My wife and I will be in Paris at the end of the month and are thinking about a day trip to Versailles. Was originally thinking about a day tour from the city but it looks like it might be easy to take the train, get a couple of timed entry tickets, and strike out on our own for the day.
Cycled thru the search function for recent discussions on the topic but everything was pretty dated, so thought I'd throw this out there for comment from anyone who may have done an independent trip to Versailles recently ... or ever come to think of it. So ... what do you think - take a tour or go on our own? Tx
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
2050 posts
Not recently, but we did just that in 2009. Super easy to do!
Posted by
Vacaville, Ca
1369 posts
Yes, I have done this twice, 2014 & 2016. First time I was in line 45min. before opening, before scheduled times, and once in I headed to the Hall of Mirrors. There were only myself, another individual that followed me and 2 security personnel. We both took pictures of each other in the empty Hall. Then I headed back through the Palace and did my walk through. I also got to Marie Antoinette's Hamlet just before it opened, headed directly to the buildings and had the place to myself for about 20 minutes. Now I go just to enjoy the gardens & fountains.
Enjoy your trip.
Posted by
Southeast of Seattle
700 posts
I’m going to piggy back because I think answers for Robert may be similar to what I will be looking for.
Looking at the Versailles site, it appears that the Passport ticket would be the best for a first time visit. Would that be the recommendation?
Do the online purchase with an early timed entry for the Palace to do that first, then have the remainder of the day to TRY to cover The Trianon and Hamlet, etc? I realize the place is huge, but not sure we want to rent a golf cart.
Robert, what are you looking at for a reasonable day there? From where we will be in Paris it looks like our closest RER C train leaves from Saint-Michel-Notre Dame station.
Posted by
Chicago
8069 posts
I think the Trianon and Hameau are only open in the afternoon. There is a sort of shuttle from the palace to that part of the estate, but it is actually a nice walk; we have walked through the gardens and fountains and exited by the canal, had lunch, and then walked over to the Trianon and then back for the afternoon fountains.
It is certainly simple to do on your own.
Posted by
Huntsville, TX, USA
317 posts
We have always visited Versailles on our own. We went in 2009, 2014, 2017, 2019 and will be there again in a few days. It's usually crowded so be prepared for that. Be sure and secure your timed entry ticket in advance. Give yourself a full day (6-8 hours) if you intend to see a great deal. Study up on as much as possible before you arrive so you can enjoy the art and architecture without having to spend all day reading what's posted along your route. If you like audio guides then do that. We did them once and it was fine, it's just not my thing. Good luck and enjoy!
Posted by
OP
Colorado Springs
2831 posts
Thanks everyone.
Am assuming that crowds shouldn't be too bad at the end of March. True?
Posted by
4 posts
Do you think a half day tour or is a full day better for Versailles?