Paris:Versailles
Here's the thing about Versailles. Admission is expensive, it's navigation ins complicated and, if the metro is not running efficiently, getting there can be a nightmare. For example, today, when we went to transfer for the RER train to Versailles, the entrance to the train was roped off. There were no signs saying that the line that goes there was out of service, and no one to tell us what was going on. And yes, I do speak a bit of French, so if an announcement was made, I would have known about it.
We exited the station and spoke to an agent, who told us that the C line to Versailles was having electrical problems, and we would have to take a different train to a different stop. Too bad we had already wasted the price of two tickets. Oh well.
Needless to say, this former "home" of Louis XV and Louis XVI is elaborate, elegant and impressive. However the experience is currently being destroyed by a ridiculous modern exhibit by Jeff Koons. Somehow, statues of Michael Jackson, balloon bunnies and other silly objects don't do well in the chambers of a king. Unfortunately, many people don't seem to think so, because the crowds are unbearable.
Guide's tip: There's no charge to simply walk through the grounds. If you're on a tight budget, that may be your best option. Here's a picture of my camping it up in the Hall of Mirrors.
October 11th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
OMG, the same thing happened to us last Sunday. we made it out there but then had the toughest time getting back because of problems or construction or something. Had to walk to the next train station a mile away, take a train one stop, take a bus, and then finally get back on the C line heading to central Paris. What a mess.
December 27th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Your travels are making me wanna catch a plane to Italy. The architecture is just amazing and rich.
February 2nd, 2009 at 3:39 am
One of the best places in Paris, for a visit. Even though Versailles is slightly out of the way, it’s a very simple trip by the RER train. It’s obviously much easier if you travel using a Navigo card, you can simply jump into one of those double decker trains (we don’t have any double decker trains in London, just buses- so the facination) and you are on your way.