We will be in Paris in about a week and are planning to take a morning trip to Versaille. My research indicates that the RER C line is the way to go. Now, can anyone tell me where I get that train and how often it goes to Versaille (and back) We are planning on going to Versaille on a Sunday morning.<BR>Thanks.

Unfortunately, I can't offer exact train info but I recall being in a similiar situation. We were trying to find the correct train to Versaille on a Sunday morning as well and the ticket booths were not manned so we had to pay through one of the automated machines. We had no idea that on Sunday mornings most of the booths aren't manned. Neither one of us speaks/reads French so we had a difficult time trying to get tickets. It is a really good idea to not only plan ahead like you are but to see if you could purchase the train tickets ahead of time. Again, sorry I couldn't offer specific train info.

Paris Austerlitz to Versailles Rive Gauch RER C. Goes about every 15 minutes. Check out. www.voyages-sncf.com/

Monica,<BR>I tried to check out that website (I got it from the Versaille web site) but it is all in French and I don't speak/read French.

Try this, which should be in english: http://www.sncf.com/indexe.htm<BR>

Hi Susan,<BR><BR>The RER C also connects with the metro at the Javel metro station. Actually, you exit the metro and walk across the street to the RER station. There might be other metro stations that connect as well. Here's a URL that shows the metro and RER:<BR><BR>http://www.paris.org/Metro/<BR><BR>Be sure to buy a tickets especially for the RER train to Versailles as you'll need your ticket to exit the station.<BR><BR>Adrienne<BR>

You can also board the train to Versailles Rive Gauche at Invalides, Musee d'Orsay, and Champs de Mars/Tour Eiffel among other places.<BR>It is line C5 that you want and the Rive Gauche station is the one closest to the gates of Versailles. There are other train stations in Versailles, but Rive Gauche is the one that you want via Line C.<BR>I was told earlier than your return RER ticket includes a Metro ride.<BR>Perhaps someone else who knows for sure can advise us definitively.<BR>

Hi. I found good train info and prices at this website http://shop.store.yahoo.com/iseaair/<BR>Maybe they have train schedules, or maybe you can call them

Bob,<BR><BR>I think whether or not your RER ticket also includes a metro ride depends on how you connect between the RER and metro. Last June when I went to Versailles I would have had to leave the RER station and walk across the street to the metro. That would involve using an additional ticket. If you're continuing on the same line then I believe your RER ticket is valid.<BR><BR>Adrienne<BR>

Example: if you take the RER from Versailles to Pont St Michel, then change to the #4 metro line, no additional ticket is needed.<BR><BR>The trains run about every 15 mins, the C line splits off so you want the train called VICK (or Vichy or a name like that) that goes to Chateau de Versailles (at the St Michel station, the arriving trains are shown on a toteboard, and it clearly says "chateau"). <BR><BR>Sunday is a busy day at the chateau, so either arrive before the opening time or have a carte des musees to skip the long lines.

We had purchased Metro passes but had specifically purchased ones that included the Zone for Versaille. Then we just hopped on the train, the platform showed the stops and Versaille was listed. <BR><BR>When you get off the train you need to bus, cab or walk to the palace. We walked, it wasn't far and there are cute little shops along the way.<BR><BR>Just check at the Versaille station before heading to the palace as to when the trains head back and be sure to give yourself enough time. We walked back and stopped at the cafe right across the street from the station and had milkshakes! Very fun.<BR><BR>It is not as hard or scary as it seems.<BR><BR>You will love Versaille! I took my mom there on Mothers day, we had so much fun! Be sure to pick up an audio guide when you do the tour. Also there is a train that takes you around the grounds, get on it! We started to walk and soon realized that we were crazy to even try!

I would like to make two additional comments on visiting Versailles.<BR><BR>First, if you have difficulty walking, bear in mind that the approach area is paved with rough cobblestones. <BR><BR>Second, getting there early to "beat the mob" doesn't work. We got there before the ticket booths opened, but to no avail in terms of getting a head start.<BR>The first bus load of tourists caught us in the Kings Bedchamber, and the Hall of Mirrors was quickly full.<BR><BR>I have heard that going late in the afternoon is a good strategy. You wait until the last tour bus load has entered and then you go in.<BR>I have not tried going in after 2 PM, so perhaps someone who has can comment on that strategy. But I know from personal experience that getting there early did not work too well.<BR>

We got there at 7:00 in the morning on a Sunday. We had all the gardens to ourselves and got some great pictures. The crowds didn't show till 9:00. Another benefit - you don't have to pay to see the fountains (although we did so that we could could see them before and after - more great pictures)

We toured the gardens first to try to distance ourselves from the tour buses. Entered the palace late in the day after 2pm. It was still crowded, hot and stuffy. The other thing we did was we brought a little picnic lunch from town- fruit, paninis, wine- and had a little lunch break at the Pink Palace about half way through our day! Fantastic!!