7 Easy Ways to Save Money While Visiting Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is a bucket-list destination for?many travelers, and for good reason. With its golden gates, opulent halls, and sprawling gardens, it’s among?the most stunning places in France.
But once you start adding up the costs of visiting here — transportation, entry fees, meals, and so forth — the experience can go from magical to pricey in no time. This is especially a big concern for first-time visitors.
However, there is a piece of good news. With a little planning, it’s absolutely possible to enjoy the splendor without overspending. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or as part of a group, here are seven practical ways to save money while getting the most out of your trip.
So, without further delay, dive into the article!
1. Book Your Tickets in Advance
Let’s start with the most important tip: don’t wait until you arrive to buy your ticket. By purchasing your Versailles tickets online and in advance, you can avoid long queues and last-minute pricing surprises.
More importantly, many official providers offer tickets that include access to the Palace, Gardens, the Trianon Estate, and even skip-the-line benefits — all in one. This not only helps you stick to your budget but ensures you get the most complete experience possible.
Ultimately, buying from a reputable online source saves both time and money. Additionally, in high season, it can mean the difference between seeing it all or missing half of it.
2. Choose a Multi-Attraction Ticket
Many visitors opt for a basic palace entry. However, the real magic of Versailles lies beyond the Hall of Mirrors. There are the Grand Trianon, Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet, and the stunning landscaped gardens, also. And, if you try to buy separate tickets for each area, the overall costs can add up quickly.
That’s why choosing a combo ticket, which covers multiple areas in one go, is a better deal. Certain tickets also include added extras like audio guides or garden access during the Musical Fountain Shows.
Bonus Tip: Go for the complete experience if it’s your first time. You’ll save more in the long run and avoid regretting what you missed.
3. Bring Your Own Snacks
You will find the food on the Versailles grounds, especially in the palace cafés, tends to be expensive. A small sandwich or drink can cost significantly more than you’d expect. That’s why one of the easiest ways to save money is by packing a few light snacks or a picnic lunch before heading out.
Eating inside the main palace isn’t permitted. But, at the same time, there are several outdoor areas where you can sit and eat comfortably. You can find such spots near the gardens or just outside the palace gates.
Some of the picnic prep tips are listed below. Have a look to make the most of your time!
- Buy fresh bread, fruit, and cheese from a market in Paris before your visit.
- Bring a reusable water bottle. This is useful because you can easily find many fountains that are available on-site.
- Don’t forget to carry napkins and a bag for trash.
4. Visit During Non-Peak Hours or Off-Season
Versailles tends to get crowded, especially during weekends and the summer months. You might not have full control over your travel schedule. Nevertheless, visiting in the shoulder seasons — spring and early autumn — can help you avoid inflated prices, long lines, and general travel fatigue.
Even better, visiting early in the day or later in the afternoon often allows you to enjoy a more peaceful visit without the crowds. Some ticket platforms offer flexible time slots, so you can avoid the peak rush while keeping your budget in check.
5. Use Public Transport to Reach
Instead of booking a pricey cab, make the most of the use of public transportation. That will take less time, and the overall cost will also be less.
Even a round-trip train ticket costs a fraction of a private shuttle or any other vehicle, and you’ll have more flexibility over your schedule. All in all, pair this with other things, and you’ll already save significantly.
6. Shop Smart for Souvenirs
While the palace gift shops are undeniably tempting, prices there are often steep. They are even sky-touching for simple items like magnets or bookmarks. If you want to take a piece of the place home without overspending, explore the charming town of Versailles itself.
You can head down to the Rue de la Paroisse or the nearby local market for artisan goods, handmade crafts, or even beautiful vintage finds. You’ll get a unique souvenir at a much better price. Plus, this is a great way to support local vendors in the process.
Smart Tip: Small items like lavender sachets, French soaps, or illustrated maps make affordable and lightweight keepsakes.
7. Take Advantage of Free Walking Routes in the Gardens
While parts of the Versailles Gardens may require a ticket on Musical Fountain Show days, much of the garden area remains freely accessible on regular days. Many visitors don’t realize just how vast the grounds are or that you can enjoy wide sections of the gardens without spending a cent.
There are several scenic paths around the Grand Canal and tree-lined lanes that offer incredible views and photogenic spots. That too, they are completely for free. These quieter walking routes are perfect if you’re visiting on a really tight budget or simply want to enjoy a peaceful break away from the crowds.
To Sum It All Up!
A trip to Versailles is something you’ll never forget — but that doesn’t mean you have to spend extravagantly to enjoy it. With a little advance planning and a few smart decisions, you can experience everything the palace has to offer while staying well within your travel budget.
The simple key is just to book the right tickets on time, bundle where it makes sense, and avoid unnecessary extras that don’t add to your experience. Because in a place built to showcase elegance and power, even budget-savvy travelers can feel like royalty — without the royal price tag.
