The Beauty of Versailles in Winter and Why It’s the Best Time to Visit (More Sparkle, Fewer Euros)

There’s something different about Versailles in winter. The gold still glitters, and the Hall of Mirrors still dazzles, but without the usual flood of tourists. You can take the time to stop and admire what you’re seeing, and take a breath without being pushed and shoved by the throng of people. It’s a side of Versailles most people never see.

Most visitors plan their trip for spring or summer, but winter is the best time to soak in the details without feeling rushed. I went with my daughter in December, and we had a great time. There are a few things to bear in mind, though.

But don’t worry; you’ll get all the tips you need to make the most of your visit in this article. So, let’s dive in.

Listen to my podcast episode about the Palace of Versailles

Is it worth visiting Versailles in the winter?

One hundred percent, yes, it is definitely worth visiting Versailles in winter. It is one of the best times to go as there are fewer crowds, which means no long queues.

Plus, tickets are easy to get with more options available to you.

The only thing to bear in mind is that the gardens won’t be at their best, and the statues will be covered up for the winter.

But the bonus is that you can do the inside of the palace in the winter and the outside in the summer. It gives you the perfect excuse to visit twice.

The opening hours of the Palace of Versailles in the winter

• Palace: Typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with last admission at 5:00 PM.
• Gardens: Usually open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
• Trianon Palaces and Marie Antoinette’s Estate: Open from 12:00 to 5:30 PM, with the last admission at 5:00 PM.

Note: These hours are subject to change, and it’s always advisable to check the official Versailles website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.

Winter versus Summer at Versailles

Pros of going in the winter

Fewer Crowds: Winter typically sees fewer tourists, allowing for a more relaxed visit without the rush and long lines common in peak seasons.

Different Aesthetic: The gardens and architecture take on a different beauty in winter, often with frosty landscapes and a serene atmosphere.

Indoor Attractions: It’s an excellent time to focus on the interior spaces of the palace, such as the Hall of Mirrors, with more comfort and less pressure to hurry through. And without constantly battling to get close to the exhibits and take pictures.

Seasonal Events: Sometimes, special events or exhibitions are held during the winter, offering unique experiences.

Cons of going in the winter

Cold Weather: The chilly climate can be uncomfortable, especially when exploring the extensive gardens.

Limited Garden Beauty: The famous gardens are not in full bloom, and many of the fountains are turned off.

Shorter Days: With less daylight, you’ll have less time to explore the outdoor aspects of the estate.

Possible Closures: Adverse weather can lead to unexpected closures, particularly of the gardens.

The BEST things to see at Versailles during the winter months

Even though I didn’t do the garden or grounds when I went to Versailles in the winter, there was still plenty for me to do. 

Exploring the chateau took half a day, and we also had breakfast there upon arrival, but more about that later.

Entering the Golden Gates

The first time I came to Versailles, I didn’t realize that Mondays are a day in France when many things are closed. So, there I was at the front gates of the Palace of Versailles, and all I could do was look longingly through them and take a picture outside.

But those gates really are magnificent, and they have a story to tell, like so many things here.

A Quick History of the Gates

Initially designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, the King’s First Architect, around 1680 during the reign of Louis XIV, the gate has undergone several changes and restorations over the centuries.

The original gate was gilded and ornamented with richly carved pillars, opening through two portals that led to lateral courtyards.

However, most of it was removed in the late 18th century during Louis XV’s reign due to construction changes, including the addition of the Gabriel wing. What replaced it was a simple wooden barrier, which remained throughout Louis XVI’s reign.

It also played a pivotal role during the French Revolution. The simplicity of the barrier at that time facilitated the rioters’ access into the castle enclosure in October 1789. 

Eventually, the Royal Gate was destroyed in 1794 as part of a directive from the Versailles district directorate.

The Restoration of the Gates

In the 21st century, between 2005 and 2008, a new gate was constructed to recreate the grandeur of the original design.

