🎟️ Paris Pass and Versailles
A visit to Paris is incomplete without experiencing the grandeur and opulence of the Palace of Versailles. As one of the most famous royal residences in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Versailles is a must-see for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by French culture. But if you’re planning to visit multiple attractions in Paris, you might be considering the Paris Pass — and wondering whether Versailles is included.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the Paris Pass and Versailles, including what’s included, how to get there, tips for visiting, and how to get the most out of your pass.
🧳 What Is the Paris Pass?
The Paris Pass is an all-in-one sightseeing card that provides access to over 80 top attractions, museums, tours, and transportation services in and around Paris. It’s designed to save time and money for tourists who want to visit several iconic locations without the hassle of buying individual tickets.
The Paris Pass typically includes:
- Paris Museum Pass: Entry to 50+ museums and monuments
- Hop-on Hop-off bus tour: 1-day sightseeing bus access
- Seine River cruise
- Paris Visite transport card: Unlimited public transportation within Zones 1–3 (some upgrades offer Zones 1–5)
- Access to popular attractions like the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Pantheon, and more
🏰 Is Versailles Included in the Paris Pass?
Yes, the Palace of Versailles is included in the Paris Pass — but only as part of the Paris Museum Pass component.
This means:
- You can visit the main palace, the gardens (on certain days), the Trianon Estate, and Marie-Antoinette’s Hamlet
- You still need to reserve a time slot online, even though entry is included
- The Paris Museum Pass typically covers entry only — not extras like musical garden shows or guided tours
So while the Paris Pass gets you in, you still have to plan ahead to ensure your Versailles visit goes smoothly.
🚆 Getting to Versailles with the Paris Pass
The Palace of Versailles is located about 20 kilometers southwest of central Paris in the town of Versailles. It’s accessible via the RER C train.
🗺️ Transport Steps:
- Take the RER C (yellow line) from a central station such as Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame, Invalides, or Champ de Mars Tour Eiffel
- Get off at Versailles Château–Rive Gauche station (last stop on the line)
- From the station, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the palace gates
🎫 Is the train included in the Paris Pass?
- Standard Paris Pass (Zones 1–3) does not include train fare to Versailles (which is in Zone 4)
- You’ll need to:
- Upgrade to a Zones 1–5 Paris Visite card if available, or
- Buy a separate round-trip ticket (~€8.40 total)
So while entrance is covered, transportation to Versailles may not be — check your specific Paris Pass version carefully.
📅 Do You Need to Reserve Versailles Entry?
Yes. Even though admission is included with the Paris Pass, Versailles requires timed reservations, especially during busy months.
🎟️ Booking Tips:
- Visit the official Château de Versailles website
- Choose “Free ticket with Paris Museum Pass” when selecting your ticket type
- Pick your desired date and time
- Bring your Paris Museum Pass or digital Paris Pass and the reservation confirmation when you visit
Without a reservation, you may not be allowed entry — even with the pass.
🏛️ What Can You See at Versailles?
1. The Palace (Château)
- The grand Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces)
- Royal apartments of Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette
- Historic works of art and decor
2. The Gardens
- Formal French gardens designed by André Le Nôtre
- Free access (except on musical fountain days)
- Sculptures, fountains, and perfectly manicured paths
3. The Trianon Estate
- Grand Trianon: A pink marble palace used for royal retreats
- Petit Trianon: Marie Antoinette’s private getaway
- Queen’s Hamlet: A rustic village built for the queen
4. Extra Attractions (Not Included in Pass)
- Musical Fountains Shows and Musical Gardens
- Golf cart and bike rentals
- Guided tours or audioguides
⏰ When to Visit Versailles
Versailles is one of the most visited monuments in France. To avoid crowds and long lines:
- Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon
- Avoid Tuesdays and weekends, which are peak days
- Spring and summer months are busy, especially during garden show days
- Winter is quieter but may limit access to the gardens
📌 Tips for Visiting Versailles with the Paris Pass
- Reserve your time slot in advance — this is essential
- Arrive early to get through security and begin your tour on time
- Wear comfortable shoes — the estate is huge and involves a lot of walking
- Bring water, sunscreen, or an umbrella depending on the season
- Plan at least 4–6 hours to fully explore the estate
- Consider bringing snacks or lunch — there are cafés, but they can be pricey
- Check the garden show schedule if you want to avoid or enjoy extra events (not free)
💸 How Much Do You Save with the Paris Pass at Versailles?
If purchased separately:
| Ticket Type | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Versailles Passport ticket | €21–€28 |
| Round-trip train from Paris | €8.40 |
| Garden shows (if not covered) | €10 |
So visiting Versailles without the pass may cost €30–€40 per person. If you’re also visiting places like the Louvre, Sainte-Chapelle, and the Arc de Triomphe, the Paris Pass can save you €60 or more, depending on the pass duration.
🧠 Is It Worth Visiting Versailles with the Paris Pass?
✔️ Definitely, if:
- You plan to visit at least 3–4 major attractions
- You enjoy historical sites and royal architecture
- You’ve already factored in train cost
- You want a hassle-free all-in-one pass experience
❌ Maybe not, if:
- You’re only visiting Paris for a very short time (1–2 days)
- You prefer guided or customized tours
- You don’t want to travel outside central Paris
🏁 Final Thoughts
Versailles is more than a palace — it’s a journey into French history, royal extravagance, and cultural legacy. With the Paris Pass, you gain seamless access to this remarkable estate, along with dozens of other top Paris attractions. While you’ll need to manage a few logistics (like reserving your time and getting to Zone 4), the overall convenience and value make the Paris Pass a smart investment for travelers planning a well-rounded Paris itinerary.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning Francophile, combining the Paris Pass and Versailles visit is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the grandeur of France’s royal past — without overspending or overplanning.
Let me know if you’d like a sample Paris itinerary that includes Versailles or help reserving a time slot with your Paris Pass!