Versailles, Fontainebleau or Neither?
 

45 years ago, on separate student visits to Europe including Paris, I visited Versailles and my wife visited Fontainebleau. We have 5 days in Paris for our 40th anniversary, as part of a 17 day France vacation in July. We will have seen various chateaux and castles in the Loire, Burgundy and perhaps Normandy, so our question is: Ifwe were to visit only one of these two landmark (and I understand very touristy and crowded castles), which one should be our priority to visit? Or do you have other recommendations in lieu.

Thanks.

I would stick to Paris with your 5 days - you wont run out of amazing things to see or do there and you will see chateaux other places (and you may get chateauxed out - I can only handle a couple before they all start to blend together).

If I had to pick one it would be Versailles as its closer to Paris, easy to get to and has lovely gardens. Be sure to go when they have the fountains on if you do decide to go there.

Enjoy!

With only 5 days I would not leave Paris. I already have my fall list for 18 dyas filled up with things to do in Paris and this is my 40th or so trip there.

If I were to leave the city I'd chose Fontainebleu. The crowds will be less. You might also take a look at Provins,

How are you travelling around France? I ask because if you are driving, and coming from the south towards Paris, you could always take a quick exit off the autoroute and visit Fontainebleau (I'm a fan of the exterior rather than interior). Then from Paris, you could take half a day to visit Versailles, of course dependent on how much you want to see there. The others are correct that you'll find plenty to fill 5 days in Paris alone, but if this is something you and your wife want to do together, then the above is an option.

Only 5 days in Paris? Don't see either.

Hi TC,

If, after 45 years, I had only 5 days in Paris I wouldn't leave town.

You will probably notice that it has changed a bit since you were there last.

((I))

Happy Anniversary.

Enjoy your visit.

I love both Fontainebleu and Versailles, but with 5 days I would stay in Paris