Versailles Opening Hours: Palace, Gardens, Trianon and the Best Time to Arrive

Versailles does not run on one timetable. The Palace opens at 9 AM, the Trianon Estate at noon, and the Gardens and Park open earlier and close later than both. The Palace and Trianon close every Monday, and every closing time moves an hour earlier in low season. For a first visit the simplest plan is to arrive before 9 AM, see the Palace first, walk the Gardens, then reach Trianon in the afternoon.

Below are the official hours for each part of the estate, last-admission times, the Monday and holiday closures, and arrival times that suit a two-hour, half-day or full-day visit.

Versailles occasionally changes its hours for special events, severe weather, fountain shows or exceptional closures, so check the official calendar for your exact date. Palace entry runs on timed slots, and the morning slots go first in spring and summer. The Versailles Palace and Gardens Full Access Ticket books a set Palace entry time plus the Trianon and the Gardens for the day, from $29 and rated 4.6/5 from more than 47,000 reviews. Check which slots are left for your date here.

Versailles Opening Hours at a Glance

High Season: April 1 to November 1

Evacuation of the Trianon gardens begins before the 6:30 PM closing, so treat 5:45 PM as the real end of your Trianon day.

Low Season: November 2 to March 31

These are the standard seasonal hours from the official practical information page. Single dates can differ, mostly around events.

Other experiences you might enjoy

Around the opening hours you can cycle to the Grand Canal, take a golf cart to Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet or add Monet’s Giverny. More around Versailles and Paris is below.

Is the Palace of Versailles Open Every Day?

No. The Palace of Versailles is closed every Monday and open Tuesday to Sunday. It also closes on three public holidays:

• January 1
• May 1
• December 25

If your Paris trip leaves only one possible day for Versailles, check the weekday before you build the rest of the itinerary around it. Monday is the most common planning mistake.

Is Versailles Open on Monday?

That depends on which part of Versailles you mean.

Palace

Closed on Mondays.

Estate of Trianon

Closed on Mondays.

Gardens and Park

The outdoor areas run on their own schedule and are usually accessible when the Palace is closed, although special events and exceptional closures can affect access.

If this is your first visit and you want the Hall of Mirrors and the main Palace interiors, do not plan Versailles for a Monday. A Monday walk in the Park is no substitute for a Palace visit. Our Versailles day trip guide shows how to fit the visit around the closure if your Paris days are fixed.

What Time Does the Palace of Versailles Open?

The Palace opens at 9 AM, in both high and low season.

To avoid the busiest conditions inside the château, book an early time slot and arrive before opening. The Palace itself advises starting early on busy days. Our crowd guide goes through the quieter days and months.

What Time Does the Palace of Versailles Close?

Closing time changes with the season:

High Season

The Palace closes at 6:30 PM from April 1 to November 1.

Low Season

The Palace closes at 5:30 PM from November 2 to March 31.

Do not confuse closing time with last admission. You cannot reach the Palace entrance at 6:20 PM in summer and expect to start a visit, because last entry is 45 minutes before closing.

What Time Is Last Admission to Versailles Palace?

Last admission is 5:45 PM in high season and 4:45 PM in low season. The ticket office closes a few minutes earlier, at 5:40 PM and 4:30 PM.

Even when the rules allow it, entering at the last admission time leaves you very little time inside. For a first visit, allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours in the château.

How Long Should You Allow for the Palace?

Allow 1.5 hours at minimum, and 2 hours for a comfortable first visit. If you enjoy history, decorative arts or photography, plan on 2.5 to 3 hours.

The standard route includes:

• the King’s State Apartments
• the Hall of Mirrors
• the Queen’s State Apartment
• galleries and ceremonial rooms

Crowds can slow you down a lot, which is why entering near closing time rarely works even when the ticket system lets you. Our Palace tour guide walks through the route room by room.

What Time Do the Versailles Gardens Open?

The Gardens open earlier than the Palace. In high season they open at 7 AM and close at 8:30 PM, with last admission at 7 PM. In low season they open from 8 AM to 6 PM, and some groves stay closed.

