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.
31 August 2023
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.
32 €
Read more
This ticket gives access to the whole estate of Versailles (Palace, Estate of Trianon and the Gardens). Book online and enter to the Palace in the half hour following the chosen time.
It includes :
- the Palace with timed entry;
- the estate of Trianon;
- the temporary exhibitions;
- the Gallery of Coaches (every weekend);
- the Royal Tennis Court;
- the Gardens (until 31 October, single admission during the Musical Gardens or Musical Fountains Show, ticket valid for one entry);
- the Park.
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 Musical Fountains Show and the Musical Gardens close at 5.30pm on 27, 29, 30 and 31 October.
Palace ticket
This ticket gives you access to the Palace.
21 €
Read more
This ticket guarantees access to the palace of Versailles. Book online and enter to the Palace in the half hour following the chosen time.
- the Palace with timed entry;
- the temporary exhibitions in the Palace;
- the Gallery of Coaches (every weekend);
- the Royal Tennis Court;
- the Gardens (from 1 November to 30 March only) - to access the Gardens before 1 November, you need a Passport ticket or a Gardens ticket;
- the Park.
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
- Motor deficiencies
- Hearing impaired
- Mental disabilities
- Visual impairment
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.
