Versailles
 

My wife and I will be in France in September. Will only be in Paris for 3 days (have been there before) and then going to eastern France. We would like to consider going to Versailles; but would appear it would have to be on a Saturday (can I assume that might be a worst day of week). I know there must be a hundred options about visiting Versailles; how to get there (bus, train, other);; tour or no tour, 1/2 day or full day, etc. Wondering what folks might suggest would be their best recommendations on how to visit Versailles from the Latin Quarter area of Paris?

Definitely no tour. It's an easy train ride from Paris then you can visit on your own without being rushed around. I recommend the audio tour. Plan a full day, there is so much to see.

RER C train line to Versailles Rive Gauche, then a walk to the chateau. I'd go early morning to line up before the buses arrive. If I had to choose, I might pick Friday. Once you've done the chateau, the grounds can take up a lot of the day. Rent a bike?

Personally, I feel that unless you really are a fan of 17th century France and Louis XIV, Versailles really is an ordeal more than a visit. I have been to Versailles 4 times; 1st time on my 1st trip to France 20 years ago then subsequently going with others while I acted as tour guide/history buff. The sheer scale of the place and throngs of people to go detract from the grandeur of it. My last trip there in 2005, the grounds were looking the worse for wear; none of the fountains were working and there was scaffolding along much of the palace facade to do emergency repairs.

Just take these things into consideration before you commit a day to lines and crowds.

We took the RER C to Versailles last month--an easy trip, and an easy walk to the chateau and grounds. We skipped the chateau (having been there before) but really enjoyed walking around the massive, hidden corners, never-ending, watery and over-statued grounds. Check to see if you can be there when the fountain "shows" take place--the September schedule might be different from summer.

Oh I LOVED Versailles!

Don't make the mistake I did of booking a timed tour of the house then walking round the lake - its bigger than it looks! I made it back but only just, and in 3 inch heels as well!

Id previously read Antonia Fraser's bio of Marie Antoinette so my trip brought it all to life. Really superb visit!