Recommendation: Use the palace cloakroom for day bags and coats; reserve a commercial left-baggage point in the nearby town or book a storage spot in Paris for larger suitcases. On-site cloakroom accepts backpacks and parcels only; large trunks and sports gear are usually refused.
Practical details: the cloakroom typically operates during opening hours (check the palace timetable before arrival). Accepted dimensions for hand baggage are roughly 55 × 35 × 20 cm or smaller; fees for the on-site service are usually nil, while external depots charge between €5–€15 per item per day depending on size. Expect security checks at entry and occasional requests to open bags.
Alternative options: several peer-to-peer and commercial networks (examples: Stasher, LuggageHero, Radical Storage) maintain partner shops and hotels within a short walk of the RER C stop serving the château; typical operating hours run ~08:00–20:00, with online booking and instant confirmations. Major Paris train stations also offer consigne services with comparable rates; verify availability and exact prices on the station websites before departure.
Operational tips: arrive at least 45 minutes before the planned visit if dropping items, present photo ID and the booking receipt on collection, photograph bag contents and exterior condition at drop-off, and avoid leaving passports, cash or electronics. For oversized items, call the chosen depot in advance to confirm acceptance, maximum dimensions and any time restrictions. Keep the deposit ticket or QR code until the item is retrieved.
Leaving bags at the Château: practical options and steps
Primary recommendation: Use the Château cloakrooms for coats and small bags; large suitcases and travel trunks should be deposited off-site with a commercial left‑bag provider or at a staffed station facility before arriving at the gates.
On-site cloakroom details: Cloakrooms accept coats, handbags, daypacks and small tote cases only. All items are inspected at security checkpoints; bulky cases are routinely refused at the entrance. Keep passports and valuables with visitors rather than placing them in a cloakroom.
If carrying large suitcases: Book a nearby commercial storage point via services such as Bounce, Stasher, LuggageHero or Nannybag – many partner shops lie within a 5–15 minute walk from the Château. Typical fees range from €5–€12 per day depending on size and season; confirm dimensions accepted and exact opening hours on the provider’s listing before arrival.
Rail terminal alternative: For those travelling from Paris, handing trunks to a staffed left‑luggage office at major stations (for example, Gare Montparnasse or Gare Saint‑Lazare) is often cheaper for multi‑day deposits. Automated lockers at Paris terminals accept medium‑sized bags but generally reject large suitcases.
Practical checklist before arrival: 1) Measure case dimensions and check provider size limits. 2) Pre‑book and print or save the reservation/receipt. 3) Allow an extra 20–40 minutes to drop off items and reach the Château entrance ahead of timed tickets. 4) Leave expensive electronics and important documents with the party, not in third‑party storage unless covered by explicit insurance.
Security and collection tips: Expect bag inspection at the gate; keep the claim ticket until retrieval; verify the provider’s liability cap and opening hours so collection is scheduled before the site closes.
On-site cloakroom at the Palace: availability, location and opening hours
Recommendation: Leave coats, backpacks and compact cases at the Palace cloakroom located by the main visitor entrance; refuse bringing large wheeled cases inside the state apartments.
The cloakroom is a staffed vestiaire just inside the main entrance (follow signs for “VESTIAIRE” after security). Staff accept coats, backpacks, camera bags and cabin-size suitcases only; oversized trunks and large roller cases are declined due to narrow circulation in the apartments and conservation rules. Items are tagged on drop-off and returned against a ticket stub.
Opening hours: Operates during Palace public hours – typically Tuesday to Sunday 09:00–18:30 (closed Mondays); check the Palace official timetable for seasonal variations and exceptional closures. Cloakroom service closes with the Palace; retrieval after closing is not available. Expect the desk to stop accepting drops 30–60 minutes before closing.
Practical notes: Security staff may ask to open bags for inspection. No secure coin lockers on site; daily hold only (no long-term storage). If travelling with large cases, arrange off-site drop-off at nearby train-station lockers or commercial baggage services (prices commonly €5–€15 per item per day). For compact, durable travel gear suitable for European trips consult best luggage for euro e.
