I am wondering if Versailles is worth seeing in winter. This will not be my first time there, but it will be for the people I will be travelling with. I've heard that the outdoor statues are covered in plastic during winter and that it takes a while to get from the train station to the palace. Opinions? Also, does anyone know if it is decorated especially for Christmas? Thanks for your help.

Elaine, I am in a similar situation as I leave for Paris in 2 weeks. I was at Versailles in 1987 but my wife has never been. Please let me know what you find out. Thanks.

Good question. In a similar position (travel companion on first visit) I chose to go to Versailles and it was fine. Sure, a stoll through the garden is not on the agenda (too cold!!) but what was a real treat was the town of Versailles. The merchants work cooperatively to decorate all their shops on a chosen theme, and the effect if just delightful. A cup of cocoa on a chill day in Versailles is a treasured memory - go for it!

I had the good fortune to live in Versailles for a year and love the palace grounds in the winter. While the gardens are not in bloom, they are blissfully devoid of tourists and full of atmosphere. Some of the most beautiful walks I have ever had were in the late afternoon as twilight approached. The forests in which Marie Antoinette's Le Hameau and the Trianon palaces sit become very silent and almost enchanted. Further, tours of the palace are likely not to be crowded. Consider seriously a concert or an opera in the Royal Opera House. Also, make sure to take the guided tour of the palace which takes you into rooms that otherwise are not included on the general admission.

Sorry, one more follow-up. The walk from both train stations is pretty far. If you are staying in Paris, you may want to rent a car for the day and drive out. If you walk the gardens, you will likely end up very far from the main palace and even further from the train stations. However, you can park in front of the main palace, take the tour, and then when done drive over to the other end of the property (about 1-2 miles). Here you can drive right up to the Grand Trianon and park and then take a good long walk. There is a luxury 4 star hotel over by the Grand Trianon which bears checking out. The palace is not decorated for Christmas.

Are there any other alternatives to the long walk from train station- bus, taxi, other route from Paris (other than renting a car)....? I have never been and this Christmas will be my first trip. Also, do you know if Versailles or anything in the town will be open on Christmas Day? Help please. Please email answer. Thanks a lot.

Hi Marcy:

It is highly unlikely that much will be open on Christmas day. The palace will most likely be closed, although the grounds will probably be open. Think about things that you could and couldn't do in the U.S. on Christmas day and you will get a general idea or what will be going on. Which is not much. The museums and stores will be closed. You may find some patisseries and food shops open in the morning so that people can buy things for their meals. But even this is questionable. Some restaurants may be open. Train service will be very limited. Also, be aware that the day after Christmas is a major holiday in most of Europe, so you can expect it to be a very quiet day as well. My advice is to focus on churches and the music that will be taking place in them. A dinner in a chateau or a beautiful hotel may be a festive thing to do.