Versalles 101

You can get a cheap ticket to go to Versalles at the SNCF ticket offices (in particular, Invalides, but also at others). This includes a round trip RER C ticket plus the entry to various Versalles buildings and exhibitions for 19 euros. Otherwise, you would pay 20 euros just to enter the main chateau, and this after waiting in line a couple of hours to buy the tickets to the castle.

The RER C is an interesting train ride, which goes past Issy, a nice town on the outskirts of Paris. You exit at Versailles Rive Gauche, in front of a small shopping center. A block away is the "Hotel de Ville" (town hall), with an interesting statue to the veterans of war.

About 4 blocks away is the entrance to Versalles. You should expect to spend at least 8 hours here, or else several days. In addition to the main castle and its wonderful rooms (the highlight is the Hall of Mirrors), there are other smaller buildings, including the Grand and Petit Trianon.

The gardens are spectacular, with incredible fountains and statues.

You can find traditional, and inexpensive, restaurants, through the exit towards the right of the fountain of Neptune. We paid 30 euros for a dinner for two, including a pichet of wine.