We'll be in Paris during the strike and wish to see Versailles. Unfortunately, the only date that makes sense for us to visit (based on other obligations) is a strike day. What are our alternatives to travel to Versailles if we cannot take the RER?
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8375 posts
Metro to Pont de Sevres, then Bus 171. Detailed directions on the Paris by train website.
Take a day tour that provides transportation.
Posted by
London, UK
71 posts
Be sure to check the Versailles website before heading out there, as the palace may be closed due to strikes. We were there on Thursday and stood in line for a long time awaiting the outcome of the workers’ vote. The palace was closed, though they eventually opened the gardens. Versailles is a lovely town without seeing the palace, but if you are going there to see the palace, be sure that there won’t be a strike on the day you go.
Posted by
OP
Albuquerque
3 posts
Thank you both. I was not aware that the palace could be closed. We will definitely be sure to verify before making the trip.
Posted by
Florida (previously California)
3695 posts
A good thing about bus 171 is that it drops you off directly in front of the chateau.
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
There are also SNCF lines that run to Versailles. It may be that some trains are running if the RER is shuttered. One line departs from Gare S Lazare (with a stop at La Defense) to Versailles Gare Rive Droite. About a 15 minute walk to the chateau. Another line departs from Gare Montparnasse with a stop at Versailles Chantiers. Also about a 15 minute walk.
Posted by
11 posts
Hi Jessica, another option is Blablacar, the car pooling service.
Posted by
Florida (previously California)
3695 posts
Douglas, will the trains you mention be running if there is a strike? I thought the strike affected all SNCF services?
Just a note that even on strike days, some trains will be running. There just will be fewer trains.
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
That was kind of my point - that there are actually 3 train lines into Versailles, so even if there are reduced trains due to a strike, there is likely a train available on one of those lines. And the RER and SCNF are different systems. A strike might cover both systems, but there is also a chance that one system will fare better than the other. Plus, most visitors to the chateau take the RER C, so with reduced trains, those will be jammed full of tourists. You might find less crowded trains on one of the other lines (though these might also be jammed with locals). On a strike day, I'd expect buses to Versailles also to be jammed, so that option may have limited value.
Posted by
Almost Heaven
2945 posts
Seems to me if, say, the RER C isn't running (or on a limited schedule) then all other available options will be jammed with tourists.
If you take five options down to three (or whatever), you're just jamming more people into less space.