Gardens of Versailles: A Royal Retreat
Experience the grandeur of French royalty in these vast, meticulously designed gardens featuring stunning fountains and sculpted landscapes.
The Gardens of Versailles, commissioned by Louis XIV and designed by André Le Nôtre, are a sprawling and stunning example of a French formal garden. Covering nearly 2,000 acres, the gardens feature meticulously manicured lawns, sculpted trees and shrubbery, and numerous fountains and sculptures. They offer visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of French royalty.
A brief summary to Gardens of Versailles
- Place d'Armes, Versailles, 78000, FR
- +33130837800
- Visit website
- Monday 8 am-8:30 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-8:30 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-8:30 pm
- Thursday 8 am-8:30 pm
- Friday 8 am-8:30 pm
- Saturday 8 am-8:30 pm
- Sunday 8 am-8:30 pm
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast gardens.
- Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds, especially during peak season.
- Check the schedule for the Musical Fountains Show or Musical Gardens, as access to the gardens requires a ticket on these days.
- Consider renting a bike or electric car to cover more ground within the gardens.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Paris, the RER C train is a popular option. Take the RER C to the Versailles Château Rive Gauche station. From the station, it's about a 10-minute walk to the Gardens. A single ticket from Paris costs approximately €2.50. Alternatively, from Gare Montparnasse, take the TER N train to Versailles-Chantiers station. The gardens are about a 25-minute walk from this station. Note that from July 15 to August 23, 2025, no RER C trains will serve Versailles Château Rive-Gauche and Versailles Chantiers stations due to maintenance. During this period, use the TER N from Paris Montparnasse or line L from Paris Saint Lazare.
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Taxi/Ride-share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are readily available in Paris. A taxi ride from central Paris to the Gardens of Versailles typically takes 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs approximately €35-€50. Be sure to use official taxi services to avoid scams.
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Driving
If driving from Paris, take the A13 autoroute towards Versailles. The journey typically takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Several parking options are available near the Palace. Place d'Armes Parking is the most convenient, located directly in front of the Palace, with rates of €4.80/hour for the first 4 hours, then €2.40/hour. Parking is also available within the Palace grounds via the Queen's Gate for a flat rate of €15 per vehicle. This provides access to parking areas near the Grand Canal, Petit Trianon, and Queen's Hamlet.
Discover more about Gardens of Versailles
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Latona Stairs
0.2 km
Explore the Latona Stairs at Versailles, where history, art, and nature converge in breathtaking beauty and elegance.
Fontaine du Soir
0.2 km
Explore the enchanting Fontaine du Soir, a tranquil fountain in the heart of Versailles, surrounded by lush gardens and rich history.
La Loire
0.3 km
Experience the beauty of La Loire, an exquisite sculpture in Versailles, where art and history intertwine in a serene setting.
Château de Versailles Spectacles
0.5 km
Experience the enchanting performances at Château de Versailles Spectacles, where history meets art in a breathtaking royal setting.
Statue et Place Hoche
0.8 km
Explore the captivating Statue et Place Hoche, a historical landmark in Versailles, surrounded by stunning architecture and lush gardens.
Galerie des Sculptures et des Moulages (Sculptures de Versailles / Gypsothèque du Louvre)
0.9 km
Explore the exquisite collection of the Galerie des Sculptures et des Moulages, a must-see museum in Versailles showcasing French artistic heritage.
Versailles Cathedral
1.0 km
Discover the architectural marvel of Versailles Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture and a spiritual centerpiece of French heritage.
Memorial
1.1 km
Discover the serene elegance of the Versailles Memorial, a tribute to history amidst the grandeur of France's royal heritage, ideal for reflection and exploration.
Versal
1.1 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty and rich history of Versailles, a historical landmark that captures the essence of French royalty and culture.
Temple of Love
1.2 km
Explore the romantic Temple of Love in Versailles, a stunning monument surrounded by exquisite gardens and rich history, perfect for a serene escape.
Park of Versailles
1.3 km
Experience the grandeur of history at the Park of Versailles, with its stunning gardens, historic estates, and serene landscapes waiting to be explored.
Grand Trianon
1.3 km
Discover the enchanting Grand Trianon in Versailles, a historical landmark embodying the elegance of French royalty amidst stunning gardens.
Monument de la Gendarmerie Nationale
1.4 km
Experience the rich history and tribute of valor at the Monument de la Gendarmerie Nationale in Versailles, a must-visit memorial for all tourists.
View on the Palace of Versailles
1.4 km
Discover breathtaking views and the rich history at the observation deck of the iconic Palace of Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Queen’s Hamlet
1.5 km
Discover the charming Queen's Hamlet in Versailles, a serene escape that reflects the rustic elegance of Marie Antoinette's life and her love for nature.
