Versailles, Chartres or Reims?

I'll bet there's probably seventy-five museums of one kind or another in Paris. Not all close on tuesdays. Take a look at this (the list by arrondissement has days closed on it): http://www.parislogue.com/travel-tips/pariss-top-fifty-museums.html I don't think I've ever heard of a closing day on a church. Of your three choices, I'd put Chartres first as the best example of the notre dame style of the gothics. Reims would be choice two since it's a great city in itself, plus has an excellent cathredral. A list would have to be a few thousand items long and already include hell before I let Versailles sneak on it.

You are correct about Versailles being less spectacular during winter, unless it happens to snow that day and then the gardens are amazing. Chartres is amazing and well worth the visit, but it's nowhere near a full day's trip. You could actually do both Chartres and Versailles in the same day as there is a Versailles station on that train line that is about a 15-20 minute walk from the chateau. In February, the crowds will be thin and you can see the chateau and some of the gardens to get the feel. I'd only recommend Reims if you also love Champaign and want to take some tours.

Hi Cindy. I agree with Ed. You even said that you like cathedrals better, so go to Rheims or Chartres. Chartres is only an hour train ride from Paris; not sure how far Rheims is.

I will always suggest Chartres (maybe because I lived there during the best year of my life to date). Charming town, AMAZING cathedral, the park behind the cathedral, Place des Épars...makes me homesick.

In Paris you can see Notre Dame and Saint Chapelle (stained glass)for your church visits. Versailles however is a tremendous palace visit and worth over half a day going on the palace tours. Chartres I saw in 1.5 hr, I have not been to Reims.

I agree with you, and others, about Versailles, its just not exciting. I would stay in Paris and if you've not been there be sure to visit St. Chapelle.

I went to Versailles in late March and the gardens weren't all the impressive, but I still loved it. The Hall of Mirrors is amazing... There's a really good and free RS audio walking tour guide that made it even more fun and interesting. I did Chartres on the same trip... Though the inside of the Cathedral is beautiful, the outside was covered in a huge scaffolding... not sure how long that will be there. We stopped in Chartres simply to break up a long drive back to Paris... I personally think it could be seen in a couple of hours and wouldn't spend a full day there if you only had one. Have you considered adding Rouen to your list of possible day trips? There are multiple Cathedrals there, plus a museum where you can see some Monets and other great impressionist art. There's also the Joan of Arc connection. Rouen was by far my favorite day trip. Enjoy your trip wherever you end up!

'There are multiple Cathedrals' (in Ruen) There's only one. All big churches aren't cathedrals. A cathredral is the building that houses the cathedra, the seat of the bishop. Since bishops are scattered a bit more widely than prarie dogs, you'll never find two catholic cathedrals in the same place.

#1 Chartres #2 Reims
#3 Versailles

Chartres does offer a beautiful art museum (behind the cathedral), a gorgeous walk along the stream behind and down stairs from the cathedral, there's a fantastic glass museum, science museum, and beautiful parks. Perfect for shooting the breeze. Versailles is nice, but after about 2 hours of hopping from room to room it got old. Had to break the monotony somehow. Reims---I've yet to visit.