Palace of Versailles Skip-the-Line Guided Tour by Bus from Paris
Active
5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Step into the grandeur and political drama of the French monarchy with a guided day tour of the Palace of Versailles from Paris. Enjoy access with reserved tickets and travel in comfort aboard a climate-controlled coach from Paris. Marvel at key palace highlights such as the Hall of Mirrors, Royal Apartments, and Royal Chapel. You can also upgrade to stroll through the expansive gardens at your own pace or visit the town of Giverny which includes a visit to Claude Monet's home.
Available options
Palace & Garden + Musical
Guided small-group tour of Versailles Palace and Gardens and ticket to see the Musical Show<br/>Private air-conditioned coach: Enjoy return transfers from Paris on a private, air-conditioned coach.
Just Palace
This option does not include the tickets to the Gardens<br/>Private air-conditioned coach: Enjoy return transfers from Paris on a private, air-conditioned coach.
Palace & Garden + Fountain
Guided small-group tour of Versailles Palace and Gardens and ticket to see the Fountain Show<br/>Private air-conditioned coach: Enjoy return transfers from Paris on a private, air-conditioned coach.
Upgrade: Giverny & Versailles
Duration: 11 hours 30 minutes<br/>Full Day Givery & Versailles: Choose this option to extend your trip and visit both Giverny and Versailles in 1 day! Includes Claude Monet's home visit.
Palace & Garden
Private air-conditioned coach: Enjoy return transfers from Paris on a private, air-conditioned coach.<br/>Palace & Garden : Guided small-group tour of Versailles Palace and Gardens.
What's included
Round-trip transportation from Paris in an air-conditioned coach
Entrance ticket and reservation fee for the Palace of Versailles
Audio-guided visit of Claude Monet's House in Giverny [if Giverny Upgrade Option Selected]
Free time in the village of Giverny [if Giverny Upgrade Option Selected]
Expert, English speaking guide
Entrance tickets & Free time to explore the Gardens of Versailles at your pace [if option selected]
Audio headset so you can always hear your guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
The Palace of Versailles in true royal fashion. As your guide shows you around a carefully curated selection of the palace’s 700 rooms, you’ll hear stories of the Sun King, Louis XIV, his successors, their queens, mistresses, and courtiers – including Marie Antoinette and other notable figures. Versailles had its heyday in the 17th and 18th centuries, when the Sun King elevated Louis XIII’s humble hunting lodge into the official seat of the French court – and 300 years later, the palace has lost little of its glamorous excess.
2
Stop 2
Stand in the dazzling Hall of Mirrors, La Galerie des Glaces, the site of royal ceremonies and the 1919 Treaty of Versailles. Discover tales of decadence, diplomacy, and revolution.
Visit the breathtaking Hall of Mirrors inside Versailles while our passionate English-speaking guide marvels you with stories of the excesses of royal life, peaking under the Sun King, Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.
3
Stop 3
Admire the double-level chapel where royal weddings and mass were held. A masterpiece of baroque architecture.
4
Stop 4
If option selected, roam freely through Versailles' grand gardens—masterpieces of geometry and symbolism. During the musical fountain show season (Apr–Oct), enjoy live baroque music synced with water displays.
The Gardens of the Palace of Versailles were designed by master gardener André Le Nôtre and court painter Charles le Brun, not as a respite from the palace, but as an extension of it – with every bit as much opulence (and intrigue) as the interior.
5
Stop 5
If option selected, enjoy a view of the iconic canal that mirrors the grandeur of the gardens, often used for royal boating events.
What's not included
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.1
1,417 reviews
5★
798
4★
276
3★
142
2★
69
1★
132
Tripadvisor
3.8
263 reviews
5★
138
4★
36
3★
30
2★
21
1★
38
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Add a self-guided stroll through the Gardens of Château de Versailles designed by André Le Nôtre. From April to October, a garden ticket is required and included if selected.
From November to March, garden access is free; no ticket required.
Choose the Full-Day Giverny & Palace of Versailles Combo for a guided tour of Versailles, followed by a visit to Claude Monet’s house and gardens in the afternoon.
While your timed-entry ticket reduces wait time, brief delays at security and entrance lines may still occur, especially during peak season.
We strongly recommend all clients who are traveling with infants to bring their own infant or child seat. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to ensure the safety of their child.
Meeting point
Meet at Place du Général Kœnig, 75017 Paris beside the church at the intersection of the boulevard d'Aurelle de Paladines and the Avenue de la Porte des Ternes. The City Wonders representative (holding a City Wonders sign) will be standing on the right side when facing the Church.
Important notes
• We kindly ask our guests to be at the meeting point 15 minutes prior to the booked tour start time.
• Our City Wonders guides will be holding a sign at the meeting point for easy recognition.
• This activity is unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriers and is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.
• Large bags/backpacks/suitcases are not permitted in the Versailles Palace.
• We strongly recommend all clients who are traveling with infants to bring their own infant or child seat.
