Which day to go to Versailles

I don't notice to be sunday an off day in paris, all sites are open on sundays,, museums etc..
Crowds will be slightly greater at Versailles on sunday because of fountain show( will be crowded anyways on friday). Cost will be slightly higher if you wish to enjoy formal gardens and fountain show. Fountian show runs throughout the day at intervals and isn't very long,, maybe 15-30 minutes,, often not enough time to see all fountains, so i would plan on be able to see it twice.

I'd go on Friday. We've been to Versailles many times, once on fountain day and it was so jam packed I would never do that again. Fountains weren't anything to write home about imho.

Avoid Sunday at all costs. Rick said it is extra crowded on Sunday, but we went on that day anyway and it was a mess. This was in May 2010.

yup,, have to agree with others,, I didn't even see the fountain show till my 5th or 6th visit, and frankly thought it was much ado about very little.. the fountains are pretty, and it is interesting when you note the workings are original ,,but the " music " is just taped .

Thanks for all the responses VS I read that Steve said that and I too wanted to still "try" we are going ext month as well how was the wearer Pat - we went to Victoria last yr during our Alaska cruise lovely city and beautiful gardens!

I don't agree, We went EARLY on Sunday (left on TGV at 8:30 I believe) and had a fabulous day. The weather may be the more important factor for the gardens. We did the gardens 1st and went through the palace in the afternoon opposite the crowds. Enjoy my very favorite city!

It really just depends on whether seeing the fountains operate is important to you. Paris is open for business on Sundays. I personally love seeing the fountains operate, but it is far more crowded. On other days, you can practically have the gardens to yourself - though probably not on Fridays. The fountains are turned on at different intervals, never all at once. So with your schedule, you'll get to see some operate but not all.

Pat reminded me of the taped music they play on fountain days... it was so obnoxiously loud I couldn't even hear myself think. I LOVE Versailles, but not fountain days.

I also didn't find the fountains impressive.

We went on a Friday and had the added bonus of the local market day in Versailles. We got a fabulous picnic lunch (Ham sandwich on warm croissant and yummy cherry pastry), hopped on our bikes and cycled into the castle area. Sitting watching the gorgeous white sheep in the lush green fields eat my "cake"- I know just how Marie Antoinette felt. Though, unlike her, I didn't have to part with my head which would have ruined the whole seeing/eating thing.

Market sounds so nice, how can i find out if its open the hours etc Thanks!

well, for my g/f's trip to Europe, I thought the day in Versailles would be much the better from a fountain day (my first time there was not fountain day), so we might still do it despite all the negs here. But everyone is mentioning Sunday, is my planning wrong as I have us doing this on a Saturday? (Sept visit)

We have gone to Versailles three times, once on Saturday, once on Sunday, and once mid-week. We agree that the Sunday trip was the best of the three because we went early and were able to enjoy the market as we walked from the train station to the palace. We purchased fruit and shared a roasted chicken picnic with the couple with whom we were travelling for a fun brunch. Be aware that the market closes around noon, sometimes shortly after, so as you return to the train station there will be no evidence that it ever existed. I agree that the fountain show is over-rated. Also, arriving early means that you won't stand in such long lines as you wait to enter tha palace. There were no lines for the Trianon, however.
Arriving back in Paris in time to dress for dinner should not be a problem.

Hello all! We ended up going with the Friday @ Versailles. We have a 930 tour to avoid the lines! I was hoping to pass by the market in the afternoon but if it closes @ noon we will not be able to