We are planning to visit Versailles May 30. At first I planned to booked a timed entry ticket but when I went to the official site they were no longer offering timed tickets. That forced me to start looking at other strategies for visiting. There are no Kings apartment tours that day as it is Ascension Thursday so that is not an option, neither is changing the day of our visit. My question is this...has anyone done Versailles in the reverse? I am now thinking of having an early light lunch in the town of Versailles and then heading to then Queens Gate entrance around noon when it opens. I am thinking that I can spend about 2 hours exploring the Hameau and the Trianon working our way towards the gardens and the Palace. Then another 2 hours or so in the gardens. That should bring us to the Palace around 4 - 4:30. Will the crowds be lighter at that time? I should mention that they are once again offering timed tickets so I can do that but I kind of like the idea of doing it in reverse. Also, if we go with the timed ticket is it imperative that we book an early time? Any thoughts?
Posted by
Cleveland
168 posts
That's our plan. We are also going in May. I've read about some encountering lighter crowds this way.
Posted by
SF Bay Area, CA
2030 posts
I believe seeing the gardens, Queen's Hamlet and Trianons first, early in the day, is how Rick suggests seeing Versailles to avoid the the largest crowds inside the Palace. Visit the palace in the afternoon.
This is what I plan to do on my next visit.
Posted by
Dallas, Texas
35 posts
I was just there last Tuesday. I arrived by RER train to Versailles around 11:30 a.m. I walked to the Tourist Information Office in town and bought a guided group tour ticket, hoping to avoid some lines. The first time slot available was 1:30. The tour guide did not know what the delay was, but we were not able to get into the Palace until about 2:30. The crowds were massive that day. I noticed when our tour was over and I was walking outside, the lines were nonexistent. Hopefully your plan about entering the Palace later in the afternoon is a good idea!
Posted by
Chicago
8558 posts
The Trianon does not open till noon; not sure about the Hameau
Posted by
OP
Braintree, MA
139 posts
Thanks Tammy for your feedback. I have been to Versailles many times with students and we always had prearranged tours so we never waited in a long line, although it was always very crowded in the Palace. This time we are traveling with friends who have never been to France. I am going with my gut instinct and visiting in reverse. it will also allow us to have a leisurely morning. I plan to get the RER around 10am and we should be back in Paris around 7:30, giving us time for dinner before we head to Pont Neuf for a vedettes twilight boat ride. I will post back here to let you know how it went!
Posted by
13 posts
I too am interested in going this day. I am in town Wed -- Sat and read in RS that Thursday is the best day of the week to go (in general). Does Ascension Thursday really override this recommendation?
Posted by
OP
Braintree, MA
139 posts
I have no idea how Ascension Thursday will affect crowds. I only figured out it was Ascension Thursday when I tried to book a Kings apt tour and there were none for that day. It is the best day for us so we are going that day! We will see what happens!!!
Posted by
Rockville, MD, USA
653 posts
We went in late April a year ago - slept in, toured the gardens first, then the Grand Trianon at noon, Hameau, very late lunch at le Petit Trianon, tram back to the palace, showed our museum passes, had a minimal security line, rooms still crowded but we could move at our own pace. Hope that works for you. There's a trip report section if you feel inclined to write one afterwards, or just reply to this thread.
Posted by
OP
Braintree, MA
139 posts
Thanks Marty. Happy to hear that you found that workable. I will definitely report back here and hopefully help others who may be considering the same thing!