This project used 15 tonnes of iron and 100,000 gold leaves, financed predominantly by the public works group Monnoyeur, to mark its 100th anniversary. 

The new gate, however, sparked controversy due to its deviation from the “last known state” rule for restoring old buildings and the relocation of an equestrian statue of Louis XIV.

The Cour d’Honneur and Cour de Marbre

As you walk through the gates, you enter the Cour d’Honneur, also known as the Royal Court.

This area serves as the main entrance to the palace. On the left side, as you enter, is the Pavillon Dufour, which was built under Louis XVIII. On the right side is the Gabriel wing, the construction of which began in 1772 and was finally completed in 1985.

Can you imagine the comings and goings the courtyard has seen? 

Oh, to be able to step back in time to witness the grand arrivals and departures played out here.

The most memorable was the arrival of Marie Antoinette, as portrayed in so many movies about that era in Versailles.

As she alights from her carriage, she walks across the Cour de Marbre, or Marble Courtyard, where what seems like the entire French Court is waiting to greet her.

The Cour de Marbre, or Marble Courtyard, is a significant and historic part of the palace complex. 

It took its name from the distinctive black and white marble tiles, which formed part of the original hunting lodge built by Louis XIII, and is surrounded by the palace’s oldest wings.

The Ore Ducasse restaurant

When I visited Versailles, you could start your tour with breakfast at the Ore Ducasse restaurant, created by Alain Ducasse on the first floor of the Dufour Pavilion. Right now, it’s afternoon tea or dinner, which I’m told are just as good.

I chose breakfast because, quite frankly, it would have been rude not to, so I chose the tour that included breakfast.

It felt so decadent to be sitting there looking out over the Cour de Marbre, and I couldn’t help wondering whether Marie Antoinette had looked out of the same window and what would have been going through her head.

Breakfast was yummy, with a selection of pastries, scrambled or fried eggs, sausage, and jams. There was a choice of juices, as well as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. I couldn’t resist trying the hot chocolate, which was made using the famous recipe of Louis XV.

The Royal Apartments

I don’t think I have ever seen such opulence in my life. It’s astonishing to think people lived this way in such splendor during a time when the general population of France was starving.

Apparently, Marie Antoinette changed the decor in her apartment twice a year. Imagine that. 

She had a Spring/Summer look and an Autumn/Winter one. Everything, including the wallpaper, was changed to reflect the change in seasons.

Each apartment was purposely designed to be symmetrical, reflecting the cultural and political values of the era. 

Symmetry in Baroque architecture represented order, balance, and perfection, qualities highly valued during the reign of Louis XIV and subsequent French monarchs.

It was also about creating division and emphasizing a person’s role within the court. Naturally, the king had the biggest of everything, making sure there was no doubt as to his importance.

The Protocols of the Palace

One thing that has always made me smile is the protocol for dressing the king, queen, dauphin, and dauphine at the Palace of Versailles. 

Can you imagine being dressed and undressed in public every day of your life? It would drive me insane, but that’s the way it was in 18th-century France. It was deeply embedded in the court’s ceremonial life.

These rituals, known as the “Lever” (rising) and “Coucher” (going to bed), were attended by courtiers and involved elaborate procedures.

Each step, from their first waking moments to preparing for bed, was performed in the presence of select court members. 

This daily routine was not just about personal care but also a display of power, hierarchy, and, in the King’s case, accessibility to the nobility. 

The Lever and Coucher were important elements in the rhythm of life at Versailles, reflecting the intricate social structure and customs of the French court.

The King’s Apartment

The King’s Apartment begins with the King’s Guard Room, which marks the entrance and is adorned with subtle references to battle. 

It leads to the Antechamber of the Great Dining and the Bull’s Eye Antechamber, named after its distinctive circular window. 

Louis XIV’s bed chamber, the most symbolic room in the apartment, was used for various daily ceremonies and important meetings. 

The Council Room, adjacent to the King’s Chamber, was later redesigned during Louis XV’s reign and was used for council meetings and official presentations.

