Versailles guided tours cut through the chaos of this massive palace, making your visit more meaningful and efficient. Among the solid choices, two stand out: the 90-minute classic tour delivers the essentials, including expert commentary on the famous Hall of Mirrors, while small-group tours with art historians offer deeper insights without the crowds.
For the best experience, we love the early morning small-group tours – you’ll see the palace before the masses arrive. Another winner is the full-day combination tour to Giverny, perfect for impressionist art fans who want to maximize their time outside Paris.
Skip-the-line access comes with most tours, and golf cart options help tackle the enormous gardens. All major tours provide English-speaking guides and easy transportation from central Paris.
Check our carefully selected top tours below.
Key Points
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The Classic Guided Tour offers a 90-minute exploration of the Palace’s key highlights, including the Hall of Mirrors and State Apartments, with skip-the-line access.
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The Private & Tailored Tour provides a half-day guided experience by an art historian, inclusive of round-trip transportation and all fees, for a personalized visit.
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The Small Group Tour, limited to 20 travelers, offers an intimate experience with skip-the-line access and headsets for clear communication of the guide’s commentary.
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The Comprehensive Full-Day Tour combines visits to both the Palace of Versailles and Giverny, including luxury transportation, a local lunch, and a tailored itinerary.
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Specialized Marie Antoinette Tours focus on lesser-known areas of the palace grounds, providing in-depth insights into the life of the former queen.
Versailles Palace Classic Guided Tour
The Versailles Palace Classic Guided Tour offers visitors a comprehensive 90-minute exploration of the iconic palace’s key highlights. With 1,944 reviews and a Badge of Excellence, this tour provides an immersive experience in Versailles, France.
Guests will be led by knowledgeable guides who share historical context and insider details, enhancing their understanding of the palace’s rich past. The tour includes timed admission, allowing visitors to bypass long entrance queues.
Highlights include the King’s and Queen’s State Apartments, the renowned Hall of Mirrors, and the expansive, meticulously landscaped gardens. On certain days from April to October, an additional fee is required to access the gardens during fountain or musical shows.
Travelers can easily reach the meeting point near Café Madeleine via the RER C train from central Paris or by private vehicle. With a maximum group size of 27, the tour ensures an intimate and personalized experience.
Feedback from past participants praises the engaging guides and the tour’s effective crowd management.
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Versailles Palace Half Day Private & Tailored Guided Tour
For time-pressed travelers and first-time visitors to Versailles, the private half-day guided tour offers a comprehensive and efficient exploration of the iconic palace and its renowned gardens.
With skip-the-line admission tickets, this tour allows you to make the most of your time, visiting key highlights like the Hall of Mirrors and strolling through the meticulously manicured grounds.
Accompanied by a knowledgeable art historian, you’ll gain invaluable insights into the palace’s rich history and architectural significance.
The tour’s 261 reviews and 94% recommendation rate attest to its popularity, with many praising the guides’ expertise and engaging delivery.
While some found the tour slightly overpriced, most agreed it was a worthwhile investment, providing a seamless and informative experience.
With round-trip transportation and all fees included, this private tour is a convenient and hassle-free way to discover the grandeur of Versailles.
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Versailles Palace Skip the Line Small Group Guided Tour
Offering a small-group atmosphere, the Versailles Palace Skip-the-Line Small Group Guided Tour provides a personalized experience for visitors hoping to explore the iconic French landmark efficiently.
With a maximum of 20 travelers per group, this tour caters to a more intimate setting, allowing for better communication with the knowledgeable local guide. Skipping the long lines at the palace saves valuable time, and the included headsets ensure clear understanding of the guide’s commentary.
Boasting a Badge of Excellence and 281 positive reviews, this tour receives high praise for the guides’ storytelling abilities and the informative nature of the experience.
While the popularity of Versailles can sometimes lead to crowded conditions, the small-group format aims to mitigate this. Some guests have expressed a desire for a broader focus beyond just the kings and queens, but overall, the tour’s pricing, flexibility, and guest ratings make it a compelling option for exploring the grandeur of Versailles.
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Versailles Palace Guided Tour & Gardens Option From Versailles
Though offering a small-group experience like the previous tour, the Versailles Palace Guided Tour & Gardens Option from Versailles provides a more comprehensive exploration of the iconic French landmark.
