Private 1 hour tour of Versailles in a Vintage Car (2CV)

If you’re planning a visit to Versailles, you might be tempted to just explore the grand palace and its gardens. But what if you could see the city’s charming streets and hidden stories from a totally different angle—aboard a vintage car? That’s exactly what this private 1-hour tour in a 1968 Dyane convertible offers. It’s a clever way to combine sightseeing with a touch of nostalgia and local charm, making your Versailles experience stand out.

What we really like about this tour is how intimate and personalized it feels—only your group will be riding along, which means you can ask all your questions and enjoy the ride at your own pace. Plus, the vintage car adds a fun, memorable vibe that’s perfect for photo ops and stories. On the flip side, since it’s just an hour, it’s more of a quick overview than an in-depth exploration. Still, if you’re after a relaxed, engaging way to get a feel for Versailles outside the crowds, this could be a great option.

This experience is especially suited to travelers who love a mix of history, style, and a touch of the unconventional. It’s ideal if you’re traveling with a small group or a partner who appreciates vintage vibes. Just keep in mind that children under 10 aren’t accepted, and it’s best for those comfortable with a short, scenic drive rather than a long tour.

Key Points

• Private, intimate experience with only your group participating
• Unique vintage car ride in a 1968 Dyane convertible
• Focused on Versailles’ historic districts and their stories
• Great photo opportunities outside the Palace of Versailles
• Flexible and private—customized to your schedule and interests
• Cost-effective for a memorable, personalized experience

Discovering Versailles in a Vintage Car

This tour offers a fresh way to explore the city of Versailles, which is famous for its opulent palace and lush gardens. Instead of walking or joining a large bus tour, you hop into a cozy, vintage 2CV car and zip through the historic streets. It’s a short, sweet experience that packs personality and charm into just an hour, making it perfect for travelers who want a quick, memorable outing.

What’s Included and How It Works

Pricing is set at approximately $127.34 per group, accommodating up to three people. That means it’s quite reasonable when you consider it’s a private tour, giving you undivided attention from your guide. The tour is based on a mobile ticket system, so you can keep it simple with just your phone.

The meeting point is in front of the City Hall of Versailles at 4 Avenue de Paris, a central and easily accessible location. The tour runs daily from 10 am to 5 pm, giving you plenty of flexibility to fit it into your schedule.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour consists of two main stops, both carefully curated to give you a taste of Versailles beyond the palace grounds.

Stop 1: Quartier Saint-Louis
Starting in front of the Hôtel de Ville, your guide will take you along Avenue de Paris and into the Saint Louis district, as well as the Notre-Dame district—two historic neighborhoods that surround the Château. These areas are packed with charming streets, hidden treasures, and stories that often get overlooked by visitors sticking solely to the palace. You’ll pass by key sights and hear anecdotes that bring the city’s history to life. The tour here lasts about 50 minutes, with the vehicle stopping at various points to take in the scenery.

Stop 2: Passing the Palace of Versailles
The final part of your ride involves passing in front of the Palace of Versailles, one of France’s most visited monuments. From the car, you’ll get a great view of the grandeur without the crowds—perfect for some memorable photos. If you decide later to explore the interior, you’ll need to purchase separate tickets, but this tour offers a “see-and-be-seen” moment outside the palace walls.

What Travelers Say

One reviewer shared, “A lovely afternoon driving through the city of Versailles,” noting how the experience was relaxing and a change from the usual hectic sightseeing. Another mentioned, “J’ai adoré visiter Versailles avec Virginie et sa Diane,” highlighting the passion and anecdotes Virginie shared that made the city feel very intimate and unique. Both reviews suggest this experience isn’t just about the sights but about connection and storytelling.

The Value of a Short, Personalized Tour

The advantage here is the private format. It allows for a flexible pace, personalized commentary, and most importantly, a comfortable way to see Versailles in a short time. If you’re visiting during a busy period or want a quick fix of local flavor, this tour fits well into a packed itinerary. Plus, the vintage car adds a dash of fun and style that’s hard to replicate in larger groups or standard buses.

Considerations and Downsides

While the charm is undeniable, keep in mind that this is a one-hour ride, so it’s not a comprehensive tour of Versailles’s sights or gardens. If you’re looking for a deep dive into the palace’s history, this might not be enough. Also, children under 10 are not accepted, so if you’re traveling with young kids, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

The tour’s success relies on good weather—rainy days might dampen the experience or make the drive less enjoyable. And since the car is a vintage model, it’s best suited for those who find the idea of a small, charming vehicle appealing, rather than expecting plush modern comforts.

Who is This Tour Perfect For?

If you’re a history buff who appreciates a touch of nostalgia, this private ride will delight you. It’s also great for couples or small groups wanting a personalized, fun way to see the city without the fuss of large tours. It’s especially suited if you’re short on time but want a memorable experience that offers both insight and style.

Those with an eye for photography will love the views from the car, capturing moments outside the Palace and in the quiet streets. If you’re traveling with older children or teenagers who enjoy a bit of adventure, they might find the vintage car ride a fun highlight.

Final Thoughts

This private tour in a vintage 2CV is a charming, relaxed way to experience Versailles’s streets and stories. It’s not an exhaustive sightseeing tour but offers a personalized snapshot of the city’s neighborhoods and a peek at the Palace from a new perspective. The private setup means you’ll get tailored attention, making it a great pick for small groups or couples looking to add some style and story to their visit.

If you’re someone who enjoys history with a dash of fun and a desire to see Versailles beyond the crowds, this tour will likely hit the right note. It’s affordable for what it offers—an hour of personalized, picturesque discovery—and it’s a unique way to create memories that go beyond just looking at photos of the palace.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children are accepted from age 10 and up, so it’s best for families with older kids or teenagers who will enjoy the vintage car ride and the sightseeing.

Can I visit the Palace of Versailles after the tour?
Yes, you can. The tour passes in front of the palace for photos, but if you want to go inside, you’ll need to purchase separate tickets.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the private, guided ride in the vintage car for about an hour. It does not include admission tickets to the palace or other attractions.

How long is the tour?
The official duration is approximately 1 hour, with the main focus on the historic districts and a quick pass by the palace.

Where do we meet?
The meeting point is in front of the City Hall of Versailles at 4 Avenue de Paris, which is central and easy to find.

Is the tour available every day?
Yes, it runs from 10 am to 5 pm daily, giving you flexibility to choose a convenient time.

If you’re craving a unique, intimate way to see Versailles and love the idea of cruising around in a vintage car, this tour is worth considering. It’s a snapshot of the city in style, stories, and scenic views—and sometimes, that’s all you need for a memorable visit.