The King’s Private Apartments

The King’s Private Apartments were more personal spaces. Louis XV’s Private Chamber, known as the “corner room,” offered views of the Marble and Royal Courtyards. 

Just to add to the decadence, there is also a Dogs’ Room, used for Louis XV’s favorite dogs, and the Post-Hunt Dining Room, where Louis XV hosted dinner after hunts. 

And we shouldn’t forget the Dispatch Room, which was used for Louis XV’s personal diplomacy.

The King’s State Apartment

It shouldn’t be any surprise that the State Apartment has rooms named after Roman gods and planetary bodies. I’m sure Louis XV thought he was as good as, if not better than, the Roman Gods. 

The Venus Room, the most Baroque in decoration, led to the Diana Room, which was used as a Billiards Room, and the Mars Room, serving as a Guard Room. 

The Mercury Room was originally the royal bedchamber, and the Apollo Room functioned as a throne room. Each room was richly decorated with paintings and sculptures symbolizing various themes related to the monarch’s power and interests.

The Queen’s Apartments

The Queen’s Bedchamber was the most significant room in the Queen’s Apartments. It was where the Queen spent most of her time and where royal births took place. The decoration reflects the tastes of the queens who occupied it, including Maria Theresa, Marie Leszczyńska, and Marie-Antoinette. 

The Nobles’ Room, used for formal audiences, and the Royal Table Antechamber, where public meals were held, are also part of the Queen’s Apartments.

Although they lived a very privileged life, they had absolutely no privacy and lived nearly their entire lives in public.

The Apartments of the Dauphin and Dauphine

The Dauphin’s and Dauphine’s Apartments at the Palace of Versailles were designated living spaces for the heir to the French throne and his spouse. These apartments reflected the high status and importance of their occupants within the royal family and the court. 

They were sumptuously decorated and furnished, consistent with the grandeur typical of Versailles, and were located in a part of the palace that provided both privacy and accessibility to the central areas of the royal residence. 

The design and layout of these apartments were intended to reflect and accommodate the public and private lives of the Dauphin and Dauphine.

Louis XVI’s Library at Versailles

When he came to the throne, the only room he altered in the King’s Private Apartments (Petits appartements) was the library. 

And if I’m honest, this was one of my favorite rooms. Known for his scholarly inclinations, he had a strong interest in science and technology. 

His library was reputedly well-stocked with books on a wide range of subjects, indicative of his broad intellectual interests. 

The decor was neo-classical, a design he was fond of and had put his name to.

The Network of Hidden Passageways

A palace of this size and scale was always going to have hidden passages and doorways to allow at least some form of privacy and security away from the court’s ever-watchful eyes.  

One famous example is the secret passage that Queen Marie Antoinette used to escape from her apartment during the initial attack of the French Revolution on October 6, 1789. 

This passage was in one of the hidden doors out of her apartment, discreetly connecting her chambers with the king’s, allowing her to flee to relative safety during the chaos quickly.

Mesdames

The most notable “Mesdames” at the French court were the daughters of Louis XV: Madame Adelaide, Madame Victoire, Madame Sophie, and Madame Louise. 

Sent off at a young age to be educated at Fontevraud Abbey, they were highly religious, and both Adelaide and Victoire sadly never married.

These princesses, known collectively as “Mesdames de France,” played significant roles in court life and politics. 

They were known for their strong personalities and, at times, their influence in political affairs, particularly during the reigns of their father and brother, Louis XVI.

Their lives at court reflected the complex interplay of personal and political dynamics within the royal family. 

They were strongly opposed to the numerous mistresses of Louis XV, despite the Queen being more tolerant. 

It’s believed they were openly hostile towards them, the most famous being Madame de Pompadour. 

Upon her death, she was succeeded by Madame du Barry, the final mistress of Louis XV, who was later banished from the palace when he died.

