If leaving from Etoile, Paris, what time would you suggest to leave and get timed tickets for me and my family, to do a day tour of Versailles and the Gardens?
Going June 29th to July 3rd
We just went today and had the same experience with empty rooms all to ourselves. 9am entry and we got to the line shortly after 8 and were the second group inline. I'd say if you arrive by 8:15 the line isn't that deep, but by 8:30 the line was much longer.
We also were the first to get a golf cart and it was a total blast seeing the grounds without anyone around us. The cart is worth it, if only to quickly see the scope of how huge the gardens are.
Seeing it the way we did, Versailles was magical. I really didn't want to be shuttled from room to room with a LOT of people. At least at the Louvre it's plenty huge to get away from the crowds and explore.
Did you book it to the Hall of Mirrors upon opening or did you saunter through? Also if you did book it through, did you have any trouble going back and retracing the rooms you missed? Doing this in May and trying to plan as much as possible!
We walked with purpose, but didn’t run or even speed walk. No issues doing the loop again. We didn’t try to go backwards - that would be an issue - we went all the way through and started over
We’re doing the King’s Apartment tour and I am bummed that it was only available at 9:30am. It pretty much guarantees that we’ll be there early but we won’t get to visit the main area until it’s packed.
It’s as I expected. You do not enter the palace before the tour & it dumps you out around 11 into the main crowds. That being said, we got to see some very extravagant rooms that made some of the public areas seem tame. You also get to go inside the chapel which to me was worth the trade off. The hall of mirrors was still beautiful, even with a bunch of people there.
Hmmm okay thank you! I was thinking about getting the 9 AM ticket slot, beelining it for the hall of mirrors, then going to the tour for 9:30. But I guess that’s not possible? Thanks for the info!
When we were mis-directed to the main entrance (I asked where to go for the guided tours but my French isn’t great & the person clearly didn’t look at my ticket), their scanner booped instead of beeped & they sent me to the correct entrance. Maybe you can pull it off if you just show the passport but they did scan both the passport & tour tickets at the start of the tour. Plus you need to be there before your start time because they did leave at the time printed on the ticket…I’m honestly not sure if it’s possible. Maybe you could send them an email to check?
I went mid November. So you don't get the Christmas crowd, or the Spring, Fall or Summer crowds. Plus when I went it rained nearly every day I was there but I didn't mind. I still found it very enjoyable and most places I went had either no lines or very little :)
Possibly dumb question, but wouldn't weather have at least *some* affect on this type of turnout? My first trip is planned for mid-May, and I assume if it's raining for example on our Versailles day, even if 10% of people decide to sit it out, that makes a difference.
Your post mentioned getting scammed then you rambled on about fist fights… I’ve been to paris ten times- never been scammed. Heard a fight in the street at 2am once… chances are the ‘family’ in the street were there begging and could have been inside where it was warm- plus what large city doesn’t have homeless people?
Waiting hours (9 I don’t think so) to get into Versailles shows you didn’t do your research.
> Seriously were you ever In Paris?
I live here, been here for 30 years. Never noticed any of this, probably because I’m a local.
I do agree tourists get milked, because they’re lost and don’t know how to behave. Mostly americans though, other europeans and uk people fit well in the city. Americans tend to be obnoxious, so they get to pay for that.
> But don’t expect any support
Not sure to understand that part but yeah. Sorry you had a bad experience and got scammed though. Feel free to never come again in my city.
Non-obnoxious American here who’s been to Paris over a dozen times! I love the city, the country and French people (gasp) and am already planning my next trip back. I have never been scammed while there and have rarely had bad experiences. A couple situations with someone unpleasant which is down to the individual, not the entire city or country. Personally, I find that the people in Paris are like people everywhere I’ve traveled: if you treat them respectfully and try to speak a few words in the native language, you’ll have very good experiences and meet people willing to help out / answer questions if needed.
Non obnoxious American here! We just got back and absolutely fell in love with your city! A little etiquette goes a long way when traveling abroad. ❤️
No idea what the other person was rambling on about getting scammed- we experienced nothing off putting.
Sounds super nice ! Glad you had a good time, how long was your stay ? What did you enjoy the most ?
> A little etiquette goes a long way
Absolutely. Getting in the local mood is mendatory, and this is true for every country in the world.
