jean_claire

I'm finalizing our itinerary for Paris in April and I'm still trying to decide if we would go to Versailles on a weekday or a weekend.

I know the fountains only come on during the weekends -- but is it worth braving the crowds? I have read that the place can be really crowded during weekends. Would a museum pass really help us through the crowds?

Otherwise, I am considering visiting Versailles on a weekday (Probably a Tuesday, based on our schedule) -- but without the fountains. Would we be shortchanging ourselves from experiencing Versailles?

Also, how long should be budget to spend in Vesailles? Should be assume it would take us a full day?

Help please!

Doh

For what it's worth, we went on a weekend with a museum pass and enjoyed it. If I remember correctly the museum pass was a big help getting in the front gates. The palace was busy but not miserably crowded. We really enjoyed the fountains, but I am sure you would enjoy it without them-- we spent enough time wandering around looking for fountains that we didn't even make it to the hameau (and yes, I think it's a full day).

europeannovice

We went on a weekend with the museum pass. The line to the chateau was so very long even for passholders when we arrived that we went to visit the gardens first. Trying to find the garden entrance was a fun experience but somehow we found it. You pay extra for the gardens even with the pass when the fountains are running. The fountains were just about to come on and they were definitely worth seeing. It makes the gardens come alive.

We found the gardens to be very enjoyable. The chateau for all its glory is nice to see once but it was very crowded even later in the afternoon when we finally entered the main building. We were there about five hours so pretty much a full day because you need approx 30 min each way on the train if coming from Paris so you need to factor in travel time too. We explored the gardens, and the other buildings first and then worked our way back to the main chateau later.

Fodorite018

We went on a Tuesday in June. We had the museum passes and arrived about 15 minutes before they opened. We were probably about 10th in line or so. Once inside, we did he palace first and with being one of the first inside we felt we had the place to ourselves. Our pictures of the Hall of Mirrors had noone else except the security men! After that we did the gardens.

We too debated about going on a weekend to see the fountains, but what we saw did not disappoint us at all.

I will say that when we left I could not believe the long lines we saw. OMG, if I had arrived and seen those lines I would have turned around and left. Go early and enjoy!

jean_claire

thank you for your insights!

@mms - how early is "early"?

jean_claire

Also, if on a weekend, which day would be better -- Saturday or Sunday -- crowd-wise?

I'm thinking I'd like to experience Paris on a Sunday, perhaps spend the day in the Marais. But maybe Saturday is extra crowded?

Fodorite018

Our train arrived in Versaille around 8:30am.

Christina

I don't think Sat. would be more crowded than Sunday, if anything, I'd think Sunday more crowded. SUndays always seem to be the biggest day for museums and sites like that. People usually have more things to do on Saturday and have more free time on Sundays for that kind of thing. There are people there who are not foreign tourists, but live in France.

I wouldn't worry so much about April, anyway, unless you are talking Easter weekend and then all bets are off.

annhig

one very cold sunday many years ago, when the fountains were only turned on on four sundays a year, we went to Versaiiles.

yes it was crowded, yes it was cold, yes it was worth it.

An April Saturday would get my vote.

jean_claire

It will be my birthday on the 2nd of April which is the only Saturday we will be there. Ideally, I'd want to spend my birthday in Paris. So that's another reason why I'm thinking perhaps we can just visit Versailles on a weekday.
Sunday is reserved for the Marais.

I've read that Tuesdays can have really massive crowds than any other weekday. Is this true?

How about visiting Versailles for half a day? Perhaps early morning up to after lunch. Hence we can be back in Paris by around 3pm. Is this doable?

annhig

Ideally, I'd want to spend my birthday in Paris>>

mmm - what better birthday present could there than to spend the day in the superb palace that is Versaiiles, especially when they will have turned on the fountains for your benefit?

if you got an early start, no reason why you shouldn't be back in Paris by 3pm, but why hurry?

nyse

Hello j-c, we visited for half a day and this was my report:

<i>nyse on Oct 10, 09 at 11:05am 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>

We went on an October weekday and there were no admission lines. Hope you have a wonderful visit + Happy Birthday!

tdk320n

BOOKMARK

bardo1

<i>"I am considering visiting Versailles on a weekday (Probably a Tuesday, based on our schedule) -- but without the fountains. Would we be shortchanging ourselves from experiencing Versailles?"</i>

The fountains, nice as they may be, still represent less than 1% of what a visit to Versailles offers. If you really want to see them turned on, just go for it.

Whether you go mid-week or weekend, the best thing you can do is to ENTER WHEN THEY OPEN at 9am. Ideally, that means arriving by train at 8:42am, allowing time for the short walk to the Chateau. They leave from Paris every 15 minutes, here's a schedule:
http://parisbytrain.com/files/2008/0...versailles.pdf

You will have the place for a few hours before any of the bus groups arrive. By 10:30-11:00 am it's CROWDED any day, but even more so on weekends.

bardo1

Don't "budget" time but place it by ear. It's big and there's a lot of walking. You may find you want to head back after walking around for a few hours or if you're in great shape could stretch it out into a longer stay.

The best place to rest after seeing the chateau is one of the restaurants in the gardens. I've eaten here twice - good food and an calming, restorative vibe: http://www.laflottille.fr/index_gb.htm

Julie7963

IMHO - I would go during the week and plan on spending the day. The gardens are best in good weather, so having some flexibility will help you choose the sunniest/driest day.

Here's a link to my trip report on Versailles last October.
http://juliesparis.wordpress.com/201...de-versailles/

Enjoy your visit

Julie
www.juliesparis.wordpress.com

jean_claire

Thank you all for taking the time to respond.

@annhig - I know what you mean, spending my birthday in Versailles would be a gift, too. But so is going walking from Trocadero to the Eiffel Tower and taking the lift to the top early in the morning, right? Sigh... that is my dilemma...

@bardo1 - i think your post just enlightened me and led me to my decision. I will most likely book Versailles on a weekday then. And thank you for the restaurant tip. Will make sure to check that out!

@Julie7963 - thanks, too for your post Will make sure to check weather forecast then.