From Paris: VIP Versailles Bike Tour & Kings Apartment Tour

Discover the opulent secrets of Versailles on this exclusive VIP bike tour from Paris. Explore the palace’s grand gardens and private royal apartments, gaining insider access typically off-limits to the public. With a small group and expert guide, witness the lavish lifestyle of King Louis XVI through this immersive experience. Bike through the estate, stop for a picnic, and uncover the palace’s hidden gems – a glimpse into 18th-century French royalty that will leave you captivated.

Key Points

• Explore the Château de Versailles and its expansive gardens on a guided full-day tour with round-trip transportation from Paris.
• Enjoy a scenic bike ride through the tree-lined paths of the 2,000-acre estate and a picnic lunch by the Grand Canal.
• Gain exclusive access to restricted areas, including King Louis XVI’s private apartments, for an intimate look into 18th-century royal life.
• Visit Marie Antoinette’s private retreats, the Petit and Grand Trianons, and stroll through the beautifully manicured gardens.
• Experience a small-group tour limited to 12 participants, ensuring personalized attention from the guide.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the VIP Versailles Bike Tour & Kings Apartment Tour

The VIP Versailles Bike Tour & Kings Apartment Tour offers an immersive full-day experience exploring the renowned Château de Versailles and its expansive gardens.

Enjoy a full-day exploration of the renowned Château de Versailles and its expansive gardens.

This 8.5-hour guided tour includes round-trip transportation from Paris, a scenic bike ride, a picnic lunch by the Grand Canal, and exclusive access to restricted areas of the palace, including King Louis XVI’s private apartments.

With a small group limited to 12 participants, the tour provides personalized attention and flexibility.

Highlights include visiting Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet and the Trianons, skipping the lines at the château, and free time to wander the magnificent grounds.

Exploring the Grounds of Versailles by Bike

After meeting the guide in central Paris, participants take the train to Versailles to embark on an enchanting bike ride through the palace grounds.

The 2,000-acre estate offers tree-lined paths perfect for exploring. Cycling past manicured gardens, the group stops to gather picnic supplies at the local market before enjoying a leisurely lunch along the Grand Canal.

With special access, the tour then visits Marie Antoinette’s private hamlet and the grand Trianons.

Weaving through the vast property, the guided bike ride provides a unique vantage point to appreciate the scale and beauty of the iconic Versailles estate.

Picnicking Along the Grand Canal

After exploring the bustling Versailles market, the group gathers picnic supplies to enjoy a leisurely lunch along the Grand Canal.

Spread out on the grassy banks, they take in the serene views of the water and surrounding gardens. The guide points out historic landmarks, sharing fascinating stories about the Sun King and his lavish lifestyle.

With a baguette, cheese, fruit, and a glass of French wine, the picnickers relax and savor the moment, feeling transported back in time.

Refueled, they’re ready to continue their VIP exploration of Versailles’ stunning grounds and palace.

Visiting Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet and Trianons

From the serene picnicking spot, the group ventures deeper into Versailles, making their way to Marie Antoinette’s private retreat – the Petit and Grand Trianons.

Venturing deeper into Versailles, the group explores Marie Antoinette’s private retreats – the Petit and Grand Trianons.

Weaving through the tree-lined paths, the tour explores:

• Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet, a charming pastoral village where the Queen played at being a peasant

• The Petit Trianon, a small château that offered her a respite from court life

• The Grand Trianon, a palace built for Louis XIV’s mistress Madame de Montespan

• Beautifully manicured gardens surrounding the Trianons, perfect for a stroll

• The Queen’s Theatre, where Marie Antoinette hosted lavish parties and performances

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Exclusive Access to King Louis XVI’s Apartments

The tour then grants participants special access to the closed-off sections of the palace, including the private apartments of King Louis XVI.

Guests can explore the opulent living quarters where the French monarch once resided. The guided tour provides an intimate look into the daily life and lavish surroundings of the 18th-century royal.

Visitors marvel at the ornate décor, grand furnishings, and stunning artwork that adorned the king’s personal spaces.

This exclusive access offers a rare glimpse into the private world of French royalty, enhancing the overall Versailles experience.

Experiencing the Hall of Mirrors and Royal Quarters

Once the guided tour of King Louis XVI’s apartments concludes, guests can freely explore the iconic Hall of Mirrors and the other remarkable royal quarters at Versailles.

The highlights include:

• Admiring the dazzling, 17th-century Hall of Mirrors, with its 17 mirrored arches and crystal chandeliers

• Strolling through the opulent King’s State Apartments, adorned with tapestries, furniture, and artwork fit for a monarch

• Discovering the private spaces of the royal family, such as the Queen’s Bedchamber and the Dauphin’s Apartments

• Marveling at the sheer scale and grandeur of the palace, with its endless rooms and lavish decor

• Finishing the tour with a newfound appreciation for the extravagance of French royal life.

Transportation and Meeting Point Details

Guests will meet their guide at a small clearing on Avenue Emile Zola opposite Café Regalia in Paris.

The closest metro station is Javel-André Citroën on line 10, exit 1. For those arriving by taxi, the address is 1 Avenue Emile Zola, 75015 Paris.

The closest metro station is Javel-André Citroën on line 10, exit 1. For those arriving by taxi, the address is 1 Avenue Emile Zola, 75015 Paris.

The guide will be wearing a Fat Tire Tours t-shirt and holding a sign.

From this meeting point, guests will take the train to Versailles to begin their VIP bike tour and exploration of the palace and gardens.

Roundtrip transportation from Paris to Versailles is included in the tour price.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

According to the reviews, customers have rated the VIP Versailles Bike Tour highly, with an overall score of 4.8 out of 5 based on 16 reviews.

Reviewers praised the tour, noting:

• "Dave was an awesome guide, made learning about French history fun."

• "Wonderful tour exploring the gardens and palace of Versailles."

• "Soto was a great guide! Despite rain, he made it memorable and informative."

• "The guided tour of King Louis XVI’s apartments was a highlight."

• "The picnic lunch along the Grand Canal was a perfect way to enjoy the day."

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize My Picnic Lunch Menu?

Yes, you can customize your picnic lunch menu on this tour. The guide will work with you to select the items you’d like to include in your personalized picnic lunch to enjoy along the Grand Canal.

Are Photography and Videography Allowed Inside the Palace?

Photography and videography are generally allowed inside the palace, but visitors must follow the rules posted. Guests should avoid flash photography and filming in designated no-photography areas to respect the historical significance of the site.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, there’s an option to extend the tour duration. Guests can choose to spend more time exploring Versailles on their own after the guided portion, with transportation back to Paris included.

How Much Time Is Allotted for Exploring Versailles Independently?

The tour includes free time to explore Versailles independently. Guests can choose to walk around the palace and gardens or return to Paris by train after the guided portion of the tour.

Do I Need to Bring Any Specific Documents for the Tour?

No, guests don’t need to bring any specific documents for this tour. The tour includes skip-the-line access to Versailles, so participants can simply meet the guide at the designated location without needing to provide additional paperwork.

The Wrap Up

This VIP bike tour of Versailles provides a unique opportunity to experience the grandeur of the royal estate. Guests can explore the expansive grounds, enjoy a picnic by the Grand Canal, and gain exclusive access to the private apartments of King Louis XVI. With a small group and expert guidance, this tour offers an immersive glimpse into 18th-century opulence that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

You can check availability for your dates here: