Versailles Garden Golf Cart Tour and Rowboat Experience with Palace Tickets
Roll through the vast grounds, savor Champagne on the canal, and explore the Palace independently
If you are looking for a sophisticated and unique way to experience the Palace of Versailles, this small-group guided tour is the perfect fit. Start your day with a private golf cart ride through the estate grounds to see Petit Trianon, Queen’s Hamlet, and hidden garden rooms. Then, float along the Grand Canal during a serene rowboat experience, complete with Champagne and snacks. Finally, use your Palace of Versailles tickets to wander the magnificent Hall of Mirrors and the grand apartments.
What You Get With This Tour
-
Expert English-speaking guide
-
Timed-entry Palace of Versailles ticket
-
Guided golf cart tour
-
Grand Trianon ticket
-
Petit Trianon and Queen's Hamlet ticket
-
Self-guided Rowboat experience on Grand Canal
-
French Champagne and snacks
-
Guide tips
-
Transport from Paris
-
Guided tour of the Palace of Versailles
Tour Itinerary
-
1
Your tour begins near the entrance of the Palace of Versailles
Meet your friendly, English-speaking guide in Versailles, right in front of the spectacular, shining Grille Royale. You will check in with the group and receive your Palace of Versailles tickets before getting an intriguing introduction to the history of the royal court. -
2
Guided golf cart ride of the royal estate
Hop aboard a golf cart and explore the expansive gardens and royal grounds of Versailles. As you glide through the estate, your expert guide will point out key features like the Latona Fountain while sharing insight into the landscape design by André Le Nôtre. -
3
Visit hidden bosquets and watch fountain shows
Head off the main paths to discover the bosquets, Versailles’ hidden garden rooms once used for private royal events. On select days (weekends April–September and Tuesdays in May and June), you’ll also experience the Fountains Show, when the gardens come alive with music and choreographed water displays. -
4
Rowboat ride on the Grand Canal
Next, it’s time to bid farewell to your guide and enjoy a self-guided float along the Grand Canal, a vast waterway surrounded by lush trees that cuts through the estate. Sit back, sip cold French Champagne, and soak up the serene view of the grand palace. -
5
Self-guided tour of the Palace of Versailles
After the refreshing canal float, use your timed entry ticket to enter the Palace of Versailles. Set your own pace as you move through the Hall of Mirrors, the King’s Grand Apartments, and more. -
6
Your tour finishes at the palace exit
Your tour concludes after your self-guided exploration of the palace's magnificent interior and its immediate surroundings. Celebrate your brilliant day with a sweet treat from a local café before returning to Paris at your leisure.
Additional Information
Good to know
Accessibility: Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible. If you have concerns about your mobility, we suggest taking a Private Golden Versailles Palace and Garden Tour.
Dress Code: Flat, comfortable shoes are strongly recommended due to extensive walking, parquet floors inside the palace, and cobblestone paths in the gardens.
Bag Policy: Large bags, backpacks, and luggage are not allowed on this tour.
Tour Changes: The Palace of Versailles can close without notice for official state events; in such cases, then we will be in touch with an alternative plan.
ID Requirement: Please bring a valid government-issued ID.
Check-in: Arrive fifteen minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can enter sites on time.
Your 4-hour tour includes
Expert, English-speaking guide
Timed-entry tickets to the Versailles Palace
Guided golf cart tour through the Versailles Gardens
Timed ticket for the Petit Trianon, Grand Trianon, and Queen's Hamlet
Self-guided rowboat ride on the Grand Canal
One bottle of cold French Champagne and snacks per two people
Free time to explore the interior of the Palace at your own pace
Maximum group size of 15 people
What to bring
Government-issued ID
Comfortable walking shoes
Camera
Water bottle
You might also like...
Free Cancellation Skip the Line
Palace of Versailles and Gardens Tour with Transport from Paris
Likely to Sell Out
Skip the Line Transportation Included
Semi-Private Palace of Versailles and Gardens Tour from Paris
Free Cancellation Skip the Line
Private Versailles Palace Skip-the-Line Tour with Garden Access
Free Cancellation Skip the Line
Palace of Versailles Skip-the-Line Tour with Expert Guide
Free Cancellation Transportation Included
Versailles Bike Tour with Transport from Paris and Market Visit
Free Cancellation New Tour
Semi-Private Full Day Trip to Versailles and Giverny from Paris
Free Cancellation New Tour
Half-Day Versailles Tour by Sidecar Motorcycle from Paris
Free Cancellation New Tour
Giverny Half-Day Tour from Paris with Entry to Monet’s House and Gardens
Trusted Partner
Eiffel Tower Summit Ticket with Seine River Cruise
Free Cancellation Trusted Partner
Eiffel Tower Tickets with Summit Access and Self-Guided Exploration
Free Cancellation Trusted Partner
Morning Eiffel Tower Tour Tickets with Summit Access
Free Cancellation Trusted Partner
Semi-Private Musée d'Orsay Tour with Skip the Line Tickets
Customer Reviews
With the guide and fun boat ride, everyone was in a good mood.
The golf cart made it comfortable and fun to explore the vast gardens. The canal had us rowing to beautiful views of the palace. Truly a majestic experience.
Skipping the line was a relief! We had more time for the gardens and the palace.
She was an easygoing guide and very knowledgeable. I learned many fun facts on the tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Please bring a valid ID, comfortable clothing and shoes for walking, and a camera to capture the stunning sights. Don’t forget sunscreen, especially during sunny days, and a bottle of water to stay hydrated.
Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?
No. This tour is operated by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Versailles.
Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The golf cart tour is wheelchair accessible, but please let us know in advance if you need assistance. The rowboat experience may be more challenging for those with mobility limitations, as it requires some physical effort to row.
Is this tour appropriate for children?
Yes, this tour is family-friendly! Children will enjoy the golf cart ride and the rowboat experience on the Grand Canal. Children under 18 receive a discounted rate for this tour. Please choose accordingly when booking.
Do we need to know how to row for the boat ride?
No experience is necessary! You'll be given simple instructions before you begin riding the rowboat. It's a relaxing activity, and you can take it at your own pace.
Is food or drink included on the tour?
You’ll enjoy a bottle of cold French Champagne for every two people, along with glasses and snacks to enjoy during your tour. However, if you’d like more refreshments, feel free to bring your own.
Is there any chance this tour will be canceled?
On the rare occasion the tour is canceled, we'll inform you as soon as possible. We will work with you to reschedule your tour when possible or provide a full refund.
What happens if it rains?
We run our Versailles tours rain or shine.
Do the Versailles tickets include access to the Petit Trianon and Queen's Hamlet?
Yes! Your ticket provides access to the Petit Trianon and Queen's Hamlet, in addition to the Palace and Gardens.
How long is this tour?
The golf cart portion and the rowboat ride each last approximately one hour. The total duration of the tour is around 6 hours, giving you ample time to enjoy all the highlights of Versailles at a relaxed pace.
Will I get to visit the Versailles Gardens?
Yes, you’ll enjoy a fun, guided golf cart tour through the Royal Gardens, with stops at a selection of stunning viewpoints, including the groves (bosquets) and fountains.
Will the guide be with me the entire time?
Your guide will join you for the golf cart tour, offering a rich, guided introduction to the gardens. The rowboat cruise and palace visit are self-guided, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
Will I see the Fountains Show during my tour?
If you’re visiting on a scheduled show day (weekends April–September and Tuesdays in May and June), your time in the gardens will coincide with the Fountains Show—when the fountains are set to music and fully activated. On other days, you’ll still explore the gardens, but without the fountain displays.
