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We'd like to visit Versailles, but are unable to devote an entire day. I noted with interest that admission is reduced after 3pm and wondered if anyone with the voice of experience could comment on this plan:
Arrive weekday afternoon and first take a look at the gardens, then tour Palace at 3pm followed by Trianon/Estate. We'd have until closing at 6:30.
I have read countless posts ("We were first in line!" "You definitely need all day!") so I already have that point of view. Thank you for any advice.
Late afternoon at Versailles?
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We were there about 4 hours and saw all we wanted plus had a picnic. A perfect day.
I love my bathroom ticket souvenior.
I didn't spend all day there, and that would have been enough time for me. I think it's a good plan.
I've never spent more than 4-5 hours there.
Can't help you with late afternoon but don't let people scare you away from weekends. Seeing the fountains running (they only do it on weekends at certain times of day) was magical. It added SO MUCH to the huge gardens. The large scope of the gardens prevents you from feeling crowded at all. We really enjoyed Marie Antoinette's estate--all the way at the end of the gardens and to the right--worth the long, beautiful walk.
BACK FROM PARIS, and just wanted to say how well this half-day plan worked for us. We spent the morning in Paris and then caught the RER C to Versailles. Spent a few hours in the gardens and then entered the Palace w/reduced admission at 3pm. It was perfect and we saw all we wanted, before gilt-fatigue set in.
I appreciated the encouragement offered in above posts. Hope no one stays away from Versailles just because they can't devote a full day to it!
Topping for nitishraj ~
Consider renting a bike if you are able to ride. This will allow to tour the gardens, Trianon and hameau with limited time.
Thanks for the info, and loved the "gilt-fatigue" line.
There are many things to see in Versailles, but you don't really need to take a tour. 1 day is best, but an evening in Versailles is convenient too
If you have time to spend the evening there, you should try to experience a baroque musique concert that you can book at the "Centre de Musique Baroque de Versailles"
http://www.cmbv.fr/
or you can experience very good restaurants like one of these two:
http://www.lepotagerduroy.com/Accueil.html
http://www.langelique.fr/
or take an evening cooking class at this place:
http://www.lacuisinedebertrand.com