Chateau de Versailles?

Question

We will be visiting Paris in September for 6 days. Should we spend one of our days visiting the Chateau de Versailles? I've heard it is absolutely beautiful and a must see. I have also heard it is extremely crowded, really long lines to get in, to eat, and to use the bathroom. Is it worth a day, a half day, or none at all? Thank you.

Answer 1

Versailles is gorgeous!  I'd definitely recommend a visit there if you'll be there for 6 days.  If you leave early and get there around when they open, you could be back to Paris by mid-afternoon (if I remember right, it's about 45 minutes outside Paris).  The grounds will take you longer than the Chateau if you walk them - they're HUGE.  But it's a gorgeous place filled with history!

Answer 2

I have visited Versailles on three different occassions and I never tire of it.  

Honestly, you can certainly do it in a day- however, there is a lot to pack in because there are really two parts to Versailles:

The Palace:  Get there in the morning so you don't have to endure the lines as badly as you would in the middle of the day - plus there is a lot to see inside.

The Grounds:  This is a trip in itself because its not only taking the time to stroll through the gardens and admire the fountains... There are other residences that require time and attention.  The Grande Trianon and The Petit Trianon are not to be missed.  The grounds surrounding the Petit Trianon also need attention because it is a deeper look into the life of Marie Antoinette.  

Between the Palace, Garden, Fountains, Petite Trianon, Grande Trianon and the grounds surrounding the Petit Trianon.  It is one packed day.  

Have a great time!

Answer 3

It's pretty, but it depends on how interested you are in 16-17th century architecture and history.  The crowds are large, bathrooms are scarce and often filthy, there are only two or three places to get anything to eat or drink, and there's a lot of walking involved, and often a lot of waiting in line.

The palace is beautiful; the gardens are exquisite as well.  Allow at least half a day.  The fountains run on weekends and certain other days in summer.  It can be very hot in September.

There is a lot to see in Paris, more than enough to fill six days.  Most people go to Versailles because everyone tells them they have to go to Versailles.  Some people are awestruck by it and consider it the highlight of their trip; others can hardly wait to get back into Paris.

Answer 4

Absolutely go see it.  It is amazing and well worth a day.  Tip:  Purchase "Le Passport" for this trip.  It includes round trip train fare, admission without standing in the regular queue (although there may still be a queue for people with these passes- it is still shorter lines) it includes admission to all areas of the property, palace, gardens and other buildings.  It cost 23 or 25 € and is a savings.  You can take the RER train from Museé D'orsay all the way to Versailles.  Enjoy the entire day and take your time and see it all.  It is very well worth it.  Bon voyage.

Answer 5

It is gorgeous and worth a half day at least. Check on getting a private tour as there are alot of visitors in the Summer.

Answer 6

It is worth visiting, but yes the crouds are huge! The lines are very long and slow moving due to the security and bag checks they put you through (just like airport security)!

its often hard to really appreciate this beatuiful palace due to all the tour groups that croud each room however the gardens are truely beautiful and i recommend them.

the palace of versaille has so much history there are it is well worth it!

tip = use the bathrooms in the cafe in the gardens no que there for the ladies rather then the ones in the palace

Answer 7

Its worth visiting but it will take a whole day.

Answer 8

i went to france 3 months ago, and my visit to versailles is the one which i will cherish forever. it is an incredibly beautiful, exquisite, and romantic place with gardens to match. actually, the gardens were my favorite part. if the lines are really long, just try the gardens instead. you can take a one-hour rowboat ride up and down the reflecting pool, and just walk leisurely along the little paths and labyrinths. it's true, the lines are long, but the wait is definitely worth it. you can also reserve a time, but that might just be for groups.......

have fun!

Answer 9

Yes, visit!

It is wonderful.

When I went, there was no line at all. Not to get in or to go to the bathroom. A half day would be good, you'll see everything. Well it matters how long you take. They give you earphones and a player and where ever you are it tells you about the place. But that takes too long. I would prefer reading what the signs say. It's not a waste of time :)

Answer 10

Versailles is beautiful, well worth a visit. True, there are lots of people who want to experience the beauty of Versailles. Tuesdays are the worst days to go. That's when the majority of other museums in Paris are closed, so the crowd flocks to Versailles.

Get a museum pass. There is a special entrance for museum pass holders. You can get a pass at any Metro ticket booth. You still must go through security, but it's a different gate and the line isn't as extensive. It's worth its weight in gold to bypass the line at Versailles and at Ste. Chapelle. Highly recommend!

Also, there is Le Passeport (price varies, depending when you go) that covers your entrance to just about everything there, including audio guides. Buy the pass before you leave Paris (it'll cost you an extra 1.50 Euros, but includes your roundtrip RER ride). For more information, check the link I posted beside "Everything you wanted to know".

The gardens are wonderful. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes because there is a lot of walking. Marie-Antoinette's hamlet is fantastic. Take tons of photos!

Check out www.ricksteves.com for information and a tour of Versailles. He gives you the lowdown so you don't have to rent the audio guide.. But you can if you want. Now, your museum pass does not include access to another part of Versailles...the Queen's Chambers maybe? That's extra but may be worth it.

Be aware of your surroundings. Versailles, as are many other major tourist hot spots, is a haven for pickpockets. Keep valuables in your money belt and a tight grip on your daypack and camera. There are signs everywhere warning visitors of the pickpockets. I have never had a problem with pickpockets. If you're not an easy target, you'll be fine. But that pretty much goes for every large city.

Don't eat at the McDonalds there right across from the RER station. It is horribly crowded and you do have to wait in line to use the loo (just so you know, to wash your hands, there's a button on the front of the sink you push...took a while to figure that one out.). There are some charming little restaurants in the area, not to mention great souvenir shops en route to the palace. Eat at a cafe rather than McDonalds. Much more fun that way.