Apollo Fountain
A gilded masterpiece depicting Apollo in his chariot, this iconic fountain is a symbol of royal grandeur in the vast Gardens of Versailles.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Savor geometric perfection in peace
Apollo Fountain
Best Time
Savor geometric perfection in peace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A gilded masterpiece depicting Apollo in his chariot, this iconic fountain is a symbol of royal grandeur in the vast Gardens of Versailles.
"By far my favorite, and in my opinion, the most creative and beautiful single aspect of the Palace and Gardens."
Wear Comfy Shoes! 👟
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast Gardens of Versailles. Prioritize comfort!
Passport Ticket Recommended 🎟️
Combines palace and garden access. Gardens alone cost extra during fountain shows.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 1,237 reviews
Type
Sculpture
Address
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Apollo Fountain's Golden Grandeur
Gardens of Versailles
A gilded masterpiece depicting Apollo in his chariot, this fountain embodies royal splendor and glistens beautifully in the sunlight.
The Sun King's Artistic Vision
Gardens of Versailles
This fountain is considered a singular work of art, showcasing exceptional originality and execution befitting a monarch.
Dazzling Garden Surprises
Gardens of Versailles
Beyond the Apollo Fountain, discover hidden groves and over 50 unique, ornate fountains across the expansive gardens.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything at Versailles
Navigating the Grand Gardens
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Versailles Tips
This post summarises my trip to Versailles and things that other people might find useful. First off, I would like to say a big thank you to other Redditors as I gleaned a lot from earlier posts. Secondly, Versaille is Vast with a capital V and it's complex - so I think the…
Wear Comfy Shoes! 👟
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast Gardens of Versailles. Prioritize comfort!
Passport Ticket Recommended 🎟️
Combines palace and garden access. Gardens alone cost extra during fountain shows.
Versailles visit, bad experience
We went to Versailles today, with generally mid expectations and I can honestly say it was the worst tourist attraction I’ve ever been to. I don’t understand the hype at all. Big, empty rooms full of paintings that you can barely see? A garden full of sand and concrete and…
Best way to maximize trip to Versailles?
Hello everyone! (sorry if my formatting is messed up) I am an avid and experienced traveller, and I am going to Paris with my sister next week. It will be both of our first times. Versailles is her #1 must-see, since she loves pre-Revolutionary France and court culture. She…
Golf Cart or Rowboat? 🚗🚣
Rentals available to cover more ground in the expansive gardens, but factor in the cost.
Arrive Early for Peace ☀️
Beat the midday crowds to enjoy the gardens and the Apollo Fountain in tranquility.
Versailles Palace visit, what to expect?
I have booked a 9:00am entry time for the Palace and will be using my Paris Museum Pass. Visiting in mid-September. I have no idea what to expect aside from hordes of people, and would appreciate some tips to navigate the huge palace! Does my timed ticket with PMP allow me to…
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfy Shoes! 👟
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast Gardens of Versailles. Prioritize comfort!
Passport Ticket Recommended 🎟️
Combines palace and garden access. Gardens alone cost extra during fountain shows.
Golf Cart or Rowboat? 🚗🚣
Rentals available to cover more ground in the expansive gardens, but factor in the cost.
Arrive Early for Peace ☀️
Beat the midday crowds to enjoy the gardens and the Apollo Fountain in tranquility.
Golden Hour Glow ✨
The fountain truly glistens in the sunlight, offering a different experience than on a cloudy day.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the Apollo Fountain's artistic brilliance and gilded splendor, often calling it a highlight of the Versailles experience. The surrounding gardens are praised for their vastness and beauty, though the scale can be overwhelming. Some find the fountain smaller than expected from afar, but its detailed execution is universally admired.
"Gorgeous fountain although looks alot smaller from afar from the edge of the fountain. Glistens in the sunlight so nicely, a whole different experience seeing it in the sun although of course we don't chose the weather!"
Elana Podvalniuk
"The Gardens of Versailles dazzle with endless surprises: hidden groves, 50+ ornate fountains (each uniquely sculpted), and razor-sharp symmetry across 800 hectares. Rent a golf cart (€38/hour) to navigate faster or rowboats (€18) on the Grand Canal. The Apollo Fountain, a golden centerpiece, epitomizes the Sun King’s grandeur. Allocate 3+ hours—exploring every path is impossible! Pro tip: Buy the Passport ticket (€28) combining palace + gardens; entry to the gardens alone costs extra during fountain shows (€10.50). Crowds peak midday; arrive early to savor the geometric perfection in peace. A must for art and history lovers, but wear comfy shoes!"
Edgar M
"Very beautiful good for walk around nice view good area for take photo"
Sudarat
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Apollo Fountain is located within the Gardens of Versailles. You can reach Versailles by RER C train from Paris to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station. From there, it's a short walk to the palace and gardens.
Yes, there are parking areas available at Versailles, but it's recommended to use public transport from Paris to avoid traffic and parking hassles.
Yes, the Apollo Fountain is a prominent feature in the main axis of the Gardens of Versailles, easily accessible by walking from the Palace of Versailles.
Given the vastness, consider renting a golf cart or bicycles to explore the gardens efficiently and reach the Apollo Fountain and other attractions.
Many guided tours of the Palace and Gardens of Versailles include stops at key attractions like the Apollo Fountain. Check tour operator details.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Gardens of Versailles is free on most days, but requires a ticket during Musical Fountain Show or Musical Gardens days. A 'Passport' ticket includes palace and garden access.
The Gardens of Versailles are generally open daily, but hours can vary seasonally. The Apollo Fountain is an outdoor feature and visible during garden opening times.
Yes, it's highly recommended to buy your Versailles tickets online in advance to save time and guarantee entry, especially during peak season.
The Paris Museum Pass grants access to the Palace of Versailles, but garden entry may require an additional ticket on days with Musical Fountain Shows or Musical Gardens.
Check for potential discounts for students, youth, or EU residents when purchasing tickets for the Palace and Gardens of Versailles.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photographing the Apollo Fountain, minimizing harsh shadows and capturing its golden gleam.
Photography is generally permitted in the Gardens of Versailles, including at the Apollo Fountain. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid using tripods in crowded areas.
Try capturing it from the main promenade for a grand view, or get closer to appreciate the intricate details of the sculpture and water features.
Drone usage is typically prohibited within the grounds of Versailles for security and preservation reasons. Always check official regulations.
Use a wider aperture for a shallow depth of field to focus on the fountain, or a narrower aperture for a sharper image of the entire scene. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the water's sparkle.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
Allocate at least 3-4 hours to explore the Gardens of Versailles and fully appreciate the Apollo Fountain and its surroundings.
Yes, there are several cafes and restaurants within the Gardens of Versailles, offering refreshments and light meals. You can also bring a picnic.
The main paths in the Gardens of Versailles are generally accessible, but some areas might have uneven terrain. Check the official Versailles website for detailed accessibility information.
These are special events where the fountains are animated with music, offering a spectacular display. They occur on select days and require a specific ticket.
Bring comfortable shoes, water, sunscreen, a hat, and perhaps a picnic to enjoy the beautiful grounds.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit