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Guided Tours of Versailles

Updated: June 7, 2023
 By Christina

This post covers guided tours of Versailles, focusing primarily on day trips you can take from Paris.

We also offer details about tours you can take on-site when you get there.


Versailles Walking Tours

The following section covers some of the best walking tours in Versailles, including outings that offer transportation to and from the area. 

We also provide details about tours that begin at the Versailles Palace for anyone who is planning to make the trip out here on their own.

Each tour also offers admission to the Versailles Palace, which itself includes a free audio guide you can use to learn more about the landmark.


Take Walks

This company currently offers two different day trips from Paris to Versailles. 

If you’re interested in visiting the Versailles Palace at the end of the day, their closing-time tour is an excellent option that will allow you to see the estate after most visitors have left.

Versailles

Closing Time at Versailles

  • Includes transportation to Versailles via train.
  • See the palace after everyone else has left.
  • Includes access to the Versailles Gardens.
  • See the King’s Apartment, War Room, Peace Room & Hall of Mirrors.
    • €99 ($111) Adults | €94 ($105) Child (age 2-14)

Versailles Palace & Gardens Day Trip

If you’re looking for a tour of Versailles Palace which includes transportation from Paris, this outing will include everything you need to see the landmark.

In addition to round-trip transport via train, you’ll also receive skip-the-line tickets to the palace, access to the gardens, admission to the Trianon Palaces, and an English-speaking guide.

Depending on which ticket type you select and when you take the tour, you can also enjoy one of the musical garden shows!

  • €84 ($88.93) Adults | €79 ($83.63) Children
  • Availability: Tue, Fri - Sun
  • Hours: 9:45 am
  • Group Size: 25 people max
  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Purchase tickets or learn more.

Versailles Palace & Monet’s Giverny Day Trip

Visitors who are looking to explore even more of France may want to consider this day trip covering both Versailles and Giverny.

In addition to providing admission to both locations, this day trip also offers transportation to each site via an air-conditioned bus and an English-speaking tour guide.

This is an excellent opportunity to see and learn about the homes of the most famous people in the country!

  • €139 ($147) Adults | €129 ($136) Children
  • Group Size: 25 people max
  • Availability: Apr - Sept
  • Dates: Tue - Sun
  • Hours: 8:45 am
  • Duration: 10 hours
  • Purchase tickets or learn more.

Versailles Murders and Mysteries Tour

While most tours focus on the general historical facts about Versailles Palace, this one provides a unique perspective on history and discusses the darker side of the landmark.

This tour includes round-trip train tickets from Paris and admission to the palace, where a knowledgeable tour guide will provide tales of murder and mysteries that may remain unsolved to this very day!


Versailles Gardens Guided Tour

Provided by Sandeman’s New Europe, this tour actually does not include admission to Versailles Palace.

Instead, your guide will take you through the Versailles Gardens (free most of the time) to provide a plethora of information about the area.

In addition to seeing attractions like the Orangery and many fountains, you can also expect to learn about subjects such as the Trianon Palaces and Marie Antoinette.

Although the musical fountain show is not included, you can get tickets for this service when purchasing admission for the tour.

Alternatively, tickets will also be available on-site.

This walking tour includes Paris train tickets to and from Versailles, so you won’t even have to worry about transportation!


Guided Tour of Versailles w/out Transport

If you’ve already got the transportation covered, but you still want to take a guided tour of the Versailles Palace, this is an excellent option to consider.

Since you won’t be paying extra for transport, tickets are a lot more affordable!

At 1 ½ hours in length, this tour includes skip-the-line admission to the palace and its gardens.

Visitors can expect to learn about a variety of subjects including the State Apartments, the Hall of Mirrors, and Marie Antoinette.


Additional Versailles Guided Walking Tours

We couldn’t possibly list every guided tour of Versailles Palace, but there are several additional options you may want to consider if you’re interested in this activity.

Alternatively, you can also purchase tickets for extra activities such as a musical fountain show or a performance at the Equestrian Academy. 

If you’re looking for a different type of tour, check out this list of guided Versailles tours for even more opportunities.


Versailles Bike Tours

This section covers guided bike tours available in Versailles, including services that provide transportation from Paris and admission to the Versailles Palace. 


Fat Tire Tours

If you’re looking for a tour that covers the cost of transportation, this outing includes round-trip train tickets from Paris, as well as the fees for a bike rental and admission to Versailles Palace.

The bike tour will provide a closer look at the town surrounding the palace, starting with some of the markets where you can buy delicious French baguettes, cheese, wine, and more for a picnic in the Versailles gardens.

After riding around town with a professional tour guide, you’ll visit the palace and take a look at the gardens and historic buildings in the area.

All necessary equipment such as a bike rental, helmets, and more will be provided by the tour company and is included in the ticket price

  • €99 ($106) Adults | €85 ($91) Children
  • Availability: Tue - Sun | Mar - Nov
  • Duration: 8 - 8 ½ hours
  • Hours: 8:30 am
  • Purchase tickets or learn more.

Other Versailles Bike Tours

Although Fat Tire is arguably the most popular international bike tour company offering a trip to Versailles, there are a few other companies providing very similar services.

Each of these outings includes both admission to Versailles Palace and a round-trip train ticket from Paris, as well as the bike rental and other equipment you’ll need for the bike tour

Whether another company has sold out of tickets on the day you want to take your tour, or you’re just looking for an alternative, the following options are quite well-rated and similarly priced at around €100 ($106) per person.


Versailles Segway Tours

In addition to the bike tours you can take, there are also Segway tours in Versailles.

The following section will provide information about this type of service and everything included.


Versailles Park Segway Tour

Unlike bike and walking tours, this service does not include round-trip transportation from Paris or admission to Versailles Palace.

Instead, you’ll be paying for a segway tour of the Versailles Park/Gardens.

In order to take this tour, you’ll have to pay for transport from Paris, but you won’t need tickets to the palace, as they only cover areas that are free to visit.

Before heading out, your tour guide will provide an orientation to help you become familiar with the segway, and you’ll also be given a helmet just in case anything goes wrong.

  • €35 ($37) per person
  • Availability: Tue - Sun
  • Hours: 2 pm & 3:30 pm
  • Duration: 1 hour

Purchase tickets or learn more.


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About The Author

Christina

Christina studied art history and French literature at the Sorbonne for a year in Paris as an undergrad. Now based in Washington, DC, she visits Paris as often as possible and loves introducing family and friends to her favorite places there. She has worked as a travel writer, museum professional, English tutor, and editor, and her favorite French cheese is Pont l'Eveque.
Updated: June 7th, 2023
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