Cour royale du Château de Versailles, Courtyard in the Palace of Versailles, Versailles, France

The Royal Courtyard of the Palace of Versailles sits between the Marble Court and the Court of Honor, bordered by the Gabriel Wing and the Dufour Pavilion. This space connects different sections of the palace complex and serves as a transition zone that links the interior and exterior parts of the estate.

The courtyard emerged in the 17th century as the core of the royal residence and formed a central axis of the palace complex. Its development progressed alongside the palace expansions that took place over successive generations.

The courtyard lies in a line of three courts: the Court of Honour, then this Royal Court behind the Royal Gate, then the Marble Court. The Gabriel Wing closes it to the north and the Dufour Pavilion to the south. Visitors pass through it on the way from the gate toward the palace facade.

Visiting the courtyard requires a valid palace ticket and is included in the standard touring routes through Versailles. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the routes through the complex are lengthy and cover stone surfaces.

The courtyard is the middle of three aligned courts: the Royal Gate separates it from the Court of Honor behind, and the Marble Court lies ahead. The Gabriel Wing closes it to the north and the Dufour Pavilion to the south.