France · 2026 itinerary
Versailles 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Versailles: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
The neoclassical town hall (Hôtel de Ville) fronts a paved square with a fountain and benches. The building itself dates from the 19th century and has a free exhibition space inside on local history (
🕐 Square: always open. Town hall: Mon–Fri 8:30am–5pm, Sat 9am–12pm (exhibition hours on the door)
Free entry💡 Go inside the town hall lobby to see the grand staircase and chandeliers—no security check, just walk in. The free exhibition is on the ground floor; check the noticeboard for current hours.
Hotels near Versailles City Hall Square →A lively covered market near the cathedral, open most mornings. Stalls sell fresh produce, cheese, bread, and flowers. It’s a good place to see local life and buy picnic supplies cheaply—a baguette an
🕐 Tue–Fri 7am–1pm, Sat 7am–2pm, Sun 8am–1pm, closed Mon
Free entry💡 Arrive by 9am to get the best croissants from the boulangerie in row D, and avoid the tourist-trap stalls near the church exit. Cash is king here.
Hotels near Versailles Market →Le Chateaudun · ££
Pizza Capri (et sa grotte) · ££
Deeper Into Versailles
The main parish church of Versailles, built in the 17th century. Its sober brick-and-stone exterior contrasts with a bright, airy interior and a notable organ. It’s still a working church, so you can
🕐 Daily 8am–7pm (closed 12–2pm for staff break on weekdays)
💡 Look for the small plaque on the south wall marking the spot where the 1789 Tennis Court Oath was drafted—history nerds will appreciate it. No photography during mass (usually 10am Sun).
A small, quiet English-style garden behind the cathedral, with a grotto, waterfall, and winding paths. Less crowded than the palace gardens, it’s a good spot for a break. The stream and fake ruins mak
🕐 Daily 8am–sunset (hours vary by season; usually closes at 8pm in summer)
💡 Bring a book and sit on the bench near the grotto—it’s shaded and rarely busy. The café at the entrance charges double for bottled water, so buy it at the market first.
Le XV
Crêperie Saint-Louis
Final Favourites & Departure
The principal royal residence of France from 1682 until the French Revolution in 1789, built for Louis XIV and famed for the Hall of Mirrors, the King's and Que
💡 Buy a timed-entry Passport ticket online to skip the main entrance queue, and visit Tuesday–Thursday when tour-group crowds are lightest. The gardens are free to enter most days except during the Musical Fountains Shows.
Franco-Belge
Les Touristes
Getting Around Versailles
Bus 1 is faster than walking from the hotel to the palace gates, especially in rain. Validates with same Navigo pass. Drivers rarely announce stops—watch for the green gates.
For a scenic local route, take Métro Line 9 to Pont de Sèvres, then Tram T6 to Versailles Chantiers. It parallels the Seine then cuts through the Parc de Saint-Cloud. From Chantiers it's a 15-min walk or bus 2 to the hotel.
Get a Navigo Easy card at any Métro station for contactless tap. The walk from station to hotel passes the market on Rue de la Paroisse—good for picnic supplies.
Book a fixed-price taxi at CDG taxi rank to avoid surge pricing. Uber works but expect €80-100 during peak.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Versailles?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Versailles City Hall Square and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Versailles?
See our full best time to visit Versailles guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Mercure Versailles Château, Hôtel Le Versailles, Royal Hôtel. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.