Accepted bag sizes and prohibited items at the Palace cloakroom
Bring bags no larger than 55 x 35 x 25 cm (standard cabin dimensions); small backpacks, handbags and carry-on suitcases within these limits are normally accepted at the Palace cloakroom, while bulky travel cases will be refused at the entrance.
- Accepted (typical): small backpacks, handbags, tablet/briefcase bags, camera pouches – up to 55 x 35 x 25 cm.
- Accepted: coats, scarves, compact foldable strollers and baby carriers (staff may ask to fold strollers during busy hours).
- Accepted: small musical accessories (sheet-music folders, compact metronomes), compact tripods for amateur cameras.
- Refused: large wheeled suitcases, trunks and freight boxes exceeding cabin dimensions.
- Refused: full-size sports equipment (skis, snowboards, longboards, full bicycles) and bulky camping gear.
- Refused: professional film/photography rigs – large tripods, lighting stands, bulky camera cases.
- Refused: electric scooters, standard-size folding bikes with large batteries and hoverboards (battery/transport safety rules apply).
- Refused: hazardous items – flammable liquids, gas canisters, explosives, corrosive substances and industrial aerosols.
- Refused: weapons, ammunition and large sharp tools.
- Refused: open alcoholic containers and perishable food in large quantities.
All items are subject to security inspection; staff may request to open any bag. High-value items (passports, large amounts of cash, jewelry, high-end cameras) are best kept on the person since cloakroom liability for valuables is limited.
For oversized or prohibited items, use baggage-deposit services at nearby train stations or private short-term deposit companies in the town centre; confirm size, battery and opening-hour restrictions before arrival.
Off-site lockers and private services near the Palace: addresses and distance
Recommendation: prefer private drop-off networks for large suitcases; they place partners within short walking distance from the Château and guarantee booking/insurance via app.
RER C – Place d’Armes (Rive Gauche): station entrance at Place d’Armes, 78000 – approximate distance to the Château: 250–350 m (~4–5 minutes on foot). Several self-service lockers and short-term drop points are concentrated around the station exits.
SNCF Chantiers hub (Avenue du Général Leclerc): 4 Avenue du Général Leclerc, 78000 – approximate distance to the Château: 1.1 km (~13–15 minutes on foot; 5–7 minutes by local bus). Good option for larger items when station facilities are available.
SNCF Rive Droite station (Place de la Gare): Place de la Gare – approximate distance to the Château: 900 m (~11–12 minutes on foot). Several commercial partners offering short-term holding are located on the approach streets.
Major private networks: Radical Storage, Bounce, Nannybag and BagBnB operate partner kiosks and shops concentrated along Rue de la Paroisse, Avenue de Saint-Cloud and the shopping axis between the three stations; expect partner addresses within 150–600 m of the Château. Typical hours: 09:00–19:00; book and pay via each provider’s website or app to reserve a confirmed drop-off point.
Example partner location pattern: small cafés, tobacconists and hotel receptions acting as hosts – address format usually “[Shop name], Rue de la Paroisse / Avenue de Paris, 78000” – distance to the Château commonly 150–300 m. Confirm exact host address and opening times on the service map before arrival.
Practical notes: check size limits and insurance in the booking step; for overnight holds verify host closing times. If planning same-day rail departures, choose the Chantiers hub for quickest platform access. For additional local attraction reading see best aquarium in dallas texas.
Costs, payment methods and advance booking rules for bag deposit
Book an online locker or staffed bag-drop at least 48 hours before peak dates; expect limited availability during weekends and school holidays.
Typical price ranges: coin-operated lockers – small €4–€7 for 4–6 hours or €6–€12 per 24h; medium €6–€10 (4–6h) or €8–€15 per 24h; large €8–€12 (short) or €12–€20 per 24h. Staffed cloakrooms near the Palace usually charge €6–€12 for a half-day and €8–€18 per 24h. Same-day door-to-door transfer services to central Paris cost roughly €15–€35 per item; next-day delivery €25–€50. Long-term weekly rates at private depots run €30–€75 per item/week.
