Hello, we are looking for advice on a good flow of activities at Versailles. We want to rent bikes at Versailles on their grounds . We are taking the train in and planning to stop at the market to get picnic supplies. If we bike first , we would have to deal with the long waiting lines , if we visit main areas and then bike - onsite rentals may be sold out. What’s a recommended flow ? I am trying to not book with an agency as we are a big family and trying to consider costs so we can afford this . I would pay for a skip the line pass if there is one unrelated to a private tour. We will be there on a Wednesday or Thursday in April. Thank you for your help !!!!
Caroline
Posted by
Chicago
8442 posts
You can usually book timed tickets for the chateau on their web site; this gives you entry within half an hour of your time slot and you use a different security line. I'd do that. You cannot bring food into the chateau or check it at the chateau, so do your biking and picnicking first and then have a late entry ticket.
Update: apparently the timed entry tickets are not be offered at the moment so you can factor that in. I'd probably do the biking first and try to do the chateau late but there will be longish security lines although not as long as first thing in the morning.
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3398 posts
Definitely bike first...the palace is going to be crowded no matter when you go in. You can't bring food into the palace.
Here's my suggestion...
From the train station, get a taxi and have them bring you onto the grounds, as soon as they open, through the gate that is on the north side of the grounds on the Boulevard Saint-Antoine. There is a fee to drive in but the taxi can drop you off right near the grand canal where the bike rental place is. Ride around the grounds for a few hours and then go up and into the palace from there approaching through the gardens from the back.