If you’re already exploring Paris, it’s absolutely worth making the short trip out to Versailles with your kids. It’s grand, it’s gorgeous, and it’s like stepping straight into a real-life fairy tale. But let’s be honest—massive palaces and little ones don’t always go hand-in-hand without a little planning.
Living in Portugal and traveling part-time with our five kids, we’ve learned a few tricks to make big sightseeing days like this run a little smoother. We visited Versailles with our entire StroudInc team when we all went to Paris together! We had about 13 kids and various families in one group, so we had a big learning curve at Versailles! We drove rental cars to get there, but that is not required to visit.
We stayed in a giant French Chateau (Home Alone-style) and explored various parts of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, Disneyland Paris, the Catacombs of Paris, and more!
Here’s everything you need to know to make your family visit to Versailles not only doable but truly memorable.
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There are a few options for getting from Paris to Versailles. Let’s face it: getting multiple kids anywhere on public transport is basically an Olympic event. However, I prefer public transportation. It gives you a feel for what the locals do, and it’s always more affordable!
This is hands down the easiest—and most popular—way to get to the palace. Bonus: it’s usually stroller-friendly and relatively stress-free if you time it right.
Where to catch it: Hop on the RER C (look for the yellow line) at several convenient Paris stations like Invalides, Musée d’Orsay, Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame, or Champ de Mars – Tour d’Eiffel. Make sure the train is heading toward Versailles Château – Rive Gauche.
Ride time: Around 30–40 minutes. It’s just long enough for a snack and a game of “I Spy,” but (hopefully) short enough to avoid a full-blown snack meltdown.
When you arrive: It’s about a 10-minute walk to the palace gates. Totally doable—even if someone suddenly “can’t walk,” and you end up piggybacking them (ask us how we know).
Ticket tips: Be sure to buy an RER ticket to Versailles—not just a regular metro ticket. Grab a round-trip ticket to save time later, and hang onto it! You’ll need it to exit the station. Tickets cost €2.50 each way for adults, with a reduced fare of €1.25.
Kid tip: Children under 11 often ride for free on public transport—small wins for family travel!
You can also hop on regional SNCF trains from Gare Montparnasse (to Versailles Chantiers) or Gare Saint-Lazare (to Versailles Rive Droite). These work well, but expect a 15–20 minute walk once you arrive.
Take Bus 171 from Pont de Sèvres (end of Metro Line 9). It goes straight to Versailles in about 30 minutes (longer if traffic hits). It’s cheap and gives a nice local vibe.
With kids, naps, or heavy bags, a private ride might be worth it. Taxis cost about €50–70, Uber and Bolt range from €30–65 depending on traffic. For extra comfort, private car services start around €65 and can go well above €200.
While expensive, sometimes this is just the way to go with kids in a foreign city. Let your sanity and your budget be your guide.
And, for a stress-free experience, consider booking a tour that includes roundtrip shuttle service from Paris to Versailles—perfect for skipping transit hassles and enjoying a smooth journey.
Renting a car in Paris for a trip to Versailles is about 30 to 60 minutes via the A13. Major international car rental agencies are available at the airports and throughout the city, but be sure to book in advance. Remember your valid driver’s license (and possibly an International Driving Permit), and make sure you meet any age and insurance requirements.
Seriously, trust us on this one. Imagine trying to get your favorite ice cream when everyone else wants it too – chaos, right? Versailles is the same. To make it way easier (and way more fun for the kids), get there early. Like, before 10 am early.
We are notorious night owls, so if you prefer that side of the day, going before closing can also be an option for fewer crowds. However, this adds to the stress of beating closing time and having enough time to see what you want. The gardens and palace are massive!
The palace opens, and you swoop in before the big rush. Think of it as getting the best seats in the house before the show starts. Happy kids, happy parents – it’s a win-win. We made a BIG effort as a group to get there first thing. If driving, plan enough time to park and walk in, as it’s a massive area. The town nearby is also darling to explore, so you can consider going early to grab a drink or some food nearby.
Best Time for You To Visit: Choose weekdays (Wednesday or Thursday) during the shoulder seasons (April-June or September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Arriving early in the morning or late afternoon can also help avoid peak times.
Depending on the time you’re visiting, we recommend you buy your tickets online in advance, and if you’re wondering, when to buy them?
Pro Tip: We don’t recommend you wait until the last minute to secure tickets, because availability could be limited, and you’ll not be able to choose your preferred time and date.
Planning ahead makes the visit smoother, especially with kids in tow. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common ticket types so you can choose what’s right for your crew.
The gardens are included too, but only until October 31. If you’re visiting during the Musical Gardens or Musical Fountains Show season, that’s included as well. Just keep in mind this ticket is valid for one entry.
Remember, if you want to make the most of your day, get the audioguide so you and your kids learn even more history about the palace. The price starts at €5, and a reduced rate of €4.
I always make my kids do audioguides! It’s worldschooling at its best: learning about a famous place IN a famous place. Talk about memorable!
