and cycling comfort |
When the official portal is best
Use the official portal when direct booking matters more than convenience.
The official Château de Versailles ticket office is best if:
- You want the lowest direct price.
- You know your preferred time slot.
- You qualify for free or reduced entry.
- You have the Paris Museum Pass.
- You are comfortable with Paris transit.
- You do not need a guide.
Use the official visitor site for final rules, exact opening times, exceptional closures, and access changes before you go.
When reseller options are easier
Third-party tours can make timing easier, especially if you are coming from Paris.
Use GetYourGuide Palace of Versailles options or Viator Versailles tours if you want:
- A guide
- Transport from Paris
- One structured booking
- Help choosing a full-estate plan
- Family-friendly pacing
- Cancellation flexibility where offered
- A private, bike, or full-day experience
Check the meeting point, return time, cancellation terms, and included estate areas before booking.
👨👩👧 Family Tip: A private family tour can be worth the splurge if kids need pacing, breaks, and shorter explanations. The estate is big, and a rigid group tour can feel long.
Common timing mistakes to avoid
Versailles is easy to underestimate. Avoid these mistakes:
- Booking a late Palace slot and expecting a full-estate day.
- Forgetting Trianon opens at noon.
- Visiting on Monday expecting to enter the Palace.
- Assuming the Gardens are always free in high season.
- Assuming Musical Gardens and Musical Fountains are the same thing.
- Not checking early Garden closure dates.
- Booking a Night Fountains ticket and assuming it covers daytime Gardens.
- Scheduling dinner in Paris too soon after Versailles.
- Forgetting train time and the walk from the station.
⭐ Pro Tip: The Hall of Mirrors is the headline room, but the estate is the real reason to slow down. Gardens, fountains, Trianon, and the Queen’s Hamlet can turn a basic visit into a full-day experience.
Where to stay for better timing
Most travelers should stay in Paris and visit Versailles as a day trip.
Staying near the Palace can make sense if you want the earliest practical Palace slot, a long estate day, easier family pacing, or a quieter evening after a full visit.
| Hotel | Best for |
|---|---|
| Hôtel Les Lumières – Relais & Châteaux | Luxury stay near the palace |
| Le Louis Hotel Versailles Château – MGallery Collection | Polished palace-area convenience |
| Hôtel Le Versailles | Classic close-to-palace base |
| ibis Versailles Château | Budget-practical stay |
| Hôtel Versailles Chantiers | Train-station convenience |
🛏️ Stay Tip: Staying near the palace works well for a slower visit, but most first-time Paris travelers are better off sleeping in Paris and visiting Versailles as a day trip.
Best tours in Paris, France by traveler type
🚇 Paris Tip: For a broad Paris itinerary, pair Versailles with lighter evening plans such as a Seine cruise, neighborhood dinner, or low-key walk rather than another major museum.
Related Palace of Versailles guides
Use these next if you are still planning your visit:
- Palace of Versailles main guide
- Palace of Versailles ticket guide
- Palace of Versailles tours guide
- Palace of Versailles entrance fee guide
- Palace of Versailles reservations guide
- Palace of Versailles location and transportation guide
What should you do next?
If you need current official hours or exceptional closures, check the official Château de Versailles visitor site.
If you want the lowest direct timed-entry option, start with the official Château de Versailles ticket office.
If you want a simple full-estate visit, compare the Paris: Versailles Palace and Gardens Full Access Ticket.
If timing and transport feel stressful, compare the Skip-the-Line Versailles Palace & Garden Tour with Transport.
If you are planning a full estate day, read the Palace of Versailles tours guide before booking.
FAQ
What are the Palace of Versailles opening hours in 2026?
In high season, the Palace is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 6:30pm, with last admission at 5:45pm.
In low season, it is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 5:30pm, with last admission at 4:45pm.
Is the Palace of Versailles open on Mondays?
No. The Palace and Estate of Trianon are closed on Mondays.
The Gardens and Park are generally open daily, weather permitting.
What time does the Estate of Trianon open?
The Estate of Trianon opens at noon in both high and low season. It is closed on Mondays.
In high season, it closes at 6:30pm. In low season, it closes at 5:30pm.
Are the Gardens open every day?
Yes, the Gardens are generally open every day, weather permitting.
In high season, access can be charged on Musical Fountains and Musical Gardens dates. In low season, Garden access is free for all visitors.
What is the best time to visit Palace of Versailles?
The best time for most first-time visitors is a morning Palace time slot.
It gives you the most flexibility for the Gardens, Trianon, Queen’s Hamlet, lunch, and the return trip to Paris.
What is the best month to visit Palace of Versailles?
April, May, early June, September, and October offer a good balance of longer hours, garden programming, and manageable weather.
November through March is better for lower crowds and simpler Garden pricing.
When are the Musical Fountains at Versailles in 2026?
The official 2026 Musical Fountains Show runs every Saturday and Sunday from April 4 to November 1, plus every Tuesday from May 5 to June 30.
Groves generally open from 9am to 7pm, with musical displays from 10am to 7pm. Some dates close early.
When are the Musical Gardens at Versailles in 2026?
The official 2026 Musical Gardens run every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from April 1 to October 30.
Groves generally open from 9am to 7pm, with musical displays from 10am to 7pm. Musical Gardens close early at 5:30pm on October 27, 28, 29, and 30, 2026.
Is low season a good time to visit Versailles?
Yes, if you want lower crowds, shorter lines, and free Garden access.
The trade-off is shorter opening hours and less Garden spectacle.
Should I book a tour based on Versailles opening hours?
Yes, if timing feels stressful.
A guided tour or transport-included tour can make the day simpler, especially for first-time visitors from Paris.