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Visiting Versailles with grandsons

We'll be in Paris with our son, daughter-in-law, and two grandsons, 8 and 5, in the last week of June. Our son fondly remembers touring Versailles at age 13 and insists we have a trip there on the itinerary (details and arrangements left to me, of course). I'm finding the schedule on the official website confusing and thus am looking for guidance on when best to visit and what to focus on. The boys are early-to-rise, early-to-bed, and so we also need to determine whether the evening shows are worth the extra effort (including carrying sleeping children back to their apartment).

Any advice to be had on which day and time of day to visit, and what to focus on, would be immensely appreciated.

Thanks!

Posted by
1982 posts

Mike,
Definitely get the earliest entry time possible. The crowds just grow as the day goes on. I am guessing the ages of the kids would make the grounds the most enjoyable for them. They are huge, and quite a long trek for a five year old. I think you can rent a golf cart type vehicle to get to the Petit Hameau and the Petit and Grand Trianons. The fountains and grounds are beautiful and there may be some fountain "shows" during the day. If you are there early, see the Hall of Mirrors and main sights inside the palace first while there are fewer people, and before the tour groups arrive. Otherwise the little ones will be overwhelmed by the crowds. If they were mine, I wouldn't try to stay up for evening shows, but you know them best. I would have dinner in the town nearby before heading back to lodging. That way if they crash before getting there, you can just put them to bed. (Ours were 8 and 10 when we took them, and we didn't stay for any evening shows. We went back to our lodging for dinner. This was a long time ago though....fewer visitors. Our kids are now in their mid to late forties!)
Amusez-vous bien!