Versailles Bike Tour

Supplied by: Fat Tire Tours Europe

Overview

Having inspired countless royal residences around the world, the château of Versailles is the original symbol of royal power and wealth. Built as the palace for the French monarchy in the 1600’s, we can still visit the King’s home and personal backyard that’s larger than life. We’ll have a chance to see the palace, the grounds, and the formal gardens all in a day!


Versailles is located just 16 kilometers/12 miles from Paris, so we’ll meet near a metro station within Paris before beginning our journey. From there, we’ll take the suburban rail together (about 30 minutes) and then pick up our bikes just across from the train station. Our first stop will be the famous city market where we’ll shop for our picnic supplies (cost not included) to enjoy a lunch fit for a King (or Queen!) once on the grounds. Then, we’ll cruise through the Château’s enormous park along a network of fantastic trails and tree-lined paths, pausing along the way to share the rich history of the palace and French monarchy. Next, it’s on to our picnic at the end of the Grand Canal where we’ll settle down for a royal feast.

After lunch, we’ll continue through the grounds to visit Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet and the area known as the Trianons, which were pleasure palaces for the royal family. The Grand & Petit Trianon were home to visiting heads of state during their stay in Versailles, mistresses, extended royal family members, and day apartments for the Queen. After visiting these lesser-known but magnificent satellite palaces and Marie Antoinette’s controversial peasant village, we’ll make our way back to the front of the palace, drop off our bikes, and enjoy our skip-the-line entry into the château.

Once inside the palace, you will be able to see the room where Marie Antoinette’s guards were killed as they protected her from the mob at the beginning of the Revolution. You can walk through the breathtaking Hall of Mirrors where King Louis greeted guests, and centuries later the Treaty of Versailles was signed to end World War I. When you ride with us, you will explore exponentially more of the 2,000+ acres of royal property than you would ever be able to see on your own.

Pick Up / Opening
1 Apr 2024 - 26 Oct 2024
1 Mar 2025 - 31 Mar 2025
This tour meets in a small park/clearing on Avenue Emile Zola opposite a café named "Café Regalia" at 1 Avenue Emile Zola, 75015 Paris.
8:30am
The Versailles Bike Tour operates at 8:30am every day except for Mondays during this season.

27 Oct 2024 - 30 Nov 2024
This tour meets in a small park/clearing on Avenue Emile Zola opposite a café named "Café Regalia" at 1 Avenue Emile Zola, 75015 Paris.
8:30am
The Versailles Bike Tour operates at 8:30am on Tuesdays, Fridays, & Sundays during these seasons.

1 Dec 2024 - 28 Feb 2025
The Versailles Bike Tour does not operate during this season.

Drop Off / Closing
Versailles
5:00pm
The Versailles Bike Tour concludes in Versailles where you will have time to explore the Chateau and town on your own. Your guide will provide you with a train ticket to return to Paris when you choose.