Because of limited time/scheduling, Sunday may be the only day we can visit Versailles... I know it'll be fountain day, but, if we choose to not pay the extra 8e, will we not be able to see the gardens at all...? (also, does anyone know how this fountain show compares to the one in Barcelona, which we may see a few days before going to Paris?)
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
1525 posts
A fountain spouting water is naturally better than one not spouting water. But I certainly would not consider it a tragedy to visit Versailles without seeing the fountains spouting. In my opinion, they were interesting and....large. But magical?No. Do not miss M.A.'s hamlet, though, even though it's quite a long walk. That WAS magical.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
To assess the rest of the garden ( free section) you must exit grounds and walk around walls to side entrance. The only part closed is the part from the Chateua to just before start of canal,, so walking around it is worth it really, most of grounds are still free, and the fountains do not run constantly anyways.
I had been to Versailles many times before I saw the fountains on,, and frankly, its not worth the hoopla people make about it,, it IS pleasant, but tinny canned music and 1/2 hour fountain squirting every two or three hours is not whoopy do if you ask me. The interesting part is that they are still using the old system , pretty amazing considering the age of the workings.
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
Pat is correct that entry into the Gardens from the main entry requires the fee on fountain day. You can enter for free at one of the side entries, about a 20 minute walk up Avenue de Roi. You must also leave from that entrance. That entry is closer to the Trianons and Hamlet, but you will miss the Grand Canal and formal gardens area.
The fountain show is tame since they are not all on at once, but of course you can't see them all at once either. You are also watching a 17th century fountain, not a fancy techno Vegas show...
Posted by
Vancouver, BC, Canada
84 posts
We saw the fountains and agree, while nice, not that big a deal. But since you are there - why not. If pressed for time - we rented bikes and rode around. One of the best days we spent in France.
Posted by
Tempe, AZ, USA
1265 posts
JW - I agree with the others. The fountains are not the be all end all. I enjoyed Marie Antoinette's
(sp?) Hamlet much more than the fountains.
Posted by
Easthampton, MA, USA
23 posts
I must be an old-fashioned romantic, because I really enjoyed the fountains! I liked the simplicity and the way that they really enhanced the gardens. Of course, it was in the mid-90s, so maybe I was just happy to water!