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Gallery of Coaches: A Royal Ride Through History

Discover opulent royal transportation: Carriages, sleighs, and sedan chairs from French history at the Palace of Versailles' Great Stables.

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The Gallery of Coaches at the Palace of Versailles showcases an impressive collection of royal carriages, sedan chairs, and sleighs, offering a glimpse into the opulent world of French royalty from the Ancien Régime through the Restoration. Housed in the Great Stables, this often-overlooked museum displays the evolution of transportation and the artistry of French craftsmanship.

A brief summary to Gallery of Coaches

  • Saturday 12:30 pm-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 12:30 pm-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • The Gallery of Coaches is free to visit, offering a budget-friendly way to experience the grandeur of Versailles.
  • Check the Gallery's opening hours before your visit, as it is typically open only on weekends.
  • Download the Palace of Versailles app for an audio tour dedicated to the Gallery of Coaches.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of the main Palace and gardens to fully experience Versailles.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Palace of Versailles, the Gallery of Coaches is an 8-minute walk. Exit the palace grounds towards the town. The Gallery of Coaches is located in the Great Stables on Avenue Rockefeller. Follow the signs for Grande Écurie.

  • Public Transport

    From Paris, take the RER C train to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station. From the station, walk towards the Palace of Versailles. Continue past the Palace, exiting towards the town. The Gallery of Coaches is an 8-minute walk from the Palace, located in the Great Stables on Avenue Rockefeller. A single RER ticket costs €2.50.

  • Driving

    From Paris, take the A13 motorway towards Versailles. Exit at Versailles Centre and follow signs for the Palace of Versailles. Paid parking is available at Place d'Armes, in front of the Palace. From there, walk past the Palace towards the town. The Gallery of Coaches is an 8-minute walk from the Palace, located in the Great Stables on Avenue Rockefeller. Parking at Place d'Armes costs €4.80 per hour for the first 4 hours.

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Discover more about Gallery of Coaches

The Gallery of Coaches, located within the Great Stables of the Palace of Versailles, presents a fascinating look into the history of French royalty through its collection of grand ceremonial carriages and other vehicles. As part of the Public Establishment of the Palace, Museum and National Estate of Versailles, the gallery is located in the Grande Écurie (Great Stable). King Louis-Philippe established the collection in 1831 when he transformed Versailles into a museum dedicated to the glories of France. The collection includes gala berlins and carriages from Napoleon I's imperial court, Louis XVIII's funeral coach, and the Coronation Coach of Charles X. These coaches are not merely vehicles; they are works of art designed to impress, reflecting monarchy, wealth, and tradition. Visitors can marvel at the craftsmanship and technological advancements of the time, including traction, suspension, and even early convertible designs. The gallery also features smaller carriages for Marie Antoinette's children, sedan chairs, and sleighs, illustrating the splendor of court life. The museum, spanning nearly 1000 square meters, enhances the visitor experience with restored masterpieces and respectful lighting that highlights the architecture and spirit of the location. Today, the royal stables remain active, housing the National School of Architecture of Versailles and the National Equestrian Academy of Versailles.

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