Just a quick note to those going to Versailles for the first time. <BR> <BR>GET THERE 1ST THING IN THE MORNING AND DON'T GO WITH A TOUR... <BR> <BR>I've been at 2 different times of the year, once in September and once in April. I know these are generally less busy times of year than the summer, but, we encountered far less crowds than I hear about by going when they open. You may encounter that first group that huddles by the entrance when you get there before they open, but, this group disburses quickly and the flow normalizes. <BR> <BR>Last trip, we arrived before 9 and you could just walk in, with or without the museum pass. By 11:00 a.m., there was a line that looked to be about 1.5 - 2 hours long. It seems that all the buses start arriving by 10 or so. In addition, those that don't want to get up "too early" also begin to arrive between 10 and 11. <BR> <BR>I just thought I would post my experience with the Palace because I have often read of people suggesting to skip it because of long lines. I never understand this because I have never run into a huge line early in the morning. I reiterate, I have never been during the high season but still think this strategy is worth a try. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps someone. <BR> <BR>

Even better - check the Paris Vision and Cityrama websites. Find out which days they go to Versailles and pick another. However, if you're not quite so adventurous, a tour is a fine way to go. The grounds are HUGE, so bus service to the gate is a big advantage. Also, the tour bus companies have "appointments", and you're assured of excellent commentary (in English) as you tour to chateau. There's no waiting in line. Plenty of time is allowed for exploring on your own. It costs more, but if your time in Paris is limited (whose isn't), a tour is very, very convenient.

I heard that one can hire a bicyle at Versailles. Does it help?

Hi - <BR> <BR>I still recommend against a tour. The problem with them is, you arrive with everyone else and it's instantly overcrowded. The walk from the train station to the Palace is fairly short. <BR> <BR>In addition, you can buy a guided tour or one of the "talking phones" to guide you around once you get there. I just don't see any need to be bused in. <BR> <BR>Ricky - <BR> <BR>As far as the bicycle goes, I've only been twice so I don't know if they are available or not. I didn't see any but that doesn't mean they don't rent them during the summer or some other time than I was there. It may be a nice thing to do but they also have a little tram (like the one in the parking lots at Disneyland) that runs out to the far parts of the grounds. This might serve your purpose. It depends on what you want to do. <BR> <BR>Have a great Weekend!

Absolutely right Lynn. Go early. I was there by 8:00. This allows you to tour the gardens for a while too without the crowds. They open earlier than the building. I have photos of the front gate at 8:00 and 4:00. What a difference - nobody in sight, and it was a Sunday in August. We were the first or second couple to arrive.

D I T T O...got to Versailles at 9:01am and waltzed in pretty as you please like I was Marie Antoinette (when she could still wear hats). Same thing at the Louvre; arrived about 10 mins before opening, sauntered in, had a chance to see the Mona Lisa, Nike and Venus d' without Mom (or Dad or Cousin Irv) posing alongside. We were pooped about 11, sat down in front of Mona, and watched a bus load of tourists RUSH into the gallery and swarm around her, FLASH FLASH FLASH and they were off in a cloud of dust. We were very glad we had a chance to wander around, unmolested, and left just as the throngs arrived. <BR>The ideal vacation (no matter where) would be an equal number of days to the number of attractions, so each morning you could be first in line at each one!

Another good avoid-the-crowds tip: Find out what nights the attractions you're interested in stay open late, and go after an early dinner (or before a late one!) We went to the Louvre on Wednesday night, d'Orsay on Thursday; both stay open until 9:45 those (respective) nights, and most of the others there were art students sketching the masterpieces; most of the galleries were nearly deserted, even though it was the week before Easter and otherwise extremely crowded. We also liked it because we had our teen children with us, and it gave us something entertaining to do at night with them. After the Louvre, we took the Metro up to Champs Elysees to the Virgin Records megastore, which has a nice (upscale) cafe/wine bar, stays open until (I think) 1 a.m. Lots of teens/20-somethings hanging out. Planet Hollywood is nearby as well, but not as interesting as the Virgin store, which is HUGE!

When you go to Versailles, don't neglect the town itself. My family of four had a great morning roaming through the city market there. I may be one of a few who wasn't all that enthralled with the palace itself, but I loved the little town. In fact, we had been to Versailles about three years ago, so this trip we skipped the interior and saw the grounds and the town.