Table of Contents

Versailles

getting there

itinerary

Here’s a practical and well-paced Versailles itinerary for most visitors.

Recommended Full-Day Itinerary (6–7 hours)

This is the best way to experience the main highlights without feeling completely exhausted.

| Time          | Activity                                      | Duration | Notes |
|---------------|-----------------------------------------------|----------|-------|
| 8:45–9:00 | Arrive & clear security               | 15 min  | Aim for an early timed slot (9:00 or 9:30 AM) |
| 9:00–11:00| Palace (Hall of Mirrors + State Apartments) | 2 hrs   | Start here while crowds are lowest |
| 11:00–11:30| Royal Chapel + quick terrace views   | 30 min  | |
| 11:30–12:30| Lunch                                | 1 hr    | Picnic in the park or café near the Grand Canal |
| 12:30–14:00| Gardens (main axis + a few groves)   | 1.5 hrs | Walk or take the little train part of the way |
| 14:00–16:30| Trianon Estate                       | 2.5 hrs | Grand Trianon → Petit Trianon → Queen’s Hamlet |
| 16:30–17:00| Return / final photos                | 30 min  | Exit via the gardens |

Half-Day Itinerary (4–5 hours)

Ideal if you’re short on time:

Palace (Hall of Mirrors + State Apartments) – 2 hours  
Gardens (main perspective + Latona & Apollo fountains) – 1.5–2 hours  
Skip the Trianon Estate

Key Tips for a Smooth Visit
Book a timed entry** for the Palace as early as possible (especially with the Paris Museum Pass).
Start with the Palace first — it gets much more crowded later.
The Trianon Estate (including Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet) opens at 12:00 and is quieter in the afternoon.
Wear comfortable shoes — you’ll walk a lot.
Download the official Versailles app for maps and free audio guides.