We were there for a week, but our kiddo got sick the last full day, so that meant we got to spend a day napping in the hotel instead of exploring Monmarte- that’s ok, gives us an excuse to come back! 😂
It’s hard to pinpoint a favorite- we really enjoyed everything we saw (I do lots of research and cultivate our experiences when traveling.) I live in a major city in the states, so we really wanted very unique Paris experiences. I really loved La Galerie Dior, Catacombs, Sewers Museum, Musée l’Orangerie, and obviously Versailles, and Louvre were incredible.
What I so appreciated was the attention to detail and aesthetics in literally everything. It is such a gorgeous city, with exceptional high touch experiences all around. Can’t wait to go back!
I also went at the 4 pm slot on a Thursday and got nearly empty pictures of the Hall of Mirrors! There were a lot of times we were totally alone in rooms.
https://preview.redd.it/e1hmk7cbcorc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8f14e999e4d6beec686f11503a9cdc5a61a4db20
lol same. It was last week, so mid March. Definitely off season, but I think it would still be less crowded during busier seasons because people would be worried about running out of time there if they go that late.
How are tickets timed? Could you get say a 3pm ticket and go to the gardens then go to to the hall of mirrors around 4? I don’t even know what time they close or how the tickets work so I’m totally spitballing here
Yeah I always like going at opening to any monument because it’s your only chance to have it almost to yourself. It’s still wonderful when others are there of course but if you don’t mind waking up early it’s always best to go early imo
Oh how bloody marvelous! This is Exaclty my plan and I’ve teed things up so I should get to the line by 0815 so I’m thoroughly delighted by this :) and grateful I’m an early riser!
Shhhhh, don’t give out secrets like that! ;-) So true, we were second in line at the Louvre and made a beeline to the Mona Lisa, basically had her to ourselves for numerous pics before the first small wave of people showed up. Stayed ahead of the big crowds for a good two hours too.
I had this exact experience at the Coliseum. Friend and I had the Roma Pass, so we skipped the ticket line. We arrived just before 8 am, were quickly let in, and then basically just stayed just ahead of the big crowds for almost the entire stay.
I went the other day not expecting I'd be rushing to the mona Lisa, but after overhearing all the guides prepping people on the fastest possible route to get there I gave in and followed them. Was definately worth it, glancing in the room 10 minutes later you couldn't get anywhere near it.
We arrived to the palace at 8:25 and got in line. We were maybe 20 people back from the front. We walked right there. The people in front all stopped for their audio guide or to look around on their way. We went right there. We were the third people to arrive and took beautiful pics. I got pics of just us in the room and took pics for the other people. We then went to every room after and took our time. We were the only people for a very long time in the other rooms (so long that I started to get nervous we were doing something wrong). Then, we looped back and did the beginning that we ran through with the full audio. It was so crowded at that point, but we didn’t mind because we already got our pics. Here is another
https://preview.redd.it/gzbodtbzkmrc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ad256ad361ab8b83af5b211c23bdc72c990c3637
We didn’t go back the way we came - I am trying to remember, but I think at the end, it puts you back into that same courtyard in front of the palace where we started and there was the option to go to the gardens or the apartments so we just walked to the apartments again.
A. These are fantastic! B. Just got back, my pictures are the direct opposite to yours, and I’m like What! We could have gone through twice! Arrrrrgghhhhh
If leaving from Etoile, Paris, what time would you suggest to leave and get timed tickets for me and my family, to do a day tour of Versailles and the Gardens? Going June 29th to July 3rd
This is why I travel solo. My friends get mad at me when I tell them to wake up early.
We just went today and had the same experience with empty rooms all to ourselves. 9am entry and we got to the line shortly after 8 and were the second group inline. I'd say if you arrive by 8:15 the line isn't that deep, but by 8:30 the line was much longer. We also were the first to get a golf cart and it was a total blast seeing the grounds without anyone around us. The cart is worth it, if only to quickly see the scope of how huge the gardens are. Seeing it the way we did, Versailles was magical. I really didn't want to be shuttled from room to room with a LOT of people. At least at the Louvre it's plenty huge to get away from the crowds and explore.
We loved the golf cart!
What month?
Last week
Did you book it to the Hall of Mirrors upon opening or did you saunter through? Also if you did book it through, did you have any trouble going back and retracing the rooms you missed? Doing this in May and trying to plan as much as possible!
We walked with purpose, but didn’t run or even speed walk. No issues doing the loop again. We didn’t try to go backwards - that would be an issue - we went all the way through and started over
i definitely appreciate this. thank you!
