Alice

Eunice, once you have toured the interior of the Versailles palace, be sure to look for the tram behind the palace - it will take you through some of the grounds on the way to the back. The Grand and Petit Trianons are in the back, as well as Marie's hameau (hamlet). These are of a much more manageable size, and quite interesting. Marie's hameau (and the rest of the grounds) may still show evidence of the terrible storm a couple of years ago that downed many trees, however a first-time visitor won't have anything to compare to, so it may not be evident to you. The grand canal is also on the tram's route. All of these other features at Versailles, including the many gardens and grottos, are why you will enjoy a full day's visit.

Eunice

Thanks again you guys for great advice. <BR><BR>I've just visited an official website for Versaille. Even if I have a museum pass, do I still need to pay additional admission (except for audio tour) to see some other part of Versaille? <BR><BR>I will be going there early in the morning. Any suggestion on itinery within the Versaille? Also, where should I have lunch there? <BR><BR>Thanks to all your comments, now I am so excited going to Versaille. Please help me out planning my visit to Versaille. Thanks.<BR><BR>

Linda

Another idea for when you're at Versailles. Across the road, actually outside the big gates (if you're standing facing the couryard of Versailles it would be behind you on your right)is the old carriage house/stables. Inside is a marvellous collection of buggies, carriages, sleighs, childrens' sleighs, funeral carriages,etc. Something a little different. Can't remember offhand if there was a cost or how much.

Nicole

Eunice,<BR><BR>Notre Dame and Saint Chappelle - how long they take will depend on what you want to do when you get there. I strolled through Notre Dame and around the grounds in a little over an hour. However, if you want to climb up into the Towers, it will take you a little longer. With your museum pass, you can get into the towers for free. However, the last time I was there, you still had to stand in line due to security concerns. So, if you want time to go up into the towers, allocate another 20 minutes or so. <BR><BR>Saint Chappelle - How long it takes to visit depends on how long you want to sit in the upper chapel, dazzled by the stained glass windows. We didn't even stay for an hour, but it was definitely worth the effort. This is gorgeous and not to be missed. <BR><BR>The Seine cruise at night is fabulous; be sure to wear some heavier clothing. It's amazing how the wind tunnels down the Seine at night! We took one of the Bateaux Mouches; I think our admission was less than 7 Euros each for the cruise. The lights all along the river are beautiful at night. Bring your camera and take some pictures. Ours turned out great.<BR><BR>You will not regret going to the Picasso Museum. It was one of the few museums that we went to in Paris with English translations of the art notes! If you go through it in the correct order, it takes you through Picasso's life chronologically, explaining what he was experiencing personally and then relating it to his artwork. (It's almost as fun to go through it backwards, though! We tried it both ways!) <BR><BR>If you love art, be sure to allow some extra time for strolling in the art fairs in Montmartre and other parts of the city. When you go to Sacre Cour, you can climb up to the top of the tower and see them spread out over the hillside. Great deals and great pieces. <BR><BR>The only think I think you might have omitted is some time really exploring the Marais. We went over there to visit the Victor Hugo's house, but it was closed for renovations. We ended up spending the afternoon feeding birds in the Place des Voges and wandering around the neighborhood. There are some great little cafes and shops there. <BR><BR>Have a great time on your trip! I know you'll love it!!

Claudia

I will preface this comment with the fact that I really don't like touristy things for the most part. I would skip the Bateaux Mouche. I just came back from Paris and thought it was the biggest waste of time and money. It was a beautiful night but somehow I think a night bus tour might be better. Just my 2 cents worth.

Vincent

As a Parisian, I used to dismiss the bateaux mouches as touristy and tacky. Until I "had" to take them to accompany visiting family and friends. And since, I've been hooked: it's just great ! Just prefer the more intimate Vedettes du Pont Neuf over the package tour oriented Bateaux du Pont de l'Alma

Joyce

Unless you want to take more than one guided tour of Versailles, a half-day is more than enough time for seeing the area. <BR><BR>In a half-day I did this:<BR><BR>- Waited about 25 minutes for my guided tour, and then took the tour around the main palace<BR><BR>- Walked around the gardens<BR><BR>- Had lunch sitting by the Grand Canal<BR><BR>- Walked to the Grand and Petit Trianons, and also saw the insides of these chateaus<BR><BR>- Walked back to the main palace<BR><BR>- Spent about a half-hour sitting on the steps of the main palace admiring the view<BR><BR>The walk between the main palace and Trianons is very long. I did this Versailles visit in a half-day, but the visit can be shortened even more by taking one of the trams instead of walking everywhere.

elvira

St Chapelle is about an hour or less to visit. Notre Dame, on the other hand, can take a lot longer - first off, it's huuuuge, so just walking around it takes time. Secondly, you have to look up a lot so you have to stop a lot. Thirdly, it's a living church, so sometimes there's a choir singing or an organ recital or a baptism and you just get caught up in it. Fourthly, there are lots of statues and paintings that require inspection. Lastly, there are two places to visit outside the main building - the crypt in front of the church (see and smell the Paris that was paved over to build the great cathedral) and the Deportation Memorial behind the church.<BR><BR>The Seine boat rides can be a bit hokey (I too like the Vedettes better than the Bateaux Mouches), but it's the only chance most visitors to Paris have to be on the river. For that reason alone it's worth the ride.<BR><BR>

Howard

I'll second Elvira's recommedation of the Deportation Museum. It may only take a few minutes to view it, but the memory of the experience will linger long afterwards.

Bill I

The museum pass gets you into Versaille, the grounds, & the genral walk thru of the Palace, & the Trianons. But there are specialized guided tours, for which you pay extra, if you take them. I am not sure which ones they have now, but I have taken the Marie Antoinette, Kings Rooms, & the Queens Rooms tours. They are continually refurbishing parts of the palace & opening different areas of it. Most of these areas appear to be only available for visit on some of the extra tours. If you do take an extra tour, they are given in different languages at different times. Make sure you sign up for the proper one. & remember that the guides are usually French, & the English language, for example, may be their second laugage. So be considerate of that.

Susan

Eunice, If you're interested in the Vedettes du Pont-Neuf instead of Bateaux Mouches (smaller boats), go to their website, www.pontneuf.net. Not only will you find the schedule and prices, but you can print out a discount coupon that saves you 2 euro each for as many people as you like (you fill in the number of people before you print it out).<BR>