The Palace of Versailles is a must-see for any visitor to Paris. This skip-the-line guided tour offers an immersive experience, allowing you to bypass the lengthy queues and explore the iconic halls and apartments of this historic site. From the stunning Hall of Mirrors to the Kings and Queens State Apartments, you’ll uncover the grandeur and fascinating stories that have shaped the palace’s illustrious past. Prepare to be captivated as an expert guide leads you through this world-renowned UNESCO Heritage site.
Key Points
- This skip-the-line guided tour of the Palace of Versailles allows visitors to bypass long queues and explore the palace’s highlights, including the Hall of Mirrors and Kings and Queens State Apartments.
- The tour is priced at $68.52 per person for a 1.5-hour guided experience, with full refunds available up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.
- The tour includes engaging storytelling and opportunities for questions from an expert guide, as well as access to the gardens during the peak season and the Trianon estate.
- The meeting point is a 10-minute walk from the Palace of Versailles, with public transport options available, including the RER line C and Versailles Rive Droite/Chantiers stations.
- The tour has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 1837 reviews, with customers praising the knowledgeable guides and exceptional value for money.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Palace of Versailles Skip-the-Line Tour offers a guided exploration of the iconic palace, allowing visitors to bypass the long queues.
Priced from $68.52 per person, the 1.5-hour tour includes skip-the-line entry. Travelers can take advantage of the flexible cancellation policy, with full refunds available up to 24 hours in advance.
For added convenience, a reserve now and pay later option is available. The tour showcases the palace’s highlights, including the Hall of Mirrors and the Kings and Queens State Apartments, while an expert guide provides engaging commentary on French royalty.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Paris.
Tour Highlights and Features
Visitors on the Palace of Versailles Skip-the-Line Tour can explore the magnificent Hall of Mirrors and the Kings and Queens State Apartments, learning about French royalty, including King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, from the expert guide.
Explore the magnificent Hall of Mirrors and Kings and Queens State Apartments with an expert guide on the Palace of Versailles Skip-the-Line Tour.
The tour features:
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Engaging storytelling and opportunities for questions
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Access to the gardens from April to October; free access from November to March
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Inclusion of Marie Antoinette’s estate and the Trianon
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10-minute walk from the meeting point to the Palace
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Public transport options, such as the RER line C or Versailles Rive Droite/Chantiers stations.
Meeting Point and Transportation
Travelers check in at the GetYourGuide store near the RER line C Versailles Château Rive Gauche train station, which is a 10-minute walk to the Palace of Versailles.
Public transport options include taking the train to Versailles Rive Droite or Versailles Chantiers stations, followed by a walk to the meeting point.
Punctuality is essential, as late arrivals may not be refunded or guaranteed access. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and ID is required for children.
Prohibited items include pets, weapons, food, large bags, and selfie sticks.
Visitors should check the garden conditions before visiting, as closures due to weather can occur.
Important Information and Restrictions
Punctuality is key when joining this tour. Late arrivals may not be refunded or guaranteed access to the palace.
Punctuality is essential for this tour. Late arrivals may not be refunded or granted entry to the palace.
Comfortable shoes are recommended, as there will be a fair amount of walking. Identification is required for children.
The following items are prohibited on the tour:
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Pets
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Weapons
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Food
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Large bags
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Selfie sticks
Weather conditions may force the gardens to close. Visitors should check the weather forecast before arriving.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Reviews and Ratings
The tour boasts an impressive overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 1837 reviews.
Customers highlight the knowledgeable guides and enjoyable experiences. Many praise the ability to skip long lines and the exceptional value for money.
One reviewer noted, "Our guide was fantastic – so knowledgeable and engaging."
Another stated, "This tour exceeded our expectations. Highly recommend!"
With overwhelmingly positive feedback, the Palace of Versailles Skip-the-Line Guided Tour offers an exceptional experience for visitors to explore the palace and its stunning gardens.
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Exploring the Hall of Mirrors
What makes the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles so captivating? This breathtaking hall features:
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17 mirrored arches reflecting 306 mirrors
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Ornate crystal chandeliers and candelabras
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Stunning views of the palace gardens through the arched windows
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Intricate ceiling paintings depicting the glory of the French monarchy
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A sense of grandeur and opulence that awed visitors throughout history
Visitors are mesmerized by the hall’s sheer size, the intricate details, and the way the mirrors create an illusion of infinite space.
It’s a testament to the power and wealth of the French royalty during the reign of Louis XIV.
Discovering the Kings and Queens State Apartments
After exploring the dazzling Hall of Mirrors, visitors can discover the opulent Kings and Queens State Apartments at the Palace of Versailles.
These lavish chambers showcase the extravagant lifestyles of French royalty. Visitors can wander through the apartments, admiring the intricate furnishings, tapestries, and artwork that adorned the spaces where kings and queens lived and entertained.
The lavish chambers of the Palace of Versailles showcase the extravagant lifestyles of French royalty, adorned with intricate furnishings and artwork.
The guide provides insights into the history and significance of each room, painting a vivid picture of the grandeur and opulence that defined the lives of French monarchs.
This section of the tour offers a glimpse into the private world of the palace’s most powerful residents.
Visiting Marie Antoinette’s Estate and the Trianon
After exploring the lavish Kings and Queens State Apartments, the tour continues to Marie Antoinette’s private estate and the Trianon.
This includes:
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Marie Antoinette’s Petit Trianon, a small château where she could escape the formalities of court life.
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The Queen’s Hamlet, a charming rustic village that she’d built to play at being a peasant.
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The Grand Trianon, a more modest residence where the king could relax away from the main palace.
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Insights into Marie Antoinette’s private life and the tensions leading up to the French Revolution.
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Access to the expansive gardens surrounding the Trianon estates.
Ask Away
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable shoes are recommended. Visitors should avoid bringing large bags, food, pets, or weapons, as these items aren’t allowed on the tour.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to the Palace?
No, food and large bags are not allowed on the tour. The tour rules state that only small personal items are permitted, and guests cannot bring their own food or drinks to the Palace of Versailles.
Are Audio Guides Available for the Tour?
No, audio guides aren’t available for this tour. The tour includes an expert guide who provides engaging storytelling and opportunities to ask questions throughout the 1.5-hour experience. Bringing your own food and drinks isn’t allowed inside the palace.
How Accessible Is the Palace for People With Disabilities?
The palace is generally accessible for people with disabilities, with wheelchair-friendly access to most areas. However, some historic parts may have limited accessibility. It’s best to inquire about specific needs when booking to ensure a comfortable visit.
Can I Take Photographs Inside the Palace?
Yes, visitors can take photographs inside the Palace of Versailles, except in certain restricted areas. However, the use of tripods, flashes, and selfie sticks is generally not allowed to ensure the safety and preservation of the palace’s historic interiors.
Final Words
The Palace of Versailles is a must-visit destination for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike. With the Skip-the-Line Guided Tour, travelers can bypass the crowds and enjoy the grandeur of this iconic site, exploring the stunning Hall of Mirrors, the Kings and Queens State Apartments, and the beautiful gardens. It’s an unforgettable experience that offers easy access and engaging storytelling for an unbeatable price.
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