Is Versailles expensive to visit?
Versailles is a popular palace that appeals to many visitors, featuring an array of travel styles and spending habits. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
You may find Versailles to be expensive in some places, but there are ways to keep your budget in check, like taking public transit and exploring on foot.
On average, budget travelers spend $135 (€124) per day, mid-range travelers spend $308 (€283) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $591 (€542) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Versailles.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Versailles is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to many other destinations.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Versailles Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Versailles?
The average Versailles trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Versailles travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Versailles cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your budget when visiting Versailles is important. While it's tempting to aim for a shoestring budget, most travelers don't find that style of travel to be enjoyable. Think about your priorities and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer staying in budget accommodations or enjoying more luxurious options? Do you like to explore attractions and dine out at local restaurants? These choices will influence your travel costs and itinerary.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $135 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, Versailles has plenty of hostels such as Hôtel Le Bout du parc. At hostels like these, you can find cheap accommodation in a dorm as well as a social atmosphere, but with very little amenities. The palace also great public transit, which helps budget travelers avoid expensive taxi or Uber rides.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or family taking a fun trip, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at favorite restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. Tourists visiting Versailles generally aim to explore the major attractions, museums, and significant landmarks. Most activities have costs involved. Thus, it's realistic to expect your daily budget to be closer to $308 per person, per day.
Versailles boasts a wide array of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or children, thus reducing your expenses. Families should prioritize hotels and restaurants that are geared toward kids. Le Louis Versailles Chateau - MGallery is an excellent family-friendly option, while Hotel la Residence Du Berry is also superb. You can find additional family and couple-friendly hotels in our hotel guide for Versailles here.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
If you're looking for a higher-end vacation filled with high-end amenities and exceptional service, plan for a daily expense of approximately $591. Staying at nicer hotels, savoring meals at top-rated restaurants, splurging on lavish outings, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the palace means you'll need a more luxurious budget.
Accommodation Budget in Versailles
The range of hotel prices in Versailles can be pretty surprising. Luxury hotels tend to offer more amenities, but come with higher price tags, especially during peak season. The average off-season room is $125, but during peak summer season the average price can reach $233. From $90 for budget hotels to $394 for luxury, there's something for everyone. Hostels are cheaper, especially dorms. Book early or travel during the off-season to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Versailles for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $269 (€257). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $135 (€128) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Versailles? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Versailles include:
- Le Louis Versailles Chateau - MGallery starting at $180
- Hotel la Residence Du Berry starting at $114
- Hotel du Jeu de Paume Versailles starting at $89
- Royal Hotel Versailles starting at $88
- Les Versaillaises B&B starting at $141
Versailles offers a great public transit system, so staying farther from the palace might save you on accommodation, though the additional cost and time of commuting can add up.
If you plan your trip outside of summer and during the low or shoulder season, you'll find better accommodation rates and fewer tourists.
Many people like to wander through Versailles, so it's a good idea to book a place in the center. Keep in mind that this could come with an increased cost.
Transportation Budget in Versailles
Versailles is known for its efficient public transit system. 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. Save time and money by using public transportation, with taxis and rideshares available if you need them.
Anyone who enjoys a good walk to discover their surroundings will love it here. 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.
Public Transit: 
(great)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $55 (€53) per person, per day, on local transportation in Versailles. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Versailles is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$55
€53
How much does it cost to go to Versailles? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Versailles will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Versailles
The available food options in Versailles are not extensive, and the quality could be better. It's best to limit your spending on meals in favor of more rewarding experiences. There are a couple of restaurants and cafes on the grounds.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Versailles can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Versailles is $121 (€115) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$121
€115
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Versailles is around $126 (€115) per person, with previous travelers spending from $55 to $235. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Versailles are as follows:
- Breakfast: $13 to $38
- Lunch: $19 to $50
- Dinner: $38 to $88
- Coffee: $10
- Fast Food or Street Food: $19
Many hotels include breakfast in their pricing structure, while some charge additional fees for it. The quality and cost can vary significantly by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you decide whether to allocate more money. It might be worth paying for the delicious hotel buffet, or you could go to a local bakery or cafe that's less expensive.
Make a picnic to enjoy the scenery and save money. Find a local grocery store or market, grab some fresh food, and head to a nice park or beautiful location for your meal.
Stay hydrated with a water bottle instead of purchasing drinks everywhere. It's also great for the environment.
While planning your tour, it's essential to know which meals are included. You may find yourself paying for some meals, which can add to your travel budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Versailles
It's not surprising that visitors come to Versailles, as it offers museums and attractions and romance.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Versailles typically cost an average of $47 (€45) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$47
€45
Museums and Attractions:
The museums and landmarks in Versailles have earned worldwide fame. 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.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Versailles. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Palace Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket for $67 details
- Versailles Palace Private Family Tour Designed for Kids for $211 details
- Private Guided Tour of the Palace for $290 details
Versailles, France
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.