It’s hard to imagine the Palace of Versailles having such humble roots as first being a hunting lodge. It was not long after this that the palace became the seat of power for this region of France. Starting in the 18^th century, the Palace of Versailles was turned into a museum. It is the museum that many visitors to Paris enjoy every year.

However, many Versailles tours provide you with skip-the-line tickets so you’re able to spend your time in the palace and not waiting in line. A day trip to Versailles from Paris through a tour company can also provide you with a more thorough outing.

After all, while many visitors tour public areas in the palace as well as the gardens, the right tour can allow you access to the Royal Quarters or even experience the palace and gardens privately.

Be sure to see our reviews of Eiffel Tower Tours, Seine River Dinner Cruises and Louvre Tours.

Best Versailles Tours from Paris

	Versailles Guided Tour by Deluxe Minibus From Paris	Versailles Palace and Giverny Monet House Guided Visit with Lunch from Paris	Versailles Palace & Gardens with Transportation From Paris
Location:	41 Avenue de la Bourdonnais Paris 7500, Optional hotel pickup	Hotel pickup and drop-off included	62 Av. de Suffren, 75015 Paris
Start:	4 hours	5.5 or 9.5 hours	5.5 hours
Duration:	8:15 AM, 1:15 AM	8:15 AM	8:30 AM, 12:15 PM
Includes:	Guide, entry ticket to the Palace of Versailles, guided visit to the State Apartments and Hall of Mirrors, entry ticket to gardens and free time in gardens, headsets, transportation by air-conditioned minibus	Round-trip transportation by luxury coach, guided visit of the Apartments of the Palace of Versailles, free time in gardens, lunch, guided visit of Giverny gardens and free time in Monet’s house, entrance tickets with priority access	Roundtrip transportation from the meeting point, palace admission ticket, multilingual audio guide the palace, access to the gardens, musical gardens and fountain shows, Trianon access to Marie Antoinette’s Estate (if full-day option selected)
	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking

Quick Answer: The 5 Best Versailles Day Tours from Paris for 2024

1. Versailles Guided Tour by Deluxe Minibus From Paris
2. Versailles Palace and Giverny Monet House Guided Visit with Lunch from Paris
3. Versailles Palace & Gardens with Transportation From Paris
4. Full-Day Guided Tour of Versailles
5. Giverny Monet’s House & Versailles Palace Day Trip from Paris

Versailles Palace Tour Reviews

1. Versailles Guided Tour by Deluxe Minibus From Paris

I have to admit that I initially wasn’t all that interested in seeing the palace of Versailles before my first time going. I’d seen a lot of palaces in Europe at that point, and probably didn’t do enough research, but boy, am I glad I decided to take the Versailles Guided Tour by Deluxe Minibus from Paris!

If you’re curious about French opulence outside of Paris, this iconic palace is the perfect place to experience grandeur that has inspired countless people throughout centuries.

The tour starts off with a convenient pickup right from your hotel, where you’ll set off by minibus with your guide telling you captivating stories about the region’s history and culture as you cruise along.

Upon arrival, you’ll be guided through the regal splendor of Versailles by your expert guide, who brings history to life. The Queen’s apartment was so crazy to see – consisting of the Queen’s bedchamber, private cabinets, and others, the stories I learned about this area of the palace were very interesting.

19 royal children were born in the Queen’s bedchamber, which is crazy to think about! The Great Apartments were also interesting, though the Hall of Mirrors really took me aback – it almost seemed like I was walking through a dream!

I loved our guided tour of the beautiful, meticulously-maintained Gardens, complete with musical statues surrounding the fountains! We got plenty of free time to stroll around and explore, nicely balancing the indoor and outdoor beauty. It was a wonderful, fun, educational day with plenty of amazing photo ops!

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

Other Paris Experiences You May Enjoy:

2.  Versailles Palace and Giverny Monet House Guided Visit with Lunch from Paris

One of the most wonderful memories I have in all of my travels, is that of Monet’s Giverny. I am a huge art nerd, and although Monet was always one of my favorites, being able to see where he lived and was inspired truly made me appreciate his wonderful paintings even more.

With the Versailles Palace and Giverny Monet House Guided Visit with Lunch from Paris, you’ll get to see 2 of the most stunning, historical places in all of Europe.

The adventure starts with a picturesque coach ride to Giverny, where Claude Monet’s iconic gardens awaits. As you cruise through the lush, vibrant blooms that inspired his iconic Water Lilies series, you’ll gain intimate insights into the world of one of the world’s greatest artists.

This tranquil respite into his creative haven offers a special chance to explore the very landscapes that sparked his genius.

After that, you’ll have time to savor a tasty lunch at a beautiful restaurant that sits right on the banks of the Epte River, where you’ll get to try local dishes amidst the peaceful ambiance of the countryside.

After refueling, you’ll make a short journey over to the Palace of Versailles, where the opulence of Louis XIV’s reign unfolds before you and your group.

Versailles feels like it’s not even real, complete with incredibly lavish royal apartments, dancing fountain displays (depending on the day), and plenty of dramatic tales!

Our guide was amazing, regaling us with plenty of engaging stories about both locations, answering any questions we had with ease.

