We will plan to visit Versailles in late September with friends who have limited walking distance. We expect to taxi/uber first thing in the morning from the 5th to Versailles and start in the Palace. Then spend the rest of the day in the gardens.
So I am looking for advice from those have recent experience renting a golf cart and touring the garden area. Process to get a cart? 4 adults, 1 or 2 carts? Your experience and advice? Suggestions overall?
Posted by
Used to be Steilacoom, now it’s Las Vegas
2398 posts
We were there last week for a 9:00 a.m. entry to the palace. I was concerned about there being enough carts for the crowds when we got to the gardens,but it seemed like they brought more out when they needed them and at 11:00ish the line moved well, was well-manned and the process seemed to be explained quickly. We knew there was a time limit, so we opted for the tram. It looked like carts were going out with 4 adults, but 2 people are going to ride facing backwards, so 2 carts might be more comfortable.
Posted by
OP
Seattle suburbs
105 posts
Pattty
Perfect information. Thank you
Hope your trip was great like most. This will be our third to Paris & Versailles and beyond. We love the gardens. We are doing 21 days Paris to Nice. Friends have never done Paris.
Safe Travels to all
Dp
Posted by
OP
Seattle suburbs
105 posts
Patty
Please share more about the tram?
DP
Posted by
Alpharetta, Ga, USA
327 posts
Did this about 3 weeks ago. The "drive" is restricted to limited areas and the default rental is for one hour, just enough time to drive briskly to Trianon and back with essentially no stopping. Don't remember how much the surcharge was for additional time but it was pretty steep. I think is an OK solution for those with mobility issues (as did one of our group) but walking certainly better. If driving a vehicle to Versailles there appeared to be automobile parking available at Trianon. After entering the garden there is a kiosk for the carts (probably have to wait a bit) and the hop on/off train that was ALWAYS packed the afternoon we were there...a Wednesday. They hold your driver's license while you have the cart and give it back to you upon return. Pay by credit card at return so that the used time can be assessed. Yes there 4 seats with 2 facing backwards.
Posted by
Used to be Steilacoom, now it’s Las Vegas
2398 posts
The golf carts open at 10 a.m. It’s 42€ for the first hour and 10.50€ for every 15 min.after. Keep in mind that the Trianon estates don’t open until noon.
The tram station at the Palace opens at 11:10. Tickets are 9€ per person. The tram ticket booth is next to the golf cart booth. The route went from the palace to the Grand Canal stop to Grand Trianon stop, the Petite Trianon and finally back to the palace. It does not back track to the previous stops.
If I was to do it again, I would get the golf cart and just pay for as long as it takes. Getting in and out of the tram is very difficult if you have mobility issues and there is limited foot/knee space. There are no seats in the waiting area, which isn’t an issue unless there is a crowd, because seating is on a space available basis. It was too much standing around for my husband, but the walk back to the palace was too long for him.
Posted by
OP
Seattle suburbs
105 posts
Patty
Again excellent information. We will probably just pay the price and do the carts as you suggestions. It will be our last day in Paris before heading on so no reason to hurry back. We have 5 full days to fill in Paris not counting travel and arrival days.
Any "Wow Moments you want to suggest outside of the one RS identified.
Thanks for your help.
DP