Question about buying tickets for Versailles and the gardens. We plan to visit during the busiest time, on one of the busiest days - when the fountains are on in the summer. I know the museum pass covers the palace. We are planning to get the MP to take advantage of the sights in Paris. Would it be fine to buy entrance into the Gardens on the day we plan to visit? Thanks! Yes, I know it will be ridiculously crowded.
Posted by
Vacaville, Ca
1441 posts
The Museum Pass will get you into the basic gardens, but if it is the Musical Gardens with the Fountains than you would need a separate ticket. Here is the link to the Palace,http://en.chateauversailles.fr/prepare-my-visit-/single/tickets-and-rates/billets-et-tarifs/les-grandes-eaux-1-en, if you know the date you are going it would be best to purchase your tickets online prior to going. This will prevent you from standing in two separate lines, one for tickets and one for the entrance. If you have your tickets then try and arrive at the Palace about 45min. before they open and stand in line. The line for the entrance/security is just to the left of the main gold gates attached to the compound. There are usually portable metal tubular fencing at the area you stand in line. If taking the RER-C from Paris, remember you want the train heading to Versailles - Chateau RG. There are two RER-C stops in Versailles.
Enjoy
Posted by
OP
41 posts
A big thank you!!
Posted by
San Diego
1540 posts
I was just there this past Wednesday and used my museum pass to get in.
It was very very very crowded and could hardly see the rooms in the palace. Maybe it was filled with tourists because of Easter Break and lots of foreign travelers.
We had to wait in a looooong line for over an hour to get in with our Museum Passes.
We took the metro/trains mentioned metro to RER C train and right to the castle area.
and yes the whole place was ridiculously crowded. RER train was crowded too.....
We took the tram for about 10 Euros to view the gardens (which are not in bloom at this time of year.) -
Posted by
Chicago
8551 posts
The basic gardens are free; you don't get in with a museum pass, anyone can just walk in for free. The area of the gardens where the fountains and music are on weekends requires a ticket which can be purchased once there if you want to go into the gardens near the palace where these events take place.
Posted by
Boulder, CO, USA
719 posts
I always just buy my garden tickets for the fountain days once I'm there. I've never waited more than 5 minutes or so, but I'm usually there in May/June. Fountain days make the Chateau even more crowded than usual, so be prepared to be packed in there...
Posted by
6 posts
Great information! Couple follow up questions - do some of the fountains turn on based on a schedule (on days when there is not a show) eg Wed or Thursday ? Is there a link to this schedule ?
We will be using a Paris Museum Pass and wont need the pass for our children (under 18), do we need to stand in line at Versailles to get them tickets ?
Is there a recommendation on doing the palace first or the gardens. We are planning a full day in Versailles in the last week of July.
Thanks!