*Please note that prices are subject to change.
*Please note that prices are subject to change.
Even if you’re eligible for free admission, you must still reserve a free time slot through the online ticket office to visit the magnificent Palace of Versailles and the charming Estate of Trianon.
And if your kids are under 26 and residents of the EU, they can enjoy free access to the permanent collections of the Palace, the Estate of Trianon, and all temporary exhibitions.
And, if they are under 18 and residing outside the European Union, the same free access applies to the permanent collections and temporary shows. Bring those ID cards and passports!
On the first Sunday of each month from November through March, the entire estate, including both the Palace of Versailles and the Estate of Trianon, is free of charge, but you do have to book a specific time for visiting the Palace itself.
Please note that the park and gardens are free and open every day, except during Musical Fountains Shows and Musical Gardens. During the high season, the only ones who can access the gardens for free are kids from 0 to 5 years old.
This tour includes roundtrip transportation, entry to the Palace and gardens, and added perks to make your day easier.
Family Highlight: Enjoy a stress-free day with comfortable roundtrip transport from a central meeting point in Paris. The tour includes an English-speaking audio guide for the Palace and a friendly host on the bus who also speaks English—making it all the easier to relax and take in the sights together.
Already at Versailles and want to make the most of your time? Consider a Skip-the-Line Tour of the Palace that also includes access to the gardens.
Family Highlight: Skip the long queues and dive right into the magic with a 90-minute guided tour. With your pre-booked time slot, you and the kids can enjoy a seamless royal experience—no waiting, just wandering through history.
Okay, Versailles is HUGE. Like, seriously, you could walk for days. Now, imagine your kids trying to keep up. Not ideal.
Here’s the secret weapon: the little train! It’s basically a fun ride that takes you around the gardens, saving everyone’s energy for the cool stuff. Inside the palace, don’t try to see everything in one day.
You can start by picking a few key spots – the Hall of Mirrors (super sparkly!) and the King’s Bedroom (pretty fancy!).
Pro Tip: Consider buying a Two-Day ticket if you want a more relaxed and enjoyable experience, to spread out your visit.
Versailles with Family, it’s a piece of cake! is designed to take the stress out of your visit and turn it into a fun, smooth-sailing experience. Here’s why it’s a total game-changer for families:
Bonus Perks Just for Families
Some tickets also come with sweet extras, like discounts at certain gift shops or access to seasonal, family-oriented events within the estate.
With this option, you’ll feel less like a tour guide and more like a relaxed adventurer, ready to soak in the magic of Versailles with your kids.
The gardens at Versailles are not just pretty flowers. They’re like a giant playground! Let the kids run around (within reason, of course!) and explore the different paths.
You could even make it a little adventure of “Let’s see who can spot the coolest statue!”
The gardens boast impressive fountains, where the Musical Fountains Show takes place. Believe me, your kids (and you!) will love this experience. There are also beautiful statues that can spark children’s curiosity, and learn more about them.
There’s also a Grand Canal, where you can rent a rowboat for your family, or you can rent a bike, or take the train that runs through the park, offering a convenient way to go to the gardens without getting yourselves and your kids tired.
The Charming Groves (where you can find hidden fountains) can be super entertaining for you and your family. The Marie Antoinette’s Estate, located within the park, is a village with farm animals that kids usually love.
Finally, you must check out the Orangery. With an incredible plant collection and the impressive panoramic views from the top, this location can be fascinating for the kids.
You know how it goes – hungry kids equal grumpy kids. While you can find food at Versailles, it can be a bit pricey. My tip? Pack some snacks and drinks. There are nice spots outside where you can chill and refuel before heading back in. Think of it as a mini picnic in a royal setting!
And, if you want other options, you can have a meal at La Petite Venise, where you can taste Italian cuisine with your kids. If you want to savor French cuisine, we recommend La Flottille restaurant, which offers terrace service or take away. It’s open all day long, and it has a children’s menu.
There’s also Angelina Restaurant, which offers terrace service, and another at the Petit Trianon, which offers terrace service and a food stand. You and your kids can taste the famous and mouth-watering hot chocolate in both places.
There are other places, such as Le Dauphin, where you and your kids can grab a snack or savor some sweets.
Yep, the souvenir shops will call them. Give your kids the chance to choose a small treasure to remember their royal adventure, whether it’s a miniature carriage or a glittery keychain. It’s a fun way to wrap up the day without overspending
You’ll also find a charming collection of children’s books about the Palace of Versailles, which can be both entertaining and educational, for them and you!
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When it’s time to head out, chat about the day’s highlights as you walk back. Maybe the Hall of Mirrors wowed them, or they loved running through the gardens, or the chocolate in Angelina’s restaurant. Ending on a high note keeps the mood light and helps everyone leave with happy memories instead of end-of-day meltdowns
So there you have it! It’s all about smart planning and knowing how to keep those little adventurers engaged. Trust me, with these tips, you’ve totally got this royal family outing in the bag. Now go make some magical memories!
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