A Travel Price Comparison for France Versailles vs. Paris for Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Versailles or Paris?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Versailles or Paris, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Versailles

Versailles is a historic, extensive, and beautiful palace. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums.

Paris

Paris is a iconic, bustling, and energetic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Versailles and Paris: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Versailles or Paris?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Paris than Versailles, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Versailles is popular for its long running history and its grand architecture. Paris is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also home to The Eiffel Tower.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Versailles different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Paris and Versailles. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Versailles or Paris?

Spend time exploring the fantastic sights and museums in either Versailles or Paris.

Travelers visit Versailles from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The palace is filled with history and impressive items relating to the royal family. Within and near the palace you should make sure you see the Gardens of Versailles, Grand Trianon, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Royal Opera of Versailles.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Paris are among the most recognizable in the world. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

Is Versailles or Paris Better for Theater?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for theatre. However, Versailles is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Paris. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Versailles is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Versailles or Paris? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Versailles is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Paris is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Versailles. There are a couple of restaurants and cafes on the grounds.

Is Versailles or Paris Better for Nightlife?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Paris has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Versailles or Paris Better for Music?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Versailles is not a live music destination.

Paris is known as a music capital around the world. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Versailles is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Versailles or Paris?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for shopping. However, Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Paris. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Versailles or Paris Better for Christmas?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Versailles does not offer Christmas activities.

People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in Paris. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Versailles does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Versailles or Paris Better for Families?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Paris is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

Versailles does not offer many kid-friendly activities. While there are those unicorn children who fall in love with the grand setting, for most kids, a visit to Versailles can make for make for a long and draining day.

Is Versailles or Paris Better for Couples?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for romance. Also, Versailles is not as popular, but is still a nice palace for its romantic activities.

Paris has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

Versailles is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's opulence, grandeur, and history make this a wonderful place to explore as a couple. There are gardens and other unique settings that make Versailles very romantic.

Is Versailles or Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Many backpackers frequent Paris. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Versailles or Paris Better for Students?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not popular with students.

Paris is a great destination for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Versailles is not popular with students.

Is Versailles or Paris Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Versailles is not as popular, but is still a nice palace for its public transit.

Public transit in Paris is top-notch. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

Public transit in Versailles can get you to some places easily. There are SNCF trains that travel from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers train station and additional trains that travel between Gare Saint Lazare and Versailles Rive Droite.

Is Versailles or Paris a more walkable city?

Versailles and Paris are very good when it comes to walkability.

Versailles is very walkable. It's approximately a 20 minute walk from the Versailles Chantiers train station to the entrance to the palace. Versailles Rive Droite is slightly closer.

Paris is a very walkable palace. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Versailles Worth Visiting? and Is Paris Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Paris or Versailles?

How long in Versailles or Paris?

Both Versailles and Paris have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than in Versailles. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Versailles, and 3-7 days is enough time in Paris.

Families should spend more time in Paris than Versailles. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Paris, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Paris than Versailles. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Paris that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris than Versailles if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Paris.

One day in Versailles or Paris?

In Versailles, many people enjoy the museums that this historic destination offers. Lots of people come for the museums. This palace offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

When visiting Paris, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Versailles or Paris?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Versailles. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

When visiting Paris, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Versailles or Paris?

Versailles is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Versailles. Lots of people come for the museums. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Paris, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Versailles or Paris?

You'll find museums around the extensive destination of Versailles. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Paris is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Versailles and Paris, we can see that Versailles is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Versailles Expensive? and Is Paris Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Versailles or Paris?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Versailles and Paris, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Versailles or Paris?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Versailles or Paris in the Summer?

Both Paris and Versailles are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Paris for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Versailles is around the same temperature as Paris in the summer. The daily temperature in Versailles averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Paris fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Paris. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Versailles. Versailles usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Paris during summer. Versailles gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Versailles usually receives around the same amount of rain as Paris. Versailles gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Versailles or Paris in the Autumn?

Both Paris and Versailles during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Versailles for the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Paris because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Versailles is around the same temperature as Paris. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Versailles in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Paris averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Versailles often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Paris. Versailles gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 127 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Paris. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Paris in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Versailles and Paris. The winter months attract visitors to Versailles because of the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Paris this time of year.

It's quite cold in Paris in the winter. The weather in Versailles can be very cold. In January, Versailles is generally around the same temperature as Paris. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 5°C (40°F), and Paris fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Paris during winter. Versailles gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Versailles usually receives around the same amount of rain as Paris. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Versailles or Paris in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Versailles as well as Paris. The natural beauty are the main draw to Versailles this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Paris for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Versailles is around the same temperature as Paris in the spring. The daily temperature in Versailles averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Paris fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Versailles often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Paris. Versailles gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 172 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Paris. Versailles gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Paris and Versailles