The Gardens have more date-specific exceptions than the Palace. On some evening-event days, daytime access ends earlier, so check your exact date. Our Versailles gardens guide covers what to see once you are in.

Why Do the Gardens Sometimes Close Early?

Versailles hosts evening events such as the Night Fountains Show, and the Gardens have to be cleared beforehand. In 2026 that meant a 5:30 PM closing on Saturdays from June 6 to September 19 and on July 14.

So “the Gardens close at 8:30 PM in summer” holds for most dates, not every one. If your plan is the Palace, then a long afternoon in the Gardens, then sunset, check the daily calendar first.

What Time Does the Versailles Park Open?

The Park opens early.

High Season

7 AM–8:30 PM, with last entry on foot at 7:45 PM.

Low Season

8 AM–6 PM, with last entry on foot at 5:30 PM.

The Park is the larger landscape beyond the formal Gardens, including the Grand Canal, and it has its own access rules.

Gardens vs Park: Why the Hours Matter

Many visitors use “Gardens” and “Park” for the same place, but Versailles treats them as separate areas.

Gardens

The formal landscaped area just beyond the Palace, with:

• parterres
• fountains
• groves
• formal avenues
• sculptures

Park

The larger open landscape beyond the formal Gardens, with:

• the Grand Canal
• broad lawns
• long avenues
• routes toward Trianon

The Park can stay accessible when the formal Gardens have different ticketing or event restrictions.

What Time Does the Trianon Estate Open?

The Estate of Trianon opens at noon, three hours after the Palace.

That matters for a full-day visit. There is little point rushing to Trianon at 9 AM when its buildings are still shut. Use the morning for the Palace, the Hall of Mirrors and the formal Gardens, then walk out to Trianon in the afternoon.

What Time Does Trianon Close?

High Season

Trianon closes at 6:30 PM, with last admission at 5:45 PM.

Low Season

Trianon closes at 5:30 PM, with last admission at 4:45 PM.

The Trianon Estate includes:

• the Grand Trianon
• the Petit Trianon
• the surrounding gardens
• the Queen’s Hamlet

The outdoor areas start clearing before the closing time, so do not arrive at the last minute. Our Trianon Estate guide breaks the afternoon down sight by sight.

How Long Should You Allow for Trianon?

Allow at least 1.5 hours, and 2 to 3 hours for a comfortable visit that includes the Petit Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet.

Trianon is not beside the Palace. The walk from the main château takes roughly 30 minutes, depending on your route, and that time belongs in your plan.

What Time Should You Arrive at Versailles?

For a full first visit, arrive around 8:30–8:45 AM for a 9 AM Palace entry. That leaves time to walk from the station, get your bearings, reach the entrance, pass security and absorb a delay.

From central Paris, aim to leave around 7:45–8 AM, depending on where you start. Our Paris to Versailles transport guide compares the train lines.

Is 9:00 the Best Palace Entry Time?

For many visitors, yes. An early Palace slot means you:

• start before the middle of the day
• make the most of daylight
• finish the Palace before Trianon opens
• can explore the Gardens afterward
• have time for the whole estate
• are less likely to run out of time

Versailles can still be busy at opening in peak months, but an early entry usually makes the rest of the day easier to fit in.

Is It Better to Visit Versailles in the Morning or Afternoon?

That depends on how much you want to see.

Morning Is Better If:

• this is your first visit
• you want the whole estate
• you want Trianon
• you want more flexibility
• you are visiting during the shorter winter hours

Afternoon Can Be Better If:

• you only want the Palace
• you prefer fewer school groups
• you are combining Versailles with another activity
• you already know you will skip Trianon
• you have a late-entry ticket or promotion

For a full-day visit, go in the morning.

Is Versailles Less Crowded Late in the Day?

It can be. The Palace is often busiest from late morning through early afternoon, and later afternoon is sometimes lighter once the large tour groups leave.

The trade-off is fewer crowds but less time. A late start works when you mainly want the Palace, and less well if you also want the Gardens, the Grand Canal, the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon or the Queen’s Hamlet.

What Is the Best Time to Visit the Hall of Mirrors?

