On the official site, the language concerning entrance fees is not entirely clear. Is the €8 admission price to the gardens inclusive of all fees, or is it necessary to buy one's way into the Château as well? We've toured the interiors, so we wouldn't want to pay for that again if we didn't have to.

http://www.chateauversailles-spectacles.fr/en/gem.htm

several years ago we had to pay extra for the Grandes Eaux Musical thing in the gardens. Not sure now but it was in addition to the palace.

Yes - the gardens have always been extra whenever we've been there.

But my question was whether we can take in the music & fountains without buying into the castle.

Anybody know for sure?

You can enter the gardens without entering the Chateau. Completely separate entrances. Just go to the left of the Chateau to enter the gardens or to get to the Trianons.

Separate admission charge, of course.

A lot of people just go to hang out in the gardens all day.

It seems pretty clear to me that the ticket is exclusively for the Grands Eaux Musicales. For one thing, there are separate entrances you must use to get there.

There's also a 25% reduction in train fare on SNCF if you buy the entrance fee and your train fare at the same time.

Thanks to everyone. Guess we won't need museum passes after all.

I've gone into the park several times in the past and never paid (except on the weekend musical fountains thing)

Is the charge to enter the park new?

Last time (2004?), there were toll gates outside the castle back door. I think it was 3€ to get into the gardens.

The gardens and grounds are free , except on Sat or Sun. when they have the musical fountains show. Last time I was there I was on a bike tour. We entered from 'bottom( sorry guys, I don't do North South East WEst thing) near the Hameau, we did not pay. We had a picnic at bottom of canal, we then rode to foot( start of canal) and then we LEFT the ground, rode around outside of walls, and entered by the front to visit the Palace, the tour did not include the Fountain Show entrance.

Even on Musical days,, you can enter the lower grounds, without paying, but not from Chateau. On those days you must walk outside perimeter of walls/grounds, around, and enter from "sides" , which take you to the start of the Canals.Healthy walk.

We LOVED seeing the fountains and I can't imagine being there when they are not going BUT don't expect a "show". It's just fountains running and music being played from outdoor speakers. I expected this synchronized water/music show. Once we got over that, we just enjoyed the beauty while walking around in the huge gardens. They go for a long ways behind the palace.

We also really enjoyed the Queen's Hamlet--even more than the palace.

Musical fountain brings life to any event it looks really wonderful with sizzling lights and musics.
http://www.musicalfountain.info/