travel to Versailles

Linda Take the RER C line to Versailles is E6.50 round trip. You can get the line at St. Michel, Musee d'Orsay, Invalides and others. There are 4/hour and takes 30 minutes. Any of these RER trains, at these stops, whose name starts with "V" goes to Versailles- Don't get on any other trains. Get off at Versailles Rive Gauche- Make sure you exit thru the turnstiles by inserting your ticket. Returning, all trains go to the RER downtown Paris on the C line. Taxi's to Versailles would be about E65. We did see the palace - spectacular, but it was raining that day and did not see the gardens.
Rick Steves Paris book does outline the above as well as other areas to see and the prices. It is very helpful and a fold out Paris & Metro map are included Hope this helps and enjoy

They have apparently made it even easier to get on right train, renaming it "Versailles Chateau". Keep in mind that even if you got on wrong train to Versailles it would not be end up world,, years ago we got on Versailles Chantiers and simply walked 20 minutes to Chateau instead of 5 minutes. Also price is now 4.10 one way I think,, so 8.20 return, and trip takes between 35-45 minutes.

The other thing to keep in mind is that the RER C can be accessed and used with a valid Metro ticket in central Paris. BUT that Metro ticket or pass is not valid all the way out to Versailles. So be sure to buy a specific ticket valid to Versailles. The Versailles Rive Gauche station is about 10 minutes from the plaza in front of the palace. You exit right down the street out front, then turn left on the wide boulevard and you'll see the palace ahead of you.

Linda, if you make it down to the Grand Trianon past the gardens, at the end of the day, to save time and lots of walking, you can take the hourly bus right outside the front Grand Trianon gate. It takes one metro ticket (or buy it onboard) and it will take you directly to the Versailles River Gauche train station. Have fun!