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The Palace of Versailles is only about 12 miles (20 km) from central Paris, but a visit is a full day: the palace, the Hall of Mirrors, the immense gardens, the Trianon palaces and Marie-Antoinette’s estate are spread over hundreds of acres. Going by train means the RER C, a walk from the station and a lot of time on your feet before you even start. This guide shows how to plan the day with a private driver, with an itinerary, opening days and the tips that make the visit easier.
This guide is part of our Best Day Trips from Paris guide.
Key Takeaways
- Paris to Versailles: about 35 to 50 minutes by car, door to door.
- Closed on Mondays: the palace opens Tuesday to Sunday, so plan accordingly.
- Book timed tickets for the palace in advance, especially from April to October.
- Save your energy: your chauffeur drops you at the entrance and picks you up at the Trianon.
Why Visit Versailles with a Private Driver?
- No train, no walk from the station: door to door from your hotel to the palace entrance.
- Two drop-off points: the main palace in the morning, the Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet in the afternoon, without crossing the whole park on foot.
- Perfect for families and older travelers: the estate covers more than 1,900 acres (800 hectares).
- Combine with another visit: Giverny, a Paris tour or dinner in the city on the same day.
Private Driver vs Train vs Group Tour
| Option | Time each way | Comfort | Flexibility | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private driver (FR Transfer) | 35 to 50 min, door to door | Excellent | Your own schedule | Families, groups, couples |
| RER C train | About 40 min + 10 min walk | Crowded at peak times | Train schedule | Independent travelers |
| Group coach tour | About 45 min to 1 h | Shared coach | Fixed program | Budget travelers |
What to See at Versailles
1. The Palace and the Hall of Mirrors
The State Apartments of the King and Queen and the famous Hall of Mirrors are the heart of the visit. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours, and arrive early: lines grow quickly after 10 AM.
2. The Gardens
André Le Nôtre’s formal gardens stretch from the palace to the Grand Canal. On some days from spring to fall, music plays and the fountains come to life during the Musical Fountains Shows, with a separate ticket.
3. The Trianon Palaces
The Grand Trianon and the Petit Trianon were private retreats away from court life, about a 25-minute walk from the main palace. Your chauffeur can take you there instead.
4. Marie-Antoinette’s Estate and the Queen’s Hamlet
A picture-perfect village with a lake, farm and cottages built for the queen. It is one of the most charming corners of Versailles, and many visitors run out of energy before reaching it.
Book your Versailles day trip
Tell us your date and hotel. We plan pickup times around your palace tickets.
Recommended Day Itinerary from Paris
- 8:15 AM Pickup at your Paris hotel.
- 9:00 AM Drop-off at the palace entrance for opening time.
- 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM State Apartments and the Hall of Mirrors.
- 11:00 AM Walk through the gardens toward the Grand Canal.
- 12:30 PM Lunch in the estate or in the town of Versailles.
- 2:00 PM Short drive with your chauffeur to the Trianon palaces.
- 3:00 PM Marie-Antoinette’s estate and the Queen’s Hamlet.
- 5:00 PM Return to Paris, with an optional stop at the Trocadéro for the Eiffel Tower.
Short on time? A half-day visit focused on the palace and gardens works well too. Want more? Combine Versailles with Giverny and Monet’s Gardens, about 1 hour away.
Tips for Visiting Versailles
- The palace is closed on Mondays; Tuesdays and weekends are the busiest days.
- Book a timed palace ticket online, and choose the earliest slot you can.
- Wear comfortable shoes: even with a chauffeur you will walk a lot in the gardens.
- Large bags are not allowed inside the palace, so leave them in the car with your chauffeur.
- Check the dates of the Musical Fountains Shows and the Night Fountains Show before you choose your day.
Which Car for Your Versailles Trip?
| Vehicle | Passengers | Suitcases | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes V-Class (luxury van) | Up to 7 | Up to 7 | Families and groups of up to 7, the favorite for Versailles |
| Mercedes S-Class (luxury sedan) | Up to 3 | Up to 2 | Couples and small groups who want a luxury sedan |
| Mercedes-Maybach GLS (ultra-luxury SUV) | Up to 4 | Up to 4 | Special occasions and VIP guests |
| Cadillac Escalade (full-size SUV) | Up to 6 | Up to 5 | Groups of up to 6 who want a full-size SUV |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get from Paris to Versailles by car?
About 35 to 50 minutes from central Paris, depending on traffic.
Is the Palace of Versailles open every day?
No. The palace is closed on Mondays. The gardens and park are open daily, except in bad weather.
How much time do I need at Versailles?
Allow a full day to see the palace, the gardens, the Trianon and Marie-Antoinette’s estate. A half day is enough for the palace and the gardens.
Can we visit Versailles and Giverny on the same day?
Yes, with a private driver. The drive between the two takes about 1 hour, so it makes a full but rewarding day.
How many people fit in the car?
Our Mercedes V-Class seats up to 7 passengers, and a Cadillac Escalade up to 6.
Ready to visit Versailles?
Door to door from your Paris hotel, English-speaking chauffeur and a fixed price for the day.