The Hall of Mirrors is part of the standard Palace route, so you cannot enter it on its own at a chosen hour. How crowded it is depends on how busy the Palace is overall.

Your best chances are just after opening and later in the afternoon. Even then, do not expect it to be empty: it is the most famous room at Versailles and almost every Palace visitor passes through it. Our Hall of Mirrors guide has more on timing your photos.

What Time Should You Visit the Gardens?

There are three good options.

Before the Palace

Useful if the Gardens are already open, you have a later Palace ticket, or you want quiet photographs.

Immediately After the Palace

This suits most first-time visitors and gives the day a natural order: Palace, then Gardens, then Trianon.

Late Afternoon

Good for softer light, fewer visitors and an unhurried walk. Check for event-day early closing first.

What Time Should You Visit Trianon?

Aim to arrive around 2–3 PM. That leaves enough time for the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon, the gardens and the Queen’s Hamlet without racing the closing time.

If you reach Trianon after 4:30 PM, how much you see depends on the season: in low season you would have 15 minutes before last admission.

Ideal Full-Day Versailles Schedule

This plan suits high season.

8:30–8:45 AM — Arrive at Versailles

Walk to the Palace and get ready for your entry slot.

9–11 AM — Palace

See the State Apartments, the Hall of Mirrors and the Queen’s Apartment.

11 AM–12:30 PM — Gardens

Walk the central axis and a few of the groves.

12:30–1:30 PM — Lunch

Take a proper break.

1:30–2 PM — Travel Toward Trianon

Walk, or use the estate’s internal transport.

2–3 PM — Grand Trianon

3–4 PM — Petit Trianon

4–5 PM — Queen’s Hamlet

5 PM onward — Return Through the Estate

This order uses the staggered opening times well.

Ideal Low-Season Versailles Schedule

Winter hours are shorter, so start early.

8:30–8:45 AM — Arrive

9–10:45 AM — Palace

10:45 AM–12 PM — Gardens

12–12:45 PM — Lunch / move toward Trianon

12:45–3:30 PM — Trianon Estate

3:30 PM onward — Return toward Palace / station

Trianon’s last admission is 4:45 PM in winter, so keep lunch short and do not wander far into the Park before you get there.

Can You Visit Versailles in the Evening?

A standard daytime Palace ticket does not extend into the evening. Versailles does host seasonal evening events, including:

• the Night Fountains Show
• concerts
• Royal Opera performances
• other special evening programs

These run on their own schedules and usually need separate tickets. Do not assume a daytime ticket lets you stay on for an evening event.

Is Versailles Open at Night?

Not as a museum visit. Evening access comes only with specific ticketed events. The best known is the Night Fountains Show, held on selected dates in the warmer months.

The Palace also hosts performances in:

• the Royal Opera
• the Royal Chapel
• other historic rooms

These events have their own entrance arrangements.

Versailles Opening Hours in Summer

Summer falls in high season. The Palace opens 9 AM–6:30 PM, Trianon 12 PM–6:30 PM, and the Gardens and Park 7 AM–8:30 PM on most dates.

Summer has the most daylight and the most room for a full-estate visit. It also comes with:

• larger crowds
• warmer weather
• fountain shows
• evening events
• occasional earlier garden closing

Versailles Opening Hours in Winter

Winter falls in low season. The Palace opens 9 AM–5:30 PM, Trianon 12 PM–5:30 PM, and the Gardens and Park 8 AM–6 PM.

With the shorter day, time management matters more. You cannot spend three hours in the Palace, take a long lunch and still see the Queen’s Hamlet comfortably.

Is Versailles Open at Christmas?

The Palace is closed on December 25 and on January 1. Hours around Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and other holiday dates can vary, so if you visit Paris over the festive period, check the specific day.

Is Versailles Open on New Year’s Day?

No. The Palace is closed on January 1. If you are in Paris over New Year, pick another day.

Is Versailles Open on 1 May?

No. The official visitor information lists May 1 among the closure dates for the Palace and Trianon. Check the current calendar if your visit falls near it.

Are the Versailles Gardens Open Every Day?

