The Palace From the seat of power to a museum of the history of France

Since 1979, the Palace of Versailles has been listed as a World Heritage and is one of the greatest achievements in French 17th century art. Louis XIII's old hunting pavilion was transformed and extended by his son, Louis XIV, when he installed the Court and government there in 1682. A succession of kings continued to embellish the Palace up until the French Revolution.

Today the Palace contains 2,300 rooms spread over 63,154 m2.

In 1789, the French Revolution forced Louis XVI to leave Versailles for Paris. The Palace would never again be a royal residence and a new role was assigned to it in the 19th century, when it became the Museum of the History of France in 1837 by order of King Louis-Philippe, who came to the throne in 1830. The rooms of the Palace were then devoted to housing new collections of paintings and sculptures representing great figures and important events that had marked the History of France. These collections continued to be expanded until the early 20th century at which time, under the influence of its most eminent curator, Pierre de Nolhac, the Palace rediscovered its historical role when the whole central part was restored to the appearance it had had as a royal residence during the Ancien Régime.

The Palace of Versailles never played the protective role of a medieval stronghold. Beginning in the Renaissance period, the term "chateau" was used to refer to the rural location of a luxurious residence, as opposed to an urban palace. It was thus common to speak of the Louvre "Palais” in the heart of Paris, and the "Château” of Versailles out in the country. Versailles was only a village at the time. It was destroyed in 1673 to make way for the new town Louis XIV wished to create. Currently the centrepiece of Versailles urban planning, the Palace now seems a far cry from the countryside residence it once was. Nevertheless, the garden end on the west side of the Estate of Versailles is still adjoined by woods and agriculture.

Video : Versailles, from Louis XIII to the French Revolution

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Restoration of the Royal Chapel

Video : Louis XIV - The Sun King

 

Interactive map

Discover the interior of the Palace with the different rooms to visit thanks to the interactive map.

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Buy your ticket

Palace ticket

This ticket gives you access to the Palace.

21 €

Buy

Palace ticket

This ticket gives you access to the Palace.
21 €
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Palace ticket

This ticket guarantees access to the palace of Versailles. Book online and enter to the Palace in the half hour following the chosen time.

In order for you to make the most of the Estate of Versailles, the Gardens are open from 8am, the Estate of Trianon from 12pm., the Gallery of Coaches from 12.30pm.

The Passport guarantees access to the Estate of Versailles (Palace, Estate of Trianon and their Gardens).

Tickets can also be purchased on site subject to availability.

Rates

21 € Buy

Guided tours

Louis XIV at Versailles

The decoration of Louis XIV's apartments and the story of his day shed light on the personality of this absolute sovereign.

10 € Book online

Louis XIV at Versailles

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10 €
Durée : approximately 1h30
Louis XIV at Versailles

In 1682, Louis XIV and his Court moved to the Palace of Versailles, a symbol of his power. The decoration of his apartments and the story of his day shed light on the personality of this absolute sovereign, a man of taste and a passionate art lover.

This guided tour exists in German (08/03/20 13:15)

This price is in addition to the admission price

10 € Book online

 

See all the guided tours

Other places

The Gardens

The art of perspective

The Gardens
The estate of Trianon

A place of intimacy

The estate of Trianon

News

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The 2024-2025 musical season

The Palace of Versailles is hosting numerous operas, concerts, gala evenings and ballets in some of its exceptional spaces, including the Royal Opera and the Royal Chapel. Check out the programme for the 2024–2025 music season at Versailles.

The Festival of Versailles 2020

Show

The Festival of Versailles 2020

Concerts, operas, masked balls and shows : discover the programme for the 10th edition of the Festival of Versailles.

The Palace of Versailles' Mobile Application

Digital

The Palace of Versailles' Mobile App

The app is completely free of charge. It includes the audioguide tours in English and an interactive map of the Estate.

Become a patron

Become a patron

Individuals, companies, foundations, help the Palace of Versailles to shine worldwide. From just five euros, anyone can contribute to a patronage project and be part of the history of Versailles.

How to become a patron

The official Palace of Versailles app.

The free application of the Palace offers audio tours to accompany your visit to the Estate (Palace, Gardens, Trianon Estate, etc.) as well as an interactive map.

More information