We have tickets for Versailles for this coming Thursday, August 23. I thought the best time to arrive would be when they open at about 9:00 am. But I just saw a Rick Steves video with Rick himself saying it is better to come in the afternoon. So, I am asking for advice on the best time to arrive at Versailles from Paris. (I know there is a lot of maintenance going on with the RER and other transit lines, so I plan to allow extra time to get there.)
Thanks in advance for the advice.
I'm not sure if there is a best time. A few years ago we went in June on the "best" day at the "best" time in pouring rain and it still was a zoo.
But, consistent with the new info from RS about afternoon visits, the rain passed by mid-afternoon when we were leaving and by then the long lines to go through security were gone. However, be aware that if it is wet, the paths will be very muddy and the huge rounded cobblestones in the entrance area will be treacherously slick. Make sure your footwear is appropriate and you have a raincoat if rain is in the forecast.
Also, if you plan to eat there, carefully look at the website for possible places to do that. Check their hours and whether or not reservations are needed.
It will likely be a complete mob scene on any morning in summer, with a crowd (rather than a line) filling the courtyard waiting to go through security when the doors open at 9:00. We got to Versailles early on the RER and had breakfast in the Ibis hotel around the corner from the palace (you can't miss it if you walk from the train station toward the palace). Breakfast was good. The cobblestones were slippery -- do be careful. The line/mob/crowd was massive. Once inside, it was difficult to see much beyond the tops of other people's heads.
The vast majority of visitors don't go out into the gardens, so that is the place you want to be if you have any claustrophobic tendencies. I understand that the crowds thin out in the afternoon, but can't vouch for that personally.
It would be nice if Versailles used timed tickets the way Stonehenge does, or for that matter "Top of the Rock" skyscraper in New York City. Maybe one of these days they'll decide to do that?
It's good to hear that you're visiting Versailles on a Thursday. DON'T go on Tuesday as the Louvre is closed that day, which increases visitors at Versailles.
If your tickets are for "general entry" (similar to a Museum Pass), you may still have to wait in a queue. IMO it would be a good idea to try and be there early, as standing in a queue in the morning will be much more pleasant than in the hot afternoon sun (trust me on that). It will also be cooler for wandering around the gardens (which are enormous!).
If you'll be travelling with a smartphone, iPod or similar device, you might consider downloading the Rick Steves audio tour for Versailles. With that you won't have to rent an audio guide and can have Rick give you a "personalized" tour.
Everyone —
Thanks for the replies. Versailles does actually have timed entrances now. Ours is for 9:00 am with a half-hour grace period. But with what I have read about all the ongoing transit maintenance, especially the RER C line, I am concerned we would not make it in time. That's why I was considering the afternoon.
The "info" is very spamish. Reported
I want to go with “info” and see the Joan Fontane (sic) Show.🤡
For the really packed sights, it's best to be there well before opening. In your case, I'd get in line 40 minutes or more before opening (with tickets purchased online if possible). Go straight to the mirror room to see it before the crowds. Then visit the little Trianon before the crowds shift there. Spend time in the gardens then go back to the main palace with whatever time you have left, knowing that you will be fighting crowds inside (so just go with the flow) until it's time to leave.
Edited: I'd stick with the morning and just start early enough to get there in plenty of time.
Brad makes very good points.
I would only add to be sure to bring your PATIENCE! I've been to Versailles a few times, and each time seemed to be more chockablock with people than the last. It's also a hellish baking oven in the summer, or at least it was when I was last there on a hot June day. Just blistering. I almost fainted.
So - patience! And hydrate! :-)
I was there this past May, went about 11:30 am, massive crowds, but loved it! Paid for a golf cart to tour the gardens, well worth the money!! Ate at the sit down restaurant for lunch, I think it was called Angelina, was lovely and food was very good if a bit pricey, but c’est la vie its FRANCE!
Happy Travels💫✨
I agree with Brad. We were there in May 3 years ago and we arrived 45 minutes early and were the first in line. We went straight to the Hall of Mirrors and got about 10 minutes in their completely alone, it was really surreal. We enjoyed the rest of the palace alone, but when we went back to the front of the palace to see the rooms we rushed through first, it was a mob scene and very unpleasant. So we left and spent the rest of the day in the gardens. Probably arriving early, going to the Hall of Mirrors and then spending time in the gardens before coming back to the palace at the end of the day would be the perfect plan for me if we were to visit again.
