In 2023, the Palace of Versailles is celebrating its 400th anniversary! During this exceptional year, visitors can enjoy a unique programme of events and relive four centuries of history.
400th anniversary of
the Palace of Versailles
THE ORIGIN OF VERSAILLES
In 1623, Versailles was little more than an isolated little village in the middle of marshland, far from the hustle and bustle of the capital. However, it soon became the favourite hunting estate of the young King Louis XIII, who was attracted by the surrounding expanses of game-rich land.
The first stones of the famous hunting lodge were laid in September 1623. A few years later, Louis XIII built a grander palace where the first lodge stood. It was in this residence that the future Louis XIV spent a few nights as a child.
In 1661, Louis XIV wanted to demonstrate the magnificence of his reign to the whole of Europe and decided to transform his father’s modest palace into one of the world’s finest buildings.
HISTORY GALLERY
As part of the anniversary celebrations, visitors can discover the entirely new design and layout of the Gallery of the History of the Palace from 16 September.
The new visitor spaces recount four centuries of history at Versailles, from the start of the construction of the modest hunting lodge by Louis XIII in 1623, to the present day. Visitors can retrace the transformations of a palace in perpetual effervescence through over 120 works of art complemented by digital devices.
European Heritage Days
A preview opening of the History Gallery will take place during the European Heritage Days on 16 and 17 September 2023.
During this special weekend, the North Wing of the Palace of Versailles will be open to the public free of charge, offering the opportunity to discover the Louis XIV rooms and the Royal Chapel as well as the History Gallery.
Tour itinerary
The Crusades Room and the Royal Opera House will also exceptionally be open on Sunday 17 September.
CAMPAIGN
To celebrate its 400th anniversary, the Palace of Versailles invites the public to discover its estate through a large-scale publicity campaign.
VISIT VERSAILLES
Come and discover the estate of Versailles during this exceptional year!
Guided tours
From the King’s Inner Apartment to the Queen's Hamlet via Madame Du Barry’s Apartment, guided tours allow visitors to enter little-known spaces that are not open for unaccompanied visits.
As a family
Young and old can enjoy an exceptional programme of visits, workshops and events planned throughout the year.
Practical information
The Palace and the Estate of Trianon are open every day except Monday. The Park and Gardens are open every day.
To visit the Palace, all visitors must book a time slot.
Passport
This ticket gives access to the whole estate of Versailles.
35 €
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Passport
Experience the best of Versailles!
For a whole day, enjoy access to the entire Versailles estate.
Good to know:
From 4 pm, enjoy a discounted rate.
Enjoy a discounted rate by choosing to enter the Palace from 3 pm onwards.
Holders of a Paris Museum Pass (PMP) must obtain a free Passport ticket.
This ticket includes entry to:
- the Palacewith timed entry;
- the estate of Trianon; the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet (open from 12 noon)
- the temporary exhibitions; presented in these spaces
- the Gardens (until 31 October, single admission during the Musical Gardens or Musical Fountains Show, ticket valid for one entry);
Only the visit to the Palace requires booking a time slot. You are free to enjoy the other areas of the estate throughout the day.
Good to know:
To make sure you don’t miss a thing, plan your visit and check out the other areas of the estate that are free to visit, such as the Gallery of Coaches, the Sculpture and Mouldings Gallery (open on weekend afternoons), as well as the Royal Tennis Court and the Park.
Find all our pricing terms and conditions on our website.
Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
Free admission for under-26s
The Palace and Estate of Trianon are free to visit for EU residents under 26 years of age. Free tickets must be booked online.
The mobile app
Download the mobile app to discover the audioguide visits and interactive map for the whole estate and enjoy full access to all the Palace of Versailles podcasts.
