Versailles Palace and Gardens Tour from Paris

Versailles , France

Versailles Palace and Gardens Tour from Paris

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(3283 reviews)

3h - 3h

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

Are you planning a day trip to Versailles from Paris, but worried about the logistics of getting there and navigating the popular attractions? Let us take care of it for you with our half-day small group tour. With the help of our expert local guide, we'll whisk you away to Versailles and get off at the optimal stop. You'll enter the palace and have time to explore the stunning palace, gardens, and Trianon Estate. Get the most out of your trip to Versailles and leave the hassle to us!

Available options

Versailles Palace and Gardens Tour from Paris

Small Group (Max 10 People)

Duration: 3 hours<br/>Semi-private guided tour

What's included

Option to continue exploring the gardens and Trianon Estate

Small group of 20 or fewer people

Introduction to the Gardens

A local, English-speaking guide

Guided tour of the Palace

Round-trip transportation by train from Paris to Versailles

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Meet your guide in Paris and enjoy a comfortable ride together by train to Versailles. After a short stroll to the palace, your guided tour will begin.

Stop 2

Time to discover the grandeur of the French monarchy. Originally a hunting lodge, King Louis XIII transformed the site into the iconic Versailles Palace and Gardens in the 17th century, now designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you skip the line with your guide to enter the palace, you'll discover over 2,000 rooms, each adorned with exquisite art and treasures, offering a glimpse into the opulence of the French royal court.

This estate served as the epicenter of French power and luxury during the reign of King Louis XIV, who spared no expense in his pursuit of perfection. Your expert guide will share fascinating tales of the court's lavish lifestyle and the notorious scandals that rocked Versailles during its heyday. The palace's stunning design also offers breath-taking views of the manicured gardens.

Stop 3

The Hall of Mirrors is undoubtedly the most renowned room in the entire Palace of Versailles, measuring almost 70 yards in length and featuring an astonishing 357 mirrors. Originally designed to reflect light and protect the walls from smoke, the mirrors created an enchanting effect by reflecting candlelight throughout the room.

On June 28th, 1919, the Treaty of Versailles, which marked the end of World War I, was signed in this iconic room. With thousands of rooms to explore, a self-guided tour of the Palace of Versailles can be overwhelming. A guided tour with a knowledgeable local guide is the perfect way to make sure you see all the highlights, including the opulent King's State Apartments and the apartments of Louis XV's daughters.

Stop 4

Your journey through Versailles doesn't stop at the palace - your guide will introduce you to the legendary Gardens of Versailles and will share some of the garden's captivating stories.

Covering almost 2,000 acres, these immaculately tended gardens boast over 400 sculptures and 1,400 fountains, and have inspired countless other gardens around the world.

But your tour doesn't end there! With your ticket, you'll also have access to Marie-Antoinette's Trianon Estate, a separate palace-like complex located within the larger Versailles grounds.

After the intro to the gardens, you can either choose to explore this estate at own pace, and when you're ready, head back to Paris at your own convenience, or join our guide back to Paris after the introduction to the gardens.

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Food & Beverages

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.3

2,505 reviews

5★

1672

4★

352

3★

203

2★

114

1★

164

Tripadvisor 4.3

778 reviews

5★

519

4★

116

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Please note that the scheduled time access can be slowed down on peak days due to various safety controls established by the Versailles Palace

We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any walking impairments that require special assistance on our group tours. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages.

We recommend bringing a bottle of water with you and wearing a pair of comfortable shoes as there is quite a bit of walking involved

Please note that the tour departs promptly at the scheduled start time. If you are not checked in by then, the group will have to depart for Versailles without you. Once the tour has departed, we cannot guarantee your participation.

The meeting point for tours running July 15 to August 31, 2025 will be updated due to RER C maintenance. Check voucher for details.

Meeting point

Next to Cafe Pierre Herme, outside the Pont de l'Alma metro station. Look for our friendly staff in red, holding a bright red 'The Tour Guy' sign!

Important notes

• Please read the meeting point instructions in advance. It is the responsibility of all visitors to be at the meeting point 10 - 15 minutes before departure. Guests arriving after departure cannot be accommodated, & missed tours or tickets cannot be refunded.
• Large bags, backpacks, luggage, umbrellas, tripods, strollers and baby carriers cannot be brought into the Palace of Versailles. In general, any items exceeding 55 cm x 35 cm x 20 cm are not permitted
• Mandatory: Everyone is required to carry a copy of the identification page of their passports on all tours.
• We will be subject to a security check at the entrance to all sites. Depending on the volume of visitors, we may have a short wait in the security line.
• We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any walking impairments that require special assistance on our group tours. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages.
• The sites we visit on our tours are among the most popular in the world. Please be aware that some locations may be unavoidably busy during standard hours/high season.
• We will do everything within our power to ensure timings and itineraries are respected, however, due to issues beyond our control, timings and sites are subject to last-minute changes on rare occasions.
• Photography and filming is strictly prohibited in the temporary exhibition rooms.

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.