The Gardens open daily and are easier to visit than the Palace, but they are not open under the same conditions every day. Access can be affected by:

• severe weather
• snow
• strong winds
• special events
• preparations for the Night Fountains Show
• private or exceptional closures

In low season, some groves also stay closed.

Does Bad Weather Close Versailles?

The Palace stays open in ordinary rain. The outdoor estate is more exposed: the Gardens and Park can close or restrict access because of violent winds, snow, storms or other safety concerns. Versailles has large areas of old woodland and tree-lined avenues, so high winds close them for your safety. If severe weather is forecast, check the official site before you travel.

Do Fountain Show Times Match Garden Opening Hours?

No. The Gardens may be open for many hours while the fountains run only at set times. The Musical Fountains Show has its own dates, operating periods, water displays and grove schedules. Arriving at the Gardens at 8 AM does not mean the fountains will be on, so check the fountain timetable. The Full Access Ticket ($29, 4.6/5 from more than 47,000 reviews) includes the Musical Fountains or Musical Gardens for the day in show season.

Are the Groves Open All Day?

Not always. The famous groves have their own access arrangements, and some are tied to the Musical Fountains Show and the Musical Gardens. In low season, some groves stay closed. The garden hours alone do not tell you whether every grove is open.

What Time Does the Ticket Office Close?

The Palace ticket office closes before the Palace: at 5:40 PM in high season, just before the 5:45 PM last admission, and at 4:30 PM in low season.

For most visitors this should not matter, because Palace entry is best booked online in advance. Do not plan to arrive late and buy whatever is left at the door.

Does a Timed Ticket Mean You Can Arrive Whenever You Want?

No. The Palace uses timed admission, and your booking is tied to an entry period. A 9 AM ticket does not mean “enter any time after 9 AM.” Plan your transport so you are at Versailles before the booked time. Online tickets do not skip security either.

How Early Should You Arrive Before Your Time Slot?

Aim for 20–30 minutes before your Palace entry. That covers the walk from the station, finding Entrance A, security, queues and getting lost once. Coming from Paris, add more buffer to the train journey.

What If You Arrive Too Early?

That is easier than arriving late. Depending on the hours, you can walk around the Place d’Armes, explore the town of Versailles, enter the Gardens if your ticket and the day’s access allow, or get a coffee nearby. Do not count on entering the Palace well before your slot.

What If You Arrive Late?

How late arrivals are treated depends on the day and the ticket rules. Do not assume staff will let you in well outside your slot. If your train is disrupted, check the current visitor information and speak to staff when you arrive. The safest plan is to leave Paris with a buffer.

Can You Leave Versailles and Come Back Later?

Re-entry rules depend on the ticket and the area, and not every part of the estate allows exits and re-entry. If you plan to leave for lunch and come back, check your ticket conditions first. On a full-day visit, eating inside the estate keeps the logistics simpler.

Best Day of the Week to Visit Versailles

The best day depends on more than opening hours.

Monday

Avoid it for a first visit: the Palace and Trianon are closed.

Tuesday

Open, but often busy because some major Paris museums close that day.

Wednesday–Friday

Often good choices if your itinerary is flexible.

Saturday–Sunday

Fine, but weekends can be busy and garden events can change access.

No day is guaranteed quiet. For crowds, your entry time often matters as much as the weekday.

Best Season for Longer Opening Hours

If you want the most sightseeing time, go between April and October. High season gives you:

• a later Palace closing
• later garden and Park access
• more daylight
• the fountain shows
• easier full-day itineraries

The trade-off is larger crowds.

Best Season for Lower Crowds

For a quieter Palace, go between November and March. In low season there are fewer visitors, indoor sightseeing is easier and timed slots are under less pressure.

On the other hand:

• the Palace closes an hour earlier
• Trianon closes an hour earlier
• some groves close
• the fountains do not run their show program
• daylight is shorter

Can You See the Entire Versailles Estate Before Closing?

Yes, if you start early and keep moving. Plan a full first visit as Palace, then Gardens, then Trianon, not Palace, a long lunch, all of the Gardens and Trianon at 5 PM. The estate is too large for a late start. If you arrive at midday, pick your priorities instead of forcing everything into the hours left.

