Paris and the surrounding landscapes are dotted with luxurious palaces, enchanting chateaus and historic fortresses. Of the many that are open to visitors, Paris travelers often choose between two: Versailles or Fontainebleau.
It’s not an easy decision. When the question was posed to us, we didn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. Yes, they are both impressive palaces, but vastly different.
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Having personally been to both, we can attest that each has pros and cons. To help you decide which one to add to your Paris Itinerary, we are pitting the two against each other in a classic duel: Versailles vs Fontainebleau!
We should emphasize up front that we truly believe that both venues are worth visiting. Additionally, Versailles and Fontainebleau are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Each royal residence also features elegantly decorated rooms, sprawling green spaces and intriguing tales of the past. Still, if you only have time to see one during your Paris trip, how do you choose?
Versailles vs Fontainebleau: Which is Better?
Based on our personal experiences, we are outlining the positive and negative attributes of visiting each attraction.
Only you can determine whether to visit the Palace of Versailles or Château de Fontainebleau – and we hope our advice will help make your decision easier!
Architecture and Decor
When comparing the overall appearance of Fontainebleau and Versailles, the two palaces have some similarities…but Versailles absolutely shines. As in, it literally glitters with golden detailing and shimmering embellishments.
Versailles features a French Baroque design with a dramatic exterior and extravagant interior. In some ways, the lavish decor of the 2,300-rooms can feel a little over the top, but it definitely delivers on the wow factor.
That’s not to say Fontainebleau isn’t stately and beautiful, because it most certainly is! However, the Renaissance architecture and sophisticated interior exude a more imperious ambiance.
History of these Paris Palaces
The past of Paris emanates from both palaces – but each one covers different time periods.
The origins of Versailles can be traced to a royal hunting lodge that was built in 1623. In the late 1600s, the humble structure was expanded into a chateau.
Then in the mid-1700s, the building and grounds were enriched with ostentatious decoration. The palace was home to royalty right up to the 1789 French Revolution, when it was abandoned by the court.
Chateau de Fontainebleau also began as a hunting lodge, but its history stretches back to the year 1137. From the 1500s to the late 1700s, the estate was renovated into an elaborate palace.
More changes were instituted in the 19th century by Napoleon I, who called it the ‘true home of kings, the house of ages.’ The palace continued to be a royal residence until the year 1870.
Highlights of Versailles and Fontainebleau
For many travelers, determining whether to visit the Chateau of Fontainebleau or Palace of Versailles boils down to what sights can be toured.
At Versailles, visitors can see 50 rooms of the impeccably decorated interior. The most prominent among them are the Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Chapel and the Royal Apartments – including the bedroom of Marie-Antoinette.
The Versailles Palace grounds feature meticulously planned gardens and magnificent fountains. Furthermore, guests are invited to tour the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon and Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet.
Fontainebleau allows visitors to explore more than 120 rooms. The most intriguing being the Throne Room of Napoleon I, which is the last of its kind. Other highlights include the Royal Chapel and Ballroom.
The grounds of Fontainebleau are centered on the Grand Parterre – but also feature a lake (with boat rides available in summertime). The sprawling and expansive gardens are quite impressive!
Crowds at Versailles vs Fontainebleau
There is no doubt that of the two Paris palaces, Versailles is by far the more popular one to visit. Although new timed tickets are helping mitigate the crowds, touring Versailles will likely still test your patience.
At times, the rooms can be difficult to see because of the hefty number of fellow visitors – and the opulent Hall of Mirrors can feel like one big cattle corral.
Although Fontainebleau can become quite congested, it is rarely thronged with tourists. During our Spring time visit, there was no line for entry and we often found moments of solitude in the prettiest rooms.
Versailles vs Fontainebleau Cost
Another important factor to consider is the cost of tickets, because the price can certainly sway budget-conscious travelers.
First, we want to mention that entry to both is included with the Paris Museum Pass. Although at Versailles, the pass does not include access to the gardens on Musical Fountain Days.
Garden Only tickets are available on those days – and they are free to enter on non-Musical Fountain Days.
The cost of adult tickets to Versailles are priced by season and events. However, an all-inclusive ‘Passport’ during the high season on Musical Fountain Days exceeds 30 euros.
The price of an adult Fontainebleau ticket costs less than 15 euros – and the gardens are always free to visit. Also, discounts or free entry may apply for young people and certain pass holders.
How To Get to Versailles vs Fontainebleau
The best way to get to both palaces from Paris is by train. It’s fairly fast, efficient and the most cost-effective transport option to either attraction.
The RER C train to Versailles takes about 30 minutes to an hour (depending on your Paris station) and costs less than 10 euros roundtrip. Once in Versailles town, it’s a 10-minute walk to the palace.
Getting to Fontainebleau Palace is almost as simple. Board a Transilien R train at Paris Gare de Lyon bound for Fontainebleau-Avon Station. The journey takes 40 minutes and costs 5 euros. From the station, catch Bus 3401 to the Chateau (tickets available from the driver for €2).
Tips for Visiting Fontainebleau & Versailles
Whether you decide to visit Fontainebleau or Versailles, we have some honest advice that will hopefully make your trip a little bit better.
Palace of Versailles Tips
Travelers who opt to go to Versailles should plan to spend the entire day at the palace and in the gardens.
We feel it’s best to start in the gardens. Then for lunch, eat at one of the garden restaurants or bring items for an enchanting picnic in one of the designated areas.
Go inside the palace in the afternoon and plan to stay for about 2 hours. Late in the day, spend an hour touring the Town of Versailles before returning to Paris by train.
If you really want to see Versailles rooms with few other visitors, book the first timeslot of the day and arrive early (really early). Then, head straight for the Hall of Mirrors and see the gardens after lunch.
Versailles offers an audio guide, but it’s free to download the mobile app. Guided tours – and organized tours from Paris – are also available.
Tips for Fontainebleau Palace
Visitors who decide to go to the Gardens and Palace of Fontainebleau should allow at least half a day. However, an all-day trip allows time to walk around the town and take a hike in the woods.
Options for lunch are limited at the palace and many restaurants in town close for the afternoon. Therefore, we suggest bringing a picnic lunch, which can be enjoyed in the English Garden.
Audio guides are available for a fee and guided tours can also be booked. Excursions from Paris – like this full day trip – include visiting the 17th-century Vaux-le-Vicomte Palace.
More Paris Sightseeing Tips
- Self-Guided Paris Walking Tours
- Best Paris Museums To Visit
- Paris Hidden Gems
- Fun Craft Beer Bars in Paris
- Paris Travel Tips
- How To Plan 7 Days in Paris
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