Versailles: Farmers Market & Royal Vegetable Garden Food Tour

Versailles , France

Versailles: Farmers Market & Royal Vegetable Garden Food Tour

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About this experience

On this tour, you will taste a selection of French specialties, including pastries, macarons, brioches, breads, cheeses, charcuteries, seasonal fruits, fine wines, and more, all locally made and crafted by talented artisans and small-batch producers, including a former chef of Le Ritz and award wining farms.

After starting your tour next to l'Eglise Notre-Dame, you'll head to the farmer’s market, dating back over 300 years, where the locals have been trading fresh produce for generations.
You'll then pass by the Royal Stables and the Palace, to then continue on to the Saint Louis area, where small houses built under Louis XIV to house local artisans face the Cathédrale Saint-Louis. After visiting, you'll head to the Royal Vegetable Garden, built to supply the Palace with fresh produce and still in activity, a place where farm-to-table traditions have flourished for centuries.

Along the way, our expert guides will share fascinating insights into the French terroirs and their history!

Available options

Versailles: Farmers Market & Royal Vegetable Garden Food Tour

What's included

Wine

Bottled water

English, French & Spanish speaking Guide

All the food is included

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your experience begins with a freshly baked brioche from Northern France: le Cramique. Enjoy it warm while admiring the oldest church in the city.

Next, you’ll stroll through the vibrant and historic covered farmers’ market, where you’ll first stop for a tasting of seasonal fruits: strawberries, cherries, figs... We’ll pick what’s most appropriate depending on the season.

Stop 3

From there, we’ll visit the charcutier and bakery next door to gather freshly sliced cured meats, jambons, terrines de campagne, and a baguette.

We’ll then make our way to our favorite fromagerie, where a cheese platter will be freshly prepared. As you watch, your guide and the artisans will share insights into the rich history of French cheeses and the diverse terroirs that shape their flavors.

Stop 5

Continuing your journey, you’ll finish exploring the market, passing by our favorite wine cellar to pick a bottle of wine to have with your cheese and charcuterie. We’ll then head towards the Royal Stables to enjoy the sight and learn about their fascinating history.

Stop 6

On your way to the King’s Vegetable Garden, we’ll stop by a pastry shop to have pâtisseries and macarons, crafted by one of France’s most eminent pastry chefs, formerly head of pastry at Le Ritz Paris. We’ll enjoy these pastries seated in front of the Saint-Louis Cathedral, which you’ll be able to visit after your sweet tasting.

A few steps away, you’ll enter the King’s Vegetable Garden. Created by Louis XIV’s botanist, this often-overlooked garden supplied the palace with fruits and vegetables for over a century. Still in operation today as the National School of Horticulture, this remarkable setting offers the perfect place to enjoy your cheeses, charcuteries, and wine selection alongside a freshly baked baguette, at our table tucked away at the back of the garden.

What's not included

Private transportation

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

10 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Wine is for 18+ customers only

Meeting point

We meet on the sidewalk in front of the patisserie. Your guide will contact you by message/whatsapp a few hours before the tour to introduce himself.

About Versailles

Versailles is renowned for its opulent palace, the Château de Versailles, which was the seat of political power in France under King Louis XIV. This grand estate, with its stunning gardens and Hall of Mirrors, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts. The city itself offers a charming blend of historical significance and modern attractions.

Top Attractions

Château de Versailles

The Château de Versailles is a grand palace and garden that was the principal royal residence of France under King Louis XIV. It is famous for its opulent Hall of Mirrors, stunning gardens, and historical significance.

Historical/Architecture 3-5 hours €20-€30

Musée de l'Histoire de France

This museum, located within the palace, showcases a vast collection of historical artifacts and paintings that tell the story of France from the Middle Ages to the modern era.

Museum 1-2 hours Included with palace ticket

Grand Trianon

The Grand Trianon is a neoclassical palace built by Louis XIV as a retreat from the formalities of court life. It features beautiful gardens and a serene atmosphere.

Architecture 1-2 hours Included with palace ticket

Parc du Château de Versailles

The extensive gardens of the Château de Versailles are a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring beautifully landscaped lawns, fountains, and sculptures.

Nature 2-3 hours €12 (for Musical Gardens or Fountain Shows)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Croissant

A buttery, flaky pastry that is a staple of French breakfasts.

Breakfast Contains gluten and dairy.

Boeuf Bourguignon

A hearty beef stew cooked in red wine with carrots, onions, and herbs.

Dinner Contains beef and gluten.

Crème Brûlée

A rich custard dessert topped with a layer of caramelized sugar.

Dessert Contains dairy and sugar.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the forest Biking through the gardens Picnicking in the gardens Shopping in the markets Visiting the palace and museums Attending local festivals Boating on the Grand Canal Ice skating in the palace grounds

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Versailles due to pleasant weather and the full blooming of the palace gardens. It's ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the historical sites.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: French
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Versailles is generally safe, with low crime rates. However, visitors should take standard precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services.
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with unsolicited offers.

Getting there

By air

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport • 40 km (25 miles)

By train

Versailles Château Rive Gauche

By bus

Versailles Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is efficient and affordable, with frequent services connecting major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: G7, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Notre-Dame Montreuil Porchefontaine

Day trips

Paris

20 km (12 miles) • Half day to full day

Paris, the capital of France, offers a wealth of cultural and historical attractions, including the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Giverny

45 km (28 miles) • Full day

Giverny is a charming village known for its association with the artist Claude Monet, who lived and worked there. The village is home to Monet's house and gardens, which are open to the public.

Rambouillet

30 km (19 miles) • Half day to full day

Rambouillet is a charming town known for its beautiful forest and historical sites, including the Château de Rambouillet and the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature.

Festivals

Fête de la Musique • June 21st Versailles Classic • June

Pro tips

Book tickets for the palace in advance to avoid long queues.
Visit the palace early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Explore the gardens and fountains during the Fountain Shows for a spectacular experience.
Try local pastries and coffee at the charming cafes in the city center.
Take a day trip to Paris or Giverny to make the most of your visit.