This tour grants priority access to the opulent Palace of Versailles, allowing guests to wander through the Grand Apartments, State Rooms, and the renowned Hall of Mirrors. An expert, English-speaking guide enhances the experience with insightful commentary, and audio headsets ensure clear communication.
The highlight is the option to stroll through the UNESCO-listed Gardens of Versailles at one’s own pace. From April to October, tickets for the gardens are included, granting visitors the freedom to discover the elaborate landscaping and fountains.
With a maximum group size of 25, the tour maintains an intimate atmosphere. However, some guests have reported issues with crowding and guide engagement.
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Versailles Palace & Gardens Guided Tour
The Versailles Palace & Gardens Guided Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the iconic French landmark. This half-day tour takes visitors through the UNESCO-listed Palace and Gardens, providing skip-the-line access to explore the highlights.
Guests can marvel at the opulent King and Queen’s State apartments, the awe-inspiring Hall of Mirrors, and the Royal Chapel. On select summer days, the tour includes the enchanting musical garden and fountain shows. Throughout the experience, a professional guide provides insightful commentary to bring the history and grandeur of Versailles to life.
The tour departs from the GetYourGuide office in Versailles, with guests advised to arrive on time to ensure access. While the palace itself isn’t wheelchair accessible, the tour is open to most visitors. However, travelers with back problems or those bringing baby strollers may encounter some restrictions.
Reviewers praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides, though a few note issues with tour changes or guide quality. This guided tour offers a must-see opportunity to explore the magnificent Versailles Palace and Gardens.
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Versailles Palace and Giverny Private Guided Tour From Paris
This private full-day tour from Paris provides a comprehensive experience, allowing visitors to explore the stunning Palace of Versailles and the picturesque Giverny, home to Claude Monet’s iconic gardens.
Featuring skip-the-line admission, expert local guidance, and luxury round-trip transportation, the tour offers a personalized and hassle-free way to discover these renowned destinations.
The tour includes a tailored itinerary, ensuring travelers avoid crowds and maximize their time at each location.
During the scenic routes, guests can relax in the comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle equipped with Wi-Fi. A delicious included lunch at a local restaurant further enhances the experience.
With overwhelmingly positive reviews praising the knowledgeable guides and personalized service, this tour is an excellent choice for those seeking a unique and memorable exploration of Versailles and Giverny.
The tour’s flexibility, catering to guests’ preferences and needs, makes it suitable for most travelers, including those with mobility considerations.
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Versailles Palace Guided Tour With Gardens, Trianons & the Hamlet
Travelers seeking a comprehensive exploration of the Versailles Palace and its expansive gardens can opt for this guided tour. The full-day excursion includes admission to the palace, gardens, and the estate of Marie Antoinette, ensuring visitors experience the grandeur of this historic site.
Led by a professional guide, the tour takes guests through the iconic Hall of Mirrors, Royal Chapel, and royal apartments, providing insightful commentary on the palace’s rich history.
Visitors can also marvel at the immaculately maintained gardens, covering nearly 2,000 acres and featuring an annual display of over 210,000 flowers.
On Sundays, the tour includes a spectacular fountain show in the gardens, synchronized to classical music. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the Grand Trianon, built as a retreat for Louis XIV, and Marie Antoinette’s private retreat at the Petit Trianon.
While lunch isn’t included, the tour’s maximum group size of 20 travelers ensures a personalized experience.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance provides additional flexibility.
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Versailles Palace Skip the Line Guided Full Day or Half Day Tour
Although Versailles Palace is among the world’s largest and most opulent palaces, once home to French royalty, this guided tour offers guaranteed admission, allowing visitors to skip lines and explore highlights like the Hall of Mirrors, State Apartments, and gardens.
The tour is available as a full day or half day experience, with various departure times, and includes a guided visit of the Musical Gardens or Fountain show on weekends and selected days from April to October.
Headsets are provided for clear communication with the knowledgeable guide, and the group size is limited to 20 people or fewer to enhance the experience.
Hotel pickup/drop off and transportation to/from Versailles are included. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible and near public transportation.
