Would we be selling both places short by trying to fit them into one day (in August)? Since there are 5 of us & 3 generations, we were thinking of renting a car. From the description, Chartres seems to combine great architecture with a nice town, but my mom really wants to see Versailles. Thanks! I sure wish I'd started reading this board earlier.

This is entirely possible. I've done it once. Get to Versailles early in the morning (9:00) and perhaps have lunch there. Then go on to Chartres to see the cathedral and perhaps have diner. Come back to Paris (a one hour drive).

If you've got a car, you can do it both in one day, sort of - don't count on doing anything "in depth" at either.<BR><BR>If you're determined to do it, go to Versailles for the opening, and have a museum pass to avoid the long lines. Chartres can be seen on your own; I think the Malcolm Miller tours are mid-day, so you're out of luck.<BR><BR>Fortunately, it stays light late, so visiting Chartres in late afternoon won't be in the dark.<BR><BR>

Thanks for the quick replies! I've heard about Malcolm Miller and wonder if it's worth rethinking things for his tour. We are only in Paris for 3 days total, so I was doing the typical tourist thing and trying to cram as many things in as possible.

Actually I was able to get to Versailles when it opened in the morning, stay about four hours, and still get to Chartres in time for Miller's second tour (at 2:30?) using public transportation (the RER).

Jahoulih: do you remember any details of how you got from Versailles to Chartres on the RER? Which train, how long it took, etc. Also, do you know where I can find more info on Malcom Miller tours? Thanks.

re Malcolm Miller<BR><BR>Tel : 02 37 28 15 58 0 2 37 28 33 03) Email : [email protected]<BR><BR>If you can't do one of his tours<BR>or if he's not going to be there, there are other guides available<BR>Service Accueil-Visites de la Cath&eacute;drale Tel : 02 37 21 75 02 Fax : 02 37 36 51 43 <BR>Email : [email protected]<BR>

Malcolm Miller's tour is definitely worth it. 10 euros per person. At 12 and 2:30pm (two different tours). Lasts about 1 to 1 1/2 hour.<BR><BR>To get to Versailles via RER take the C train (Vernon or Vic, they go by names at the top of the trains) to Versailles Rive Gauche. It's about a 45 minute ride, give or take. The walk from the train station to the palace is short, maybe a 15 minute walk--partly over cobble stones that will rattle your teeth. Wear comfortable shoes.<BR><BR>Make sure you go out into the gardens and see the grand canal and fountains. My favorite site there.

Does anyone know if you can book MM tours in advance or if they are on a first come first served basis?

you don't have to book in advance. just show up and give him a 10.

Thanks for all the info on the Malcolm Miller tour, and the info re: getting to Versailles. How about getting from Versailles to Chartres on the RER? Can it be done? Thanks so much--you've all been so helpful!

Unless something's come along recently, the RER doesn't run between Chartres and Versailles.<BR><BR>You can take the RER from Paris to Versailles as someone described. To get from Versailles to Chartres, you'll need to take a regular train. They run about every hour, and take an hour.

Thanks Elvira!

Chartres is MUCH much more enjoyable than Versailles on so many levels. If you must cut out something, cut Versailles.

There's a train (Elvira's right--TER, not RER) that leaves Versailles Chantiers at 13:29 and gets to Chartres at 14:20.

As a chronic cram-it-all-in sort of traveler, here are some thoughts:<BR><BR>If I'm reading this correctly, with your responses, you are planning to see Paris, Versailles and Chartres in three days? I'm sorry, but I think you'll definitely be short-changing all three! What do you plan to see in Paris? I've spent a week (twice) in Paris, plus another 4-day trip; day trips to Chartres, Versailles and Normandy. Based on my experiences - and your mother's interest in Versailles -- I would recommend a day there, and leave Malcolm for another time; I personally think Versailles is more glorious and, if you get away from the palace, a really lovely town. Chartres is also awe-inspiring, but less so than Versailles. But then I've made a full day of both of these trips . .. Malcolm is interesting but quite dry; will your mother have the opportunity for this trip again?<BR><BR>Good luck in your decision-making; a lot will, of course, depend on whether you'll have a car.

I disagree with Carol. Chartres is incredible, but, Versailles is one of the most amazing sites in Europe. The palace and the grounds and the outbuildings deserve time to see them fully without rushing.

I have never been to Chartres, but I'd have to second the motion that Versailles is not to be missed. <BR><BR>The gardens and the walk down to the summer home was incredible. I spent over 4 hours and loved every minute!!<BR><BR>It was great having a museum pass and being able to skip the line.<BR><BR>I used Rick Steves guidebook which gave an interesting/inforamtive walking tour.<BR><BR>Get there right when it opens to avoid the tourgroups.

Unless you want to really race around both towns I would suggest just going to Versailles. I spent most of a day in each and since you have 3 generations (I'm assuming some are young), I think all would enjoy Versailles more. With a day you can really enjoy the palace (rent the headphones), visit the Trianons, the Hameau, and walk thru the gardens along the canal. Overall, there's more to offer to all. By the way, when I went last May the palace didn't open until 10:30am even tho' it should have opened earlier. As a note, I don't think I would have enjoyed Chartes Cathedral as much without Malcolm Miller's tour - I took binoculars to really see the stained glass as he described the story. Made so much difference.

OK ...WHO IS MALCOM? We are going to Chartres in July havent studied my fodors yet, but how could I miss this guy who everyone seems to be personally aquainted with -- will someone dispel my ignorance - PLEASE?????