Leave the bustle of the city centre and set off on a train to the beautiful palace and estate of Versailles, where you will be able to take in the gorgeous architecture as your bike through the grounds and enjoy a guided visit to learn some of the palace's history.
Highlights
Highlights
- Start your day at 9 am with a pleasant train ride from Paris to Versailles.
- Bike around the 63,000m² royal estate as your guide leads you on a tour of the palace grounds.
- Break for a picnic at the royal park before making your way back to the castle.
- Skip the long lines with your priority access ticket and enjoy a guided tour of the exquisite Versailles Palace.
Inclusions
Inclusions
- Transport from/to Paris by train
- Priority Access to the Palace of Versailles
- Bike rental and helmet
- Audio guide for Castle tour
- Guided bike tour of the Gardens and Park
- Access to Marie-Antoinette’s Estate
Exclusions
Exclusions
- Entrance to the Gardens on Fountain Show and Musical Show days
- Lunch (picnic supplies are at your own expense)
Cancellation policy
Cancellation policy
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Ratings & Reviews
Ratings & Reviews
Elizabeth
Jan, 2018
Diana
Jan, 2018
June
Jan, 2018
Abraham
Dec, 2017
Berta
Dec, 2017
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This
The exquisite Palace of Versailles is one of the most extraordinary achievements in 17th century European art. Situated just 30 minutes outside Paris, in the village of Versailles, this elaborate complex once thrived as an epicenter of political power for the Kingdom of France.
Today, the Palace, also known as Château de Versailles, contains 700 rooms spread across 800 hectares. Illustrating more than five centuries of French history, the Palace not only houses remarkable works of art - it stands as a work of art itself. One of the most ornately designed rooms of all, the Hall of Mirrors features 357 mirrors, including seventeen mirror-clad arches that reflect the seventeen arcaded windows overlooking the gardens. The Versailles Palace Gardens span an impressive 250 acres, and continue to thrive as a beautifully manicured plot with 400 sculptures and 1,400 fountains.
Each year, it is estimated that approximately 5 million people visit the Palace of Versailles, and between 8 and 10 million people walks its gardens. A place of immense beauty, Versailles stands as a symbol of France’s monarchy and its glorious history.
What to Expect on Your Versailles Guided Bike Tour
What to Expect on Your Versailles Guided Bike Tour
Kick start your adventure with a short train ride from Paris to Versailles. Then, hop on a bike and roll your way around Versailles. Get lost in the enormous Château grounds and its network of fantastic trails and tree-lined paths. Along your way, stop by the market and pick up picnic supplies for lunch at the Grand canal. Next, bike over to Marie Antonette’s Hamlet and explore both the Petit & Grand Tranons. After this, it’s a stop by the Grand Canal for lunch.
Once lunch is finished and you’ve had a chance to recharge, head to the Castle entrance, where you will get to bypass the never ending queue and make your way directly into the Palace. Tour the ornate King and Queen's State Apartments. Learn about the French monarchy and peek into the private lives of the infamous King Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette. Next, make your way to the glittering Hall of Mirrors. Designed to protect the ornate walls and ceilings from smoke, the hall’s 357 mirrors were strategically placed to reflect the light of candles. With just a few flames, the reflection from so many mirrors was enough to light up the whole hall!
After admiring the inside of the Palace, make your way back outdoors and continue to enjoy the grandeur of the estate’s impressive grounds. At your leisure, head back to Paris by train. For tips on how to navigate the palace, make the most of your time, and choose the best experience, refer to our Palace of Versailles tours and tickets collection.
Know Before You Go
Know Before You Go
Palace of Versailles Hours
Everyday, except Mondays, the Palace opens at 9 am and closes at 6:30 pm. Last entry is at 6 pm. The Trianon Estate and the Carrosses Gallery open in the afternoon, at 12 pm and 12:30 pm respectively. Both close at 6:30 pm. The Gardens open at 8 am and the Park at 7 am; both close at 8:30 pm. (Hours are subject to change during severe weather conditions.) The entire premise of the Palace of Versailles closes each year on May 1st.
Getting There
Your Versailles Guided Bike Tour with Priority Access & Transfers tickets include round trip transportation from Paris. Meet your host at the Fat Tire Tours office located at 24, rue Edgar Faure, 75015 Paris. The closest Métro station is Dupleix (line 6). The Palace of Versailles is located just 30 minutes from the cafe. Lead by your host, you and the rest of your small group will travel by train (RER line C). After touring the Palace, you will return to Paris by the same train, at your leisure. The bikes will be distributed when you arrive in Versailles.
What to Wear
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Casual attire is suggested.
Timings
Versailles Guided Bike Tours are available Tuesday through Sunday, starting at 9 am.
Upgrade to Versailles VIP Guided Tour
If you’d like to maximize your time at the Palace of Versailles and get a more indepth experience with access to rooms off limits to the rest of the public, check out our Versailles VIP Full Day Guided Tour ticket.
Priority Access
Upon arrival, head directly to the entrance of the palace. Your Versailles Priority Access tickets will allow you to bypass the long entry line, saving you upto 3 hours of queueing. In addition, having pre-booked tickets online, you will also avoid the hassle of having to wait in line at the on-site ticket box office. Keep in mind that all visitors, regardless of ticket type or vendor, are still required to pass through security.
When to Visit
During high season, from April through October, it is recommended to visit the Palace early in the morning, right when it opens. Tuesdays and weekends generally see the most traffic, especially on days of water fountain shows.
Tour Length
Versailles Guided Bike Tour with Priority Access Tour will last approximately 8.5 hours. However, you may roam around on your own until closing hours on the day of your visit.
My tickets
My tickets
How to Redeem your Tickets
• Upon confirmation of your booking, you will receive your voucher in a separate email.
• On the day of your Versailles experience, display your voucher via mobile phone to your host who will be waiting at the tour’s meeting point - the Fat Tire Tours office at located at 24, rue Edgar Faure, 75015 Paris).
• Your tour guide will give you your skip-the-line voucher and facilitate transport to Paris via train (RER line C).
• Upon arrival, your guide will escort you to the entrance of the palace. Bypass the entry line and make your way through security to begin your tour. • Please arrive at the meeting point in Paris no later than 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
Validity
Your Versailles Guided Bike Tour starts at 9 am and lasts approximately 8.5 hours. However, you may roam around on your own until closing hours on the day of your visit. After touring the palace, return to Paris by the same train, at your leisure.