Versailles vs Fontainbleau

Both are amazing historical sites, and I would normally give the nod to Versailles as the grounds and other buildings on the grounds are wonderful. However, in January this advantage would not be noted, the grounds are huge, the weather could likely make enjoying them less then fun, and the statues are covered, the gardens themselves dormate etc.. the fountains off etc.. So, if you are planning to drive out of Paris and just choose one based on the best routing, that is what I would do,,, I wouldn't go out of my way for one over the other ( which is saying alot for me, as I really do love Versailles, have visited 6 or 7 times now, and Fontainbleau only once, but a very good once )

If you are going to be there after the New Years holiday, I would go to Versailles. It is usually packed with people, but the crowds are a little less in Jan and Feb. That said, if you are going to be in Paris around the 1st/holidays, I would go to Fontainebleau. Both chateaux are magnificent.

My question is specifically which site would you choose as a day trip? Both will require some time away from Paris and we have heard arguments for each. Just wanted to see what the travelers thought.

Jennie, you haven't said how many days you'll have in Paris which would help us make a suggestion. If I were traveling with someone on a first trip, I would suggest going to Versailles if we were going to be in Paris at least 4 or 5 days. I loved Fontainebleau but for a first trip, Versailles is hard to pass up--after all, many of the other palaces in Europe were Versailles copies.

I probably can't really present a good point here - just wanted to say I've never been to Versailles - always felt I wanted to see it but after reading stories of the crowds, we chose Fountainbleau for our trip there last August. We went by train and bus (which was easy) and spent the day there - it was wonderful! I would highly recommend it.

They are both very nice but Versailles is 5 star IMO.

I'm with JS, my vote is Versailles. Love it.

I've been to Versailles in all seasons, and I am just as impressed with Versailles in winter as in spring/summer.

We will be in Paris for 4 days with a 5th day for a day trip (most likely). Is Versailles going to be just as wonderful in the winter? Does that play a part in anyone's recommendation?

Jennie, We were in Paris (our first time) in early January. We did a day trip to Versailles and absolutely loved it. You will miss out of the full granduer of the gardens but even when not in bloom they are staggering. It was a really easy train ride from Central Paris and short three block walk from the station to the palace. Which is good b/c you can walk for hours around the palace and grounds. We did a guided tour that added some rooms not open to the genral public and really enjoyed that part of it also. Our guide explained the evolution of the palace and different personalities involved. If we are ever lucky enough to go back in spring/summer, we will definitely head back to see the gardens in bloom and fountain in use, but it was still a trip highlight in January. I've never been to Fontainbleu, but IMO Versailles was an epic sight and we were so glad we went.