Two smaller royal sites sit in the town streets near the palace and are free to visit. The Royal Tennis Court, or Salle du Jeu de Paume, is the indoor court where on 20 June 1789 the deputies of the Third Estate swore not to separate until France had a constitution, the Tennis Court Oath that opened the French Revolution. The room is simple, but its history is huge, and it is open from Tuesday to Sunday in the middle of the day. The Gallery of Coaches, in the Petite Écurie, displays royal carriages, sedan chairs and sleighs, including coaches used for coronations and weddings, and it is open on weekends and free. Together they make an easy extra hour, and they suit visitors who want the political story of Versailles rather than the court glamour. In low season the opening hours are afternoon only, from 12:30 to 17:30, so combine them with a morning at the palace.
Why visit
The palace tells the story of the king, but the Tennis Court tells the story of the people who ended his rule. The oath was taken in a plain hall because the deputies had found their assembly room locked, and the room today preserves that story with a modest display. It is a short visit, but a powerful one for history lovers.
The coaches add the other side
The elaborate vehicles show how royal life moved through the streets. The Gallery of Coaches is in the Petite Écurie, opposite the Grande Écurie where the equestrian show runs, so you can combine both on a weekend. The collection includes coronation and ceremonial carriages, and the displays explain how they were used.
How to plan
Both sites are free, so you can drop in without a ticket, though opening hours are limited and the coach gallery opens only on weekends. Check the palace's practical information page for the latest hours, and note that both sites are closed on 25 December and 1 January. They are both a short walk from the palace and the Notre-Dame market, so they fit between a morning visit and lunch. Allow about an hour in total.
What to expect
The experience
Two small, free museums: the hall where the Tennis Court Oath was sworn and a gallery of royal carriages in the Petite Écurie.
Best time
Weekend afternoons, when both are open; the Gallery of Coaches opens only on weekends.
How long
About an hour for both.
Tips
Check the practical information page for hours, expect afternoon-only opening in low season and combine with the equestrian show on a weekend.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers who want the Revolution story and a free, quiet break from the palace.
- Families
- Children usually like the carriages; the Tennis Court is brief and easy.
- Couples
- A relaxed free afternoon after a palace morning.
- Pair with
- The equestrian show and the Notre-Dame market.
- Time needed
- One hour.
Good questions
Are the Royal Tennis Court and the Gallery of Coaches free?+
Yes, both are free to visit. The Royal Tennis Court is open Tuesday to Sunday and the Gallery of Coaches on weekends.
What happened at the Royal Tennis Court?+
On 20 June 1789 the deputies of the Third Estate swore the Tennis Court Oath there, pledging not to separate until France had a constitution. It was an early step in the Revolution.
What are the opening hours?+
In the standard schedule both open from 12:30 to 17:30. Hours vary by season, so check the practical information page.
Where is the Gallery of Coaches?+
It is in the Petite Écurie, near the Grande Écurie opposite the palace. It is a short walk from the palace gates.
When are they closed?+
Both close on 25 December and 1 January, and the coach gallery is closed on weekdays. Check the page for the exact days.
