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Versailles fountains. How late are they working in the fall?

We are planning a month-long visit to Paris in the fall, arriving sometime in September and departing sometime in October. (Flights haven't been purchased yet.) We were there a couple of years ago but by the time we managed to get to Versailles, the fountains had all been closed and packed up for the winter months.

Does anyone know if there is a set date that the fountains are turned off for the season? I've looked on the Versailles Web site, and if the answer is there, I sure haven't found it. Anything anyone could share would be greatly appreciated and help us plan and time our visit.

Posted by
4 posts

Thanks, yes I know about the hours, prices, days, etc. I'm just interested in when this ends before the Winter.

Did you go? Was it worth it in your opinion?

Posted by
20146 posts

The front page of the website says "..until October 29, 2017."

All the fountains do not operate at the same time. Not enough pumping capacity, They cycle on and off on a set schedule for about 15 minutes to canned music. The Neptune fountain only operates once at 5:20 pm.

Posted by
4 posts

Thanks, I didn't see that. We were there in early October in 2015 and it was closed up completely for the winter. Great to know. Thanks.

Posted by
4535 posts

I suspect that if the weather turns cold early, then they would shut off the water and cover up the fountains for the winter. That may have been what happened when you were there before.

As to whether the fountain show is worth it, that is completely subjective. If you really want to see them operate and as the Sun King would have seen them, then yes. If your interest is in passing, then it may be more crowds and hassle than it is worth.

PS - The fountains never all operated at once. As the king moved around the gardens the staff would turn fountains on and off respectively.

Posted by
4 posts

I guess I just didn't understand how it all worked. Thanks for writing back!