Picnic at Versailles
 

I've been reading the postings on Versailles and I know I'd like to picnic on the grounds. However, since many of you say that bags must be checked at the entrance, how is that possible? Do they allow small backpacks or handbags? Are all bags that visitors take into the grounds checked by security and if so, is "picnic" food OK? Can anyone clear this up?

Of course you can picnic on the grounds! I have done that before. You can do it on the lawn near the canal. Food is also sold at stands throughout the garden. I don't believe there is any security screening to go into the gardens. If you are staying nearby Montparnasse, I can tell you how to get to Versailles in 12 minutes from Gare Monparnasse - just state it on this forum and I'll create a webpage.

The grounds is basically a public park. No gate, no entrance fees, no checkpoint.

The immediate grounds supposedly cost a 3.50 E from the palace,but people sneak in...when you get down by the bike rentals?comcessions there is an entrance/exit and outside it is still the grounds but more public... one can walk in from the surrounding area( hikers etc)they also like to try to sneak in ..there are roads...anyway we ate right on the steps with a great view of the fountains just be discreet and of course dont leave a mess! was there last may

A very nice spot to picnic is down by the large golden fountain at the bottom of the gardens...a waterway runs through a grassy area, and it's lovely. Another nice spot is in Marie Antoinette's "hameau," the little pretend-village she had built for herself and her ladies in waiting to play at the peasant life.

TransitBuddie,
I would love to know how to get from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles in 12 minutes. Does that include the walk to Versailles from the train station??

euroenvy:
Where is the bike rental concession? Can you rent and then cruise around ont he grounds of Versailles? Thanks.

Some of the regional trains from Montparnasse (to Chartres, I believe) has its very first stop at Versailles-Chantier. The non-stop service takes 12 minutes. I was on one myself. Some other trains make a few stops and take a few minutes longer. But still faster than the RER.

And to give walking time to the chateau, it'll help to say if one's talking about the end of Ave de Paris, the massive gate, or the ticket office. The distance between the end of Ave de Paris to the ticket office at the chateau is longer than from the RER station to the end of Ave de Paris.

Plus, I am sure some of you will be stopping to take pictures or videos, or just slow down when approaching the chateau to just look at it carefully.

So, when someone says "I walk from xxx to Versailles in 12 minutes", ask them where in Versailles they're talking about.

The bike rental kiosk and the cafe la Petite Venise are in the area of the Bassin d'Apollon. You may be permitted to picnic on the grass in some areas, but not necessarily all areas.

You can download a map of the grounds at:
http://www.chateauversailles.fr/pdf/...carte%20GB.pdf

I concur with the suggestion of picnicking in Marie Antoinette's hameau. Many visitors miss this most-interesting part of Versailles.

the bike rental is down by the lake to the right..It would be ideal to use to go the the little hamlet area because it's quite a long walk.. we were pooped after the tours and the walk down to the lake ...it's a lot of steps from the palace down to the lake and we stopped to rest and eat a bite...
Unfortunately it was hailing so instead we took the tram back up to the top.WELL WORTH IT...,there was no way we could have hiked back up. we didnt get to see the hamlet area except by tram which went by the buildings,a lovely sheep meadow and another huge fountain..the place is huge!!! allow plenty of time

One more very important fact....the cobbles from the street all the way up to the entrance ( a looong way) are extremely uneven and rounded ..worse than any I have encountered anywhere and dangerous when wet.I haven't heard anyone memtion this before maybe they have and If anyone knows of worse I like to hear about it..Wear study and flat shoes only!!!

Thanks for the picnic advice - it sounds like I don't have to check my bag at the entrance and don't worry - I'd never leave a mess.

Getting there has two schools of thought. One, go to Montparnasse and take the fast train to Versailles-Chantier. Then walk a long distance to the entrance. I'm interested in exactly how "long" that walk is - 1km?

The other is to take RER C to Versailles-RG with the entrance right there. I've read varied accounts of the time it takes on the RER from 20 min to 45 min. That's quite a time spread. I guess it depends on where you get on the RER.

I suspect that whichever way, I'll have a delightful day.

Keep in mind that the Metro station at Montparnasse is very large. The platforms for lines 4 & 12 are to the north of Tour Montparnasse, on the opposite side of the large plaza. It takes several minutes just to walk from those lines to the main train station.

I'm creating the web page with the schedule and directions! It will be available shortly.

Does anyone know if I can take a dog (small) either on a leash or in a bag into the gardens? Thanks.

Thank you to everyone for the info...I'm taking notes.

charlieg, you can try emailing them at
http://www.chateauversailles.fr/en/

I'd be a bit surprised if they did allow pets on the grounds...

Charlie, I don't think you'd have any problems with dogs on the grounds. On our last trip to Versailles, I remember seeing a huge, gorgeous black dog romping near the fountains, amongst many other dogs!

As for picnicking, Jahlie, I know my parents did so this last weekend, sans problems. Bon voyage!