Day trip from Paris to Versailles
RER C takes about 40 minutes. Do the palace first at opening, then the gardens, then walk out to the Trianon estate.
- Length: 1 day
- Pace: balanced
- Rough cost: €45–€85 pp
- Best for: The palace plus the quieter Trianon estate
The plan
Palace, gardens and Trianon Château de Versailles
- 08:15–09:00 RER C to Versailles Château Rive Gauche
About 40 minutes from central Paris; a regional ticket is needed.
- 09:00–11:30 Palace of VersaillesBook aheadIndoors
Hall of Mirrors, King’s and Queen’s apartments. Closed Mondays.
- 11:30–12:45 Gardens of Versailles
Musical Fountains days (spring–autumn) charge for the gardens.
- 12:45–13:45 Lunch in the gardens
Cafés by the Grand Canal or bring a picnic.
- 14:15–16:15 Trianon Estate and the Queen’s Hamlet
Marie-Antoinette’s retreat; much calmer than the palace.
- 16:50–17:35 RER C back to Paris
Rough cost
Per person. Return RER fare, Passport ticket (palace, gardens, Trianon), lunch. Low season prices are lower.
Prices checked November 2026 against official and widely published 2026 rates; they change, so confirm before you pay.
Book ahead
- Versailles Passport ticket — Timed entry to the palace; prices differ between low and high season.
If it rains
- Instead of Gardens of Versailles: More time in the palace, or the Royal Stables gallery (free) opposite
Good to know
- Versailles is closed on Mondays; Tuesday is its busiest day.
- Bikes and golf carts can be hired by the Grand Canal for the Trianon trip.
Book it
- Tickets and tours in Versailles (GetYourGuide)
- Hotels in Paris (Booking.com)
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