We will be going to Paris for seven days, arriving Sept. 1 and departing on Sept. 8. In our group will be three adults (2 in late 30s, 1 66 yr old) and a child (age 3). This will be the first trip to France for all of us. I'm already planning for a trip back to visit Provence and the Dordogne. ;-)

We definitely want to take a day trip out to Versailles. Which day of the week would you recommend for this outing? The only recommendations I have seen are for Saturday vs. Sunday. Are weekdays less crowded? I don't feel particularly drawn to see fireworks or the fountains (although if it worked out that we could, that would be fine).

I had planned to visit the Louvre on Friday evening, based on some other threads on this site. Is this wise?

I am thinking that other day trips are probably not the best idea, but I would like feedback from you all. I'd briefly considered a trip to Bruges, as all the adults would love to visit the medieval city. It seems too much train time in one day for our daughter though. I had also considered a trip to Giverny, but I have read mixed reviews on here. Suggestions? I have no doubt that Paris has plenty to captivate us for six days.

Are there other sights in Paris that are best visited on a particular day of the week? I like to have a loose itinerary that allows for alteration, depending on weather and moods, and allowing for plenty of time to wander and shop and for our daughter to play in the parks.

We definitely want to take a day trip out to Versailles. Which day of the week would you recommend for this outing? The only recommendations I have seen are for Saturday vs. Sunday. Are weekdays less crowded? I don't feel particularly drawn to see fireworks or the fountains (although if it worked out that we could, that would be fine).>

well then avoid weekends, esp when the Grandes Eaux or whatever they call the splish-splashing fountains in the gardens that splash to piped in classical music - also a steep extra fee to enter i believe

So avoid weekends because French come here more on weekends as you may suspect - avoid Mondays because it is closed and Tuesdays may be more crowded since pent up demand from it being closed Monday and the fact that the Louvre is closed Tuesday may put more folks in Versailles. Seems Wed-Fri may be best but i guess many French schoolkids still have Wed afternoons off and grannies and grandpas love to take them to places like this.

I guess the Paris Museum pass gives you priority entrance on any day however - but i have been inside when the moving self-guided tour was just too crowded to enjoy.

First off, 7 full days lends itself particularly well to an apt. stay - are you renting an apartment? Here is an agency I (and many other Fodorites have used:

http://www.vacationinparis.com/infop/two_br.htm

Weekdays in Versailles are less crowded - but still crowded. Best bet is to arrive when the gates open when it is very uncrowded. Do plan some time there to see the gardens in addition to the palace. The restaurants in the gardens are better than in the building. Packing a picnic is also a great idea.

Yes, Paris has plenty to captivate us for six days. If you do decide to visit Bruges, do it as an overnight which will mean leaving the paid-for apt. empty one night. It's up to you whether to go at all - but if you do, do it right, it's not really a day-trip.

I would get 4-day museum passes for the 3-adults (the 3 y/o is free of course). Not just for the savings on admissions but more importantly to avoid lines. In particular, you could go to the Louvre when they first open (enter via the Passage Richelieu - not any of the other three entrances which have longer lines) and you'll show your passes and walk right in and have the place practically to yourselves.

http://en.parismuseumpass.com/

I wouldn't worry about trying to go to particular places on particular days (except avoiding Versailles on weekends), your plan to keep things flexible is spot on.

Bardo - Yes, we are renting an apartment in the Marais, on the Roi de Sicile.

Thanks for the recommendations to go to Versailles during the week. I think we may go to Versailles on Thursday.

Ignoring the advertising from Roisne...

It is easy to get to Versailles using the RER train, Line C, Versailles Rive Gauche station. there is some current construction in central Paris on that line, so check that. Taking the train you can get there before the tour buses.
The gardens are huge! There is a trlolley train, or bike rental, to get you around. You might like to go to Marie Antoinette's Hameau.
The Chateau itself can be overwhelming...room after room of extravagence.
Consider the not often mentioned tour of the stables. There is a dressage performance on weekends and some Tuesdays.

http://en.chateauversailles.fr/prepa...kets-and-rates

The major tour companies, like Parisvision and Cityrama offer organized tours. Some combine Versailles with other locations,like Giverny.