Should we visit Versailles with 4 1/2 days?

Versailles is great, but unless you have a really strong interest in seeing it, I think you should stay in Paris. Going to Versailles, and doing it right, will eat up most of one day.

I agree with BG. I love Versailles (and Paris) but 4.5 days isn't even enough for Paris imo. If you do go though, do not go on a Tuesday - the most crowded day of the week there.

Stay in Paris, then do Versailles when you come back. Of all the places we have visited in France, Versailles is near the bottom of my list of great things to see. If you're interested, you should definitely go at some point in your life, but not if you only have 4.5 days in Paris. You'd have to give up something really wonderful in Paris to go out to Versailles on this trip, and don't you want a reason to come back to France?

I love Versailles, so that would be a tear for me,, I can only say,, if you really, really want to go , then do it. If its not a burning priority for you, then do not bother. Paris can certainly keep you busy enough for that short time. If you have kids, and its a nice day,, then it might be a nice break from city visiting,, you can picnic on the grounds, visit the animals at Marie Antionetts Hamlet( my 11 yr old dd loved our day there) ,, but as I said, I am somewhat biased,, do what YOU think is right for you.

Versailles is a must - it can be covered in half a day. If you go there after 2.00pm the admission price is discounted. The grounds are magnificant as is the palace. If you go by train there a few nice cafes that you can sit back and enjoy a coffee of evening drink.

Versailles is only a 35-40 minute train ride from Paris. So, you could easily do the trip and fully enjoy the palace and grounds in a half day. Don't know what days you are in Paris, but this was one "attraction" that was open on Sunday at 9:00 AM. It is absolutely beautiful!!

If you have 4.5 days of sightsee, then I'm also in the camp of Versailles is a must. Even if you have 3.5 full days it is a must. This is a spectacular place and one of the great cultural icons of Europe. In my personal opinion (a strong one at that) - the only attractions that equals Versailles are the Notre Dame, Ste. Chapelle and Eiffel Tower. I'd go to Versailles before I went to the Louvre. But lucky you - you should be able to do all of them, including the Louvre, if you have 4.5 days.

Someone (that we all know) has said: "If you're only going to see one palace in Europe, see Versailles." But as others have said, it's a balancing act and depends on how much time you have, 4 and 1/2 days would be plenty in some places but in Paris....