Versailles - day or 1/2 trip
 

I have an extra day in Paris next summer. Is a whole day too much time for Versailles? Thanks in advance.

I think that depends. We spent the better part of a day between getting there, touring around and getting back to Paris. We only toured about 1/2 -- the Royal Apartments -- and not the other wing that housed official rooms. We also only toured the Petit Trianon and the area behind (where Marie Antoinette had her sheep farm).<BR><BR>However, we were there on a Sunday when the fountains are on. The fountains are really something to behold and would definitely encourage you to spend more time on the grounds. There is even a nice, sit-down cafe on the grounds.<BR><BR>I would say you could do it in 1/2 a day if you don't care to see everything. Otherwise, I'd plan on it being more like a full day.

perhaps if you have an interest in exploring it ALL, it's not excessive. not just the palace, but the gardens, and the Trianons exhaustively, for example.<BR><BR>and there are some places to eat in Versailles.<BR>

We did the palace and wandered the closest gardens,in half a day.Back to the hotel around 2.Had lunch in Paris.

1/2 day is plenty. Best part was the fountains and gardens. Main tour-apartments-was great, but very crowded. We were there in September.

I recall reading that there is a period of time that the fountains are not on. Where can I find a schedule for this information. We will be in Paris in December. Thank you.

I had a fountain question too. My understanding is that there are fountain shows on Sunday but does that mean the fountains are only turned on on Sundays? On a different post, someone mentioned seeing the fountains on a Thursday. Thanks for the info. Also, the museum pass only covers part of the palace - any confirmation of this?

I was in Versailles the first sunday in October last year & I beleieve that it was the last time the fountains were running for the year so I assume they would not be in december. They are gloriously beautiful & I spent much more time outside in the gardens than inside.

There is a calendar on the versailles website that shows when the fountains are on:<BR><BR>http://www.chateauversailles.fr/<BR><BR>They are only turned on for the "fountain show" and during the night festival. We saw the fountains this June for the first time and it was really gorgeous. <BR><BR>We spent the bulk of our time in the gardens that day. Got there around 10:30 and did the basic tour inside. (bless the museum pass--no wait at all) Then spent the rest of the day in the gardens. Had lunch at the outdoor cafe (we should have brought a picnic with us). At 5:20 they do a grand finale at the Neptune fountain. They run that fountain for ten minutes only and it was spectacular! <BR><BR>I never did get down to the Trianons or Marie Antoinette's "village"--maybe next time. I wish we'd had two days! But then again we are the type of people who examine everything--I even took pictures of the curtain tie-backs!<BR><BR>Don't forget the sunscreen (like we did). After the finale we took the train back to Paris and had dinner near the Champ des Mars. Then we took a nighttime Bateaux Mouches ride. Good way to cool off after a very hot day! <BR><BR>Our photos didn't turn out as nice as might be hoped, but there are some really good ones of the fountains at <BR>http://www.witzels.org/pics/Paris-2002-06/part2/<BR><BR>warning there are tons of pictures on that page so it might take time to download--my husband just dumped all the digital photos on two pages. <BR>

We took the train there and back and found that to be an easy way to do it. The gardens were the highlight for us and we were fortunate to have lovely weather to enjoy them. We covered the inside rather quickly; I don't know why but we just didn't get overly excited about it. It took us the better part of the day, but if we had left earlier, we could have done it in 1/2 day.

Thanks so much for you help. I am drooling over the pictures. I am not sure I can wait a year!!!