The Royal Chapel

The Royal Chapel at the Palace of Versailles, completed in 1710, is an architectural masterpiece and really takes your breath away. 

Designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart in a classical Baroque style, the building features two levels. The upper level, surprise surprise, was reserved for the royal family to show their importance, and the lower level was for the court.

The stunning ceiling, painted by Charles de La Fosse, depicts “The Glory of Paradise,” another masterpiece.

It played a significant role in court life, hosting daily Masses and important ceremonies, such as royal weddings.

The Hall of Statues

The Hall of Statues, also known as the Hercules Room, is a collection of wall-to-wall statues representing various historical, mythological, and allegorical figures.

These statues were intended to reflect the grandeur and cultural richness of the French monarchy. 

They typically represent Greek and Roman deities, historical figures, and personifications of virtues.

The Hall of Mirrors

I’d love to know just how many times the Hall of Mirrors has appeared in movies and photos. 

It’s iconic, and I did wonder if I might be a little underwhelmed by it in real life. 

Happily, I can say I wasn’t because it really was breathtaking. It felt completely surreal being standing there, and I couldn’t help but think about all those people in history who had stood in this very room.

Designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart and completed in 1684, it contains 17 mirror-clad arches and 17 windows overlooking the gardens. 

Each arch contains 21 mirrors, creating a stunning effect of depth and light. 

The hall served multiple purposes. It was a passageway, a waiting and meeting area, and a venue for lavish ceremonies. The Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I, was signed here in 1919. 

The War Room

The War Room was the last room we visited, and we were glad to sit on one of the red velvet benches to take a load off.  It’s an impressive room that was primarily used for diplomatic receptions.

Decorated with martial themes, it celebrates the military victories of Louis XIV, featuring a grand ceiling painting by Charles Le Brun that portrays the king as a victorious commander. 

As with so many of the rooms we’d seen at the palace, it reflected the power of the Sun King’s reign, making it a symbol of France’s military strength during that era.

The Gardens and Grounds in Winter

During the winter, the gardens of Versailles undergo a transformation. The fountains are turned off, and the statues and vases are covered to protect them from the cold weather. 

Without a doubt, it’s not the best time to see the gardens, so I’ve decided to leave them for a future visit.

Not to mention that there is so much to explore in the grounds than just the gardens.

The grounds of the Palace of Versailles feature several notable buildings:

• The Grand Trianon: A smaller palace set within its own park, used as a private retreat by the king.
• The Petit Trianon: A small château given to Marie Antoinette for her exclusive use.
• The Queen’s Hamlet: A rustic retreat built for Marie Antoinette, resembling a Norman village.
• The Orangerie: A large building housing orange trees, palms, and oleanders during winter.
• The Royal Opera of Versailles: A magnificent opera house within the palace complex. 

How to get to Versailles from Paris

To get to the Palace of Versailles from Paris, you can take the RER C train. This train directly connects various central Paris Metro stations (like Saint-Michel Notre-Dame, Musée d’Orsay, Invalides, Pont de l’Alma, and Champ de Mars – Tour d’Eiffel) to Versailles Château – Rive Gauche station. 

The journey takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes. From the Versailles Château – Rive Gauche station, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the palace. 

Please check for any potential disruptions or schedule changes on the day of your visit.

When we went, we traveled from the Musée d’Orsay, and half of our trains had been canceled. Luckily, we’d allowed ourselves double the time we needed.

FAQS: Visiting Versailles in Winter

Final thoughts on going to Versailles in the winter

Well, having been to Versailles myself in December, I highly recommend going in the winter. It’s nice not having to fight the crowds and waiting in long queues to walk through each room.

And if you’re like me and want a photo in front of the iconic gates or on the black and white forecourt of the Cour d’Honneur, it’s perfect. 

There was barely anyone in the way when I was getting my pictures, and it was the same for the Hall of Mirrors. That would never happen in the summer.

Plus, it’s a lot to take in, so touring the grounds and the chateau separately is much easier on the brain, not to mention your feet.