A day at Versailles
My main takeaway from Versailles: (somewhat) glad we went, but not in any rush to go back. The last time I went to Versailles, I was 16: I remember enjoying Marie Antoinette’s Petit Trianon and the general splendor of the chateau, but not much else. Fast forward 12 years, to a time when travel is easier and cheaper than ever, and introduce Instagram and selfie sticks. It was a lot different, and maybe not in a good way. 
Let me get the bad part out of the way first: we arrived at 9:20am, 20 minutes after the castle opened, and waited in a crazy winding line for more than an hour. Once we finally got into the castle, we were basically herded along with a mass of people wielding iPhones and selfie sticks and tour guide flags. To be honest, it was tough to enjoy any of it: it just felt crowded and unpleasant. The good part: as soon as we went outside! We had a lovely picnic, and then rented bikes and rode all around the grounds. If I could go back, I’d almost consider skipping the interior and spending the whole time on the gorgeously manicured gardens.
The line at 9:25am. UGH UGH UGH. 
The ridiculously crowded interior. Sumptuous and gorgeous, but tough to enjoy. 
The one upside: I really did find the Hall of Mirrors gorgeous! 
Our little Monoprix picnic: we picked up cheese, prosciutto and a baguette before leaving Paris, and then bought wine and beer at the little cafeteria right as we exited the chateau. The view was perfect! 
We rented bikes and rode all around the grounds. It was incredibly lovely! 
A few practical notes: we took the RER train out from Paris, which was super simple and not too expensive. There are a few different stations in Versailles, but they’re all an easy walk from the chateau. You can bring in a picnic (recommended!), but you’ll have to check it while you’re actually in the chateau. Purchase your ticket ahead of time online or use a Paris Pass so that you don’t have to worry about it once you arrive. Renting a bike is easy and affordable, and one of the greatest ways to enjoy the sprawling grounds! 
What’s your favorite photo of Versailles? What would you be most excited to experience at Versailles?
