annhig

Why did Harvmatic resurrect a 3,5 years old thread >>

it's a little known search engine called google, WoinP.

FrenchMystique - a few years ago they painted some of the trains on the Versailles route with scenes from the Palace. I assumed that they were exclusively used on the Rive Gauche route [so if your train was thus decorated you could be sure that it went to the Palace] but it occurs to me that that might not be so. Do you know whether that is the case or not? [or whether they still exist?]

FrenchMystiqueTours

I don't know which trains are decorated but as I said the best way to be sure to be on the right train is to look at the overhead signs and make sure the light is lit next to the stop Chateau Versailles/Rive Gauche and that means the next approaching train stops there.

WoinParis

' it's a little known search engine called google, WoinP'

Clearly no future for that search engine... doesn't give the date and the name of this search engine will never stick. They should have alled it 'resultoffind' no ?

PalenQ

Why did Harvmatic resurrect a 3,5 years old thread ?>

because it was relevant to his/her plans? Duh?

And they saw lots of still relevant info up above?

Who cares?

PalenQ

Article from May 2016 indicates the cars are still theme decorated-not sure all but still in existence:

http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_eye/2...illes_for.html

Sue4

Bookmarking

harvmatic

Thank you to all who responded to my question. I think we will be fine now.

As to <<Why did Harvmatic resurrect a 3,5 years old thread >>

I searched the Forum for Versailles and this one came up and was full of wonderful information. I didn't know there was a newer thread, if indeed there is, and if so, how to find it.

I'm a newbie at this. Should I have started a new thread ?

Seamus

No, harv, you did fine. If you had started a new thread doubtless you would have been chastised for not first using the search function.

annhig

Seamus - dearly as I love WoinP he sometimes does an impression of being the resident grouch - so on this occasion please just ignore him.

You are very welcome here and I hope that you keep coming back to us, both to seek and to impart information.

I hope you have a great trip to Paris and enjoy Versailles.

ssander

A couple of points:

There are video monitors in the RER C platforms that list all the stations that the next train stops at.

So just be sure to wait for one that lists Versailles Rive Gauche on the monitor, and you'll be fine.

Also, the correct train terminates at Versailles Rive Gauche, so you can't go past your stop...so it will also be the last stop listed on the monitor for the correct train.

Hope this helps.

ssander

WoinParis

My apologies Harv. I thought you were resurrecting the thread for no real purpose but you had indeed a question that I missed.

At least I learnt the word grouch. I guess it means grumpy.

And yes you got good additional info. There are a few nice brasseries close to the exit of RER by the way (so at least I participated positively !).

annhig

At least I learnt the word grouch. I guess it means grumpy.>>

grouch [being a noun] = grump

grouchy [being an adjective] = grumpy.

My charges for english lessons are very reasonable, WoinP! [I know that you will reciprocate with my execrable french].

to add to the sum of your knowledge, Harv, it's a good idea to get your tickets in advance if you can. On our way to the palace we became aware that a lot of people were being herded, sheep-like, to an unofficial ticket office where [we assumed] they were being charged over the odds for tickets; the official ticket office is on the left of the admin offices as you face the golden gates at the front of the Palace, before you go through security. Here is the official website:

http://en.chateauversailles.fr/homepage

you can also buy them from the official Versailles tourist office which is just up the road from the station on the right:

http://www.versailles-tourisme.com/en/accueil.html

or from FNAC stores in Paris.

if you have a lot of time to fill [or waste] the subject was discussed exhaustively here:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...t-be-duped.cfm

Bon chance et bon voyage!

harvmatic

Many thanks to all who have responded with such helpful info.
I have been reading a brochure " Map: Estate of Versailles" and I'm not quite sure if I am interpreting some of the information correctly.

Let's say I arrive at Versailles (with my previously purchased ticket) at 7 am on a day that the Palace is open, but instead of waiting in line until 9 am, I would like to go into the gardens and perhaps even rent a golf cart for an hr or 2. Is that an option ? There is mention of an entrance to the gardens to the left of the main entrance, but I'm not sure if there is access until the Main Gate is open. Has anyone started off their visit in the gardens?

I see a Dragon's Gate entrance to the right of the main gate but it seems to lead directly to the Trianon area, which doesn't open until noon.

Also, if I find myself all done with the gardens, must I go all the way back to the Main Gate again, in order to gain access to the chateau?(I already purchased my ticket before arriving). I love to walk, but my husband has some difficulty.

Any insight is appreciated.

PalenQ

(I already purchased my ticket before arriving>

The Paris Museum Pass covers Versailles and gives priority entrance and at 9 am there should be no lines anyway.

A brief dash thru empty gardens at that early hour may not be worth it - the Trianon itself is great!