Getting from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Versailles/Brussels

Posted by Don (Overland Park, KS, USA) on 07/10/10 05:59 PM

We are planning on flying into Paris early 6 AM in October and taking a day trip to Versailles before going on to our hotel in Brussels.

Could anyone provide me with some precise instructions on the best way to get from Charles de Gaulle International to Versailles (Rive-Gauche-the station closest to the chateau)? And would you have any suggestions for getting from Versailles to Brussels?

We are also planning to put our luggage (2 small bags) in lockers before going on to Versailles, then picking them back up on the way to Brussels. Would anyone know if there are safe lockers at either Charles de Gaulle Airport OR at the Versailles Rive-Gauche station that we could use?

Thanks!
Don

Posted by Norm

Ottawa, Canada

07/10/10 06:23 PM

4555 posts

Whew! That'll be a busy day!
First, you're going to have to take the RER B commuter train into Paris (Saint-Michel Notre-Dame) then transfer to the RER C line destined for Versailles-Rive Gauche. That should take you about 90 minutes and cost about 16 Euro per person. You can leave your luggage at the entrance to the Palace itself while you tour.
Coming back, you'll have to take the RER C train back to Saint-Michel Notre-Dame stop, then transfer to the RER B and take it back a couple of stops to Gare du Nord. That's where trains to Brussels depart from....they don't go back thru CDG.
You should be able to book a discount fare from Paris to Brussels at thalys.com or tgv-europe.com (on the latter, keep telling them you're resident in Great Britain.)
P.S. Versailles opens at 9 a.m.

Posted by Tim

Minneapolis, MN, USA

07/10/10 06:33 PM

8700 posts

Take the RER B from CDG to Saint-Michel Notre-Dame. Transfer to the RER C and take it to Versailles-Rive Gauche. Be aware that the RER C divides on the west side of Paris so be sure to take a train that is going to Versailles-Rive Gauche. The nameplate on the engine will read "VICK".

For a zoomable map of the Metro and RER system, go here. For detailed instructions, with photos, on getting from CDG to Paris, see the Paris by Train site.

Take your luggage with you and check it at the chateau (no facilities at the RER station).

Take the RER C back to Saint-Michel Notre-Dame. Transfer to the RER B and take it to Gare du Nord. (To be safe allow up to an hour for this ride.)

Take a high-speed Thalys train from Gare du Nord to Brussels. Book ASAP (up to 90 days in advance) at www.thalys.com to get a Smoove fare as low as €25. (The standard 2nd class fare is €88.) Choose paper ticket and retrieval in France even though you will be able to print the tickets yourself.

Edit: It looks like Norm and I were typing at the same time!

Posted by Tim

Minneapolis, MN, USA

07/10/10 07:44 PM

8700 posts

To save even more time, book your tickets on the Versailles site and print them yourself.

Posted by Tom

Danville, VT

07/10/10 09:42 PM

12040 posts

Ever experience really bad jetlag? Well, you will after the end of this day!