Moderate physical fitness is required due to the walking involved. The tour receives high praise for its engaging guides and positive experiences, though some feedback indicates concerns about tour information or overcrowding.
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Versailles Marie Antoinette Afternoon Guided Tour With Petit Trianon & Hamlet
Why not explore the lesser-known areas of the Versailles palace grounds on an afternoon guided tour focused on Marie Antoinette’s private retreat?
This tour offers an intimate experience, limited to just 20 guests, allowing you to explore the controversial history of the infamous queen.
You’ll visit Marie Antoinette’s private mansion, the Petit Trianon, as well as her personal theater and the charming Queen’s Hamlet – a replica rustic village where she’d escape the formalities of court life.
Along the way, expert, English-speaking guides will provide insights and share stories about Marie Antoinette’s life at Versailles.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, and you’ll be provided with headsets to ensure clear communication.
While the Versailles garden ticket is an additional cost, this tour grants access to areas often overlooked by visitors.
With a moderate fitness level required, it’s an engaging way to discover the hidden gems of Versailles.
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Versailles Golf Cart Guided Tour + Romantic Boat With Champagne
Explore Versailles’ opulent grounds on an all-inclusive golf cart guided tour, complete with a romantic boat ride and a glass of champagne.
This 4.5-star experience takes you through the Royal Gardens, granting you timed entry to the Palace. Led by knowledgeable guides like Momo and Nima, you’ll learn about the estate’s rich history while enjoying the convenience of an electric golf cart.
The highlight of the tour is the peaceful rowing boat ride, where you can sip champagne and bask in the romantic ambiance.
While the start of the tour may lack organization, the overall flexibility allows you to explore the grounds at your leisure, even with the option to use bicycles.
Although not wheelchair accessible, this tour is suitable for most visitors, excluding pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours before, you can book with confidence, knowing you’ll experience the grandeur of Versailles in a unique and memorable way.
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Versailles Palace & Marie-Antoinettes Estate Private Guided Tour
This full-day private guided tour whisks visitors from Paris to the opulent Versailles Palace and Marie-Antoinette’s enchanting Estate.
With early access and skip-the-line tickets, the tour provides an immersive experience exploring the palace’s lavish interiors, including the iconic Hall of Mirrors.
Travelers will also discover the expansive gardens, the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, and Marie-Antoinette’s private Hamlet.
A gourmet 3-course lunch is included, offering a chance to recharge during the comprehensive itinerary.
Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and a knowledgeable local guide ensure a hassle-free and personalized exploration.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly with infant seats available.
With a 5-star rating from 7 reviews, this tour offers a premium, customized experience to uncover the grandeur and history of Versailles.
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Private 3-Hour Tour in Versailles With Official Tour Guide
Although Versailles is renowned for its grandiose palace and expansive gardens, this private 3-hour tour offers a more intimate exploration of the site’s highlights.
Led by an official guide, the tour takes visitors through the King and Queen’s apartments, the awe-inspiring Hall of Mirrors, the Coronation Room, and the Chapel.
With admission to the Versailles Gardens included after the tour, guests can further enjoy the estate’s breathtaking landscaping.
Priced at $409.67 per person, the tour provides a savings of $45.51 off the original cost.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and conveniently located near public transportation.
With a 5.0 rating from a single review, this private tour promises a knowledgeable guide and a memorable experience, despite the potential for crowding.
The host’s emphasis on customer service and appreciation for feedback further ensures a high-quality tour.
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Guided Tour of Saint-Germain-En-Laye
Situated just a short distance from the grandeur of Versailles, the Guided Tour of Saint-Germain-En-Laye offers visitors a chance to discover the charming town’s rich history and architectural gems.
Accommodating a maximum of 25 travelers, the tour provides an intimate and personalized experience at the affordable price of €10.00 per person.
The tour kicks off at the Tourist Office of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, situated in the Jardin des Arts. From there, the group will explore the town’s highlights, including its picturesque streets and landmarks.
The tour concludes at the Place du Marché Neuf, conveniently accessible via public transportation.
Catering to a diverse range of travelers, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and even welcomes service animals.
With snacks included, this non-refundable experience offers a hassle-free way to take in the charm of Saint-Germain-en-Laye.
Guests can easily book their spot online, with a lowest price guarantee for added assurance.
