We will be in Paris for 2 weeks in October. We are thinking about taking day trips to Reims, Versailles and/or Chartres. Can anyone please provide us with some information?

We are staying in the Marais. What would be the closest train station to our location? We would also like the fastest direct train service.

Can you obtain tickets in advance? If yes, how?

Your help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

To get you started...

You can find route information for France rail system here:
http://www.tgv-europe.com/en

When you find the route, it will indicate the train station in Paris to depart from. You can buy your tickets ahead of time, but it isn't always necessary and certainly not for Versailles. You can get to Versailles on the RER, and get on the train at St. Michel or Invalides (and other stations on that line) and just buy your tickets from the ticket counter. If you are using carnets in Paris, it is outside the central zone so you need a different ticket. It is very easy. If you go to the Vesailles website, all of the instructions are listed.

There is a ton of information on this thread:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-version-2.cfm

Have a fun time!

You take the RER (commuter train) to Versailles, not a regular train.

The nearest train station won't help you. Trains depart from certain stations depending on the direction they're going. Trains from Paris to Reims depart from the Gare de l'Est. Trains to Chartres depart from the Gare Montparnasse. For detailed info, go to www.voyages-sncf.com

Don't be concerned about which train station, as they are all reached via the metro with no problems. I've done day trips alone to all these destinations and just bought the ticket prior to boarding the train. Just know the schedules and allow time to switch from the metro to the RER. The Versailles RER can even be boarded at smaller stations, avoiding the big RER stations, so look for those connections on your metro map

Thank you everyone. This is very helpful. We expect that each one of these destinations are day trips as there is so much to see.

Any suggestions for a good lunch in Versailles, Chartres and Reims? Thanks in advance.

Le Jardin @ Les Crayeres in Reims. They have a prix fixe for around 28 euros not including drinks. It will be a lunch you'll never forget. It's a dress up place. Be sure to walk the park.

Sounds great Gailscout. Thanks for responding.

Gosh, and my thanks to you, also, Gailscout. We'll be in Reims in May and I've been looking for a great lunch spot. Your recommendation, and my subsequent follow-up on their website, has me sold on Le Jardin Les Crayeres. This is what is so great about fodors.com! David.

If you can be a bit flexible with your days and not on a planned itinary , you could check the weather report for Paris daily and hopefully pick a fine day for Versailles; then buy your ticket as required.
Just a thought!
enjoy your trip

We are flexible on our days in October. So we will definitely pick days (hopefully) with good weather when we head out to Versailles and Reims. Thanks everyone. PS - anywhere to eat at Versailles?