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The 15 Best Tours in Versailles
If you’re heading to Versailles, you’ll find that this vast estate isn’t just a palace—it’s a sprawling showcase of French grandeur, history, and art. The key to truly appreciating Versailles is choosing the right tour for your interests and pace. We love the Versailles Royal Palace & Gardens Private Tour by Golf Cart because it combines a private guide with the fun of zipping through the gardens on a golf cart, making it perfect for those who want an intimate, personalized experience without missing the highlights. For a more comprehensive day, the Versailles Palace & Marie-Antoinette’s Estate Private Guided Tour with Lunch offers a luxurious, full-day deep dive into the most iconic parts of the estate, including Marie Antoinette’s hamlet.
One thing is clear: Versailles isn’t just about the palace. Many tours include skip-the-line tickets, ensuring you skip queues and make the most of your day, whether you’re after an introductory overview or an in-depth exploration. From quick 2-hour visits to full-day private adventures, the options cater to different budgets, schedules, and interests. Below, we’ve broken down the best tours in Versailles so you can pick the perfect experience.
1. Versailles Royal Palace & Gardens Private Tour by Golf Cart
This private tour offers a fantastic combination of history, comfort, and fun. Your personal guide will lead you through the Versailles Palace with skip-the-line admission, then whisk you into the gardens in a private golf cart. You’ll zip around the expansive grounds, possibly catching a seasonal fountain show, all while learning about Louis XIV, Marie Antoinette, and the estate’s secrets.
What makes this tour stand out is the ability to explore the gardens at your own pace in a golf cart, which is a game-changer given their size (600 hectares). The guide is a historian who shares insights that bring the history alive. With a perfect 5.0/5 rating based on 339 reviews, guests praise the personalized service and knowledgeable guides. The tour is ideal if you want a flexible, fun way to see Versailles without feeling rushed. The cost is $405.50 per person for about 3 hours, making it a premium but memorable experience.
Bottom Line: The private golf cart experience perfectly suits travelers who value personalized attention and want to see both the palace and gardens comfortably.
2. Versailles Palace Private Tailored Guided Tour With Hotel Pickup
This tour is designed for those who want a curated experience with expert insights. It includes skip-the-line tickets and transportation from your Paris hotel, saving you time and hassle. Your multilingual guide—an art historian—will focus on the highlights, including the Hall of Mirrors and the State Apartments, in about four hours.
Guests rave about the flexibility and personal touches, with some guides adjusting the tour to match individual interests. The $586.54 price reflects the luxury of private transportation combined with expert guidance. It’s perfect for first-timers or visitors with limited time who want an efficient, well-informed visit with the comfort of door-to-door service.
Bottom Line: Best for those who want a fully tailored, educational experience with skip-the-line access and hotel pickup.
3. Versailles Palace & Marie-Antoinette’s Estate Private Guided Tour with Lunch
For a full immersion, this full-day private tour covers the main palace, Marie Antoinette’s estate, and her rustic hamlet, all with skip-the-line tickets. Traveling in a luxury Mercedes Benz, you’ll start with the palace’s State Apartments and Hall of Mirrors, then enjoy a gourmet three-course lunch at La Flotille restaurant, set at the edge of the Grand Canal.
This tour is a deep dive into French royalty’s lifestyle, with detailed commentary and personal attention from your guide. Priced at $822.15, it’s ideal for travelers who want to experience Versailles fully and comfortably, including some time to explore on your own. Reviewers love the VIP access, the quality of the lunch, and the opportunity to see Marie Antoinette’s countryside retreat.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history enthusiasts and those wanting an all-inclusive, luxurious day exploring Versailles.
4. Versailles Palace & Giverny Private Guided Tour from Paris
This full-day private tour combines two iconic sites—Versailles and Monet’s Giverny—making it a real art and history feast. After skipping the lines at Versailles, you’ll enjoy the gardens and the Hall of Mirrors, then travel comfortably to Giverny. There, guided by an expert, you’ll see Monet’s house and gardens, famous for inspiring his water lily series.
Priced at $798.82, it’s perfect for those with a serious appreciation for art and history, looking to make the most of their day without rushing. Guests mention the personalized care and the seamless transportation, making it a memorable, stress-free experience.
Bottom Line: A top choice for art lovers who want to see two masterpieces in one day.
5. Versailles Palace & Gardens Guided Tour
This affordable 2-hour tour offers a quick but thorough visit to Versailles, including the Hall of Mirrors and the gardens. The guide takes you through the Royal Apartments and the gardens, with a chance to see the musical fountain shows on certain days.
At $110.30 per person, it’s excellent value for a half-day trip. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guide and highlight how the gardens are a highlight, especially if timed with the fountain shows. It’s best suited for travelers on a tight schedule who want an overview rather than an in-depth exploration.
Bottom Line: Great for budget-conscious visitors wanting a quality snapshot of Versailles.
6. Versailles Palace Skip the Line Small Group Guided Tour
If avoiding crowds is your goal, this 1.5-hour small group tour is a solid pick. It focuses on the royal apartments, with expert guides explaining the history in detail, and gives skip-the-line access to cut waiting time.
For $81.21, it’s an efficient, intimate experience—perfect for those who want to see the highlights without the crowds. With reviews praising the knowledgeable guides and the ability to ask questions, it’s suited for travelers who prefer a more personal touch in a shorter time.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a compact, guided overview with minimal wait.
7. Versailles Palace Guided Tour with Gardens, Trianons & The Hamlet
This full-day guided tour takes you through the palace, the famous Hall of Mirrors, and Marie Antoinette’s hamlet. The tour includes a walk through the gardens and Trianon palaces, with optional fountain shows on Sundays.