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Skip-the-Line Guided Tour and Gardens Entry in Versailles Palace
The Skip-the-Line Guided Tour and Gardens Entry in Versailles Palace allows visitors to bypass the long queues and enjoy a personalized exploration of the iconic French landmark.
Priced at $71.98 per person, the tour includes skip-the-line access to the palace, a guided tour, and access to the beautiful gardens. The meeting point is at the Place d’Armes in Versailles, with a maximum group size of 30 travelers.
While the tour guide is praised, some reviews note delays of up to 30 minutes for entry and additional payments required for garden access, despite it being included in the tour.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but stroller access is available, and most travelers can participate. Confirmation is provided upon booking, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
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Paris Versailles Exclusive Guided Tour With Gardens Access
This exclusive guided tour of Versailles Palace and its gardens offers visitors a comprehensive experience. Priced from $94.21 per person, the 90-minute tour provides priority access to the palace, as well as entry to Marie Antoinette’s estate and the Trianon.
With a maximum group size of 27 travelers, the tour ensures an intimate experience led by knowledgeable guides. The tour includes a guided exploration of the palace’s main highlights, such as the renowned Hall of Mirrors.
Guests also enjoy pre-booked access to the expansive gardens, allowing them to wander at their own pace. While the majority of reviews praise the tour’s quality, some visitors have noted occasional issues with language comprehension among certain guides.
Conveniently located near public transportation, the tour’s meeting point is in central Versailles. With free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, travelers can book this experience with confidence.
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Versailles Palace Skip the Line Guided Tour With Gardens Access
Offering visitors a comprehensive Versailles experience, the Versailles Palace Skip the Line Guided Tour with Gardens Access provides priority access to the palace and its expansive gardens.
Rated 4.6/5 based on 106 reviews, this guided tour led by knowledgeable professionals offers clear audio via headsets and allows travelers to explore the palace’s opulent interiors.
The experience also includes a passport ticket for the Trianon and Marie-Antoinette’s Estate.
While transportation to and from the site isn’t provided, the tour’s meeting and end points are conveniently located.
Travelers should note the tour’s moderate physical fitness requirement and the potential for delays due to safety controls on peak days.
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Intimate Versailles Gardens Private & Guided Tour
Intimate Versailles Gardens Private & Guided Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the stunning grounds of the Versailles palace. Priced from $529.28 per person, this private tour provides entry tickets and bottled water.
Guests meet at a central location near Starbucks and return to the same point after the experience. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and is conveniently located near public transportation.
While the tour has a 3.2/5 rating based on 6 reviews, feedback is mixed. Some praise the knowledgeable and personable guides, while others report no-shows, language barriers, and guides who deviated from the core experience.
To address these issues, the tour hosts have offered complimentary experiences at Versailles or the Louvre for affected customers.
They’ve also acknowledged challenges during the Paris 2024 Olympics and emphasized their commitment to improving future tours and regaining customer trust.
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Versailles Palace Kings Private Apartments Guided Tour
The Versailles Palace Kings Private Apartments Guided Tour takes visitors on an intimate exploration of the historical French palace. This 3.8/5 rated tour provides skip-the-line access to the King’s Private Apartments, state apartments, and the palace gardens.
Led by official Versailles guides, the tour offers a personalized experience, with guides highlighting the human stories behind the opulent interiors. The tour accommodates a maximum of 25 travelers, ensuring a more exclusive experience.
While not wheelchair accessible, it’s a good option for visitors with moderate fitness levels. Travelers praise the knowledgeable guides, though some note issues with microphone use and difficulties engaging with more informed participants.
Along With the palace access, the tour includes entry to the Trianon Estate and the palace gardens, making it a comprehensive exploration of Versailles. At a cost of €12 per person for garden and Trianon access, the tour provides excellent value for history enthusiasts seeking an intimate look at the palace’s private spaces.
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Recap
Visitors to Versailles can choose from a variety of guided tours that offer different experiences. Whether you want a classic tour, a private and tailored experience, or a focus on the gardens, there’s an option to suit your interests and needs. Skipping the lines and accessing exclusive areas like the King’s private apartments are also possible. With so many guided tour choices, you’re sure to find the perfect way to explore the magnificent Versailles Palace and grounds.