Unmissable attractions to see
Latona Fountain
0.1 km
Discover the enchanting beauty of Latona Fountain in Versailles, a stunning symbol of French Baroque art and royal history, surrounded by magnificent gardens.
Latona's Pool and Parterre
0.1 km
Discover the enchanting serenity of Latona's Pool and Parterre in the Palace of Versailles, a breathtaking blend of art, nature, and history.
Grove of Apollo's Baths
0.2 km
Discover the lush beauty and historical charm of the Grove of Apollo's Baths in the heart of Versailles, a stunning garden that enchants every visitor.
Fontaine du Point du Jour
0.2 km
Discover the beauty of Fontaine du Point du Jour, a stunning fountain in Versailles reflecting exquisite French artistry and history.
Ceres Pool
0.2 km
Explore the enchanting Ceres Pool in Versailles, a stunning fountain surrounded by lush gardens that embody the grandeur of French Baroque architecture.
Bacchus Pool
0.2 km
Experience the opulence of the Bacchus Pool, a symbol of autumn's abundance, within the majestic Gardens of Versailles. A testament to French artistry.
Parterre d'Eau
0.2 km
Discover the serene charm of Parterre d'Eau, a picturesque pond in Versailles, perfect for relaxation amidst lush greenery and historic beauty.
Bassin de Saturne
0.3 km
Discover the enchanting Bassin de Saturne, a stunning fountain in the gardens of Versailles, showcasing the grandeur and artistry of French royal heritage.
Les petits trains du parc de Versailles (Proxiway)
0.3 km
Discover the splendor of Versailles' gardens in comfort with a scenic ride on the charming mini-trains, offering a unique perspective on the palace grounds.
Colonnade Grove
0.3 km
Experience the serene beauty and historical elegance of Colonnade Grove in the lush gardens of Versailles, a must-visit for every traveler.
Hall of Mirrors
0.3 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles, a testament to royal opulence and French history.
Water Theatre Grove
0.3 km
Discover the serene Water Theatre Grove in Versailles, where enchanting water features and lush gardens create a tranquil escape in the heart of history.
Star Grove
0.3 km
Discover the serene Star Grove in Versailles, a hidden garden with a star-shaped layout and a rich history of royal entertainment.
Palace of Versailles
0.3 km
Discover the majestic Palace of Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing the splendor of French royalty and breathtaking gardens.
South Parterre
0.3 km
Explore the stunning South Parterre of the Palace of Versailles, a masterpiece of French garden design with lush landscapes and historical significance.
Essential places to dine
Brasserie De La Girandole
0.1 km
Experience exquisite French cuisine at Brasserie De La Girandole in the stunning gardens of Versailles.
Ore - Ducasse au château de Versailles
0.4 km
Experience exquisite French cuisine amidst the grandeur of Château de Versailles at Ore - Ducasse.
La Petite Venise
0.5 km
Discover La Petite Venise: A delightful restaurant in Versailles offering exquisite French and Italian cuisine amidst stunning gardens.
Restaurant Alain Ducasse - Le Grand Controle
0.6 km
Experience culinary artistry at Restaurant Alain Ducasse - Le Grand Contrôle in Versailles, where history meets exquisite French gastronomy.
AZULI
0.6 km
Savor exquisite Mediterranean cuisine at AZULI in Versailles – where every meal is a celebration of flavor and tradition.
La Table du 11
0.6 km
Experience exquisite modern French cuisine at La Table du 11 in Versailles, where culinary artistry meets elegant ambiance.
Gordon Ramsay au Trianon
0.6 km
Experience culinary excellence at Gordon Ramsay au Trianon in Versailles, where fine dining meets breathtaking elegance.
La Veranda
0.6 km
Experience exquisite French cuisine amidst luxury at La Veranda in Versailles – where every meal is a celebration of flavor and elegance.
Restaurant La Tour
0.6 km
Experience exquisite French cuisine at Restaurant La Tour in Versailles - where tradition meets modern elegance.
Vous restaurant
0.7 km
Experience exquisite French cuisine at Vous Restaurant in Versailles—where tradition meets modern elegance for an unforgettable dining adventure.
Brasserie du Théâtre Versailles
0.7 km
Experience authentic French cuisine at Brasserie du Théâtre in Versailles - where tradition meets taste in every dish.
Le Petit Bouillon Versailles
0.7 km
Discover authentic French cuisine at Le Petit Bouillon Versailles, where tradition meets flavor in a charming setting.
Sisters' Café
0.7 km
Discover gourmet American burgers at Sisters' Café in Versailles—where comfort food meets French charm.
La Flottille
0.7 km
Discover La Flottille in Versailles: where exquisite French cuisine meets stunning garden views amidst historic splendor.
