We visited the Palace of Versailles as part of a one-day tour with Paris Vision that included a morning visit to Monet's Garden in Giverny (see www.pbase.com/earthsmiles/monet_garden). If you're pressed for time and want to see as much as possible then this is an acceptable one-day package. Otherwise, as a photographer you'll probably find the few hours allotted at each location to be woefully inadequate. Flash photography is prohibited in the Palace, and no photography at all is permitted in Queen Marie Antoinette's bedroom. Be aware that the Palace's famous fountains are only run certain hours on the weekends. Our visit did not allow time to visit Marie Antoinette's village on the estate.
IF YOU GO: Expect to be greeted outside the gates of Versailles by several squads of young men hawking trinkets. I don't know what economic situation drives these fellows to their trade, but walking through their midst to enter the gates feels like running a gauntlet. Generally, they are persistent and annoying, but not aggressive; although I did see one young lady clearly become uncomfortable when three of them surrounded her and pressed close with their wares. It is truly an annoyance and a ridiculous situation. Unfortunately you may also find similar groups at Montmartre in Paris when you visit Sacre-Coeur, and at the Trocadero on your way to the Eiffel Tower. Hang on to your valuables, stay together and keep walking!