mrt

Arriving in Paris for five days on October 7th. First time visitor. Should we set aside a day for Versailles? Are the gardens already dormant by this time.

inspiredexplorer

You'll get mixed responses on taking the time to visit Versailles on the forum (search for previous topics and you'll see all of them).

That being said, what are your interests? If you love large rambling gardens and parks, Versailles grounds are a great draw and the added benefit of visiting the chateau, Trianon and Hamlet make it a don't miss. Especially if you are planning a lot of museum and attraction hopping in Paris, a leisurely stroll through the gardens and grounds of Versailles can be a fantastic way to relax and be awed by (landscaped) natural beauty in good weather. But if gardens and outdoor parks in general aren't a huge draw for you, then I would recommend putting your time somewhere else in Paris proper.

During my first trip to Paris last fall (Oct 2-5) I did elect to visit Versailles and I was not disappointed at all. The gardens in fall had wonderful colors and the weather was very favorable the day that I went. I went around lunchtime on a Saturday, brought a picnic, and started with the gardens, grounds, and Petit and Grand Trianon. Then around 3-3:15 PM, I made my way to the palace where the lines had died down as people were leaving or heading to the gardens. There were some areas more crowded than others (Louis XVI bedchamber) but the Hall of Mirrors was fairly people free and I did not feel overwhelmed at all.

I love green spaces and like to mix up city with some parks/gardens, so I loved my time at Versailles. Yes, you'll be missing something else in Paris, but if you do intend to come back, you'll have a chance to revisit. Either way you won't get to see it all, but if Versailles is really of interest to you, I'd say don't dismiss it out of hand.

This was my blog post about experiencing Versailles (which I never got around to including in my trip report) and does include some photos of the fall colors in the gardens:

http://inspiredexplorer.com/versailles-chateau/

http://inspiredexplorer.com/versaill...of-versailles/

Have a great trip!

Christina

Are you only going for the gardens? If so, I wouldn't. I would go if you are particularly interested in that period of French history and want to see it for that reason, as it is unique, obviously. I don't even remember the gardens that much, there are plenty of gardens and outdoor parks in Paris or nearby, I didn't go for that reason and I've been there a couple times.

mrt

Thanks inspiredexplorer. Your blog posts are very well done. From your photos the gardens still seem to have some life in early October. Versailles went from a maybe to a strong possibility.After I read some more feedback it may become a definite visit.

mrt

Christina: I would not be going just for the gardens although they seem like a pleasant place in which to wander around. I am not interested in any particular period of French history and frankly, I would not be able to differentiate one from another. I just like historical and ornate places. I have never been to any place like Versailles and probably will enjoy it.

hikrchick

thank you so much, inspiredexplorer, for your links. My DH and I are planning a trip to Paris (his first, my second but not in 30 years) next autumn, either late September or mid-October, and now I can visualize what Versailles can look like at that time. We're not good with crowds but so glad to see that we visit and feel somewhat alone.

janjanjan47

We just finished the day at Versailles. We enjoy historical buildings and gardens, and Versailles was no exception. We drove from Bayeux yesterday, turned in our rental car here in town, and spent the rest of the afternoon wandering the gardens, entering by the Queen's Gate. We are burning Hilton points staying at the Waldorf, and found the stay here and wandering the gardens very relaxing after several more intensive touring days.

This morning we took the Versailles run group tour which gave us direct access to the regular tour without any line at all. Our guide was excellent and she gave us a lot of insight to the Lives and times of the 3 Louis who ruled there. I learned some, and found new insights. We had lunch at a restaurant on the grounds and spent the afternoon at the Petit Trianon and the hamlet. Back to the hotel for drinks on the lovely (and pricey) terrace.

We have 6 days in Paris, starting tomorrow, and after these two indulgent and relaxing days, we will be ready.

manouche

There's no telling what the weather will be like when you arrive. We've been to Versailles 5 times during both Spring and Fall. Early October can be rainy and gloomy which won't be much fun, especially when slogging through the gardens. Feeling sorry for anyone who is out there today where it's raining cats and dogs just like in Paris.

TheFlyingScotsman

We never skip Versailles on a trip to Paris.

If you decide to go, do it on a weekend so you can enjoy the fountains. They make the gardens worth every minute you spend.

http://www.chateauversailles-spectac...fountains-show