Chez Georges
0.7 km
Experience the essence of haute French cuisine at Chez Georges in Versailles—where culinary artistry meets timeless elegance.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Ladurée
0.4 km
Experience the opulence of Versailles with a delightful visit to Ladurée, home to exquisite pastries, chocolates, and gourmet treats.
Boutique Cour de Marbre
0.4 km
Discover French elegance at Boutique Cour de Marbre, a unique clothing store within the historic Palace of Versailles.
Waldorf Astoria Versailles - Trianon Palace
0.6 km
Experience luxury and history at Waldorf Astoria Versailles - Trianon Palace, your gateway to the grandeur of Versailles.
La cour des senteurs
0.6 km
Discover the enchanting La Cour des Senteurs in Versailles, your destination for exquisite fragrances, artisanal crafts, and unique souvenirs.
La Boutique Royale
0.6 km
Explore La Boutique Royale in Versailles for unique gifts and local artisanal treasures that capture the essence of this historic city.
Sajou
0.7 km
Explore Sajou in Versailles for exquisite sewing supplies and unique crafting materials, a true paradise for creative souls and craft lovers.
See You
0.7 km
Explore See You in Versailles for a stylish selection of men's clothing, accessories, and leather goods in a chic boutique atmosphere.
agnès b. boutique Versailles
0.7 km
Explore the chic offerings of agnès b. boutique in Versailles, where French fashion meets contemporary design in a breathtaking setting.
La Boutique des Créateurs
0.8 km
Explore La Boutique des Créateurs in Versailles for unique handcrafted gifts and local artistry, perfect for memorable souvenirs.
ZAPA Versailles
0.8 km
Explore ZAPA Versailles, a chic women's clothing boutique offering stylish dresses and unique pieces that embody modern elegance in the heart of Versailles.
V & V
0.8 km
Discover the enchanting world of fragrances at V & V in Versailles, where every scent tells a story and every item is a treasure.
Pierre & Tim Cookies
0.9 km
Discover the delectable world of cookies and artisanal ice cream at Pierre & Tim Cookies, a sweet spot in the heart of Versailles.
London Versailles
0.9 km
Discover timeless elegance and contemporary style at London Versailles, the ultimate clothing store for fashion-forward tourists in Versailles.
ba&sh - Versailles
0.9 km
Discover chic women's fashion and unique accessories at ba&sh in Versailles, where elegance meets contemporary style.
Devernois Versailles
0.9 km
Explore Devernois in Versailles for exclusive women's fashion, stunning dresses, and stylish accessories that capture the essence of French elegance.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bar Galerie
0.6 km
Experience the elegance of Versailles at Bar Galerie, where fine dining meets exquisite drinks in a stunning historical setting.
Chez Les Filles - Bar à Vin, Cocktails & Tapas
0.7 km
Experience a vibrant blend of fine wines, exquisite cocktails, and delicious tapas at Chez Les Filles, the ultimate bar in Versailles.
Le Bar du Château
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant flavors of Le Bar du Château, a must-visit bar and restaurant in the heart of Versailles, offering exquisite dishes and local brews.
O'Paris
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Versailles at O'Paris, where great drinks and a lively atmosphere await you.
Les Badauds
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Versailles at Les Badauds, where delicious drinks meet a lively atmosphere.
No Water - Bar à vins
0.9 km
Discover the charm of No Water, a cozy wine bar in Versailles offering exquisite wines, craft beers, and delicious tapas in a welcoming atmosphere.
Le Baradoz
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Le Baradoz in Versailles, where local flavors meet a lively atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Bar Tabac Ó Versailles Brasserie
0.9 km
Discover the charm of French café culture at Bar Tabac Ó Versailles, the perfect retreat for tourists exploring the historic city.
L'Equilibre - Bar à vins et Tapas
1.1 km
Discover L'Equilibre, a cozy wine bar in Versailles offering exquisite wines and delicious tapas in a relaxed atmosphere.
L’ Alto
1.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at L’Alto, a premier live music bar in Versailles, where local talent and karaoke unite for unforgettable evenings.
Le Franco Belge
1.1 km
Experience the essence of French cuisine at Le Franco Belge, where traditional meets contemporary in a cozy Versailles setting.
Le Cocorico
1.1 km
Experience the charm of Versailles at Le Cocorico, a cozy bar offering exquisite drinks and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for relaxation.
Chez Bichette
1.1 km
Experience the charm of Chez Bichette, a must-visit bar in Versailles offering a delightful ambiance and a fine selection of drinks.
Au Rendez Vous Des Touristes
1.2 km
Experience the charm of Versailles at Au Rendez Vous Des Touristes, a cozy bar perfect for unwinding after exploring the iconic Palace.
La Pirogue
1.2 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere and exquisite cocktails at La Pirogue, a must-visit cocktail bar and restaurant in the heart of Versailles.
