Major city · France
Versailles
Give the palace one full day with a timed ticket booked ahead; sleep in Paris and day-trip, or stay one night if you also want the Trianon and the town.
Versailles is a suburb 17 km west of Paris, built around Louis XIV's palace and gardens. Most visitors come for a single day from Paris on the RER C. The estate is huge: the palace, the gardens, the Grand and Petit Trianon and the Queen's Hamlet are 30+ minutes apart on foot, so one day only covers part of it. Staying overnight is worth it only if you want two days on the estate or a quieter evening in the town.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (crowds and heat), weekends and French school holidays
- Airports
- CDG · ORY
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- France and Monaco ↗France has run temporary identity checks at its internal Schengen land borders since 2015; carry a passport or EU/EEA national ID on trains and buses from Italy, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and Luxembourg.
- France and Monaco ↗Nights in France and Monaco draw on the same Schengen 90-in-180-day allowance as the rest of the area; Monaco does not reset or pause it.
- France ↗France is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors' fingerprints and photo at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- France ↗TGV (including the low-cost Ouigo) and Intercités night trains need a seat reservation: a rail pass alone does not let you board.
- France ↗Paris, Lyon and other large cities run low-emission zones that require a Crit'Air sticker on cars; check before you drive a hire car or your own car into a city.
- France ↗Carry your passport or national ID card: police can ask for identification, and hotels register foreign guests.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Versailles112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Versailles, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).France-wide
- SIM or eSIMOrange, SFR, Bouygues Télécom and Free sell prepaid SIMs in their shops and at tabacs; ID is required to register.France-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere unless signed otherwise.France-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Service is included; leave 5–10% in cash for good service.France-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/E. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.France-wide
- SafetyVersailles is a safe, wealthy suburb; the real risks are pickpockets in the palace crowds and on the RER C, summer heat in the gardens…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsParis has free automatic public toilets (sanisettes); elsewhere use cafés (buy a coffee), museums and stations, where some charge €0.50–1 (≈ US$1–2).France-wide
- Emergency numbers112 European emergency number · 15 ambulance (samu) · 17 police (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany national museums close on Monday (Orsay, Versailles, Rodin) or Tuesday (Louvre, Pompidou's temporary sites).France-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportCDG Paris Charles de Gaulle (RER B to central Paris, then RER C to Versailles Château Rive Gauche; about 1 h 45 min total).
- Getting aroundThe town and the palace forecourt are walkable.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€2–4 (≈ US$3–5)
- Sit-down mealSit-down lunch, main course€14–22 (≈ US$17–30)
- Street or quick mealSandwich or crêpe near the palace€5–9 (≈ US$6–11)
- Beercafé / supermarket can€5–8 (≈ US$6–10)€1–2 (≈ US$2–3)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€10–25 (≈ US$12–30)
- Museum or sight ticketPalace pass with timed entry€21 (≈ US$25) (check)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person€35 (≈ US$45)
- Mid-range bedHotel double room, a night, per room€160 (≈ US$190)
- High-end bedHotel double room, a night, per room€320 (≈ US$400)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €55 (≈ US$65) · Mid €110 (≈ US$130) · High €220 (≈ US$300)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- CDG Paris Charles de Gaulle (RER B to central Paris, then RER C to Versailles Château Rive Gauche; about 1 h 45 min total) · ORY Paris Orly (Orlyval or tram to the RER B, then RER C; about 1 h 30 min)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Feb
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Apr
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
May
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jun
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jul
Avoid
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Aug
Avoid
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Sep
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Oct
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Nov
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Dec
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (11 rain days), driest Jul (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Versailles: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
11 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
10 rd
Mar
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
10 rd
Apr
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
9 rd
May
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
10 rd
Jun
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
9 rd
Jul
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8 rd
Aug
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8 rd
Sep
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
9 rd
Oct
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
10 rd
Nov
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
11 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
11 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town and the palace forecourt are walkable. Inside the estate, distances are long: the Grand Trianon is about 30 min on foot from the palace, the Queen's Hamlet further. A small train and bike or golf-cart hire run in the grounds in season; buses serve the town. Three stations: Château Rive Gauche (RER C, closest), Rive Droite (Transilien L from Saint-Lazare) and Chantiers (Transilien N and TER from Montparnasse).
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: 40–50 min
RER C from Versailles Château Rive Gauche, or Transilien L from Rive Droite
The default base: sleep in Paris and day-trip out.
