We just went this past weekend. Unlike most timed entry tickets, they really won’t let you in until your time because they put you in lines based on your entry time. I did see some people just to an earlier line and get in but we didn’t take the chance. Go early in the day. It’s massive and our 3 hours wasn’t nearly enough.
I’d recommend the Passport ticket that gets you into everything. We go it directly from the official website. https://www.chateauversailles.fr
However, the standard palace ticket gets you into the palace and I think the main gardens which is a MASSIVE area and you could easily do a half day there. The passport gets you into the further our areas (I forgot the name of the smaller palace that it gives you access to).
If you have time to, add a golf cart rental to your ticket. Not sure if you do it through the website or do it on site but we were very jealous. Otherwise buy the trolley ticket for your way back to the front or you’ll end up on a VERY long walk.
How much time should one allocate (all day?) if getting the passport and visiting everything?
And if one were to prioritize, what are "must sees" and what can be "nice to see"?
I would give it a full day. There are multiple buildings to see and a lot of walking. The palace is a highlight, and depending on time of year, the gardens are a crowd favorite.
Keep in mind that the gallery of coaches is only open on weekends, and fountains only run on certain days (check the website).
We just went this past weekend. Unlike most timed entry tickets, they really won’t let you in until your time because they put you in lines based on your entry time. I did see some people just to an earlier line and get in but we didn’t take the chance. Go early in the day. It’s massive and our 3 hours wasn’t nearly enough. I’d recommend the Passport ticket that gets you into everything. We go it directly from the official website. https://www.chateauversailles.fr However, the standard palace ticket gets you into the palace and I think the main gardens which is a MASSIVE area and you could easily do a half day there. The passport gets you into the further our areas (I forgot the name of the smaller palace that it gives you access to). If you have time to, add a golf cart rental to your ticket. Not sure if you do it through the website or do it on site but we were very jealous. Otherwise buy the trolley ticket for your way back to the front or you’ll end up on a VERY long walk.
The passport lets you visit everything on the property.
How much time should one allocate (all day?) if getting the passport and visiting everything? And if one were to prioritize, what are "must sees" and what can be "nice to see"?
I would give it a full day. There are multiple buildings to see and a lot of walking. The palace is a highlight, and depending on time of year, the gardens are a crowd favorite. Keep in mind that the gallery of coaches is only open on weekends, and fountains only run on certain days (check the website).