A trip to Versailles is easy to do.  It takes a 40-minute train ride outside of Paris on the RER “C” line.   A separate ticket needs to be purchased for the RER portion of the trip.  It can be purchased at the entrance to the RER station.

Take the RER C towards “Versailles Rive Gauche”.  The departure time of the train is labeled on the overhead TV screens once you pass through the turnstile.  The train to Versailles is labeled the “VICK” train on the front of the train.  Do not take any other.   The ride to Versailles is about 35 minutes and is the last stop.   Exit the train and follow the crowds to Versailles (about a 10 minute walk).   To get back, just follow the reverse path.

If you have the Museum Pass, go right through the security pavilion to gain entrance.  Do not wait in the other longer lines.

After entering, cross the courtyard to the entrance to the chateau.  Pick up an audio guide and begin the tour.  For me, the most stunning parts of the chateau are the chapel and the Hall of Mirrors.

After visiting the palace, tour the gardens.  If you would like to extend the stay, visit the Grand Trianon, the "less formal" home of Louis XIV.   Marie Antoinette's Petit Trianon "less formal" home and gardens are also on the grounds. 

The gardens are adjacent to the palace.  However the Grand and Petit Trianons are a significant walking distance.   Infrequently running shuttles can take you to those locations.  

The WC situation at Versailles is not good.  Often there are long lines, especially at the WC's in the courtyard.  You are probably better off finding a WC inside the chateau or in the dining area.

Any train from the station will return to Paris.

For more photos of Versailles and our tours to Paris, see the Media tab of http://www.travelingprofessor.com

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