I will be attending a 3:00pm concert at Versailles on a Sunday in March. I will be renting a car in Paris that morning because after the concert I will be road tripping toward Mont Saint Michel. I would like to know 1. At what time should I start the drive to Versailles? 2. Do concert ticket holders go through the same security line as those visiting the palace? 3. Will the parking lots be full? I will not be visiting the palace this day.
Thanks in advance!
From where in Paris you are departing makes a big difference in the amount of time required to reach Versailles. I would say anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. However, early morning traffic in Paris on Sundays is practically nonexistent. Traffic increases later in the day, becoming heavy late Sunday afternoon/evening as many Parisians return to the city from long weekends.
Just keep in mind that if your Sunday happens to be Sunday March 1, that is the Sunday of the Paris half marathon. There is also a “10km des étoiles” on Sunday March 8. Depending on where these are relative to where you are staying, you might have to skirt them to get to where you need to go.
I am sorry, I don’t know anything about your questions specific to the palace or opera ticket holders.
Renting at 99 rue Rivoli. Date is 3/15
Here is the map showing your entry for the concert in the Opera Royale: Opera Entry
You will go through airport style security at that entrance. Concert attendees will be the only ones using that line. I have always arrived at least an hour ahead to profit from the beautiful interiors and views out to the gardens.
Parking will be particularly important since you will have your valuables in the car. I’d try for the lots in the Place des Armes.
I presume you have already read:
http://en.chateauversailles.fr/plan-your-visit/practical-information#shows
