Versailles with children in autumn

What to do in Versailles with children in autumn? Family exhibitions and activities

Name: Hôtel des Roys Versailles
Address: 14, Avenue de Paris, Versailles, 78000, FR
Telephone: +33 1 39 50 56 00
Price range: €€

Planning a stay in Versailles with your children during the All Saints’ half-term or on an autumn weekend? Between the palace exhibitions, creative workshops, walks in the royal gardens and Halloween events, Versailles has plenty of outing ideas for young and old alike.

Just a short walk from the city’s most iconic sights, Hôtel des Roys lets you enjoy a stay in the heart of Versailles and discover the treasures of the royal city as a family.

Here is our selection of exhibitions and activities to enjoy in and around Versailles in autumn 2026.

1. Exhibitions to discover in Versailles as a family

Sofia Coppola’s “Marie Antoinette”: go behind the scenes of the film

From 22 September 2026 to 24 January 2027, the Palace of Versailles celebrates the twentieth anniversary of Sofia Coppola’s film Marie Antoinette with an exhibition devoted to its making and its aesthetic world.

Held at the Petit Trianon, the exhibition offers a fresh look at the famous queen and at the historic places that served as the film’s set. Costumes, visual references and cinema history offer a different way into Versailles.

It is a worthwhile outing for families with teenagers who love history, costumes and film.

Practical information:

Dates: 22 September 2026 to 24 January 2027.
Venue: Petit Trianon, Estate of Versailles.
During the All Saints’ holidays, from 17 October to 1 November, special opening from 10am, Tuesday to Sunday.
Entry with a ticket to the Estate of Trianon or a Passport ticket.

For families who want to extend the visit, the gardens and the Queen’s Hamlet reveal a more intimate side of Versailles, away from the palace rooms.

“Costume in Versailles in the 18th century” at the Musée Lambinet

How did people dress in the time of Louis XVI? What did the nobles, courtiers and townspeople of Versailles wear?

The Musée Lambinet presents the exhibition “Le costume à Versailles au XVIIIe siècle: de la parure à la loque” (Costume in Versailles in the 18th century: from finery to rags), from 14 October 2026 to 14 February 2027.

The exhibition explores the history of fashion, dress habits and social differences through the clothing and imagery of the period. It is ideal for children and teenagers curious about French history and daily life under the Ancien Régime.

Practical information:

Dates: 14 October 2026 to 14 February 2027.
Venue: Musée Lambinet, boulevard de la Reine, Versailles.
Opening hours vary by day: check the museum’s official website before your visit.

“Versailles insolite”: little-known stories of the royal city

To see Versailles from a different angle, the exhibition “Versailles insolite: petites histoires méconnues de la cité royale” (Unusual Versailles: little-known stories of the royal city) is on at the Ancienne Poste until 15 November 2026.

It looks at the town beyond the palace, with anecdotes, places and stories of the royal city that few visitors know.

A visit idea for families who want to enrich their stay and explore Versailles’ heritage in an original way.

2. Must-do activities for children during the All Saints’ holidays

“Vacances royales” (Royal Holidays) at the Palace of Versailles

From 17 October to 1 November 2026, the Palace of Versailles runs a family programme called “Vacances royales”.

On Wednesdays and at weekends, fun and creative activities invite children to discover the heritage in a new way. Depending on the sessions on offer, families can explore creative workshops, court costumes, the secrets of the palace or the daily life of the royals.

The programme is an excellent way to introduce children to history without sticking to a classic tour.

Our tip: check the palace’s official calendar and book the family activities that interest you in advance, as some sessions have limited places.

A treasure hunt in the gardens with the Rabbids

For children who love games and interactive adventures, the Palace of Versailles offers a free augmented-reality mobile app featuring the Rabbids.

The idea? Explore the gardens, track down the characters and take part in a playful adventure while discovering the estate.

The activity turns a walk into a real treasure hunt and encourages younger children to explore the vistas, paths and fountains.

Remember to check the app’s terms of use and your phone’s compatibility, and make sure your battery is well charged.

The Versailles funfair: a family favourite

Until 11 November 2026, the Versailles funfair is another outing idea for families.

Rides, attractions and a festive atmosphere make for an entertaining break after a cultural visit or a stroll in the town centre.