Priced at $156.75, it’s a comprehensive experience for those interested in seeing the entire estate. Reviewers note the energy of their guide and the ability to explore at a relaxed pace. It suits travelers who want a full, detailed visit with enough time for independent wandering.
Bottom Line: Perfect for visitors wanting an all-encompassing, guided day at Versailles.
8. Discover Versailles on electric 2-wheelers (Yes to PRM)
This 2-hour electric scooter tour is ideal for those with limited mobility or anyone wanting to discover Versailles in a fun, fatigue-free way. With groups capped at 7, you’ll ride through the Place d’Armes, the gardens, and the forest paths, all with a local guide.
Rated 5.0/5 by 70 reviewers, travelers love how easy and engaging this experience is, especially noting the friendly guide and the ability to see less-visited spots. The $86.43 cost makes it accessible and memorable for a variety of travelers.
Bottom Line: Perfect for mobility-challenged visitors or those seeking a playful, quick overview.
9. Versailles Palace Skip the Line Guided Tour with Gardens Access
This 1.5-hour tour emphasizes fast entry and guided exploration of the palace and its gardens, including Marie-Antoinette’s estate. The included headsets make it easy to hear your guide in the busy spaces.
At $94.55, it’s a good pick for travelers who want to maximize their time and skip long lines. Reviewers mention the clear commentary and the efficient pace, making it suitable for those on a tight schedule.
Bottom Line: Best for visitors who want a quick, guided look at the highlights without the wait.
10. Versailles Palace and Giverny Private Guided Tour from Paris
For those who want to combine art and history, this full-day private tour visits both Versailles and Monet’s Giverny. Traveling in a luxury vehicle, you skip the lines at Versailles and then enjoy Monet’s famous gardens, home to the water lilies.
It costs $798.82 but offers a personalized experience, perfect for art lovers and travelers with a full day to spare. Reviewers love the flexibility and knowledgeable guides, making this a memorable and enriching day.
Bottom Line: Ideal for art fans seeking an integrated, private experience.
11. PREMIUM Versailles Golf Carts and Bikes Guided Tour with Lunch
This 6 to 8-hour tour combines golf carts, bikes, and a picnic lunch. It’s perfect for families or groups wanting a mix of self-paced exploration and guided commentary. Tour the Petit Trianon, Grand Trianon, and Marie Antoinette’s Hameau.
Rated 4.5/5 with many reviewers praising the lively guides and the fun of biking through Versailles. The $196.53 price includes all activities and a picnic in the gardens, making it a good value for the full-day experience.
Bottom Line: Best for active travelers who want to see a wide range of the estate at a relaxed pace.
12. Versailles Royal Palace & Gardens with Exclusive Petit Apartments
This small-group tour lets you skip the lines and explore the Queen’s Apartments and gardens in a relaxed setting. Limited to six people, it ensures personal attention and in-depth stories about the palace’s art and architecture.
At $262.52, it offers a more exclusive experience that’s perfect for travelers wanting a boutique visit. Reviewers appreciate the intimate atmosphere and the detailed commentary.
Bottom Line: A refined choice for those who want a personal and less crowded Versailles experience.
13. Versailles Palace Skip the line Guided Full Day or Half Day Tour
Available as a full-day or half-day, this guided tour focuses on the essential highlights like the Hall of Mirrors and the Royal Apartments, with skip-the-line tickets included.
For $110.19, it’s a flexible option for travelers wanting a guided overview. Reviewers note the knowledgeable guides and the efficient use of time, making it a good choice for a quick but thorough visit.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers wanting a guided experience with flexible timing.
14. Versailles Palace and Park Private Guided Day Tour from Paris
This private, full-day tour includes door-to-door transportation, exploring the estate’s palace, gardens, and Marie Antoinette’s hamlet. It’s ideal for those seeking a personalized, hassle-free experience.
Costing $855.45, it’s premium but offers the most tailored experience. Reviewers praise the guide’s knowledge and the convenience of private transit, especially for visitors who want to avoid large tour groups.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who prefer a private, all-inclusive day without the crowds.
15. Versailles Palace & Marie-Antoinette’s Estate Private Guided Tour
This private full-day experience combines the palace, Marie Antoinette’s estate, and her hamlet, with skip-the-line tickets and a gourmet lunch. It’s an all-in-one package that makes Versailles accessible and enjoyable without waits or hassle.
At $800.10, it offers a personalized, comprehensive visit that’s ideal for those wanting to focus on the royal lifestyle and gardens. Reviewers mention the attentive guides and the seamless experience, making it a top pick for connoisseurs.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting an immersive, private day in Versailles with all the highlights.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting your Versailles tour, consider your budget, available time, and specific interests. If you want a quick overview and are on a budget, the Versailles Palace Guided Tour with Gardens offers great value. For those seeking a luxurious, personalized experience, the full-day private tours or the Giverny combo are excellent choices. If mobility is a concern, the electric 2-wheelers provide a fun, fatigue-free way to explore.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak seasons (spring and summer), when Versailles can get crowded. Think about what parts of Versailles matter most—do you want a quick overview, or are you eager to explore Marie Antoinette’s hamlet and Trianons? The range of tours below will ensure you find the perfect fit.
Final Thoughts
Whether you prefer a short guided overview, a luxurious full-day tour, or an interactive experience on electric scooters, Versailles offers options for every traveler. If you’re into history and art, the private guided tours provide depth and comfort. For families or active explorers, golf cart and bike tours make the visit lively and engaging.
Remember to book early, especially for private and small-group tours, to secure your spot. With so many great choices, you’re sure to find a Versailles experience that matches your style and schedule—allowing you to fully appreciate this French icon without the stress of long lines or missed highlights.
