Palace of Versailles Day Trip from Paris | Travel Guide
Versailles Day Trip from Paris
My family Hall of Mirrors
Visiting Versailles from Paris is one of the most popular day trips in France — and for good reason. The palace, gardens, fountains, and history are absolutely breathtaking, but planning the perfect visit can feel overwhelming. Here’s exactly how we did our day trip to Versailles from Paris, what we loved, what we’d do differently, and tips to make your visit smooth and stress‑free.How to Get to Versailles from Paris
Versailles is an easy day trip from Paris. After traveling from Normandy to Paris. Versailles had a totally different vibe. We were staying at the Hilton Paris Opera for this part of the trip. The hotel is across from the train station Gare Du Lazare. It was the perfect location. Our train from Caen arrived at this station. We were able to head out the next day directly to Versailles. The train ride to Versailles is $2.50 each way.
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Versailles Day Trip at a Glance
Travel time: 35–45 minutes from Paris
Best time to go: Morning (arrive before 9 AM)
Tickets needed: Palace + Gardens (or Passport ticket)
Tour option: Skip‑the‑line recommended
Time needed: 5–7 hours
Perfect for: Families, first‑timers, history lovers
Buying Tickets for the Palace of Versailles
When we arrived in the town of Versailles, we had a 15-minute walk to the castle. The city was vibrant on this spring day. We walked through an incredible farmers’ market full of local goods. Everything looked amazing. If we had more time, I would have loved to do a long stroll through the market, exploring with my senses. However, our tickets were timed, so we hurried off to the Palace. Speaking of, you must have tickets in advance to visit Versailles. The official website for the Palace is here. If you don’t want to figure out how to get to Versailles from Paris and/or want a tour guide, you can book a tour like this one from Viator. A huge bonus with Viator is that you can book now and pay later. I use Viator often when we travel. Make sure to read the reviews of the tours you are booking!
Recommended Tours
Skip‑the‑line Palace of Versailles tour
Versailles bike tour
Versailles + Gardens guided tour
Paris to Versailles transportation package
Find the right tour for you on Viator
How to Get to Versailles from Paris
RER C Train – Most affordable -
Guided tour with transportation – Easiest
Uber/Taxi – Fast but more expensive
Bike tour – Fun + unique
What to Expect at Versailles
Crowds (especially mid‑day)
Security lines
Lots of walking
Stunning gardens
Limited shade in summer
Photo opportunities everywhere
What to Wear to Versailles
Comfortable walking shoes
Light layers
Crossbody bag - Check this one out from Samsonite with RFID
Sunscreen - I love MDSolarSciences
Sunglasses
A dress or outfit you love for photos
Exploring the Palace Interiors
I recommend you tour the Palace first, then the gardens. It gets crowded quickly. It also gets jammed with tour groups. Bring you patience. Our tickets were for 10 on this day. The Palace is super impressive, but I am claustrophobic, so our family made it quickly through the people-jammed hallways and headed out to the gardens. It was worth going inside. The word that best describes it in my mind is ABUNDANCE!
Versailles Gardens & Lunch Options
Gardens of Versailles
The gardens are magnificent. We had perfect weather on this spring day. Everyone was out enjoying them. Parts of the gardens are included with admission, but another part is open without paying. It was nice to see locals enjoying this amazing space. I would love to go back and stay in Versailles. Speaking of the gardens, check out the pictures below. I have never seen anything like it in person. I felt like we were in a movie.
Best Time to Visit Versailles
Spring: Flowers + mild weather
Summer: Fountains + long days (but crowded)
Fall: Fewer crowds + beautiful colors
Winter: Quietest time
Tips for Families Visiting Versailles
A day trip to Versailles is one of the most magical experiences you can have from Paris. Whether you explore on your own or join a guided tour, the palace and gardens are absolutely unforgettable. With the right planning — and a few smart tips — you can make the most of your visit and enjoy a smooth, stress‑free day.
Other Normandy & France Travel Guides
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