You might not know it, but this is the time of year you should be holstering your camera and arming up for the tourist battle of a lifetime.

The Palace of Versailles, located just ten miles outside of Paris, is both beloved and feared by tourists hoping to get in and get out with their wallets and minds still intact. During the hot summer months, swarms of sunburned visitors can be seen nearly from the subway.

But if you go from October-March, you are a lot more likely to have shorter lines and an easy passageway both in the castle and around the grounds. The gardens do cost a bit extra to see, but if the weather is nice it’s well worth the few extra euros. And for many students, entrance to the palace is free!

So check out this quick tour with a sprinkling of French history to get you in the mood for a pre-tourist season tourist trip.