Logistics around Versailles
 

Hi--

I have a dilemma on which I would love some insight, even if you can't solve the problem.

We will be arriving in the morning at CDG, and plan to bypass Paris, then spend three days driving and meandering before joining friends in Strasbourg. The dilemma is that my husband would really like to visit Versailles, and the only logical time to do so is the day we arrive in France. Ignoring the jet lag (as we will have to :-( ), would you take a train from the airport to Versailles, and, if so, where can we store luggage for a few hours? Would you go ahead and get the car at the airport and drive there? And then should we try to have a hotel booked nearby?

If anyone can see a way to do this painlessly, I am interested. For the moment it's not important where else we will tour-- suffice to say that the general direction is east.

Thanks to all!

Any chance you could take the train to Versailles, get your rental there, and store your luggage in the trunk of the vehicle?

You might have to pay to park it, which is a downer. There is an Avis office at the Chantiers rail station which is a little farther from the entrance to Versailles than the Rive Gauche station on RER C.

There is an Europcar at 66 rue des Chantiers in Versailles also.

Thanks for the response. That is one option I considered. Do you know if you can get a train to Versailles that doesn't require going into Paris? Although it's a short detour, I believe it would require changing stations, all the while hauling luggage. I don't mean to be a whiner, but...

Evidently not. It requires the use of the RER-B from CDG to St Michel, then a change to RER-C to Versailles. Note that RER-C has a split so make sure you're on the one going to the station you want (Chantiers or Rive Gauche - they might be on the same line, I don't have a map right now).

but you mention a question that implies you will stay overnight... so why don't you come into Paris (reserve a hotel in Paris for the one night), then head out to Versailles on the RER and return to Paris. Then pick up your car at one of the Paris locations for the drive eastward..?

You know, that could work, especially if we have no choice but to pass through the city. It wasn't a priority for this trip, but maybe pausing there briefly is the answer. It would certainly solve the luggage problem.

If we were willing to get the car at CDG, any feedback on the drive to Versailles? I have a Michelin map, and it looks somewhat complicated. I am bearing in mind Bob Brown's warning about the parking.

I would take the RER to Versailles, dump the luggage at the entrance (there's a checkroom there), then rent the car and head out. You might even be able to check the luggage at the station.

Driving from CDG to Versailles is an unnecessery hassle - doable, but why bother?

You don't say whether you're heading for Strasbourg the same day you arrive or not. If it's the next day, I would:

Take the train to Versailles
Check into the hotel
Dump the luggage
See the Palace(s)
Eat, sleep
Rent the car
Hit the road

Plus, there's never a guarantee your luggage will arrive when you do (unless you travel carry-on). Ours arrived a day late on both ends of the trip. If you overnight in Paris, it gives your luggage a chance to catch up and be delivered.

I just checked the SNCF website.
There is nothing public that goes directly from CDG airport to Versailles.
There is more than one train station in Versailles. Versailles Rive Gauche is reachable downtown via RER line C from several stops along the left bank.
I boarded at Invalides. The train itself originates its run at Gare Auserlitz, if I recall correctly.

The SNCF was not very helpful.
It says go to Gare du Nord, and leave from Gare Montparnasse with no clue as to how to get from one to the other.

Well, Montparnasse is well south of Gare du Nord and it is a big station.

As I think about it, my idea is not so swift. The option to stay overnight in Paris is a good one.

Trying to get from CDG airport to Versailles with a load of even normal luggage is not my idea of a fun thing to do when jet lagged.

Why not spend the first night in Paris?

Oh boy, hoping, there's an angle I really didn't want to think about :-). But you're right-- no guarantees.

Thank you all for your thoughts. I know it's a small problem, but a good plan could make that whole day a lot less stressful!

If you are planning to rent a car for the 3 days, I'd consider renting the car at CDG and driving to Versailles. It isn't a bad drive and you would likely be on the road after rush hour and in Versailles by noon or a little after. Michelin Maps has a good internet site. As I recollect we got on the Periherique (interstate that goes around Paris) near CDG and got off at A13 toward Caen. Total travel time should be about close to an hour if you don't have traffic. Have fun. Bob

Driving through Paris traffic at 3AM (body time) doesn't sound like much fun to me. I think you should take the RER straight to Versailles. Yes, there will be one change at St-Michel Notre-Dame, but no big deal. If your luggage doesn't arrive with you, <i>tant mieux pour vous</i>.

Then you can start out fresh with the car in the morning and head east (stopping at CDG to collect your bags, if necessary).

Train to Versailles
Check in hotel
See palace

Next day:
Rent car
Drive