Versailles Palace Park by Segway

If you’re eyeing a way to soak in the beauty of the Versailles Palace Park without spending hours on foot, this Segway tour might just be what you’re looking for. While we haven’t tried it ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary suggest it offers a relaxed, engaging way to explore one of France’s most iconic estates.

What we love about this experience? First, it’s a unique perspective on the vast grounds, giving you a broad view of the estate’s key sights without tiring your legs. Second, the friendly, knowledgeable guides make all the difference—they’re there to ensure you feel comfortable and get the most out of your visit.

That said, a potential downside is that entry to the Palace and Gardens isn’t included, so if you’re eager to go inside, this tour will need to be complemented with an additional ticket. Nevertheless, it’s a perfect fit for those who want an overview of the grounds and great photo opportunities in a fun, less exhausting way. It’s especially suited for visitors who prefer a guided experience with a bit of adventure thrown in.

Key Points

• Incredibly flexible: Book in advance, and the tour is perfect for a quick, fun overview of Versailles Park.
• Accessible: Suitable for most travelers, with a quick safety briefing and professional guidance.
• Picturesque stops: You’ll pause at major landmarks like the Grand Canal, Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, and Marie-Antoinette’s Hameau.
• No inside visits: This tour focuses on the exterior grounds; you won’t go inside the Palace or Gardens.
• Value for money: At around $70 per person, it offers a memorable way to see a lot in just over two hours.
• Small group size: Max nine travelers, making it intimate and personalized.

If you’re considering seeing Versailles in a different way, this Segway tour offers a balanced mix of fun, history, and sightseeing. It’s designed to cover the main exterior highlights of the estate in about two and a half hours, which makes it ideal for travelers with limited time or those who want a break from heavy walking.

Starting Out: Safety and Preparation

When you arrive at the Queen’s Gate, you’ll be introduced to the basics of riding a Segway and safety rules. This is crucial, especially since some participants may be new to riding these devices. The guides are generally praised for their patience and professionalism. As one reviewer mentioned, the guide was very accommodating to first-timers and stayed in touch via message and calls, which shows good attention to customer service.

Helmets and hair nets are provided, and the small group size (up to nine people) helps ensure everyone gets personalized instruction. Once you’re comfortable, you’ll start your tour, riding along the green paths that wind through the estate, offering a different view of the grounds than you’d get on foot.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See

Stop 1: Jardins du Château de Versailles

The tour kicks off with a grand view of the Château de Versailles. From here, your guide will fill you in on the estate’s history and significance. While you won’t go inside, the exterior views alone are impressive and set the tone for the rest of the tour. Expect a great photo op and some storytelling about the estate’s background.

Stop 2: Grand Canal

Next, you’ll pause at the Grand Canal, a major feature of the park. Here, you get to really appreciate the scale of the grounds and how the canal contributes to the estate’s majestic feel. It’s a perfect spot for photos, and the guide will likely share interesting tidbits about the canal’s history and design.

Stops 3 & 4: The Grand Trianon & Petit Trianon

Both of these royal retreat buildings are included in your route. The Grand Trianon was used by Louis XIV, and the Petit Trianon was Marie-Antoinette’s favorite hideaway. Your guide will highlight their architectural features and royal stories, although inside visits aren’t part of this tour. Each stop offers approximately 15 minutes for photos and exploring from the outside.

Stop 5: Le Hameau de la Reine

The charming Queen’s Hameau is a highlight, especially for fans of Marie-Antoinette. It’s a picturesque, rustic village set within the park, free to explore during this stop. Many reviewers note that this stop is particularly memorable and provides lovely photo opportunities.

What Reviewers Say

Participants consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the stunning views. One reviewer called the guide “amazing” and emphasized how the tour saved their legs while still showcasing the estate’s highlights. Another mentioned that it was the highlight of their trip, especially enjoying being away from large crowds and getting a broad perspective.

A common theme is how much fun it is to see so much of Versailles without the fatigue of walking. One traveler appreciated that it gave a “feel for the gardens” even though they didn’t go inside. However, some travelers, like Tracy, felt they missed out on pictures and follow-up, which highlights the importance of double-checking how photos are shared after the tour.

Pricing and Value

At roughly $70 per person, this tour offers great value considering the duration and the experience. You’re paying mainly for the guided tour and the use of the Segway, which adds an element of fun and novelty. Keep in mind, the ticket does not include entry to the Palace or Gardens, so if you want to go inside these areas, you’ll need to plan to buy separate tickets.

Practical Considerations

Timing is flexible since tours usually start at 10 am and are booked about 20 days in advance on average. The tour is suited for most travelers who are comfortable standing and riding a Segway. It is not specifically tailored for children, but teens and adults who enjoy light adventure and sightseeing will find it engaging.

Parking fees and entry tickets to the Palace or Gardens are not included, so budget accordingly if you plan to visit inside or park nearby. The tour’s small group size enhances the experience, allowing your guide to focus on your safety and questions.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re looking for an easy, enjoyable, and informative way to see the exterior of Versailles’ most iconic sites, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect if you prefer a guided experience with a touch of adventure, especially if walking long distances isn’t your favorite. It also suits travelers eager for a photographic opportunity with scenic stops and impressive views.

However, if inside access or a comprehensive visit to the gardens is your priority, you’ll need to supplement this tour with additional tickets or activities. It’s also worth noting that this is a relaxed experience, not designed for high-adventure thrill-seekers, but rather for those who want to glide through the grounds comfortably.

Do I need prior experience to ride a Segway on this tour?
No, the tour begins with a safety briefing and practice session, making it suitable for first-timers. The guides are helpful and patient, ensuring everyone feels comfortable.

Does the tour include entry to the Palace of Versailles?
No, this tour only covers the outdoor grounds and key landmarks like the Grand Canal, Trianons, and Marie-Antoinette’s Hameau. Entry to the inside of the Palace or its gardens is not included.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, which includes riding time and stops for photos and stories.

Can I book this tour in advance?
Yes, most bookings are made about 20 days ahead, and the experience is confirmed immediately upon booking.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While most travelers can participate, it’s best suited for those comfortable on a Segway. Children should be able to stand and balance well. Check with the provider for age restrictions if you’re traveling with young kids.

Are helmets provided?
Yes, helmets and hair nets are included for safety and hygiene.

What about parking and other costs?
Parking fees are not included. Also, the ticket does not cover entry to the Palace or Gardens, so plan for those separately if you want inside access.

What do reviewers say about the overall experience?
Reviewers agree that guides are knowledgeable and friendly, and the views are breathtaking. Many call it a highlight of their trip, praising the combination of fun, ease, and scenery.

To sum it up, the Versailles Palace Park by Segway tour offers a great way to see the estate’s exterior highlights with minimal effort and maximum fun. It’s well-suited for those who want a guided, scenic overview of Versailles’ grounds without the fatigue of walking. If you value a friendly, small-group experience that combines sightseeing with a bit of adventure, this could be a memorable part of your trip. Just remember, it’s best as a complement to interior visits if those are on your list.