Planning a trip to Versailles? Don't get caught in the 2-hour queue. Here is everything you need to know about tickets, RER trains, and avoiding the crowds.
The Palace of Versailles is one of the most visited monuments in the world. And with 10 million visitors a year, the queue to get in can sometimes be as legendary as the palace itself.
I have seen visitors wait in line for over 2 hours in the rain, only to enter the palace exhausted. It doesn't have to be this way.
1. The Myth of "Skip-the-Line"
First, a reality check: Everyone has to go through security.
When companies sell "Skip-the-Line" tickets, they mean you skip the ticket purchase line. You still have to queue for security. However, there is a secret: Time Slots.
Since the pandemic, Versailles requires all visitors (even those with the Paris Museum Pass) to book a specific time slot. If you don't have a time slot, you might not get in.
2. Getting There: The RER C Trap
Taking the train is the most authentic (and cheapest) way to go, but it confuses many.
- Take the RER C (yellow line) towards Versailles Château Rive Gauche.
- Do not get off at Versailles Chantiers or Versailles Rive Droite unless you like walking an extra 20 minutes.
- Buy a specific ticket: Your standard metro ticket (Zone 1) does NOT work. You need an "Origine-Destination" ticket for Zone 4.
3. The Best Strategy for a Stress-Free Visit
Option A: The Early Bird (DIY)
Book the earliest slot (9:00 AM). Take the 8:00 AM train from Paris. Run (don't walk) straight to the Hall of Mirrors before the tour buses arrive.
Option B: The "King’s Life" (VIP Access)
There is a separate entrance for guided tours. While the main line snakes across the courtyard, groups with certified guides use a dedicated entrance that rarely has a wait of more than 10 minutes.
This is why I highly recommend a guided tour—not just for the history, but for the sanity.
4. What to See (Don't Miss These!)
- The Hall of Mirrors: Naturally. But look up at the ceiling paintings by Le Brun.
- The Gardens: They are huge. Rent a golf cart if you are tired, or stick to the main fountains near the palace.
- The Queen's Hamlet: Marie Antoinette’s fake rustic village. It’s a 30-minute walk from the main palace, but totally worth it.
Experience Versailles With Me
I offer two distinct ways to experience the palace, both of which bypass the general public queue.
1. The Classic Half-Day
Perfect for first-timers. We meet in Paris, take the train together (no stress about tickets!), and I guide you through the King's & Queen's Apartments and the Hall of Mirrors. View Half-Day Tour →
2. The VIP Private Apartments
For the true history buff. We access the private quarters of Louis XV and Louis XVI—rooms that are closed to the general public. It includes private car transfer from Paris, so you don't even have to deal with the train. View VIP Private Apartments Tour →
Final Tip: Tuesdays and weekends are the busiest. If you can, go on a Wednesday or Thursday. And never, ever go on a Monday (it's closed!).