Versailles vs Fontainebleau

Last Oct I had 6 days in Paris and really wanted to see Versailles. I purposely got there around 08:15 with my Museum Pass, stood in line at the center of the main gold gates adjacent to the Palace compound near the metal tubing railings and was about number 5 in line. Everyone gets in the same line once they have their tickets. Once inside, went through security fast, followed the signs that said Hall of Mirrors directly. Got there and there was only myself, a lady that followed me and two security guards. The lady and I took multiple pictures of the empty Hall of Mirrors and of each other as well as the adjacent War Room. Then I walked back to the entrance and started my viewing of it all heading back towards the Hall of Mirrors, by time I got there it was filling up with people. I did the same with Marie Antoinette's Hamlet. Got to the entrance door a half hour before it opened, opens at noon, first in line, went through security, headed straight to the corner of the area it was located and I was the only one there for about 20 minutes. Took amazing photos of the grounds with no one else in them.
I did not make it to Fontainebleau, but will do it in May 2016 instead of Versailles. I guess it comes down to what do you really want to see and always think that you will be back again.
Enjoy your trip.

I go to Versailles everytime that I'm in Paris, but I don't always go into the chateau. The gardens are where the real magic is for me (and the Domaine de Marie Antoinette is one of my favorites).
The Chateau will be packed unless you're really early in line, but so are most major sights in Europe. However, you're in Europe to see the historical icons, of which Versailles certainly qualifies. If you've never been there, look past the crowds and enjoy the chateau because it is really magnificent. Then head to the gardens for the rest of the day.
As I look at my photos of the Hamlet and the gardens, the crowds don't ruin any of the photos.

I say go to Versailles. It's the chateau that the rest of Europe's palaces wish they were...

Neither. If you don't want Versailles for the crowds (and once was more than enough for me) then try Vaux le Vicomte The same Architects of gardens and house later built Versailles.

I have visited both, Versailles in 2001 and again in 2010; Fontainebleau in 2010 (with a rental car on the way to Chartes from Burgundy) . The 2010 Versailles visit was on a Sunday afternoon and it was a total disaster. I think there are ways to manage it so that it's not a disaster, I was foolish to not follow Rick's advice to avoid Sunday. I don't remember the crowds being a problem on the 2001 visit, but it was a long time ago so memory could be foggy. Fontainebleau we practically felt as if we had the place to ourselves. It was nice, but I don't know if it's skip the better part of a day in Paris and incur perhaps significant transit costs to get there. I would have chosen Vaux-le-Vicomte over Fontainebleau, based upon what I had read about the two - but Vaux-le-Vicomte was closed the day we drove through that area. Check on this, but the travel logistics differ across the three as well. I do remember the gardens at Fontainebleau being very memorable, but probably not as much so as Versailles (which we never have visited).

Hi,

"...think of skipping Versailles and going to Fontainebleau instead? Great if you're more interested in Napoleon than Versailles and Louis XIV. Historically, the Hall of Mirrors is well worth seeing. . The crowds would not deter me considering what took place there. But I found Fontainebleau much more interesting as far as Napoleonic history is concerned. There is also a Napoleon Museum ca 20 min walk from the Chateau de Fontainebleau..

I absolutely love Versailles and have been 20+ times. I love the inside and especially the grounds. We rent bikes down by the Grand Canal and ride all over which is fantastic. I really, really like Vaux-le-Vicomte and enjoyed Fontainebleau very much. But if I had to choose one, it would be hands down Versailles. Bushtim's advice to get there early is excellent. And I totally agree with Darren. Marie Antoinette's hamlet is magical. Neither the hamlet, Petit Palais or the Grand Palais have ever been crowded any time we've been there, always in the height of summer. I also would only go on a Tues, Wed or Thurs. Never on the weekend. And as bushtim said, get there early. It's well worth it.
The more history you know, the more you will enjoy it.

just came back from paris, can tell you i have never seen these many visitors at Versailles in April. Arrived at noon and waited about 2hrs to get inside, once in it's not as crowded as before. I like both palaces equally, but Fontainebleau is a little far, so if you have limited time you should try to arrive at Versailles as early as you can. Your commute time to Fontainebleau is about the same as the waiting time at Versailles. If you're going south by car, maybe you can drive to Fontainebleau on your way. It's about 1hr to CDG.

Versailles.

Went to Versailles in 2012 and even with the long wait and crowds in July - get there earlier than you want to - it was magical. Spent the whole day exploring all corners and rowing the "canals".

Fontainebleau in 2013 was "meh". Not enough buses to pick up the day trippers from the Paris train so we guessed where to walk - bring a map - and had an adventure. The inside was nice, the gardens okay.

If you've not been, Versailles is worth seeing. Follow RS's advice if you go