Rick's 2017 France book (Kindle edition) states that as of April, the chateau is open until 7pm and Trianon/Hamlet is open until 6:30. We were there Friday, April 14 and BOTH closed at 6pm, which forced us to compromise what we could see. Frankly, with sunset as late as it is over there, I don't see any reason they can't be open later. Overall, though, the book is fantastic.
Posted by
Medford, OR, USA
5837 posts
Perhaps they were on reduced hours in observation of Good Friday, a religious holiday for some. Timeanddate.com lists April 14, 2017 as a "local holiday": https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/france/
Posted by
Medford, OR, USA
5837 posts
It's probably a good idea to check for local holidays and observances when researching travel opportunities. I've inadvertently been in Europe during Carnevale week and Easter week. Visiting during those times can be both an enlightening experience and an inconvenience. These periods can be enlightening in terms of the celebratory drama and inconvenient in terms of the crowds. A mixed blessing.
Checking the http://en.chateauversailles.fr/plan-your-visit/practical-information page on Easter Sunday, the site cautions:
SATURDAY 15 AND SUNDAY 16 APRIL: HIGH ATTENDANCE
Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 April, Easter weekend, as well as Tuesday 18
April, chance of high attendance. If you want to visit the Palace,
expect some waiting time.
The website also notes:
the palace
Open every day except on Mondays and 1 May
Opening times: 9.00 am – 6.30 pm
Last admission: 6.00 pm
Ticket office closes at 5.50 pm
Posted by
885 posts
This is a good reminder to always check opening/closing times of sites you want to see. Guidebooks always have inaccuracies -- times change after publication, places go out of business, etc
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
Bill, thanks for posting this good info.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33842 posts
Good Friday is one of the most important days of the year - I'm not surprised that they closed early.