Versailles Golf Cart? Fountains?

Well if you get there very early, you'll be able to rent one quickly. They rent by the hour, so people who rent, return them promptly to be sure they don't get charged for another hour. We used them 5 years ago for my wife's bum knee. Even late in the day, I think I only waited in line for about 45 minutes. They have set paths where they operate and they give you a map of where you can go. They have some sort of GPS or underground cable tracking device that if you venture off the assigned routes, they automatically are disabled and you'll have to push it back into the OK zone.

Check the website for dates when the fountains operate. Another thing to keep in mind, restrooms are in short supply. Women could have a wait equivalent to that of renting a golf cart. Unless something has drastically improved since we were there, do not pass up an opportunity to use the "facilities".

Fountain days are Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday. You must pay an extra fee to enter the formal gardens on those days. Note that not all fountains run at once (they never did even for the Sun King himself). You must go around as they operate each fountain (usually 2-3 at a time).

Golf carts are 1st come 1st serve and allow you to drive yourself out to the further reaches of the park. They come with an audio guide.

The kids might enjoy a row boat on the Grand Canal.

Go straight to the gardens when you get there, do that..THEN go inside. Most people do it the other way around and get stuck in a long line for the carts. We went on the Kings apartment tour, then we went out to the gardens and they had plenty of Golf Carts, just took time to rent them out (fill out the paper work, show you how to use). When we returned our cart, there was a long line and no carts, so people were just waiting in line till a cart showed up.

As others said, the earlier you get there the better. To really see, and enjoy, the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon and the Hamlet, you need one for at least 3 hrs. They are expensive but if you have many people, not so bad.
Would you consider renting bikes? That's our favorite way to get around the massive grounds. They have nice bikes with baskets, helmets and locks for rent by the Grand Canal.

I seem to remember you posting about travelling with kids on the England board..... We went to Versailles last month and rented bikes with our 12 and 9 year olds... highlight of our day for sure. So much fun. You cannot rent the golf carts, bikes or boats ahead of time. First come, first serve
The posted schedule for the fountains is correct.. we unfortunately could not make it work with our travel schedule.

If your children are very young they will NOT enjoy the inside of the palace !! The crowds can be very tight , my 11 yr old was ok but she mostly saw the backs of people's elbows in her face , a smaller child will be miserable . It's hot inside , and no strollers are allowed inside , so you will carry small children .

However the gardens are nice and Marie Antoinette Hamlet is a highlight for most kids ( and many adults )

Also you will have to walk to most fountains as golf carts do not go in the upper formal gardens where most fountains are located .

I agree about very young children.

My 11 yr old son loved the inside of the palace. I do too but I had had enough long before him and went outside to sit on a bench until he was done.

There is also what is called "the Little Train". 7.5 E for the whole circuit. It is a small tram that makes stops (HOHO) along the way covering the park & major sites like the Trianons & Marie Antoinette's hamlet. It runs about every 20-30 minutes until about 7 pm in season (Apr-Oct). What's nice about this tram is you can walk as far as you want but can board the tram at any of the stops along the way & pay the driver (best to have exact change). If you are on your way back to the chateau, the driver might only charge you 4 E. Initial boarding is located behind (north side of) the chateau from where you entered near the start of the gardens.

I don't like the train at all. You have to wait, sometimes quite a while for one and if it's hot out, there's no shade while you wait. They cram people in like sardines, the ride is rough and bumpy, and they don't go through the gardens, they drive on the roads.