• Please note that the Musical show may be subject to last minute schedule changes that are not under our control.
• Gratuities for your guide/driver that provided excellent service are appreciated!
• City Wonders is not responsible for any personal belongings that are lost or damaged. Guests should ensure they keep track of their items throughout the entire duration of the tour. Please note that any additional shipping costs related to retrieved items will not be covered by City Wonders.
• For the comfort of all passengers, hot beverages and food are not permitted on the bus.
****************
Giverny & Versailles option only
Here are the details to download your audio-guide on your mobile for the visit of Claude Monet's House in Giverny:
Search for ""Pop Guide"" on Google or Apple store.
Download the "Pop Guide" app and login using the following credentials:
- Username: MKK-000160
- Password: 78509
PLEASE ENSURE TO DOWNLOAD THE APP BEFORE THE TOUR. Once downloaded, the app can be used offline.
About Paris
Paris, the capital of France, is a city steeped in history, art, and romance. Known for its iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and charming neighborhoods, Paris offers a unique blend of timeless elegance and modern vibrancy. From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, the city is a treasure trove of cultural and historical gems.
Top Attractions
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is Paris's most iconic landmark and a symbol of France. Built in 1889 for the World's Fair, it offers breathtaking views of the city.
Architecture
2-3 hours
€17.10-€26.80 (depending on the level)
Louvre Museum
The Louvre is the world's largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris. It houses thousands of works of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
Museum
3-4 hours
€17 (full price), free for under 18s and EU residents under 26
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Notre-Dame is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture and one of the most famous cathedrals in the world. It has been undergoing restoration since the 2019 fire.
Historical/Religious
1-2 hours
Free (towers and crypts may have reopening fees in the future)
Montmartre
Montmartre is a historic and artistic district known for its bohemian past, charming streets, and the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
Cultural
Half-day
Free to explore (Sacré-Cœur dome visit €6)
Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is a grand royal château and garden located just outside of Paris. It was the principal royal residence of France from 1682 to 1790.
Historical
Full day
€18-€28 (depending on the pass)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Croissant
A buttery, flaky pastry made from laminated dough. Best enjoyed fresh from a local bakery.
Breakfast
Contains gluten and dairy
Baguette
A long, thin loaf of French bread with a crispy crust and soft interior. Often served with cheese or ham.
Breakfast/Lunch
Contains gluten
Steak Frites
A classic French dish consisting of steak and French fries, usually served with a side of salad and béarnaise sauce.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains gluten (if served with fries) and meat
Crêpes
Thin pancakes that can be filled with a variety of sweet or savory ingredients, such as Nutella, cheese, or ham.
Snack/Dessert
Can be made gluten-free and vegetarian/vegan options available
Popular Activities
Hot air balloon rides
Rock climbing in Fontainebleau forest
Kayaking on the Seine
Picnicking in the Luxembourg Garden
Boat tours on the Seine
Spa day at a luxury hotel
Visiting museums and galleries
Attending a cabaret show
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer is the peak tourist season in Paris, with warm weather and long daylight hours. This is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities and festivals. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.
15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F)
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: French
- Widely spoken: English, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Paris is generally safe for travelers, but pickpocketing and petty theft can be a problem in tourist areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas and on public transport
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
Getting there
By air
- Charles de Gaulle Airport • 25 km (15.5 miles) from city center
- Orly Airport • 14 km (8.7 miles) from city center
By train
Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon
By bus
Bercy Seine, Porte Maillot
Getting around
Public transport
The Paris Metro is one of the most efficient and extensive subway systems in the world, covering all major attractions and neighborhoods.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, G7
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Le Marais
Montmartre
Latin Quarter
Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Champs-Élysées
Day trips
Versailles
17 km (10.5 miles) from Paris • Full day
The Palace of Versailles is a grand royal château and garden located just outside of Paris. It was the principal royal residence of France from 1682 to 1790 and is famous for its opulent interiors and vast gardens.
Giverny
75 km (47 miles) from Paris • Half day to full day
Giverny is a charming village known as the home of the famous impressionist painter Claude Monet. The village is home to Monet's House and Gardens, which inspired many of his most famous works.
Château de Fontainebleau
55 km (34 miles) from Paris • Full day
The Château de Fontainebleau is a grand royal château and park located just outside of Paris. It was a residence of the French monarchs from Louis VII to Napoleon III and is known for its beautiful architecture and vast forests.
Festivals
Fête de la Musique • June 21st (annual)
Paris Fashion Week • February and September (annual)
Nuit Blanche • First Saturday in October (annual)
Pro tips
- Learn a few basic French phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture
- Use public transport, walk, or bike to get around the city and avoid traffic and parking issues
- Consider purchasing a Paris Museum Pass or a multi-day public transport pass to save money on attractions and transport
- Explore the city's many neighborhoods and hidden gems, not just the major tourist attractions
- Try local specialties and enjoy the dining experience slowly and leisurely
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
