Since the Château de Versailles is located about 16 miles outside of Paris, getting there requires a bit more than just hopping on a Paris Métro train. With a little planning and the right information, you can make the journey smoothly and economically.
The best way to get to Versailles is by Paris RER train. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate your way from Paris to the Château de Versailles.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reaching Château de Versailles
Step 1: Head to the Nearest Métro Station
Begin your journey by making your way to the nearest Métro station. Paris has an extensive Métro network, so you should have no trouble finding a station nearby.
Step 2: Purchase Your Train Ticket
At the ticket office or the green automatic ticket machines, buy a train ticket to Versailles-Rive Gauche (RER C). The cost is about €7.00 per person for a round trip. You will receive two tickets per person: one for the trip to Versailles and one for your return to Paris. Keep them separate to avoid confusion.
Step 3: Locate a Métro/RER Station Serving Versailles-Rive Gauche
Find a Métro map on the station wall and identify how to get to a station that serves the Versailles-Rive Gauche (RER C) line. Some main stations include St. Michel-Notre Dame, Musée d’Orsay, Invalides, and Champs de Mars-Tour Eiffel.
Step 4: Pass Through the Turnstile
Insert your ticket into the turnstile, retrieve it, and proceed to the appropriate Métro line that will take you to the Métro/RER station.
Step 5: Transfer to the RER C Line
Once you’ve arrived at the Métro/RER station, exit the Métro train but stay within the station. Follow the signs to the platform for RER C: Versailles Château-Rive Gauche. Look for a brown/white sign with “Château de Versailles.”
Step 6: Check the RER Schedule
At the RER C platform, check the video screen to find out when the next train to Versailles Château-Rive Gauche is arriving. The train at the top of the list is the next one to arrive or currently at the platform. Make sure the train is headed to Versailles Château-Rive Gauche, sometimes abbreviated as ‘Versailles Chateau-RG’ or ‘Versail. Chat’.
Step 7: Board the Train to Versailles
Verify the train’s destination is Versailles Château-Rive Gauche (not Versailles-Chantier or Versailles-Rive Droit). Trains to Versailles Château-Rive Gauche are often named VICK or VITY. If you’re unsure, ask a nearby passenger. Once confident, board the train, find a seat, and enjoy the 45-minute ride. Keep an eye on your belongings as pickpockets can be active.
Step 8: Arrive at Versailles-Rive Gauche
When you arrive at Versailles-Rive Gauche, exit the train and the station. You will need the same train ticket you used in Paris to exit the station.
Step 9: Cross the Street and Head to the Pathway
Outside the station, cross the street at the pedestrian crossing and turn left between the café and the green metal/glass kiosk.
Step 10: Follow the Tree-Lined Pathway
Turn right onto the tree-lined pedestrian pathway and follow it until you reach the parking lot outside the palace.
Step 11: Enter the Palace Compound
As you reach the parking lot, veer right and look for the open gates to the palace compound on your left.
Step 12: Enter the Château de Versailles
Enter through the gates. Paris Museum Pass holders should head to the left for the ‘No-Queue Access’ security checkpoint. If you need to purchase a ticket, get in the line to the right.
Traveling from Paris to the Château de Versailles by RER train is both cost-effective and straightforward if you follow these steps. Enjoy your visit to one of France’s most iconic landmarks!
