Is Versailles worth it?

[Tansie]

Going to Paris in half term.

I have been 3 times in the past, DH once, but this time we're taking DS13 and 15 who have never been.

Apart from the obvious things you do in Paris, I'm thinking of going to Versailles.

Any thoughts?

Is it worth the day, the 'hassle', the price?

Your thoughts welcome.

Versailles is free for EU under 25s. Fabulous place, easily accessible from Paris.

Your children will be free.
I say definitely, it's beautiful. My 2 elder children (16,6) have been many times and love it.

If it's going to be busy, I would beware. I had been a couple of times, the last time in Paris DH hadn't so we went- it was mid June and completely rammed, really couldn't move or see anything properly which was a shame After doing a quick once over to see things we gave up.

Yes, it's worth a trip out.

We went mid summer a couple of years ago, and it was extremely busy. Try to get there first thing - before the tcket office opens.

We have been a few times, always out of season so avoided the worst of the crowds. I would say do either the house, or the gardens, you won't really have time to appreciate both in one day. If you want to do the gardens, it might be worth taking your driving licence so you can hire one of the golf buggies. The gardens are massive and we have never managed to cover all of them.

Definitely worth it - I've done it previously as a day trip during a week in Paris & it was amazing. It was a while ago but don't remember any real hassle with getting there, just how amazing the whole place was.

Another one saying definitely worth it, though if you aren't too bothered about stately homes I would just do the gardens. It would be easy to fill a day that way.

I've only been in the gardens, not the house (I was a poor student and couldn't afford it) and it was amazing. I want to go back.

Another vote for gardens only, unless the weather's really bad. I don't like stately homes and the inside of Versailles is like the worst kind of stately home! All gold and cupids and fussy decor. Whereas the gardens gives you a good feel of the pomp-and-circumstance lifestyle (views of the house, fountains, avenues, orangery) without the queues, crowds and expense. Oh and Petit Trianon is lovely. So unless you or your kids are really into those kind of interiors, I wouldn't bother with the house.