Versailles, Gardens & Hamlet: Full-Day Guided Small-Group Tour
Explore Versailles on this relaxed 6–7 hour small-group (14 ppl max) tour with Alistair, a native English-speaking expert guide and Versailles specialist. Enjoy a blend of a little train ride and walking tour through the Versailles Gardens, Marie-Antoinette’s Hamlet, and the Palace of Versailles, brought to life with captivating stories and expert insights into French history and the Revolution. Perfect for families and history buffs.
• Guided Highlights Tour of the Versailles Gardens (Fountain Shows: Weekends, April–October)
• Guided highlights tour of Marie-Antoinette’s Hamlet and farm
• Skip the queues with timed-entry Palace tickets, and enjoy expert insights into the Royal Chapel, Marie-Antoinette’s bedchamber, the magnificent State Apartments, and the dazzling Hall of Mirrors.
• Little Train ride to discover hidden gems without the long walk
• Relax at La Petite Venise & Angelina cafés—for snacks, lunch & restrooms
Options
Versailles, Gardens & Hamlet: Full-Day Guided Small-Group Tour
What's included in Versailles, Gardens & Hamlet: Full-Day Guided Small-Group Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Encounter Louis XIV, the illustrious Sun King, and the majestic Palace of Versailles, which he transformed from a simple hunting lodge into a magnificent royal palace. Construction began in 1661 and took over 50 years, with every detail reflecting his grand vision.
Jardins du Chateau de VersaillesPass-by Only
Explore the captivating French garden design style created by André Le Nôtre at Versailles in the 17th century, which set the standard for the French garden aesthetic. Showcasing formal symmetry and geometric layouts, these gardens embody the grandeur of the French Baroque style and reflect the artistry behind these stunning landscapes.
L'Orangerie
Louis XIV, known for his larger-than-life personality and ambitious vision, surrounded himself with brilliant architects, artists, and gardeners to realize his grand ideas, such as the construction of the L'Orangerie at Versailles to cultivate exotic citrus fruits. Its thick walls protect these delicate plants from freezing temperatures, highlighting Louis XIV's dedication to innovation in both gardening and architecture.
Inclusions
- Versailles Gardens Admission Ticket with Guided Tour (Fountain Shows: Weekends, April–October)
- Timed entry Palace of Versailles Ticket for self-guided exploration, avoiding the long queues
- Maximum group size of 14 guests for a more personalised tour
- Marie-Antoinette's Hamlet Ticket and Guided Tour
- Expert, native English-speaking professional guide
- Hop-On Hop-Off Train Ticket in Versailles Gardens
- Guests are required to arrange their own transportation to Versailles
- Rain jackets
- Snacks and Lunch
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This 1.5-mile walk is downhill and is not suitable for mobility walkers, wheelchair users or individuals with canes
- This 1.5-mile walk is downhill and is not suitable for strollers or small children (+7 years old only)
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- Alistair will be outside Brasserie du Musée (Restaurant) at 2 Place Léon Gambetta, 78000, ready for your Tour from 9:15 AM. It's near the Palace of Versailles. He will have your tickets, so look for his green backpack! The tour starts at 9:30 AM.
End Points
- The tour finishes at the Palace, where Alistair shares an overview of the key highlights—the Royal Chapel, Marie-Antoinette’s bedchamber, the State Apartments, and the Hall of Mirrors—before guests begin their self-guided exploration.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
Meeting Information: Alistair will be waiting for you outside Brasserie du Musée (Restaurant), 2 Place Léon Gambetta, 78000 starting at 9:15 AM. He will have your Tickets for the Day, so look for his green backpack! The tour will commence promptly at 9:30 AM. Transport Guidance: Use the Citymapper app for public transport directions or take an Uber (avoid regular taxis—they’re double the price!). From Paris, expect about a 1-hour journey. If taking the metro, the easiest route is to leave from Invalides on the direct RER C line to Versailles Rive Gauche (35 minutes). You can also take the direct L train from Saint-Lazare to Versailles Rive Droite (40 minutes)
