How long to see Versailles?

Question

Hi, I'm planning a trip to Versailles. I've seen Paris, so that's not a big part for me, but I want to know how many days you would suggest to really see it. I'm history-based, so I want to see the Palace and the Trianon, everything at my leisure. Would you suggest staying in Paris and training to Versailles, or staying in Versailles itself? And if you were combining it with London, would I add a few days and go over to France? And is Varennes accessible on the same visit? Thanks so much for any help. I speak and read no French, although I'm trying to learn. Thanks.

Answer 1

It's difficult to say. You can do it in one day or in one month !

One day for the castle and one day for gardens

Answer 2

I have been to Versailles twice now, and both times I was not able to get to the Petit or Grand Trianon. I would definately suggest two days at least if you are really interested in seeing everything and being able to take it in. Three would probably be optimal. The last time I was there, in late April, they offered a private tour which cost a little more, but included a private, english speaking tour guide and included some of the private rooms of Louis IV, V & VI along with private access to the chapel where Louis VI and Marie Antoinette were married. The tour was about two hours and also allowed us to see the rest of the palace and gardens after the tour. For me, I am always done at about hour 3 or 4 and like to do something else for the rest of the day. That would take you to day two. On this day, you could re-cover some of the palace that you saw the first day, and then spend an entire afternoon walking and exploring the gardens. These are truly amazing and can easily take several hours to see. There are two places to have a sit down meal in the garden along with several little food kiosks. I would then use the third day to explore the Petit and Grand Trianon along with their respective gardens. I would suggest finding a hotel in Versailles unless you don't mind the train to and from Paris. You should also check the renovation schedule at the Petit Trianon before you go. I know they are currently working on it, and most of its contents are now at the Grand Palais in Paris on display. Have a great trip.

Answer 3

Generally, we say you need one day to visit everything in Versailles, I mean the castle and the huge gardens.

(of course there is also a town Versailles, but not many things to see except the castle)

At that moment there are also some days a spectacle at night  : "les grandes eaux" (= the big waters) with music and a special animation.

If you are really interested to see everything, maybe, you can stay 2 days in Versailles and choose a day with a spectacle at night.

Here is the website :

http://www.chateauversailles.fr/en/

http://www.chateauversailles-spectacles....

If you stay for example one week in Paris, I would advice you to book an hotel in Versailles for 2 days (1 night) near the castle, and to find another hotel for the other days in Paris center.

Because, I'm sure you don't know yet everything in Paris, there are so many museums....

For your information, you need to take a train to fo from Paris (Gare Saint Lazare) to Versailles (about 30-45 minutes), and it's not very safe  to take the train  to come back at night.

If you want, write to me a message and tell me how long you will stay in London and Paris both....

About Varennes, I've never been there, but you have to know it's Varennes en Argonne, in the North East of France, so not close to Paris. In fact I don't know if it's worth seing that....only I can tell you have to take a train or rent a car, and it's at about 400 km from Paris.

http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varennes-en...

Answer 4

Not sure on the logistical questions, but make sure you check out this feature that ForbesTraveler.com just published on all the Versailles renovations:

http://www.forbestraveler.com/paris/vers...

Hopefully that's helpful - it's part of a larger Paris Deluxe Guide in case you need more ideas for your trip.

http://www.forbestraveler.com/paris-delu...

Answer 5

Full day.

Answer 6

I would put aside an entire day for Versailles. The palace and the grounds are huge, so there is plenty to see. It's not much fun to run through - take your time and do it leisurely. If you have extra time, you can explore the town a bit.

Where to stay is strictly a matter of personal preference. I prefer to stay in Paris and take the train on a day trip. (The great thing about staying in Paris is the train connections. You can do all sorts of day trips into the surrounding region without having to pack and move hotels all the time.) There's much more to do in Paris in the evenings. However, you might enjoy Versailles if you want to spend some time in a town that's smaller and quieter. I suggest doing some reading on the town. If there are things to do that appeal to you other than the palace, then it might be worth staying overnight. Otherwise, stay in Paris.

Answer 7

one long day w/ a break for lunch in town (a short walk) should do it.....you must see the official buildings, gardens, special exhibit if any.  buy tickets in advance online to go to the front of the line...

you can stay in town of versailles which of course would be less stress & maximize time spent at the palace -- tho it is a short ride from paris -- so your choice...

Answer 8

This is what I call a good idea.

Not only coming to my beloved hometown, but also planning to take time to enjoy it ; unlike those crazy japanese tourists who spend three hours there because they have a one week trip to visit whole Europe (wtf ??!!).

Basically, one day can be enough. but I suggest that you take two instead. Why ? Because visiting this place in a hurry is just missing the point.

Visiting the palace leaves you not much choice for the pace. But it's of course definitely different for the gardens and the park.

So here's my advice :

Day 1 morning & afternoon : visit the palace,

Day 1 evening : go to a restaurant in Versailles (lots of good traditionnal french cuisine restaurants there, such as "l'entrecote" or "le chien qui fume" near the central marketplace) and then enjoy for example the Montansier theatre.

Day 2 morning : visit the gardens ("Les grandes eaux" is definitely worth it). With its 1500+ fountains you'll have a lot to see. If you like sport and want to experience a classic habit of those who live there, you can go jogging or cycling around the "grand canal".

Day 2 afternoon : visit the park, including especially Marie-Antoinette's hamlet. If I personnaly had to choose between the palace and the hamlet, I'd choose the hamlet anyday ! It's really amazing to be in this place where the queen used to dream that she was a shepherdess, totally unaware of the fact that she would be beheaded within a few years. Take time to get lost in the park without a watch.

Have fun there !

Unlike what was said in a previous comment, the train at night between Paris and Versailles is very safe, probably the safest around Paris. There are three major stations in Versailles that lead you to different places in Paris, and two minor stations. There aren't many trains at night but buses "noctilien" Paris<--->Versailles replace them.