Versailles - is it worth it?
 

Family will be in Paris for 2 1/2 days -- Versailles is on my list. I know it could be an all day thing but I am sure we will lose my 16 yr old after 4 hours

What are the must sees at Versailles?

I believe the palace would be the "must see."

Yes - Versailles is a "must". However w/ just 2.5 days there are more "musts" that would be better use of your time. I would not even consider Versailles during such a short visit to Paris - unless you have been to the city several times.

I think it time the 16 year old learned something about the history of the world. At some point he has to take the IPODS out of his ears and grow up. Why not now?

If not, why take him at all. Leave him with his grandparents.

Or send him off on a tour of Disney World if that's his speed.

Versailles is a great experience for someone who is already familiar with the history of France. Not sure your 16 years old will be so interested. I think for such a short time in Paris there are so much to see that Versailles should be save for another time. Go to the Opera Garnier! Even your 16 year old will be able to appreciate it.

I'm with janisj - skip Versailles if your only in Paris for a couple of days.

On such a short stay in Paris I'd stay in town -- the 16 year old might enjoy some time on the Left Bank hanging out with other "cool" young people or at least checking out the scene. In addition to seeing the rest of the city of course.

I recommend a Batobus trip up and down the river -- on and off privileges and they stop at some major sights.

Thanks for the feedback. We'll see about Versailles when we get there. She could surprise us and want to go as long as we are not there all day!!

We are definitely walking around and people watching

I have never been to Paris in August and I know that its a big vacation month -- are the markets & boulangeries open ? I nned to know if I am going to be able to get my chocolate croissant fix the whole whole tiem we are there

If your 16 year old is into shopping, spend an afternoon strolling, shopping and people watching in the beautiful gardens and parks. After 2 days, my 16 year old was tired of the museums and needed a "normal" activity. Versaille is awesome but maybe save for the next trip as it will eat up an entire day with getting there and touring.

Ordinarily I would say to skip Versailles on such a short trip. But you say it is on your list. Is that because Versailles is something you've always wanted to see? More than other things in Paris itself? If so, you should go see it. And anything you are really excited about will probably transfer your enthusiasm to your teen. That said, after four hours you might lose me too.

You can make Versailles a half day excursion. There is a tram to take you around the grounds and to the two smaller buildings (the Grand and Petit Trianons) if you don't want to spend a lot of time walking through the gardens. Much of Versailles consists of its large park, and your whole family might enjoy walking around.

If you really want to see the palace, have your 16 year old daughter rent the DVD Marie Antoinette with Kirsten Dunst. She will definitely want to go then. :)

I agree it can be done as a half day; that's what we did.