So you want to come in to the Domaine de Versailles, the property that includes the castle, trianons, and hameau of Marie Antoinette? Well we used to lived there and always went in by the back on the garden, and you can do it too. I have written briefly on it but feels a single post is merited on this information. You can come in to the Palace/Museum of Versailles by the Porte Saint Antoine. Therefore, here is my take on the Porte Saint Antoine of Versailles !!! Hope you enjoy the post as I.
Where I entered every weekend into the Domaine de Versailles, either walking or by car, the Porte Saint Antoine,,ordered built in 1786 to replaced the old archdoor that gave way from the petit parc to the town of Le Chesnay (where my boys went to school). The decoration of the archway or porte shows the lion of Némée that is killed by Hercules, as well seen in other parts of the castle such as the Cour Royale,and the support of balcons leading to the gardens. The archway marked symbolic the entry into an universe where nature has been dominated,and magnify by the hands of the kings!!! Yes my archway is magnificent.
Arranged at the crossings of the horse riders and near the Avenue de Versailles, this exit from the palace made it possible to reach the Château de Marly then St Germain en Laye. It begins south in front of the Grand Canal and ends approximately 1350 meters north on Boulevard Saint-Antoine, where the Arc de Triomphe at Porte Saint-Antoine is located. The starting point for the nice walk is located at the Porte Saint-Antoine gate which is the closest entrance to the Marie-Antoinette Hameau. There is a small parking lot located before the entrance and it is free on Sundays. You can also enter your car in the park and park even closer paying fees. We can finally rent bikes to get around the park faster , there is a bike point right next to the front door.
Entrance into the park of Versailles is free and many locals (like we used to do it) jog in the park. Walking then is easy to the gardens/Trianons and Hameau properties without going in .We love it for jogging and walking many times. And more on the Porte Saint-Antoine: This door, also called Porte de la Reine, constitutes another entrance into the Petit Parc of the Château de Versailles, allowing access to the châteaux of Marly and Saint-Germain-en-Laye. You can take this entrance to get to the Hameau de la Reine, or even to the Trianon estate. At the pediment of the door: the Lion of Nemea sculpted by Joseph Deschamps who created a large number of sculptures in the area of Versailles and at the request of Marie-Antoinette he made the detailed models preparing the construction of the Hameau.
The bus lines have change since june 2025 ,therefore, the new bus line to take is the 7819 at Ave Saint Cloud and Ave de l’Europe and stop at Arboretum, or Parly 2 shopping center, then walk about 200 meters to the porte Saint Antoine gate. This gate is open daily from 7h to 19h30 (from April to October). Last admission: 19h. And open daily from 8h to 18h (from November to March). Last admission: 17h30
The Porte Saint Antoine gate of the Palace/museum of Versailles (aka Château de Versailles): https://bienvenue.chateauversailles.fr/en/park/access/343_saint-anthony-gate#!panel-82
This is an off the beaten path entry into one of the most popular sites in my belle France. It can avoid lots of lines, of course, you need to have your ticket purchase in advance to enter the palace. We wandered around the park/gardens at will and it was sublime to do to, the hightlight of us living there.
There you go folks, a wonderful gorgeous palace that is must to see while in France, me think. This is the history of France and Europe before you and do spent more than a day here, its all worth it. Again, hope you enjoy this post on the Porte Saint Antoine of Versailles !!! as I
And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 