The gardens of Versailles are the work of André Le Nôtre, who turned marsh and meadow into the model of the French formal garden. From the terrace behind the palace the view runs down the Latona Fountain and the Royal Walk to the Apollo Fountain and on to the Grand Canal, a cross-shaped sheet of water more than a kilometre long. Around that axis are the groves, small outdoor rooms hidden by hedges, each with its own fountain or sculpture, and the large formal parterres edged with clipped box and statues. The estate is vast, with the park and canal stretching well beyond the garden proper, so most visitors walk for two to three hours and still leave parts unseen. In low season the gardens are free every day, and they open at 8:00 and close at 18:00. From April to early November the entrance is charged on days with the Musical Fountains Show or the Musical Gardens, and a Passport ticket covers those days. In November the fountains are not running, which makes for quiet walks.
What to see
Start on the Parterre d'Eau behind the palace and look down the Royal Walk. Walk to the Latona and Apollo fountains, then follow the Grand Canal on foot or by rental boat or bike where available. Near the palace, the Orangery and the groves are the most rewarding corners, and the Colonnade is a good place to pause. In winter the structure of the garden is easier to read without leaves, and the trimmed trees and empty paths give a different mood from the summer crowds.
When it is free and when it is not: the gardens are free to enter every day in the low season and on most days of the high season, with admission charged only on fountain-show days. The Musical Fountains Show runs on weekends from April to early November and the Musical Gardens on weekday afternoons, so check the calendar if you travel in that season.
Outside that season, from early November to the end of March, you walk in for free. The park and Grand Canal area is a separate part of the estate and has its own hours, so look at the practical information page on the day.
Practical tips
Wear sturdy shoes, because paths are gravel and distances are long. Bring a layer in winter, since the open parterres can be windy, and carry water in summer. Cafes and kiosks are limited in low season, so pack a snack. Gardens close early in severe weather such as snow or high winds. If you are tired, bikes, golf carts and shuttle options exist in season, and bike tours are a good way to see the Grand Canal and the Trianon estate in one outing.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided walk along formal parterres, groves and fountains from the palace terrace to the Grand Canal, free to enter on non-show days.
Best time
Morning or late afternoon for soft light; in November the fountains are off but the garden is quiet and free.
How long
Two to three hours for the main axis and groves, longer if you walk the whole canal.
Tips
Wear sturdy shoes, check whether it is a fountain-show day between April and early November, and expect shorter hours in winter.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone with spare time after the palace, and visitors who want a free, long walk with views.
- Families
- Open lawns and long paths let children run; bike or boat rental near the canal helps in season.
- Couples
- Walk to the Grand Canal at sunset in season, or stroll the groves in the quiet of November.
- Pair with
- The palace in the morning, then the Estate of Trianon in the afternoon.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours for the main sights, half a day with the Grand Canal.
Good questions
Are the gardens of Versailles free?+
Yes, on most days. Admission is charged only on days with the Musical Fountains Show or the Musical Gardens, which run from April to early November, and a Passport ticket covers those days.
Are the fountains running in November?+
No. The Musical Fountains Show runs from April to early November, so from November to March the fountains are off. The gardens stay open and free in that period.
What hours are the gardens open in low season?+
The gardens open at 8:00 and close at 18:00 in low season. The park has slightly different last-entry times, so check the practical information page.
How big is the garden?+
The estate is huge, and the Grand Canal alone is more than a kilometre long. Most visitors walk two to three hours and still do not see everything.
Can I rent a bike in the gardens?+
Rental options exist near the Grand Canal, mainly in the busier seasons. If you want a guided ride, a bike tour covers the gardens and the Trianon estate together.