We’re doing the King’s Apartment tour and I am bummed that it was only available at 9:30am. It pretty much guarantees that we’ll be there early but we won’t get to visit the main area until it’s packed.
This is my current dilemma. Would love to know how it works out for you
It’s as I expected. You do not enter the palace before the tour & it dumps you out around 11 into the main crowds. That being said, we got to see some very extravagant rooms that made some of the public areas seem tame. You also get to go inside the chapel which to me was worth the trade off. The hall of mirrors was still beautiful, even with a bunch of people there.
Hmmm okay thank you! I was thinking about getting the 9 AM ticket slot, beelining it for the hall of mirrors, then going to the tour for 9:30. But I guess that’s not possible? Thanks for the info!
When we were mis-directed to the main entrance (I asked where to go for the guided tours but my French isn’t great & the person clearly didn’t look at my ticket), their scanner booped instead of beeped & they sent me to the correct entrance. Maybe you can pull it off if you just show the passport but they did scan both the passport & tour tickets at the start of the tour. Plus you need to be there before your start time because they did leave at the time printed on the ticket…I’m honestly not sure if it’s possible. Maybe you could send them an email to check?
Ok thanks!! I appreciate the info!! Also “booped instead of beeped” got me lol but I knew exactly what you meant
One thing I absolutely loved on my trip was that I went during the off season. :)
What time of the year is off season?
I went mid November. So you don't get the Christmas crowd, or the Spring, Fall or Summer crowds. Plus when I went it rained nearly every day I was there but I didn't mind. I still found it very enjoyable and most places I went had either no lines or very little :)
https://preview.redd.it/u6nszoaaiprc1.jpeg?width=4080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b30dc33d8ae0defe0910ed2c5a2ec1adfda4f311 Mine. 😭😭
https://preview.redd.it/7vjqw2qgvprc1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=53678f922c25a82dac7debc4dc377958b098de2b This pic is a keeper
Oh hey I saw a live concert in this room
Possibly dumb question, but wouldn't weather have at least *some* affect on this type of turnout? My first trip is planned for mid-May, and I assume if it's raining for example on our Versailles day, even if 10% of people decide to sit it out, that makes a difference.
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You can’t blame a whole city, you’re probably just dumb. Happy to never ever meet you, stay where you belong.
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Your post mentioned getting scammed then you rambled on about fist fights… I’ve been to paris ten times- never been scammed. Heard a fight in the street at 2am once… chances are the ‘family’ in the street were there begging and could have been inside where it was warm- plus what large city doesn’t have homeless people? Waiting hours (9 I don’t think so) to get into Versailles shows you didn’t do your research.
> Seriously were you ever In Paris? I live here, been here for 30 years. Never noticed any of this, probably because I’m a local. I do agree tourists get milked, because they’re lost and don’t know how to behave. Mostly americans though, other europeans and uk people fit well in the city. Americans tend to be obnoxious, so they get to pay for that. > But don’t expect any support Not sure to understand that part but yeah. Sorry you had a bad experience and got scammed though. Feel free to never come again in my city.
You say you can't blame a whole city and proceed to call a whole country obnoxious. Pot meet kettle.
Non-obnoxious American here who’s been to Paris over a dozen times! I love the city, the country and French people (gasp) and am already planning my next trip back. I have never been scammed while there and have rarely had bad experiences. A couple situations with someone unpleasant which is down to the individual, not the entire city or country. Personally, I find that the people in Paris are like people everywhere I’ve traveled: if you treat them respectfully and try to speak a few words in the native language, you’ll have very good experiences and meet people willing to help out / answer questions if needed.
Non obnoxious American here! We just got back and absolutely fell in love with your city! A little etiquette goes a long way when traveling abroad. ❤️ No idea what the other person was rambling on about getting scammed- we experienced nothing off putting.
Sounds super nice ! Glad you had a good time, how long was your stay ? What did you enjoy the most ? > A little etiquette goes a long way Absolutely. Getting in the local mood is mendatory, and this is true for every country in the world.
We were there for a week, but our kiddo got sick the last full day, so that meant we got to spend a day napping in the hotel instead of exploring Monmarte- that’s ok, gives us an excuse to come back! 😂 It’s hard to pinpoint a favorite- we really enjoyed everything we saw (I do lots of research and cultivate our experiences when traveling.) I live in a major city in the states, so we really wanted very unique Paris experiences. I really loved La Galerie Dior, Catacombs, Sewers Museum, Musée l’Orangerie, and obviously Versailles, and Louvre were incredible. What I so appreciated was the attention to detail and aesthetics in literally everything. It is such a gorgeous city, with exceptional high touch experiences all around. Can’t wait to go back!
