Gallery of Coaches

The Gallery of Coaches shows the ceremonial carriages of the Versailles collection. It fills 2 vaulted galleries on the ground floor of the Great Stables, over nearly 1,000 square metres.

King Louis-Philippe brought the collection together in 1831. The museum opened to the public in 1997. In 2016 it was enlarged and spread over the 2 galleries.

The coaches you see were made for ceremonies. Most carriages of the old Court disappeared in the Revolution. You can see 7 ceremonial carriages ordered in 1810 for the marriage of Napoleon I and the Empress Marie-Louise.

The coronation coach of Charles X and the funeral hearse of Louis XVIII are on the route. You can also see sedan chairs and Court sleds. The collection includes small carriages used by the children of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette.

A film retraces the history of horse-drawn carriages since the reign of Louis XIV. You can also use the free Palace app for audio commentary during your visit.

The building is part of the visit. Jules Hardouin-Mansart built the Great and Small Stables for Louis XIV in 3 years, from 1679 to 1682.

The Gallery of Coaches opens on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:30. In low season, 2 November to 31 March, the Gallery closes at 17:30 with last admission at 16:45. In high season, 1 April to 1 November, the Gallery closes at 18:30.

Admission is free. You need no ticket or time slot. The Palace's suggested Gallery route takes 1 hour, with time for the collection and film.

The Gallery is on the ground floor of the Great Stables, on the town side of the Palace. It is 8 minutes from the Palace on foot.

Walk down from the Palace and cross the Place d'Armes. The Royal Stables stand in front of you. The Great Stables are the building on the left. You enter through the horseshoe-shaped yard.

You can take photos of the collection without using flash. Selfie sticks are not allowed.