Are you thinking about visiting the Palace of Versailles near Paris? You are not alone. Versailles is one of the most frequently visited tourist attractions in the world. According to the French government, the Palace of Versailles welcomes 15 million visitors yearly. That is the equivalent of a full sold-out stadium of visitors per day. Imagine how crowded that can get!
In this blog, we will not explain what you can see and experience at Versailles. Countless others are writing about why you should visit the Palace. You are here to find tips and tricks to beat the crowds, skip the line, and ensure you don’t waste time waiting.
Although you can beat the crowds at the Palace of Versailles, let’s start with the bad news. There is no skip-the-line ticket where you pay extra to jump the line. Like the Louvre and Burj Khalifa in Dubai, many blogs and websites claim to sell skip-the-line tickets. Still, in reality, none of these attractions sell such tickets. Versailles doesn’t offer skip-the-line tickets. But despite lacking a particular expensive entry, there is a way to skip the line. This post contains affiliate links on which we could earn a commission.
This post contains affiliate links on which we could earn a commmission.
Versailles’ Timed Entry tickets
The magic key to skipping the line and beating Versailles’ crowds are so-called timed entry tickets. You have two choices: show up at Versailles any time you like and stand in line with the other 10 million visitors. Alternatively, you plan your visit to Paris. You pick a date and time you want to visit, and you can access the grounds of Versailles without any hassle. That is, of course, only if you show up at your designated timeslot.
Buying timed entry tickets
You can buy timed entry tickets online. We recommend purchasing these tickets through an authorized reseller that gives you better terms and conditions than the Versailles. Like The Louvre, Versailles has notoriously bad T&Cs, disallowing any refund if your plans change. More about that is below.
At GetYourGuide.com, an authorized reseller, you select the date you want to visit. After that, you set your timeslot and choose between a refundable ticket or a ticket with less consumer protection. The choice is all yours. That is why we like GetYourGuide.com. Although the ticket is a bit more expensive, it comes with ease of mind. Your plans might change, and your ticket should be changeable as well.
Why you shouldn't buy tickets directly at the Palace of Versailles!
Tickets sold on Versailles’ website aren’t refundable. If your plans change, which isn’t unlikely these days, you will lose your money. Buying through an authorized reseller will give you the right to get a full refund. How do we know this? Just go to the fine print of the Versailles’ T&Cs. Article 9 basically states that you cannot get a refund unless the Palace itself cancels your ticket. Of course, we aren’t lawyers, so this isn’t legal advice.
GetYourGuide.com, an official reseller of Versailles, offers much more consumer protection. You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours in advance. If your plane is delayed or canceled, your plans change, or if someone gets COVID-19, you can cancel your visit and get a full refund.
Does the Palace of Versailles sell timed entry tickets?
Yes! Versailles doesn’t just recommend buying timed entry tickets; it is mandatory. On Versailles’ website, it clearly states the following:
To access the Palace, all visitors must book a time slot. Due to the high number of visitors, admission to the Palace within half an hour of the booked time slot can only be guaranteed for tickets purchased online.
Can you buy skip the line tickets at Versailles?
No, you cannot skip the line at Versailles. But you can buy timed entry tickets! Timed entry tickets are a great way to skip the line. This ticket will save you time standing in line at the Versailles ticket counter. While timed entry tickets don’t get you access to a special fast-track, they allow you to enter the Palace without waiting. How does it work? Is it simple? Just buy a timed entry ticket from an authorized reseller such as GetYourGuide.com.
Can I be denied access with a regular ticket without timed entry?
Versailles has made timed entry tickets mandatory if you buy tickets online. Alternatively, you can purchase tickets at the ticket counter, but this doesn’t guarantee access on crowded days.
What is the best time of the day to visit Versailles?
The Palace of Versailles is at its busiest just after lunch. Suppose you want to visit the Palace without crazy crowds. In that case, we recommend visiting the Palace in the morning or afternoon. Basically, avoid anytime between 12:00 and 15:00.
