would this work for a couple days in Paris?

So you have 2 days and you’re spending over half of one on Versailles? I’d skip that.

Add back St Chappelle and the islands. Consider Rick’s historic Paris walking tour.

Give yourself some time to enjoy Paris.

I hear that -- but I was in Paris just once before and missed Versailles, and have been kicking myself ever since! Had to write a long article about it so did a lot of research and am eager to see at least the Hall of Mirrors and some of the amazing history there. Don't have to explore the gardens in much depth, though, which is why I thought half a day would be enough. Hubby is eager to go up to the top of the Eiffel Tower which I'd gladly skip lol!

Why would you suggest seeing three cathedrals rather than visiting Versailles?

If you're not going to Chartres, I think you must see Sainte Chappelle. Sacre Coeur is iconic but the stained glass in Sainte Chappelle is a feast for the eyes. You might be able to get a Vivaldi concert there in late afternoon-we did that and it is one of my favorite things I've done in Europe.

Cala— what a great idea!! Will we be able to see the stained glass at Saint Chappelle in the evening?

Honestly I'd 100% skip Sacré Coeur. The view from afar is enough, or from outside if you do go to Montmartre.

Good to know.

My husband and I found that Versailles, while worth it, will soak up as much time as you give it. Definitely go early. We thoroughly explored the gardens etc., but I was glad we hadn't planned anything that night as I was tired. One another day we took a sunset cruise but not a dinner cruise - I was worried I wouldn't see much of the scenery while eating. You don't mention which days of the week you will be there, but make sure you know which day Versailles is closed, which day d'Orsay is closed, etc. Have a great time! --Marty

Never skip St. Chapelle! It's amazing, especially on a sunny morning.

I second the suggestion to skip Sacre Coeur, and instead go to the concert Saint Chapelle. Much more bang for the buck in my opinion. Peter

I’ll chime in and agree about giving Sacre Coeur a miss. It’s not even particularly old. It’s ugly. And the area is massively overcrowded.

For me, the very best part of Sacre Coeur was climbing to the top of the dome to take in the view.

I liked Sacre Coeur a little, while Sainte Chapelle is my favorite sight in Paris. It is stunning. If you go to a concert, and I highly recommend it, make sure you have daylight during at least part of the concert. Stained glass needs sunlight to be appreciated.

I haven’t made it to Versailles yet, and I really don’t care if I ever do. But it sounds like you should make the effort. We all have different priorities.

I wasn’t all that interested in going up the Eiffel Tower, but we went on the spur of the moment, and I really enjoyed it. I hope you do too.

I went to an evening performance of Vivaldi 4 seasons at Saint Chapelle in September 2018. The moonlight shone through the stained glass. It was magical, and the highlight of my RS Best of Paris tour. If you have an opportunity to do that you won’t regret fitting it in.
Went to the Palace of Versailles and left the tour early, returning to Paris on my own. In MHO was ostentatious and over the top. This palace was not for the French people, it was for the enjoyment of royalty, while the peasants starved outside the doors. I couldn’t get past that. I hope to return to Paris and Saint Chapelle, but will never return to the Palace.

One of the most common reactions to Versailles is 'well of course the French guilllotined the King' -- it is fascinating and worth a full day if you have it. If your criteria is 'for the people, the common people, the poor ' you are not going to find much of interest in historic Paris.

Sacre Coeur is sort of interesting and pretty at a distance but is ugly up close and has one of the least attractive church interiors in Paris; with little time, one to give a miss.

St. Chapelle needs sunlight to appreciate; the moonlight visit sounds nice but not something you can count on. Bright sun is best but daylight is necessary to see the stained glass.

You asked if it would work - I think it will. You will be busy, but you know that. Although I may make other choices, everyone makes different choices. St. Chapelle has evening concerts - we are going there Thursday. Only way to get in in the evening - setting sun should work well. Since you want to see Montmarte, getting to Sacre Coeur makes sense. Enjoy! We have been here three weeks!