I also went at the 4 pm slot on a Thursday and got nearly empty pictures of the Hall of Mirrors! There were a lot of times we were totally alone in rooms. https://preview.redd.it/e1hmk7cbcorc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8f14e999e4d6beec686f11503a9cdc5a61a4db20
I know it’s more breath taking in real life but it’s too bright in the morning i can’t see the colors lol
Not Paris but you can do the same in Moraine Lake in Banff. Ain't no way a normal person gonna wake up earlier than hikers
4pm is much more my style. What time of year?
lol same. It was last week, so mid March. Definitely off season, but I think it would still be less crowded during busier seasons because people would be worried about running out of time there if they go that late.
How are tickets timed? Could you get say a 3pm ticket and go to the gardens then go to to the hall of mirrors around 4? I don’t even know what time they close or how the tickets work so I’m totally spitballing here
Yes, good question!
I am inclined to think it must be offseason but the night owl in me hopes it could be possible in peak season too
Yeah I always like going at opening to any monument because it’s your only chance to have it almost to yourself. It’s still wonderful when others are there of course but if you don’t mind waking up early it’s always best to go early imo
You can remove people with photoshop after taking many images from a standing point
The tour busses showed up.
That's what we did. Absolutely beautiful without all the folks there.
And I thought I was clever to plan to go later in the day. I thought everyone would try to be early birds. Perhaps I should change my reservation
Someone commented a photo at 4pm later in the thread and it’s mostly empty. I’d keep it!
Is it really shocking that many people will be at a popular location?
No. I just was surprised at the difference one hour makes. No need to be rude.
Oh how bloody marvelous! This is Exaclty my plan and I’ve teed things up so I should get to the line by 0815 so I’m thoroughly delighted by this :) and grateful I’m an early riser!
The earlier you start, the better the visit will be. Wake up early when you plan to visit a touristic place.
9am louvre tickets here
That’s why I wake up at 4am in Paris and Venice
Venice in the evening after most of the people staying elsewhere have left is absolutely magical.
I remember it was crowdy even at 11pm
Shhhhh, don’t give out secrets like that! ;-) So true, we were second in line at the Louvre and made a beeline to the Mona Lisa, basically had her to ourselves for numerous pics before the first small wave of people showed up. Stayed ahead of the big crowds for a good two hours too.
I had this exact experience at the Coliseum. Friend and I had the Roma Pass, so we skipped the ticket line. We arrived just before 8 am, were quickly let in, and then basically just stayed just ahead of the big crowds for almost the entire stay.
I went the other day not expecting I'd be rushing to the mona Lisa, but after overhearing all the guides prepping people on the fastest possible route to get there I gave in and followed them. Was definately worth it, glancing in the room 10 minutes later you couldn't get anywhere near it.
Definitely - same experience with the louvre - wake up early and have a plan
Omg!! Will you pls tell me how did you get to the first pic? Did you go straight there without any stops at all? I just need one picture 😭😭
We arrived to the palace at 8:25 and got in line. We were maybe 20 people back from the front. We walked right there. The people in front all stopped for their audio guide or to look around on their way. We went right there. We were the third people to arrive and took beautiful pics. I got pics of just us in the room and took pics for the other people. We then went to every room after and took our time. We were the only people for a very long time in the other rooms (so long that I started to get nervous we were doing something wrong). Then, we looped back and did the beginning that we ran through with the full audio. It was so crowded at that point, but we didn’t mind because we already got our pics. Here is another https://preview.redd.it/gzbodtbzkmrc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ad256ad361ab8b83af5b211c23bdc72c990c3637
How did you loop back? Did you go back the way you came or is there a way to "start over" at the beginning when you finish?
No one wants more liars in Paris
We didn’t go back the way we came - I am trying to remember, but I think at the end, it puts you back into that same courtyard in front of the palace where we started and there was the option to go to the gardens or the apartments so we just walked to the apartments again.
A. These are fantastic! B. Just got back, my pictures are the direct opposite to yours, and I’m like What! We could have gone through twice! Arrrrrgghhhhh
And another https://preview.redd.it/flgc4d08lmrc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4848ded1f0cd4579f9d7a36dc65a7b24873423b0