Versailles Palace Full Day or Half Day Tour with Local Guide

Versailles , France

Versailles Palace Full Day or Half Day Tour with Local Guide

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(176 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Enjoy a visit to the spectacular Palace of Versailles. Walk the glittering Hall of Mirrors, see the State Apartments and stroll through the manicured gardens with an expert local guide to bring the Palace and its royal inhabitants back to life. For your convenience this tour starts in Versailles.

Available options

Full Day Tour from Versailles

Full day tour: Includes Palace, gardens, Petit Trianon and Domain of Marie-Antoinette

Half Day Tour from Versailles

Half Day tour : Half Day tour of the Palace and Gardens.

What's included

Step into history as your guide brings the grandeur of Versailles and its royals to life.

Stroll through the stunning, perfectly manicured gardens of this iconic palace with your guide.

Enjoy a fully guided tour of the Palace and Gardens of Versailles with an expert local guide

Marvel at the dazzling Hall of Mirrors and opulent State Apartments.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Meet your guide in Versailles and journey in the footsteps of the kings and queens of France! During the reign of Louis XIV, the Sun King, Versailles was the place to be and to be seen. Nowadays visitors from all over the world still come to Versailles to marvel at the splendors of this incredible palace. Your friendly local guide will bring you to the famous figures who once inhabited this palace back to life.

See the dazzling Hall of Mirrors and the royal bedrooms where the king and queen would go to bed and get up daily in front of a large audience. Learn about life at the royal court - there was even a ceremony for the King putting on and taking off his hunting boots! - the glory of the Sun King that was symbolised by this magnificent palace, and the tragic downfall of King Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette during the French Revolution.

Stop 2

Stroll through the glittering Hall of Mirrors, as Kings, Queens and courtiers once did, as your guide brings the daily life, ceremonies and scandals of the royal court to life.

Stop 3

After visiting the state apartments inside the palace, your guide will lead you through the spectacular gardens, once the setting of balls, parties and elaborate firework displays, the symbol of the King's power over nature. Discover hidden groves and on fountain show days you will see the amazing waterworks, still running today as they did in the times of kings and queens. The fountains run according to a very precise schedule, and your guide will ensure you are in exactly the right spot at the right time!

What's not included

Gratuities

Hotel pickup/drop off

Transportation to/from Versailles

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.4

126 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.8

50 reviews

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

From 1 April to 31 October, the gardens of the Palace feature special Musical and Fountain Shows. Fountain Shows take place on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as on Tuesdays in May and June and on national holidays. Please note that the fountains operate according to a set schedule — they do not run continuously throughout the day. On the other days of the week during this period, the gardens host the Musical Gardens, where music is played throughout the groves.

This tour involves a considerable amount of walking. Please ensure you wear comfortable shoes.

You can cancel your tour up to 24 hours prior to departure and receive a full refund. Please note that refunds are not possible for missed tours.

If you plan to arrive at the meeting point by taxi, please ensure you leave yourselves plenty of time, it can often take a considerable amount of time to find a taxi in Paris!

Infants aged 0-3 years are free of charge and do not require a booking.

Please note the full day tour requires a lot of walking. The tour is paced to be comfortable but you will need to be able to walk throughout the whole day.

Meeting point

Meet us at the statue of Louis XIV on horseback located on the esplanade directly in front of the Palace of Versailles. Do not pass the security check!
Our coordinator will come to the statue to meet you with the guests arriving from Paris, they will be wearing an orange cap and an orange badge.

Important notes

• Please meet your guide 15 minutes prior to the starting time of the tour.
• Entry times at the palace are strict and the group must enter on time, please do not be late.
• We cannot guarantee that late arrivals can be accommodated and tickets are non-refundable.
• Please note this voucher does not give you access to the palace, your guide will have the entry tickets with them at the meeting point.
• Please present your booking voucher on your cell phone to your guide at the meeting point. You do not need to print it.

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.