We will be visiting Versailles in the first part of June on a Sunday. Debating on time of entry. I’ve read that first thing in the morning is best. But I am curious if anyone has toured all the other areas first and then done the palace later in the day? Just curious how the lines are getting into the palace later in the day? Im seeing if there is a way to avoid leaving so early from Paris and be in line 45 minutes early before it opens at 9. I’m traveling with two teens and trying to make them happy as well. We have lots of early morning trains and appointments already. Any input is appreciated. Thank you.
Posted by
Utah via SF Bay Area
412 posts
I was there in November. Arrive early. Check out the house and then enjoy the gardens. There are cafes and just nice things to see and enjoy the day.
The palace was packed. We were stuck waiting until our tour group entry, and saw what we could of the gardens. It would’ve been great to see where the Olympic equestrian events were and Marie Antoinette’s private manor was. But there wasn’t enough time to walk all the way to these venues and make it back to our appointed hour.
Frankly the house tour was disappointing as most of the stuff In it is recreated since original furnishings were sold off. Plus by the time we got in, it was packed. I think if you arrive before the busses and tour groups you will be fine. I just wanted to see the mechanical horse that was in the Olympic ceremonies that ran on the Seine and was at Versailles at the time.
Edit: just reread your post. As the other poster suggested maybe late in the day since you already have many early adventures already scheduled this trip. Frankly to deal with the people, being well rested would probably be a good thing. I’d try late in the day and then you aren’t rushed and getting out of Paris so early and can have a leisurely morning. Hopefully many of the bus tours will have pulled out and it won’t be so crowded.
Posted by
1248 posts
I really can't speak to current conditions, but when we took our then older teens 10 years ago, we went first thing in the morning in the summer. It was so packed inside. We were so glad we had to tickets to the gardens to escape it. If you really don't feel like making an early morning of it, maybe late afternoon wouldn't be a bad idea? You'll get better suggestions from others, but I do remember that it was too much crowd wise even early.
Posted by
Chicago
8956 posts
The fountains only run a couple of hours morning and afternoon (check this as things change all the time -- but this is the way it has been on our several visits, sometimes just for the gardens/fountains and sometimes for the whole thing)
I'd go mid morning for the fountains and book the chateau for 1 or so and then enjoy the gardens again and perhaps the Trianon in the afternoon. The gardens are not very interesting if the fountains are not running.
Posted by
Bend, Oregon
2701 posts
On Sundays in the summer, there are often special things happening: the fountains are running, the music might be on in the gardens, there might even be late hours. So check your specific dates. I think arriving later (11-12), maybe having a quick lunch in town, then starting your tour with the Petit Trianon, the Grand Trianon, and the gardens might be more enjoyable for the kids. You copied take a taxi to the side entrance near the Trianon, the St. Antoine gate. Consider renting bikes to explore the gardens, they are huge. Then schedule a later entry time for the palace, 4-5:00, or whatever the last tour is if you plan to take one.
Posted by
48 posts
I personally enjoy the gardens more than the palace. I would go in the gardens first around 10, spend a couple hours walking around and then have a picnic or lunch around noon. You can go in well rested and fed, in the afternoon, to deal with the sea of people mayhem that is the inside of that palace.