Does the Paris Museum Pass Include Versailles, and How Do You Reserve It?
Yes — the Palace of Versailles is included, covering the State Apartments and the Hall of Mirrors — but you must reserve a free timed slot for the palace even with the pass. Note that the gardens aren’t included on Musical Fountain show days (weekends, April–October), and the Trianon palaces require a separate ticket. Here’s exactly what’s covered and how to book.
What the pass covers at Versailles
The pass includes entry to the main Palace of Versailles — the grand State Apartments, the dazzling Hall of Mirrors and the King’s and Queen’s apartments. For most visitors, that’s the heart of a Versailles trip, and the pass also saves you queuing to buy a palace ticket on arrival.
You must reserve a timed slot
Versailles is one of the sites that requires a timed-entry reservation even for pass holders. The pass grants access, but you need to book a free palace time slot in advance through the official Versailles website. Without it, you risk being turned away, so reserve as soon as you have your pass — popular slots fill quickly.
The gardens: free, except on show days
The Versailles gardens are usually free to enter and aren’t strictly part of the pass — but on Musical Fountain (“Grandes Eaux”) show days, typically weekends from April to October, a separate gardens ticket is required. If you’re visiting on a weekend in that window, budget for the gardens ticket on top of your pass.
The Trianon palaces are separate
The Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon and Marie-Antoinette’s Estate are a wonderful, quieter part of the Versailles grounds — but they require a separate ticket and aren’t covered by the palace reservation. If you want to see them, plan and book that addition, and allow extra time to walk the considerable distance across the estate.
How to book your Versailles slot
- Buy your Paris Museum Pass first.
- Visit the official Versailles ticketing site.
- Choose the Paris Museum Pass holder option and a date and time.
- Confirm your free palace reservation.
- Add a gardens ticket if you’re visiting on a fountain-show day, and a Trianon ticket if desired.
Getting to Versailles
Versailles sits outside central Paris, reached most easily by RER C train to Versailles Château–Rive Gauche, then a short walk. The journey takes around 40 minutes to an hour each way, which is why Versailles can fill most of a day — worth bearing in mind when choosing your pass length.
Best day and time to go
Avoid Mondays, when the palace is closed, and steer clear of weekends if you can, as they’re busiest (and trigger the paid fountain shows). A weekday, arriving early for your reserved slot, gives the calmest experience. Security screening still applies and can be slow in peak season, so come prepared.
Why the 4 or 6-day pass suits Versailles
Because Versailles takes most of a day, it pairs best with a longer pass that still leaves time for Paris museums. The 4-day pass comfortably fits a Versailles day plus city sights, and the 6-day is ideal if you also want other châteaux like Fontainebleau or Chantilly, which the pass covers too.
How long to budget for Versailles
Versailles deserves at least half a day, and easily a full one. Allow around 40 minutes to an hour each way on the RER C, two to three hours for the palace itself, and extra time if you’ll explore the gardens or walk out to the Trianon estate. Because it eats up so much of a day, plan Versailles as its own pass day and pair it only with something light, rather than trying to squeeze in central Paris museums the same afternoon.
Buy your Paris Museum Pass for Versailles
To visit Versailles with the pass, buy your Paris Museum Pass online, then reserve your free palace time slot on the official Versailles site — adding a gardens ticket for fountain-show days if needed. Secure your pass and walk into the Hall of Mirrors without the ticket queue.
Frequently asked questions
Is Versailles included in the Paris Museum Pass?
Yes — the palace, including the State Apartments and Hall of Mirrors.
Do I need to reserve Versailles with the pass?
Yes — a free timed palace reservation is required even for pass holders.
Are the gardens included?
Usually free, but a separate ticket is needed on Musical Fountain show days (weekends, April–October).
Are the Trianon palaces included?
No — the Trianon estate requires a separate ticket.
When is Versailles closed?
Mondays.
Which pass is best for Versailles?
The 4 or 6-day pass, since Versailles takes most of a day.