Tourists waiting outside Versailles

Almost all books, particularly by Rick Stevens, recommend that you arrive as early as possible to the Verasilles Palace. You can also buy your ticket at a train station or at many other places before coming (use the information in your guide book or talk to your concierge). That way you won't waste time in buying a ticket and join the security line right away. Bring something to read or listen to if you are alone, plenty of water and even a snack to eat. Use the rest room before you line up and figure out where the toilet is before you line up. It will be a long wait.