Help with a visit to Versailles

The combo RER/chateau entry pass has been phased out. The reference to it which you found is out of date. Rick Steves also had the name wrong for the combo pass. It was called a Forfait Loisirs, not Le Passeport. The latter refers to the entry pass which you can buy on the official Versailles Web site which will allow you to skip the lines. There are two prices: one for week days and one for weekends which includes the fountain show. See here.

The fare for a single ticket on the Metro and RER from anywhere in central Paris to Versailles-Rive Gauche is €2.95.

Your pack looks to be small enough to use as a day pack. Some tourist sights will require you to check it, others will require you to take it off and carry it by hand, and others will let you wear it.

I've never been to any site in Paris or France that required checking a backpack. Maybe some museums don't allow it, but I can't remember, we're not big on museums. I've never had a problem taking one in anywhere. (Edit: I do remember now that we had to check ours at the Orsay)

We've rented bikes many times at Versailles and it's really fun. But reconsider not going to the Hamlet - it's really worthwhile and not far by bike.

I think you're smart not to go on a weekend. To me, the fountains are not worth the extreme crowds they attract.

NOt go to the Hamlet, but you rent a bike, that seems odd. With a bike you can be there in 5-10 minutes, walk around for 1/2 hour or so, , why would you pass it up?

You should buy your ticket for Versailles ahead of time. The lines are insane .Seriously. Buy it online, or buy the Musuem Pass ( available many places) and use one day of it for Versailles. It will be crowded when ever you go, just go with flow.

I did not look at backpack , too lazy to type it out, but yes, some Museums do forbid backpacks, and it is up to doorperson discretion . You can easily check bag though and just carry wallet, so not a big deal to me.

Heath, I would go to the hamlet.....it is pretty neat. That way you won't regret missing it!! I do not remember having to check my backpack there, but that was a few years ago and things may have changed.
I think the bikes are a great idea.
Have a fun time.

Hi Heath, the Hamlet was our favorite part. However it is far from the Chateau but with a bike no problem. In fact for the rest of our stay in Paris when we were talking about distance to places we were walking we would say "is it Hamlet far?"

I saw people with all kinds of backpacks. Regarding crowds we got there after 1pm and it was great..but it was a cold May day also.

By "The Hamlet" I assume we're talking about Marie Antoinette's weekend getaway cottage? Which of course was not just for Marie but that's how it's often referred to.

If yes, I would NOT skip the hamlet. That was my favorite part. Spend less time in the chateau and allow 30 - 60 minutes to see it. We walked to it, it's not really that far, but if you're on a bike you'll be there in no time.

On a visit to Versailles in Sept. 2009, my sister had to check her large purse, when going into the Palace, because she had food in it. So if you bring picnic supplies in a backpack, be prepared to check it. Also, I would not skip the Queen's hamlet.

Don't miss the Hamlet. If you're buying the Paris Museum Pass, you'll get to skip the long Versailles line.

We visit the last week in April 2010, and we were asked to check our very small backpack. We were sent off to do this at another desk, and we decided to stuff it under my arm like a purse... problem solved. No one said a thing.

Thanks to everyone, I've been convinced to visit the hamlet! It's nice to hear that it should be included as a "don't miss".

And I guess I'll just do what I can with my backpack, I don't mind checking it as long as there are plenty of options to do so, and it sounds like the places where I will have to check it will have established procedures to do it.

Thanks again!