The Palace of Versailles is one of the true treasures of France, its proximity to Paris making it an ideal place to visit on a day trip from the capital.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
The Palace of Versailles is perhaps best known as the place where the peace treaty, officially ending World War I, was signed in June 1919. Originally, Versailles was built to serve as the French royal family’s residence, which it did from 1682 to 1789, up until the start of the French Revolution. Roughly 20km (12 miles) outside central Paris, it remains a unique window onto the sort of decadence that ultimately led to so much unrest in the country. Here are five top Versailles tours from Paris.
Versailles Skip-the-Line Tour & Gardens from Paris
Bus tours to Versailles are the most popular and best value option from Paris. This six-hour trip starts and ends in the west of the French capital. It includes a guided tour of the palace. Skip-the-line tickets ensure no time is wasted in a queue. Then you will have free time to explore Versailles’ extensive gardens. If you’re visiting between April and October (specific dates only) you might be able to catch one of the fountain shows as well. Tours depart daily. From €60 per person.
Versailles Skip-the-Line Tour of Palace and Gardens
As one of the most popular day trips from Paris, this tour is much-loved for the expertise of the guides who bring the historical figures and events to life. A tour of the palace, where much of the intrigue took place, lasts 90 minutes, allowing for a thorough exploration of the opulent spaces open to the public. These include the Hall of Mirrors and the King’s Bedroom. You will also have chance to wander the gardens in search of Marie Antoinette’s private estate. Departures from Tue-Sun. From €75 per person.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Bike Tour to Versailles with Timed Palace Entry
Versailles is a lovely place for a bike ride. This tour takes you from Paris to Versailles by train then gets you onto two wheels. Over eight hours, you will explore the town of Versailles, visiting a farmer’s market and the Grand Canal, as well as cycling through the Versailles Gardens, visiting the hamlet built for Marie Antoinette, along with her personal residence: Le Petit Trianon. Plenty of time is allotted to exploring the Palace of Versailles too, with an audio guide provided. Available Tue-Sun. From €109 per person.
Versailles Guided Tour and Priority Access with Hotel Pickup
For a tour that includes hotel pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in Paris (inclusive of Arrondissements 1,2,5,6,7,8,14,15,16), this six-hour option is ideal. A guided tour of Versailles Palace is included, which touches on but a fraction of the vast building’s 700 rooms. Spend the rest of your time taking in the musical fountain show in the Versailles gardens. Morning and afternoon departures are available and groups are capped at a maximum of 30 people. Departures are from Tue-Sun throughout the year. From €155 per person.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Versailles Private Half-Day Guided Tour from Paris
For groups of up to eight people, there’s a private tour available that offers a more efficient, less crowded way of experiencing the Palace of Versailles. Enjoy round-trip transportation from your Paris hotel, queue-jump tickets and a personal guide. This is ideal for tailoring the trip to your group’s preferences. Experience the palace’s State Rooms and Hall of Mirrors, then head out into the palace gardens for some free exploration time. Tours last four hours and run from Tue-Sun in the morning or afternoon. From €1,400 per group.