The website for Versailles says that you can buy an all-day pass from FNAC stores. Anyone purchased one lately? What is a FNAC store? Is this the same as the Forfaits Loisirs? Somewhere I read that the RER train stations no longer handles the all day pass. I am arriving in Paris on Friday, May 1st (Holiday) and planning on going to Versailles on Saturday (less crowds than the following day - free first Sunday of the month.) Any help would be appreciated.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Here's a quote from the Frommer's site about FNAC: "This is a large chain of music and book stores known for their wide selection and discounted prices. Eight branches are in Paris, with the largest being at 136 rue de Rennes, Montparnasse. Other locations include rue St-Lazare, avenue des Champs-Elysées, Forum des Halles, avenue des Ternes, and avenue d'Italie. All are open Monday to Saturday 10am to 7:30pm except Champs-Elysées, which is open daily noon to midnight."
I've read the same thing you have about the Forfaits Loisir. I don't know if it's still sold at FNAC stores, but I expect that at least the one-day Le Passeport is sold there. It provides entrance to Versailles but not transportation.
Posted by
USA
85 posts
I'm confused. I just read in RS Paris 2009 that the Le Passeport can be purchased at either an RER train station or at Versailles, but if you get it at the train station then it includes the r/t train ride. That is what we're planning to do. Is the guidebook info already outdated??
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
The guidebook is incorrect as well as outdated. Le Passeport is and always has been an admission-only pass. The Forfait Loisirs provided roundtrip transportation as well as admission. The Transilien site, which tells about transporation service in Paris and the surrounding area, does say that it no longer offers the Forfait Loisirs.
Posted by
OP
SALINAS, CA
33 posts
So here's my Plan B: Try to find a FNAC store, but if I can't, take the RER to Versailles and go to the tourist office and buy an all inclusive pass. It will probably be more money, but it's VERSAILLES. Well worth it.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
I didn't go to the Versailles site to verify it, but I think buying a one-day pass at the chateau will cost the same as buying it at a FNAC store.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
You can actually buy passes on line now...and they include the price of an audio guide. Check out http://billetterie.chateauversailles.fr/online/index.aspx