We will be taking our first trip to Paris in a few days. We only have 3 days in Paris. Is it worth while to see Versailles with such a short stay? Are the crowds unbearable?

Thanks!

Going to versailles is an entire day trip and can be exhausting. It will leave you with only 2 days to explore Paris. Remember that travelling to a new city requires a little bit of an adjustment period. With such a short trip, I would probably want to just stay and explore Paris. I've been to versailles once(i believe mid week)and did not find the crowds too terrible. I think we bought passes ahead of time, so we did not have to wait in line. The lines were very long.

No, save it for your next trip. Plus, if you're going now, it's still rather cold/raw in France, and I don't think the spring flowers are out yet.

i agree to skip Versailles on a such a short trip.

Personally,I'd skip it. Happy Travels!

Hi KC,

>Is it worth while to see Versailles with such a short stay? Are the crowds unbearable?

NO and NO.

Would taking a guided tour be easier for us (1st time travellers to Europe) or is it totally manageable on our own? I see that Fat Tires has a bicycle tour of Versailles, but my hubby says he doesn't really trust me on one! hahaha

Versailles is easily managed without a tour, but it does require taking the commuter train and then a short walk to the palace.If you feel happier with a tour, that would be even easier.

I visited Versailles in March and the gardens were bare.

As to whether it is worth it on a short visit to Paris, that depends on how much it means to you to go there.

Versailles is the greatest palace in Europe. It certainly does merit a visit. However, be advised that unless you are a die-hard fan of Louis XIV-XVI and French history of the late 17th century to the time of the Revolution, visiting Versailles can be an ordeal. The lines and crowds are nightmarishly long.. By all means visit, but only if you have a whole day to do it w/o rushing.

I think Langcraft has convinced me to go to Versailles... i am kinda intrigued by that part of French history, especially events leading up to the French Revolution (i think i might have watched too many movies on MA!)
I do have 4 full days in Paris, so I think I can devote one day to Versailles and another to Reims/Epernay for the champagne caves, leaving 2 days to wonder in Paris...oops...i digress....