I would say that Versailles has it, in my book. If you spend a day, travel time included and don't rush Versailles, you will be amply repaid. Yes, Monet's garden is lovely. It makes one wonder how he managed to capture the water on canvas. The gardens are very crowded and so is the house.

Versailles has the palace, wonderful gardens, Marie Antoinette's village, Petit Hameau, the two lesser palaces - the Trianons. We got there by commuter train and spent the day, starting with a backstairs tour. Then we went to the gardens, the hamlet, and the Trianons and spent hours, in spite of the chilly damp day. And then back to the palace after the tour groups had gone.

I would hate to make the choice but if I had too, I would say Versailles. Easy to get to and very rewarding. By the way, we went to Giverny by train and taxi from the station. We took the shuttle bus back to the station and stood on the train from there to Paris. On Sundays the trains from coast are extremely busy and we neglected to book a seat.

My two cent's worth!

Frances Toronto, Ontario