The Versailles Palace Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket offers visitors a chance to explore one of France’s most iconic landmarks. With expert guidance and exclusive access, this 1.5-hour tour takes guests through the palace’s opulent State Apartments, the awe-inspiring Hall of Mirrors, and the enchanting gardens of Marie Antoinette’s estate. While the price tag may seem steep at $70.52 per person, the experience promises to be truly unforgettable. But what makes this tour stand out, and why should one consider booking it? Let’s dive deeper into the details to uncover the answers.
This experience made our list of the 4 Best Tours In Palace Of Versailles.
Key Points
- This guided tour of Versailles Palace includes skip-the-line admission, providing access to the State Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, and Marie Antoinette’s estate.
- The 1.5-hour tour is led by an expert guide and allows free time to explore the palace gardens, which may require separate tickets for certain attractions.
- Booking in advance is recommended due to high demand and potential sell-out, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours prior.
- Visitors should arrive 10-15 minutes early, bring a passport or ID, and wear comfortable shoes, as certain items like pets and large bags are prohibited.
- Transportation options to the palace include the RER C train from central Paris, a shuttle bus, and driving with ample parking available.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The tour, titled "Versailles Palace Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket," is priced from $70.52 per person.
It lasts 1.5 hours and includes a guided tour with an expert guide, skip-the-line admission, and access to the State Apartments and Hall of Mirrors.
Visitors can also explore the gardens on their own after the tour. The tour is likely to sell out, so early booking is recommended.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance. Tickets can be reserved without payment upfront.
The tour includes headsets for guide communication and access to Marie Antoinette’s estate and the Trianon, but excludes hotel transfers, food, and tips.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Palace Of Versailles.
Experience Highlights
With a guided tour led by an expert, visitors can explore the magnificent Versailles Palace. The tour includes skip-the-line admission through a separate entrance, allowing guests to bypass long queues. Once inside, the itinerary covers the opulent State Apartments and the famed Hall of Mirrors. After the tour, guests can enjoy free time in the palace gardens, where the Musical Gardens show (Tuesday to Friday) and Musical Fountains Show (Saturday and Sunday from March to October) delight visitors.
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
|---|---|
| Skip-the-line admission ticket | Hotel pickup and drop-off |
| Guided tour | Food and drinks |
| Headsets for guide communication | Gratuities/tips |
| Garden tickets (November to March) | |
| Entrance to Marie Antoinette’s estate and the Trianon |
Inclusions and Exclusions
The Versailles Palace Guided Tour includes a skip-the-line admission ticket, a guided tour led by an expert, and headsets for clear communication with the guide.
Entrance to Marie Antoinette’s estate and the Trianon is also included. However, hotel pickup and drop-off, food, drinks, and gratuities/tips aren’t covered.
Visitors will need to bring their passport or ID, wear comfortable shoes, and leave behind large bags, pets, weapons, food, and umbrellas.
While the gardens are free to access certain times of the year, tickets for musical shows must be purchased separately.
Visitors should plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to ensure they don’t miss the start of the tour.
Meeting Point and Important Information
Statue of Louis XIV, Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles serves as the meeting point for the Versailles Palace Guided Tour.
Guests should arrive 10-15 minutes early, as late arrivals are considered no-shows. Visitors must bring a passport or ID and wear comfortable shoes.
Pets, weapons, large bags, food, umbrellas, and other prohibited items aren’t allowed.
After the tour, guests can stay and explore the palace and gardens for as long as desired.
Visitors should note that the gardens close at 5:30 PM on Saturdays (June-September) and bank holidays, and tickets for the Musical Gardens and Fountains aren’t included in the tour.
More Great Tours NearbyVisitor Guidelines and Additional Notes
Visitors are welcome to explore the palace and gardens at their leisure after the guided tour. Garden access is free on Wednesdays in September/October and daily from November to March. However, the gardens close at 5:30 PM on Saturdays (June-September) and bank holidays. Musical Gardens and Fountains shows require separate tickets, which are not included in the tour.
| Additional Notes | ||
|---|---|---|
| Gardens free on Wednesdays in September/October and daily from November to March | Gardens close at 5:30 PM on Saturdays (June-September) and bank holidays | Tickets for Musical Gardens and Fountains shows not included; access requires payment |
Potential wait times may occur at the group entrance if the castle is overcrowded. Visitors should bring a passport or ID and wear comfortable shoes, as well as avoid bringing pets, weapons, large bags, food, umbrellas, and other prohibited items.
Customer Reviews
Reviewers have rated this Versailles guided tour quite favorably overall, with an average score of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 424 reviews.
The guide rating is particularly high at 4.7/5, reflecting the knowledgeability and engaging nature of the tour guides. Customers also praised the tour’s value for money, with a 4/5 rating, and the overall service, which received a perfect 5/5 score.
Positive feedback highlights the beauty of the gardens and the enjoyment of the experience.
While the tour may have potential wait times at the group entrance during peak periods, the skip-the-line access and the freedom to explore the grounds after the guided portion are clear benefits.
Booking Information
To book the Versailles Palace Guided Tour, guests can easily reserve their spot without immediate payment.
The tour is priced at $70.52 per person and lasts 1.5 hours. Booking in advance is recommended, as the tour is likely to sell out.
Cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour. The meeting point is at the Statue of Louis XIV, and guests should arrive 10-15 minutes early.
Certain items, like pets and large bags, aren’t allowed. After the guided tour, visitors can explore the beautiful gardens at their leisure.
Getting There and Getting Around
Travelers can easily reach the Versailles Palace from Paris via several convenient transportation options.
The most popular choice is the RER C train, which departs from multiple stations in central Paris and takes around 45 minutes. Alternatively, visitors can take a shuttle bus from the Pont de Sèvres metro station.
Driving is also an option, with ample parking available near the palace. Once on-site, guests can explore the expansive gardens and grounds on foot or utilize the estate’s free shuttle service.
Regardless of the transportation method, it’s recommended to arrive early to avoid crowds and maximize time at this iconic French landmark.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Dress Code Requirements for the Tour?
There are no specific dress code requirements for the tour. However, visitors are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and avoid bringing large bags or items that may be prohibited inside the palace.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks Inside the Palace?
According to the information provided, visitors are not allowed to bring food or drinks inside the Versailles Palace. The tour guidelines specifically state that large bags, food, and umbrellas are not permitted on the tour.
Do the Tour Guides Speak Multiple Languages?
The tour guides on this Versailles palace tour speak multiple languages. They provide guided commentary in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, and other languages to accommodate the diverse international guests on the tour.
Can We Take Photos and Videos Inside the Palace?
Photography and videography are allowed inside the Versailles Palace, but visitors mustn’t use flash or tripods. They should also avoid disrupting the tour or other visitors’ experiences.
Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?
The tour may not be suitable for those with significant mobility issues. While the skip-the-line access helps, visitors must navigate through crowded rooms and extensive walking. Alternate arrangements may be required to accommodate travelers with limited mobility.
Sum Up
The Versailles Palace Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket offers a hassle-free way to explore one of France’s most iconic landmarks. Visitors can enjoy the opulent State Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, and Marie Antoinette’s estate with the guidance of an expert, while avoiding long queues. With the option to explore the beautiful gardens and attend musical shows, this tour provides a comprehensive and enriching Versailles experience.
You can check availability for your dates here: