Consider taking an audioguide tour of the château, available in several languages from various reception points within the palace and grounds. The day pass price includes the audio tour.

Within the grounds in the Summer there are a number of activities including a train ride, rowing boat and cycle hire. The mini-train is really the only time efficient way to get an overview of the entire grounds, which include his and hers residence palaces, which otherwise are at least a 30 minute walk each way from the main palace. The mini-train also stops along the main canal, where there is a cafe and a snack shop. For 30 euros it is also possible to hire a golf-style buggy for one hour in order to explore the expansive grounds.

Consider taking a guided tour of Versailles that will allow you to bypass the regular entrance line and visit the palace and grounds with your own guide. There are several companies that are known for their Versailles Tours, departing from Paris: Aeon Tours of Paris, Oui Paris Tours,Classic Walks, and Gray Line. If you prefer to go by train (RER C) to Versailles, you will find just outside the railway station Versailles Rive Gauche a local company called Guidatours that offers either entrance tickets or guided tours of the Palace of Versailles at very attractive rates:

Additionally, a short walk into town can provide a welcome contrast to the hectic, tourist-filled château. The town is like most others in France, with a couple of small, historic churches and lined with small shops. While eating on the grounds of the château can save time and walking, finding food at a small café, patisserie, or sandwich shop in the town is less expensive and an authentic experience. Eating a picnic along the lake at the château is a pleasant experience, and you can find a couple of small grocery stores in town to pick up things like bread, sandwich meat, cheese, wine, etc to take back for a picnic at the château.

Look into taking a private tour around the city. There are websites that provide information on tour companies that will provide tourists with personal tours and introduce them first hand to the beauty and culture Versailles has to offer.

Shopping is one way to spend some of your time visiting Versailles. The Palace of Versailles contains its own gift shop as well as other souvenir shops outside The Palace. If you're looking for shopping other than souvenir scavenging there are several shops located around the city centre. Most of these shops are located along the Boulevard de La Reine, the Rue Chantiers, Rue Mar Foch, and the Rue Mar Joffre.

If you are looking for a relaxing time, you can head down to the Cinema Cyrano. It offers patrons showings of films, motion pictures, events, and it can also be rented out for parties. This is a great place to go for everyone whether you are travelling alone, or with the family. It offers tickets at a good price including discounts for students, seniors, and happy hour.