Ultimate Palace of Versailles Tour from Paris
Breeze past the lines for the palace and gardens with a friendly English speaking guide
Looking for an easy way to see the best of Versailles? Versailles is a popular day trip from Paris, but planning ahead to get tickets and transportation organized makes things so much easier! That's why you'll love our half-day small group tour with a local guide who'll take you on roundtrip transportation to Versailles and skip the long lines at the palace! You'll see the palace and garden more quickly and maximize your trip to Versailles from Paris.
- Meet your guide outside Porte d'Auteuil metro station
- Arrive at Versailles
- Palace of Versailles
- Royal Chapel
- Princess' Apartments
- Hall of Mirrors
- King's State Apartments
- Gardens of Versailles
- End your tour at Porte d'Auteuil metro station
You'll meet your guide and small group of fellow travelers at the Porte d'Auteuil metro station in Paris, where you'll receive transportation on a climate-controlled bus to Versailles and back to Paris at the end with ease. Follow your guide's lead as they escort you past the long lines of people entering the palace with your skip-the-line tickets. Once inside, your guided tour will show you the unforgettable art and architecture inside the Palace of Versailles, and you'll learn all about its famous royal residents and the remarkable stories that shaped its past.
You'll be wowed by what you see and learn from your guide as they lead you to the best areas of the palace before heading out to the gardens. At the end of the tour you can choose to continue exploring the gardens on your own, but please note that the bus returning to Paris will depart shortly after the end of the tour.
Versailles Palace from Paris Tour Description
Your 3.5-hour guided tour includes:
Round-trip transportation by coach from Paris to Versailles
Skip-the-line entrance to the Palace of Versailles
Guided tour of the palace
Introduction to the gardens
Optional free time to explore the gardens and Trianon Estate
A local, English-speaking guide
Small group of 18 or fewer people
Experience the Incredible Palace of Versailles
You'll meet your guide at the Porte d'Auteuil metro station, where you will take a comfortable coach bus straight to Versailles. After you've skipped the line to enter the palace, your expert guide will begin to show you all of the most fascinating parts of this historic royal residence. A stunning work to behold from the inside and out, the Versailles Palace encompasses over 2,000 rooms, with about as many windows looking out at the immense gardens. The opulent interior holds countless works of art and precious artifacts, so it's easy to see why over ten million people visit the palace each year.
Formerly the hunting château of King Louis XIII, the stunning Versailles Palace and Gardens were built in the 17th century, and UNESCO have declared this place a World Heritage site. The elaborately decorated and expansive palace became the seat of French power during the reign of King Louis XIV. You'll hear stories of the lavish lifestyles and scandals that became a hallmark of the kings and queens who once called this place home.
The Hall of Mirrors and Grand Apartments
Measuring almost 70 yards long and adorned with 357 mirrors, the Hall of Mirrors is the most famous room in the château. The mirrors in this room were designed to reflect light and protect the walls from smoke, and only a few candles were required in order to reflect candlelight throughout the entire room.
The Treaty of Versailles, which marked the end of World War I, was signed in the Hall of Mirrors on June 28th, 1919. With thousands of rooms to explore, navigating the Palace of Versailles on your own is a challenge. A guided tour is the best way to cover the must-see highlights of the Palace of Versailles, including the King's State Apartments and the apartments of Louis XV's daughters.
The Gardens of Versailles and Trianon Estate
After touring the palace, you’ll experience the magnificent Gardens of Versailles as your guide explains the fascinating history of the most famous gardens in the world. You'll receive an introduction to the gardens from your guide. Inspiring other gardens all over the world, the meticulously manicured Gardens of Versailles occupy a total area of almost 2,000 acres with over 400 sculptures and 1,400 fountains. Your ticket also includes access to see Marie-Antoinette's Trianon Estate,.
At the end of the tour you can choose to continue exploring the gardens on your own, but please note that the coach returning to Paris will depart shortly after the end of the tour. In case you do wish to spend more time in the gardens, our guide is happy to advise on alternative ways to get back to Paris.
What you get with this tour
See what people are saying
547 total reviews
Leave a reviewEllen Smith
Laura Burke
Perfect timing!
Joanne Lau
This 3.5 hour tour was the perfect amount of time. The tour bus picked us up at 11am, we got to the front palace gates at 11:20am! Our guide took us to the "tours only" line and we skipped the insane lineup at the front gates. Our guide had great stories! Tour ended around 1:45 in the gardens and we met back at the tour bus at 2:30 and got back to Paris at 2:55. The perfect amount of time for our group of 6. All the staff were so organized and coordinated, and their "tour guy" signs were all very clear and easy to follow. Thank you so much tour guy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
We recommend bringing a bottle of water with you. We also recommend wearing a pair of comfortable shoes as there is quite a bit of walking involved, especially if you want to spend more time in the gardens.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
If you have concerns about your mobility, we recommend you take our Private Golden Versailles Palace and Garden Tour so we can better accommodate your needs.
Is a guided tour of the gardens included?
You'll have a 30-minute explanation of what you'll see as you stand at the garden entrance. If you want extra time to explore, you're free to return when you're ready by taking a train instead. Note, if you do stay for extra time to explore, you will need to pay the train fare for your return.
What to bring?
We recommend bringing a bottle of water with you. We also recommend wearing a pair of comfortable shoes as there is quite a bit of walking involved, especially if you want to spend more time in the gardens.
Is a guided tour of the Palace of Versailles included?
Yes, this tour highlights a guided tour of the palace.
Will I be able to see the Trianon Estate?
Yes! Your ticket includes access to the estate, which you can visit self-guided after the tour has finished. Note, if you do stay for extra time to explore, you will need to pay the train fare for your return.
Can I meet my guide at Versailles?
Unfortunately due to the timing and logistics of this tour, it is not possible to meet up with your guide at Versailles. If you are looking for a tour that starts at Versailles, we recommend our From Versailles: Palace and Gardens Tour
How much walking does this tour involve?
Quite a lot. Aside from the bus ride, you’ll be on your feet for most of the tour, and you’ll climb a few sets of stairs too.
Is lunch included with this tour?
Lunch isn’t included, but food can be purchased at Versailles Palace or in town. Your guide will be happy to offer some recommendations.
Where does this tour end?
Your tour will end back at the Porte d'Auteuil metro station in Paris in order to take the coach back to Paris. If you'd like to stay in Versailles and explore more on your own, you will need to purchase a train ticket at your own expense.
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