What If You Only Have Two Hours?

Spend all of it in the Palace: the State Apartments, the Hall of Mirrors and the Queen’s Apartment. Do not try to add Trianon. If time is left over, take a short walk into the Gardens.

What If You Have Four Hours?

A realistic plan:

• 2 hours in the Palace
• 1.5 hours in the Gardens
• 30 minutes of buffer

Skip Trianon unless it is your main priority and you are willing to cut the Palace visit short.

What If You Have Six to Eight Hours?

Now you can plan the Palace, the Gardens, lunch, the Trianon Estate and the Queen’s Hamlet. This is the right length for a first full-day visit, and if you want the Palace explained along the way, our guided vs self-guided comparison shows where a guide adds the most.

Common Versailles Opening-Hours Mistakes

1. Arriving on Monday

The Palace is closed.

2. Assuming Every Part Opens at 9:00

Trianon opens at noon.

3. Confusing Closing Time With Last Admission

Last entry is 45 minutes before closing.

4. Arriving at Trianon Too Late

It needs at least 1.5–2 hours.

5. Assuming Summer Garden Hours Apply Every Date

Evening-event days can bring an earlier closing.

6. Ignoring Winter Hours

You lose an hour of Palace and Trianon time compared with high season.

7. Expecting the Fountains to Run Whenever the Gardens Are Open

The fountains follow their own program.

8. Booking a Late Palace Slot for a Full-Estate Visit

You may run out of time for Trianon.

9. Forgetting the 30-Minute Walk to Trianon

Versailles is much larger than it looks on a map.

10. Not Checking the Daily Calendar

Special events can change the standard hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does Versailles Palace open?

The Palace opens at 9 AM, Tuesday through Sunday.

What time does Versailles Palace close?

It closes at 6:30 PM in high season (April 1 to November 1) and 5:30 PM in low season (November 2 to March 31).

What days is Versailles closed?

The Palace and the Estate of Trianon close on Mondays and on January 1, May 1 and December 25.

Is Versailles open on Monday?

The Palace and Trianon are closed on Mondays. The Gardens and Park keep their own schedule and are usually open.

What time is last entry to Versailles?

Palace last admission is 5:45 PM in high season and 4:45 PM in low season.

What time do the Versailles Gardens open?

At 7 AM in high season and 8 AM in low season.

What time do the Versailles Gardens close?

At 8:30 PM in high season (last admission 7 PM) and 6 PM in low season. On some evening-event days they close at 5:30 PM.

What time does Trianon open?

The Estate of Trianon opens at noon.

What time does Trianon close?

At 6:30 PM in high season and 5:30 PM in low season, with last admission 45 minutes earlier.

What is the best time to arrive at Versailles?

For a full first visit, arrive around 8:30–8:45 AM with a Palace entry slot close to 9 AM.

How early should I arrive before my Versailles ticket time?

Around 20–30 minutes early, with extra buffer for the trip from Paris.

Is Versailles open all year?

Yes, apart from Mondays and three holidays, with shorter hours from November 2 to March 31.

Are the Gardens open when the Palace is closed?

The Gardens and Park run on separate schedules and are usually open when the Palace is closed, but check the calendar for your date.

Is Versailles open on Christmas Day?

No. The Palace is closed on December 25.

Is Versailles open on New Year’s Day?

No. The Palace is closed on January 1.

How long should I spend at Versailles?

Allow 2–3 hours for the Palace, 4–5 hours for the Palace and Gardens, or 6–8 hours for the whole estate including Trianon.

Final Thoughts

Each part of Versailles keeps its own timetable. The Palace opens at 9 AM, the Trianon Estate at noon, and the Gardens and Park open earlier and close later. That staggered schedule makes a full day easier to plan: the Palace in the morning, the Gardens in late morning, Trianon in the afternoon.

Avoid Mondays, start early, remember that last admission comes 45 minutes before closing, and check the daily calendar for event changes. Do those four things and you will not arrive with half the estate still to see as the doors close.