From Paris: Palace of Versailles Guided Tour with Bus Transfers

There is a certain magic that fizzes through the air in the Palace and Gardens of Versailles. Hidden away from the modern world, this majestic European castle on the outskirts of Paris is a perfectly preserved example of the reckless extravagance of the French monarchy.

What can you expect from this tour?

With a maximum of 25 people per group, your tour of Versailles will be intimate, unhurried, and enjoyable. Skip the lines to Versailles as your guide will lead you from one marvelous room to the next, pointing out where Louis XIV tormented his friends and family with long, boring ceremonies and where it was that Marie Antoinette ate her cake.

Marvel at the sheer size of the Palace of Versailles, one of the largest and most beautiful castles in the world with a whopping 700 rooms. Peruse its incredible array of fine art and the intricate design of its 1250 fireplaces as you work your way through the highlights of the castle including the King and Queen’s apartments, the Chapel, the Coronation Room, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Salon of Abundance – how many residences can boast one of those? And just when you think that you have seen all that the Palace of Versailles has to offer, you’ll burst into the sunlight and encounter its dazzling manicured gardens, over 1,800 acres in size.

Stroll the beautiful Gardens of Versailles

Choose a date when either the famous Versailles Fountain Show or Musical Gardens are running (all running days from Apr to Oct, except Wed & Thu). The Versailles Fountain Show is a wonderful musical event held in the exclusive groves, designed by André Le Nôtre. Watch fountains explode to the sounds of a cello at the Fountain Show or just be enchanted by the simple beauty of classical music played in beautiful surroundings during the Musical Gardens event.

From Paris: Palace of Versailles Guided Tour with Bus Transfers

Discover the opulent Palace of Versailles on this guided tour that includes skip-the-line access and round-trip bus transfers from central Paris. This full-day or half-day excursion offers a comprehensive exploration of one of France's most iconic landmarks, covering the Royal Chapel, the Hall of Mirrors, the State Apartments, and the expansive Gardens of Versailles. The tour is led by an enthusiastic guide who provides engaging commentary in multiple languages including English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Arabic. With over 700 rooms spread across more than 631,000 square feet of floor space, the Palace of Versailles is a UNESCO World Heritage site that attracts nearly three million visitors annually. The tour includes the Musical Fountain Show or the Musical Garden Show, adding an element of entertainment and historical context to your visit.

Explore the Grandeur of the Palace of Versailles

Your tour stops at the Palace of Versailles where you will witness firsthand the grandeur of Louis XIV's opulent residence. Built between 1664 and 1715, this sprawling palace covers an area of approximately 20 hectares (49 acres) with a total floor space exceeding 631,000 square feet. Key features include the Hall of Mirrors, which stretches over 233 feet in length adorned with 17 arched windows and 357 mirrors; the Royal Chapel, built between 1710 and 1711 featuring a stunning Baroque interior design; and the State Apartments, where each room is dedicated to one of the seven planets known at the time. Visitors spend around two hours exploring these areas, learning about significant historical events such as the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783 that ended the American Revolutionary War. The Palace of Versailles stands out from other European palaces due to its extensive use of French Baroque architecture and its role as a symbol of absolute monarchy under Louis XIV's reign.

Admire the Magnificence of the Hall of Mirrors

The tour continues at the Hall of Mirrors, an architectural marvel that showcases the opulence of Versailles. Constructed between 1678 and 1684, this hall is renowned for its 357 mirrors arranged in 17 arched windows along a length of 233 feet. Visitors typically spend about 30 minutes here, admiring the intricate design that reflects natural light from the garden through large windows, creating an awe-inspiring effect. This room was not only used for royal ceremonies but also witnessed crucial political events such as the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919 that ended World War I.

Experience the Serenity and Beauty of the Gardens of Versailles

The tour concludes with a visit to the Gardens of Versailles, an expansive landscape designed by André Le Nôtre from 1662 onwards covering over 800 hectares (2,000 acres). These meticulously maintained gardens feature numerous fountains, sculptures, and geometrically patterned flower beds. Visitors can spend up to two hours exploring the grounds, where they will see iconic features like the Grand Canal stretching for nearly a mile and the Orangerie housing over 1,000 orange trees. The Musical Fountain Show or the Musical Garden Show is included in your tour, providing an enchanting audio-visual experience that highlights the intricate waterworks of Versailles.

Tour Highlights

• Skip-the-line access at Palace of Versailles
• Round-trip bus transfers from Paris
• Engaging guided tour with multilingual options
• Explore Royal Chapel and Hall of Mirrors
• Musical Fountain Show or Musical Garden Show included
• Comprehensive coverage of State Apartments and Gardens
• Historical context provided throughout the tour
• Convenient audio guide in multiple languages

Perfect for history enthusiasts, architecture buffs, and culture seekers, this guided tour provides a deep dive into one of France's most significant landmarks. The full-day or half-day format allows you to explore the Palace of Versailles, marvel at the Hall of Mirrors, and wander through the Gardens of Versailles, giving you unparalleled insight into the grandeur of French royalty while enjoying skip-the-line convenience.