Advertised opening hours are usually 2pm – 6pm. Do check the day’s opening hours and access conditions before you go.

3. Halloween and nature outings around Versailles

The pumpkin festival at Les Fermes de Gally

From 23 to 31 October 2026, Les Fermes de Gally, in Saint-Cyr-l’École, hold their pumpkin festival.

This autumn outing lets families enjoy a seasonal atmosphere, with pumpkins and Halloween activities.

It is a good idea for children who prefer outdoor activities to museums, and a chance to discover the countryside and farming world around Versailles.

Dates: 23 to 31 October 2026.

Advertised opening hours: 10am – 5pm.

Check access arrangements and any booking requirements directly with the organiser.

A special Halloween trail at the Versailles-Chèvreloup Arboretum

To combine nature and Halloween spirit, the Versailles-Chèvreloup Arboretum, in Le Chesnay-Rocquencourt, offers a special trail from 17 October to 2 November 2026.

It is a chance to walk among the trees, admire the autumn colours and share a family activity in a natural setting.

Children can use the outing to spot different tree species and see how nature changes as winter approaches.

Practical information:

Dates: 17 October to 2 November 2026.
Advertised opening hours: 10am – 5pm.
Advertised last entry: 4.30pm.

Check access conditions and any booking arrangements before you set off.

4. The gardens of the Palace of Versailles: a royal autumn walk

Even when temperatures drop, the gardens and park of the Palace of Versailles remain an excellent family outing.

Children can discover the grand vistas designed by André Le Nôtre, the fountains, the statues and the long avenues of the estate. In autumn, the foliage turns golden and copper, a particularly lovely setting for a walk or family photos.

The Musical Gardens and Musical Fountains Shows run until 1 November 2026. If you would like to attend, check the official calendar to choose the right date for your stay.

For families who prefer free activities or quiet walks, the park is also a great place to stroll, relax and enjoy the fresh air.

One more idea: the Queen’s Hamlet

The Queen’s Hamlet, on the Estate of Trianon, shows a different side of Marie Antoinette’s story. With its rustic cottages, paths and gardens, it has an atmosphere children often love.

You can combine this walk with a visit to the Petit Trianon and the exhibition devoted to Sofia Coppola’s film.

5. What to do in Versailles with children when it rains?

Autumn sometimes brings a few rainy days. Fortunately, several cultural activities let you carry on exploring indoors.

Here are three ideas to remember:

The Musée Lambinet: a visit to discover the history of Versailles, its collections and the ways of life of the past.
The “Marie Antoinette” exhibition: a look at the palace and its history through cinema and Sofia Coppola’s world.
The palace’s family workshops and tours: activities to choose according to your children’s ages and the programme available.

For a more creative outing, also look out for the painting, modelling and art workshops offered in Versailles during the school holidays.

Before you go, check the opening days, times, prices and booking conditions of the venues concerned.

6. Planning a family weekend in Versailles in autumn

To make the most of your stay, it is best to plan a balanced programme of heritage, fun activities and time to relax.

Here is an example of a two-day programme:

Day 1: discovering the palace and its history

Morning: visit the Palace of Versailles, with a route suited to your children’s ages.
Lunch: a break in the centre of Versailles.
Afternoon: a walk in the gardens and a visit to the Estate of Trianon, depending on opening hours and the tickets chosen.

Day 2: family activities and discoveries

Morning: visit an exhibition or join a family workshop.
Afternoon: a stroll in the town centre, a seasonal event or a nature outing around Versailles.

This programme can of course be adapted to the weather, your children’s ages and the dates of your stay.

7. Where to stay in Versailles to enjoy family activities?

To discover the exhibitions, gardens and autumn events, choosing a well-located hotel makes organising your stay much easier.

Hôtel des Roys, in Versailles, welcomes you to enjoy the city and plan your visits around the palace, its heritage and family activities.

By planning ahead, you can alternate cultural discoveries, walks and moments of relaxation without unnecessary travel.

Whether you come for the All Saints’ holidays, an autumn weekend or a few days of family discovery, Versailles offers countless ways to create wonderful memories.

Fancy discovering Versailles as a family this autumn? Check availability at Hôtel des Roys and plan your next stay in the heart of the royal city.