Versailles, Vaux-le-Vicomte, OR Chartres in MARCH

Vaux le Vicomte is closed until late March but if you are doing it at the end of March then that would be my choice. Here was our visit many years ago: note that there are now shuttles from a different train station than the one we used, so go to their official web site for directions:
https://janettravels.wordpress.com/2010/09/20/vaux-le-vicomte-our-last-chateau/

Chartres is for the Cathedral and an entirely different experience. I would think a 9 year old might find a chateau more interesting than another church, but you know your little traveler.

So, Vaux-le-Vicomte opens the day after we leave. Good catch, Janet! After seeing your pictures I think it would have been the perfect option for us. But alas, not available.

I think Versaille would have a lot to offer a 7 and 9 year old, though obviously the gardens/hamlet might look a little rough at this time of year. If you decide to opt for this route, I would especially look into doing the private tour of the King's Apartments [or whatever they are calling it these days.] That was my favorite part. The trianons are an enjoyable walk through as well. Versailles or Chartres are definitely the easiest to get to.

That being said, Vaux is my favorite chateux in France. It has a really excellent audio guide and if it's open, climbing the little dome is so worth the view. You can take a golf cart around the gardens, which is also fun. Vaux is trickier to get to if doing by public transport alone. You must train and then catch the bus out there. Or you could opt to take a taxi out and back as we did.

I think Versaille is a good introduction to the palace life of the French nobles and it truly is amazing. The crowds will likely be fairly manageable at that time of year. We were there in May and didn't find it too bad. I think your littles might like this more but either place is very enjoyable. I'd skip Chartres this time around, personally.

Chartres is easy to reach by train from Gare Montparnasse, takes about an hour and the train ride is fun. The main sight is the cathedral, one of Europe's best but maybe not as interesting as a palace to a kid.

Versailles is also easy to reach though you might want a taxi from the RER station (Versailles Rive Gauche) to save the walking for when you get to the palace. The palace will probably be very crowded and short people will probably see mostly the lower halves of taller people, but it may be worthwhile. The grounds and outbuildings, like Marie Antoinette's play-farm Hameau, would be more fun, but look for a day with nice weather.

The other Bob,
Provins has a UNESCO designation as well! Would you recommend it over Versailles?

Provins does not offer its falcon shows and medieval jousting and such in winter -- we went in May and there was nothing going on. I would not do this with kids in March -- I'd consider Chantilly if you decide against Versailles. If you do Versailles, do the King's apartment tour. Fontainebleau is another easily reached Chateau.

If you go to Versailles, I would recommend that you concentrate on the grounds. They are beautiful, with many fountains and a canal. Also, there is a place where you can get Angelina hot chocolate for the kids (and perhaps the grownups). I think that the chateau itsle would be a disappointment for the kids, as it is crowded and little people would have a difficult time seeing the furnishings, etc. (which they might find boring anyway). Peter

Keep in mind that most of March is pretty iffy here weather wise although the end of March can be just perfect. Last March 17th we had a snowstorm that botched traffic in and out of Paris too. Days can be wet, grey and windy and not much except early bulbs and plum trees are in bloom. Sun appears now and then but is not a regular visitor. If you plan to do a chateau have an indoor plan lined up.

75020, yes. The weather. I've been trying to track it (as if that will provide actual insight). I did notice there have been a number of days already that have reached 60. So, I'm hoping for unseasonably warm. I know it is too much to also ask for dry. :). If there is snow will we still be able to get around town via the metro?

February was unseasonably, amazingly, delightfully warm but March came in like a wet grey lion. Almost nothing much affects the metro except the rare events that mess up the above ground portions and the constant construction on the lines being updated and extended.

I echo Jane’s suggestion of Chantilly. Most children love horses and aside from the stables and equestrian show, the chateau is pretty amazing. A bonus would be that it will not be crowded as Versailles might be and, is not so daunting to walk through, especially for children. Provins is a fun place with children but as others have mentioned, March not ideal for a visit.

Janet and Patty, I just might be able to tempt my children with a trip to "the castle with horses, and a special dessert if you behave". :)

I would echo other comments re Chantilly - wonderful Chateau plus the horse show would be fun for kids
Provins is excellent medieval town but will be cold in March as it is exposed at top of a hill

So Stacy .. which did you choose and how did it work out.. your post could help others with kids in future.

So......... After all my deliberation regarding which option was best, I landed on Chantilly. However! I made a rookie travel mistake and ran the family too hard. (There is just so much to do in Paris!) By the time we got to our day trip day we all clearly needed to do something low key. We slept in a bit, went to the Arc de Triomphe followed by a nice long lunch.

AND. Now that I'm rereading the posts I'm regretting not doing the day trip! :)