Hello fellow travelers. I'll be going to Versailles in early May from Paris as a day trip with another couple. I've read many times about the importance of getting to Versailles early for opening time. Now that they have timed entry tickets is it really worth getting up so early to be there at opening time? I understand there can still be lines for each hour of entry. In order to get there at 800-815am to get in line for the 9am opening slot we'd have to leave at about 700-715am. Our hubbies won't be too keen on that. If we get a ticket for a little later in the AM (e.g., 10am) would the crowds be that much worse? Would appreciate your insight.
Posted by
889 posts
When I last visited Versailles, we had the Paris Pass and did not have to stand in any lines. I've visited in June and in August. Both times, we did not have to wait to enter. Get a later timed entry and sleep in. The train ride is only @ 10 minutes with a 10-minute walk from the train station. There were several nice restaurants inside so you can visit for a few hours, have lunch and then continue your visit. Enjoy!
Posted by
OP
Oregon, USA
115 posts
Lindy, I had read that it is a 50min train ride from Paris + 10min walk. Other than that, sounds like getting a timed ticket will allow us to get there a little later instead (10 or 1030 timed entry) and only need to arrive maybe 30min prior. That sounds much better. Thanks for your input.
Posted by
la rioja
530 posts
Hi Patti, If you take the L line train from La Defense it is only 25 mins. It arrives at the Versailles Rive Droite. Once the train goes above ground, you get a great view of the city looking back to the East.
It is also a 10min walk to palace, but you go through the Notre Dame market.
The Notre-Dame halls is open every day except Monday. The Notre-Dame open-air food market is open on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sunday mornings.
When I was there in September, there was the most minimal line. I have waited longer standing in line at in my local supermarket. I don´t think that by May things will have change greatly, and there will probably not be hour long lines.
Posted by
OP
Oregon, USA
115 posts
Thanks for the info dlinstrom. That's good to know on the entry time. The guys will be delighted to hear this. We're based in Saint-Germain-des-Prey so we'll be taking the RER C line, which is closest to us, or maybe even FreeNow or Bolt since we'll be sharing the cost.
Posted by
Upstate NY, USA
815 posts
@Lindy - due to Covid, everyone needs a timed entry.
@Patti - I went late October 2021, was only there 15 minutes or so early, and was probably #10 in line at opening (and on a Tuesday, no less). However, when I left at 230-ish that day, the A line for those with tickets, had easily 100 ppl in it, so ymmv.
Posted by
OP
Oregon, USA
115 posts
Since we don't have to wait as long as I thought we will definitely get there by 10 at the latest. Thanks everyone for the input! It's much appreciated.