Saint-Germain-en-Laye
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Transilien L from Versailles Rive Droite, change at Saint-Germain-en-Laye Grande Ceinture or via Paris
Château, terrace over the Seine and a market town.
Maisons-Laffitte
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Transilien L from Versailles Rive Droite toward Paris Saint-Lazare
Château and a racecourse town on the Seine.
Rambouillet
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Transilien N from Versailles Chantiers
Presidential château and forest; quieter than Versailles.
Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines
cautionDoor to door: About 20–30 min
Transilien N or RER C from Versailles Chantiers
New town with the national velodrome and France's main cycling track; limited sightseeing.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Quartier Notre-Dame (near Château Rive Gauche)
Closest to the palace gate, 5–10 min on foot; restaurants and shops on rue de la Paroisse.
Quartier Saint-Louis
Quiet 18th-century grid around the cathedral, 15 min walk to the palace; best for one night.
Near Versailles Chantiers station
Best rail links to Paris Montparnasse and the west; the walk to the palace is less pleasant.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €45–75 (≈ US$55–90) excl. bed
- Mid
- €75–140 (≈ US$90–170) excl. bed
- High
- €140 (≈ US$170)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel double room1 × 1 night × €160 | €160 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €110 | €220 |
| RER C from central Paris, both ways2 × €7 · check | €14 |
| Palace pass with timed entry2 × €21 · check; gardens-only and Trianon-only tickets cost less | €42 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €47 |
| Trip total≈ €257 per person per day, bed included | €513≈ US$600 |
2026 estimate in euros; flights and rail passes excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €2–4 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Sandwich or crêpe near the palace | €5–9 (≈ US$6–11) |
| Sit-down lunch, main course | €14–22 (≈ US$17–30) |
| Beer: café / supermarket can | €5–8 (≈ US$6–10) / €1–2 (≈ US$2–3) |
| RER C ride from central Paris | €3.55 (≈ US$5) (check) |
| Palace pass with timed entry | €21 (≈ US$25) (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €10–25 (≈ US$12–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- A timed entry slot for the palace is mandatory, even with a museum pass or free entry: book on the official site before you travel.
- Do not get off at Viroflay Rive Gauche; the name is similar but it is the wrong station.
- Some RER C trains to Versailles-Chantiers take a long loop through the southern suburbs; take a train that ends at Versailles Château Rive Gauche.
- Baby strollers are not allowed inside the palace; selfie sticks are banned.
- Rooms close at short notice for renovation or state functions: check opening times the day before.
Emergency numbers
- European emergency number
- 112
- Ambulance (SAMU)
- 15
- Police
- 17
- Fire
- 18
Pocket card
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VersaillesVersailles
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
À cette adresse, s'il vous plaîtTo this address, please
Emergency
- European emergency number112
- Ambulance (SAMU)15
- Police17
- Fire18
Embassy
No embassies in Versailles; they are in Paris. US: 2 avenue Gabriel, Paris 8e (check). UK: 35 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris 8e (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- RER C Paris → Versailles Château Rive Gauche: €3.55 (≈ US$5), about 37 min from Saint-Michel (check)
- Transilien L Paris Saint-Lazare → Versailles Rive Droite: €4.35 (≈ US$6), about 33 min (check)
- Taxi Paris centre → Versailles: €45–70 (≈ US$55–85), 30–60 min depending on traffic (check)
Say or show
- Excusez-moi / Pardon — Excuse me / Sorry (ex-ku-zay mwa / par-don)
- Merci — Thank you (mer-see)
- Celui-ci, s'il vous plaît — This one, please (suh-lwee see, seel voo pleh)
- C'est combien ? — How much is it? (say kom-byen)
- Je peux payer par carte ? — Can I pay by card? (zhuh puh pay-yay par kart)
- Où sont les toilettes ? — Where is the toilet? (oo son lay twa-let)
Timed palace entry is mandatory; book on the official site before you travel.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Versailles. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (crowds and heat), weekends and French school holidays · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for CDG and ORY: last RER C departures field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: palace and gardens, Trianon and Hamlet, Quartier Notre-Dame, Quartier Saint-Louis.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (palace, Trianon, Queen's Hamlet, Potager du Roi, Coach Gallery) and eat pages with last orders.
- Golden and hostile arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialChâteau de Versailles — official site
- officialVersailles tourist office
- officialVille de Versailles
- officialÎle-de-France Mobilités
- secondaryWikivoyage: Versailles, revision 5313997 (CC BY-SA 4.0)