Versailles: Palace Guided Tour & Hall of Mirrors Entry

Summary

Walk gilded halls hear royal stories and linger in Versailles

You’ll step through Versailles Palace with a local guide who brings royal history alive, from golden halls to mirrored galleries. Hear real stories via headset, skip long lines with reserved entry, and choose whether to linger after your tour or explore the gardens at your own pace—just don’t forget an extra ticket if you want to see them in summer.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound — shoes tapping on marble, voices echoing in French and English as we gathered outside the Palace of Versailles. Our guide, Camille, handed out headsets (which honestly saved me from missing half her stories in the crowds) and led us past a line that stretched almost absurdly far. The gold gates shimmered against a sky that couldn't decide if it wanted to rain or not. I remember thinking, this place is so much more than just a palace — it’s like walking through someone else’s memory.

Inside, the air felt heavy with old perfume and polished wood. We stopped in the King’s State Apartments where Camille pointed out a small detail on the ceiling — apparently Louis XIV had his own sun painted everywhere, just to remind everyone who was boss. I tried to imagine living here but got distracted by a group of school kids giggling near an enormous fireplace. Then came the Hall of Mirrors. It’s hard to describe how light bounces around in there; it’s loud with reflections and quiet at the same time. I caught my own face in one of those ancient mirrors and laughed — definitely not royalty material.

After our 90-minute guided tour ended (felt both long and too short), we were free to wander more or head out to the gardens. Camille warned us that from April to October you’d need another ticket for the musical fountains — which I didn’t have, so I just stood by the window for a while watching people drift into the green maze outside. There’s something about leaving a place like this that sticks with you longer than you expect. Maybe it was just relief my feet survived all that marble.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided tour and garden visit

• Meet guide at Versailles office
• Tour State Apartments and King's Bedroom
• Visit the Hall of Mirrors
• Enjoy free time in the Palace
• Optional visit to Royal Gardens

Top questions

How long is the guided tour inside Versailles Palace?

The guided tour lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Does this tour include entry to the Hall of Mirrors?

Yes, entry to the Hall of Mirrors is included during your guided tour.

Do I need an extra ticket for Versailles Gardens?

From April to October, an additional ticket is required for garden access due to Musical Gardens and Fountain Shows. From November to March, gardens are free.

Where do we meet our guide for this Versailles tour?

You meet at your local partner's store in Versailles; details are provided after booking.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip from Paris?

No, hotel pickup is not included; you must make your way to the meeting point in Versailles.

Are headsets provided during the guided tour?

Yes, personal audio headsets are provided so you can hear your guide clearly.

Can I stay longer inside Versailles after my guided tour ends?

Yes, after your guided tour ends you can stay longer inside or visit the gardens if you wish.

Is this suitable for travelers with strollers?

Baby strollers may be refused at the entrance of the palace.

What’s included

Your experience includes check-in at a local partner’s office in Versailles, timed-entry admission tickets so you skip long lines at Château de Versailles, use of personal audio headsets during your 90-minute expert-guided palace tour—including stops at iconic rooms like the Hall of Mirrors—and free time afterward if you want to explore more or visit the gardens (note: garden tickets needed April–October).