Spent a day walking the miles around the Palace & grounds, far too much to see in one day, think you could spend a few weeks there an not see it all. You pay extra on days when the fountains are on, however we felt the ticket prices similar to most Stately Homes/Palaces, remember this place is huge, you cannot envisage the size of it.
We went mid week in June but the crowds were still big, some of the rooms were packed out which rather spoilt it, but the audio guides were a good source of information. The food/drink prices were big too, almost £7 for 2 cokes! There are cheaper cafe's near the main gates. You can park just outside the main gates, but again the prices are high. I went here almost 20 years ago, & you can see a lot of money has been spent on restoring it.

Recently visited Versailles with husband and two sons, one of whom is a high school history teacher. We were blown away by the experience. It was truly awesome to be standing where history happened. Words really cannot describe the opulence. No wonder the revolution happened! Gardens were beautiful.

My family of 3 planned this day on our holiday to France. We where very eager to visit this World Heritage site but it proved to be a let down. I must admit that the external of this Palace is magnificant. That's all. although the gardens are an attraction they where a total let down due to main factors. The inside of the Palace is lacking any furniture which would give it a life, the tour you pay for only let's you in to a VERY small part of the Palace which doesn't include the Throne room. Apart from all this we where told to get the tickets for the fountain show which they call "The dancing waters". Where are they. What actually happens is that at 3.30 pm the fountains are switched on and music is played in the gardens, But, and i repeat BUT, no dancing waters. To add insult to injury, my 6 yaer old daughter was made to pay 6 Euros to watch this FARCE where she was admitted free to the Palace. This is TOTAL FRENCH ORGANISED DISORGANIOSATION. No wonder they let the Nazi's in to Paris without putting on a fight. My suggestion is to visit the Palace but forget paying extra to watch the NON-EXISTANT water show.

I'm in the "skip the chateau, check out the gardens" camp. The Chateau is crowded, so you're basically herded through. If you skip the chateau you 1) don't wait in a looooong line to pay the outrageous admission fee, 2) don't wait in another loooong line to check you bags, and 3) don't get trampled by the masses.

Instead, bring a bottle of wine, baguettes, cheese, fruit, etc., and head toward the FREE gardens, take it in, and have a wonderful picnic on one of the many benches. If you still want to see the glitter take in the Grand Trianon and Marie-Antoinette's estate for 10 euros (the hamlet is free) if you like. You'll miss the hall of mirrors and pipe organ from the palace, but you'll find it more relaxing, with fewer lines and less crowding.