Payment methods accepted: major debit/credit cards (Visa, Mastercard), contactless tap, Apple Pay and Google Pay at staffed points; app-based lockers require prepayment by card or PayPal and QR code activation. Coin-only machines remain in a few locations; those require exact change. Cash payments are less common at off-site providers but still accepted by some staffed desks; request a receipt when paying cash.
Reservation rules: free online reservations typically available until 24 hours before drop-off; premium services demand full prepayment and may apply a non-refundable policy inside a 48-hour window. For high season, reserve 3–7 days ahead. Group bookings (more than five items) often require prior email confirmation and may carry a handling surcharge of €2–€5 per additional item.
Overstay and loss policies: hourly overstay fees for lockers range €1–€3/hour with a capped late fee of €10–€25 after 24h; staffed facilities commonly charge a flat €10–€30 for each extra 24h. Lost-ticket handling usually triggers an identification procedure plus a fee of €20–€60. Insurance coverage is limited–most operators cap liability at €50–€150 unless declared value insurance is purchased separately; request terms before handover.
ID and documentation: passport or national ID is required at staffed counters; a signed receipt or QR ticket is issued and must be retained for retrieval. For high-value items, ask about special tagging, secure lockers or insured transfer options and note any declared-value fees.
Cancellation and refund specifics: standard lockers booked via platforms allow free cancellation up to 24h prior; premium same-day services frequently retain the full amount if canceled within 48h. Confirm refund windows and chargeback rules on the confirmation email. For additional local services such as umbrella repair while on-site, see best umbrella repair shops fullerton.
Arriving with baggage: security checks, access limits and timing tips
Arrive 45–60 minutes before a timed-entry slot; allow 90–120 minutes on summer weekends and public holidays.
Security screening: expected procedure
All visitors pass through walk-through detectors and bag inspections. Typical screening takes 3–10 minutes per person for small daypacks; allow 10–25 minutes when bulky cases, photographic rigs or strollers are present. Electronics (laptops, tablets, camera bodies) must be removed from bags for X‑ray if requested; keep them easily accessible in a single compartment. Avoid carrying sealed liquids over 100 ml in multiple containers to speed checks.
Sharp objects, large sports equipment and professional filming rigs are usually flagged for additional inspection or refused at the gate; plan alternative arrangements for oversized items in advance. Mobility aids and assistive devices are screened but usually admitted via a dedicated lane–access staff at the main entrance provide guidance.
Access limits and entry practicalities
Timed-entry tickets are enforced; late arrivals may be admitted only at the next available slot or redirected to a different entrance. Groups with reservation codes typically use a separate reception; solo visitors should approach the visitor entrance with timed-entry scanners. Certain areas have capacity limits and occasional temporary closures (special events, state visits), which can cause delays or rerouting–check official notices on the day of travel.
Scenario | Recommended arrival before entry | Notes |
---|---|---|
Timed-entry ticket holder (off-peak) | 45–60 minutes | Standard screening; ticket scanner lines add 5–10 minutes |
Timed-entry ticket holder (peak season) | 90–120 minutes | Higher crowd volumes and longer bag checks |
Guided group | 30–45 minutes | Group leader must arrive early for headcount and entry briefing |
With large photographic or professional gear | Allow extra 30–60 minutes | Prior authorization or press pass may be required; check rules before arrival |
Visitors requiring accessibility assistance | 30–60 minutes | Dedicated lane reduces wait but staff assistance may be needed at arrival |
Practical tips: carry a single small daypack zipped and ready for inspection, have tickets and ID accessible on a phone or printed, arrive via the closest drop-off or public-transport stop to reduce transit time, and monitor official site or social channels for same‑day entry alerts or temporary closures.