From Paris: FULL DAY Versailles Palace

For anyone visiting Paris who’s craving a glimpse into France’s royal past, this full-day Versailles experience offers a carefully curated look at one of Europe’s most iconic palaces. At $755 per person, this private tour lasts about 9 hours, starting with a comfortable pickup from your Paris accommodation and ending back in the city. The day is packed with highlights: priority access to the Palace of Versailles, a walk through its astonishing gardens, and a visit to Marie Antoinette’s rustic retreat, the Queen’s Hamlet.

What we really appreciate about this tour is the focus on personalized attention. With a licensed guide leading the way, you’ll avoid long lines and get insider insights that bring the history to life — much more than just wandering through rooms and gardens on your own. The inclusion of private transportation makes the experience smooth and relaxed, especially after spending a busy morning in the city. Another highlight: the visit to Marie Antoinette’s estate, a charming contrast to the grandeur of the main palace that offers a more intimate view of royal life.

One possible consideration is the cost, which is on the higher end for a day trip. While the access to the palace, gardens, and Marie Antoinette estate is all-inclusive, you should budget separately for lunch. Also, depending on your pace and interest, the timing of visits might feel tight, but that’s often the case with full-day tours in such a sprawling site.

This tour suits travelers who value expert guidance, convenience, and in-depth exploration. It’s perfect for first-timers eager to see the highlights without the hassle of planning each detail, and for those who want a richer, more personalized experience of Versailles.

Key Points

Priority Access: Skip the long lines at Versailles and enjoy a seamless entry.
Comprehensive Experience: Visit both the Palace, its gardens, and Marie Antoinette’s estate.
Private Guide: Benefit from personalized insights from a licensed historian.
Transportation Included: Relax in a Jeep or SUV for the journey, avoiding transit headaches.
Flexible Payment & Cancellation: Book now with the option to pay later and free cancellations up to 24 hours beforehand.
Ideal for First-Time Visitors: A well-structured, all-in-one day tour that covers the major highlights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Versailles Tour

Prefer personalized experiences? Here are other private options we've covered in Paris

Starting Your Day in Paris

The tour begins with pickup from your hotel or accommodation in Paris. This is a significant convenience—no need to navigate train stations or worry about transport. Around 45 minutes on the road in a comfortable Jeep or SUV, you’ll leave the hustle and bustle of Paris behind. The drive offers a chance to get a quick overview of the countryside and prepare for the grandeur ahead.

Entering Versailles: No Lines, No Hassle

Once at Versailles, your guide, who’s a licensed historian, will assist you in bypassing the long ticket lines through a separate entrance. For many visitors, the wait in line can be quite discouraging, especially during peak season, so this perk is definitely a plus. As you step into the palace, the first thing that hits you is the sheer opulence — gilded ceilings, ornate tapestries, and rooms designed to showcase absolute power.

Exploring the Palace: Highlights of the State Apartments

Your guide will lead you through the State Apartments, where you can admire the fine craftsmanship and details that reflect the absolute monarchy of Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI. We loved the way our guide pointed out subtle details—like the intricate carvings and the history behind each room—that you might otherwise overlook.

Of course, the Hall of Mirrors is the highlight here — a dazzling corridor lined with 357 mirrors that reflect the gardens outside. This room played host to many historic events, including treaties and royal receptions, and walking through it feels like stepping into a living piece of history. The guide will share stories about the court and how Versailles was the center of power.

More Great Tours Nearby

Strolling Through the Gardens

After the palace interiors, you’ll wander through the sprawling Gardens of Versailles for about an hour. This UNESCO World Heritage site features fountains, statues, and perfectly manicured lawns. The guide will point out hidden corners, such as the Orangery or the Grand Canal, giving you a deeper appreciation of the landscape design.

The gardens are vast, so this part can feel rushed if you’re not careful, but it’s worth taking time to appreciate the scale and beauty of the carefully curated grounds. If you love architecture and landscape design, you’ll find yourself snapping plenty of pictures.

Appreciate having local insight? Here are other guided experiences in Paris we've examined

Lunch Break

Next, it’s time for a 1.5-hour break for lunch. The tour doesn’t include lunch, giving you the freedom to choose a nearby café or picnic on the grounds. Many travelers prefer to enjoy a French pastry or a light meal, keeping energy levels high for the afternoon.

Marie Antoinette’s Retreat: The Queen’s Hamlet

Post-lunch, your private guide will take you to the Petit Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet—a rustic, idyllic village that Marie Antoinette commissioned as her escape from court life. The cottages and gardens here are charming, offering a surprisingly intimate look at royal leisure. One review noted: “The Queen’s Hamlet was a surprise — it feels almost like a fairy tale, and you can imagine Marie Antoinette strolling quietly here.”

Exploring the cottages, lakes, and farmyard, you’ll see a different side of royal life—more human, more relaxed. It’s a peaceful break from the grandeur, and a chance to see the queen’s attempt at simplicity.

Wrapping Up and Return to Paris

The tour finishes with a 45-minute drive back to Paris, giving you some time to reflect on what you’ve seen. The entire experience totals about 9 hours, making it a full but manageable day for most travelers.

Practical Considerations and Tips

Transportation and Comfort: Since transportation is included, you won’t need to worry about navigating public transit or renting a car. The Jeep/SUV provides plenty of space and comfort.

Timing: The day’s schedule is fairly tight, with about 2 hours inside the palace, 1 hour in the gardens, and 2 hours at Marie Antoinette’s estate. The guided format ensures you see the major highlights without feeling rushed, but it’s good to be aware of the strict timetable.

Cost and Value: At $755, this tour isn’t cheap. However, it includes priority access, private guiding, and transportation, which can save you hours of waiting and hassle. For first-timers or those eager for an in-depth, stress-free visit, the price offers value through convenience and expert insights.

Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for travelers with mobility needs. It’s a private group, ensuring a more relaxed pace and attention from the guide.

What Past Travelers Say

One reviewer mentioned, “Our guide was fantastic—so knowledgeable and enthusiastic. The skip-the-line access meant we spent more time exploring and less time in lines.” Another appreciated the personalized touch: “The guide answered all our questions and made the history come alive.”

Some noted that lunch wasn’t included, so it’s worth planning ahead. Also, because the tour covers both the palace and the estate, expect a lot of walking and standing, so comfortable shoes are a must.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, guided, and hassle-free day at Versailles. If you’re a history lover, eager to avoid long lines, or traveling with a small group or family, this private tour offers excellent value. It’s also ideal if you want a deep dive into royal France, with a knowledgeable guide bringing stories to life.

It’s less suitable if you prefer independent exploring or are on a tight budget, as the cost is higher than public tours or self-guided visits. But for those looking to make the most of a single day in Versailles without wasting time or energy, this tour hits all the right notes.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, roundtrip transportation from Paris to Versailles is included in a comfortable Jeep or SUV.

How long is the tour? The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, starting and ending in Paris.

Can I skip the lines? Absolutely. The tour offers priority access through a separate entrance, saving you hours of waiting.

What’s included in the price? The price covers private guided tours of the palace, gardens, and Marie Antoinette’s estate, plus transportation.

Is lunch included? No, lunch is not included. You are responsible for arranging your own meal during the 1.5-hour break.

Is the tour suitable for all mobility levels? Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but it involves some walking at the sites.

Can I cancel? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

This full-day Versailles tour offers a rich, guided experience that combines convenience, insight, and a touch of luxury. It’s perfect for those who want to see the highlights without the hassle, and who appreciate the value of an expert guide bringing history to life. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or someone eager for a detailed exploration, this trip offers a memorable peek into France’s royal past—without the stress.