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

3. Versailles Palace & Gardens with Transportation From Paris

This next tour is a bit different from the others, in that it gives you the option between 2 different options: a half-day and whole-day experience. The whole-day experience comes with Trianon access to Marie Antoinette’s Estate and a few other sights, which I highly recommend.

However, if you don’t have all day available in your schedule, it’s still a fantastic way to see the riches and culture of Versailles.

The whole-day tour is perfect if you really want to get the full immersion, including the palace audio tour, the gardens, Marie Antoinette’s estate, as well as a sit-down lunch, and more.

It’s also a lovely way to get out of the hustle-and-bustle of tourist-packed Paris city center, and explore some of the most breathtaking views around.

It was very interesting learning about the hamlet, where the Queen took relaxing strolls around and hosted small get-togethers (it was also a functioning farm and was very controversial at the time!).

It is a small fee, but I highly recommend renting the golf cart to cruise around the garden, which lets you cover more ground and see more sights easier.

The lunch was absolutely incredible, and had tons of fantastic French dishes that I wouldn’t have tried had I just stayed in Paris (make sure to try the desserts!).

Seeing inside the palace of Versailles is always magical, and I felt this full-day tour did a great job of balancing time both indoors and outdoors while tying the stories together.

With round-trip transportation in a comfortable bus, you don’t have to worry about the hassle of figuring out how to get there and back!

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

4. From Paris: Full-Day Guided Tour of Versailles

Immerse yourself in the world of French royalty with a fantastic day trip from Paris to the majestic palace of Versailles and its charming Trianon Estates.

This carefully curated tour offers a deep exploration of one of Europe’s most impressive landmarks, blending history, art, and unparalleled grandeur in a single, unforgettable experience.

The day begins with a comfortable coach ride to Versailles, where you’ll head right past the lines and go right inside. Marvel at the Hall of Mirrors, where countless historical events unfolded under its sparkly chandeliers.

Stroll through the richly adorned state apartments and soak in the architectural marvels that epitomize Louis XIV’s ambition and extravagance. The tour then leads you to the serene Trianon Estates, a picturesque retreat that provided a respite from the court’s demands.

Discover the Grand Trianon with its lush gardens, and the Petit Trianon, intimately associated with Marie Antoinette. Wander through the tranquil Queen’s Hamlet, a charming, rustic village where Marie Antoinette had a little break from palace life.

Every step of this tour is guided by an expert who brings the rich tapestry of Versailles’ history to life with engaging anecdotes and insights. With plenty of time to check out the gardens, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty!

Perhaps the only thing I didn’t absolutely love was that they didn’t offer a hotel pickup, but the Hotel Pullman pickup location was still very convenient, as was everything else included.

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

5. Giverny Monet’s House & Versailles Palace Day Trip from Paris

I can’t think of a better way to spend a day right outside Paris than at Monet’s house and garden, as well as a trip to Versailles Palace. This day is all about French art, culture, and royalty, with expert guides there to lead the way through this well-designed excursion.

The Giverny Monet’s House & Versailles Palace Day Trip from Paris has all the logistics worked out, so all you have to focus on is immersing yourself in these fairytale-like locations.

Starting out in the morning, you’ll take full advantage of the day, first stopping in the lush green Giverny, where Claude Monet called “home”. Venture through the foliage to find his home and lily pond tucked away in a beautiful surrounding of trees and gardens.

We also got to go inside his home, which is filled with some of his art, letters, and more artifacts to offer insight into the interesting mind of the legendary artist.

After that, you’ll take a short ride over to Versailles, where you’ll have plenty of time to explore and learn about the palace and gardens. Stepping into the grand entrance is truly breathtaking, shortly after seeing the Hall of Mirrors – an emblem of Louis XIV’s notorious lavishness.

Wandering through the State Apartments is also quite interesting, offering a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of King Louis XIV and other royals.

Complete with intricate gold leaf and masterful design. With nice bonuses like skip-the-line tickets at Versailles, you’ll get to see more in less time – perfect for those with tight schedules!

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

Your Guide to Visiting Paris

While visiting the City of Lights may not be just as you expect after watching An American in Paris, a vacation in Paris is like nothing else. With so many tourist spots to explore, you may find it difficult to plan everything you’d like to see and experience into just one vacation. I guess that just means you’ll have to come back to see this beautiful city again.

Our travel guide below can help you plan a vacation to Paris whether you are staying for 2 days or 10 and whether it’s your first visit or fifth.

• Airports & Entry
• Planning Tips
• Restaurants & Eating Out
• Nightlife & Entertainment
• Getting Around
• Accommodations
• Weather
• Attractions

Airports & Entry

When headed to France, you won’t need to apply for a visa so long as your expected stay is less than 90 days. You also need to have at least three months before your passport expires past the date you expect to leave the country. An emergency passport will not be accepted unless you also have an approved visa, no matter the length of your stay. There should be at least one page available for a stamp when you arrive.

There are three major airports in the area of Paris, France. The one you fly into will most likely be determined by the airline you are using. That airline will fly into the airport it is contracted with. With that in mind, when flying to France you will most likely land at one of the following airports:

Planning Tips

Paris is unlike most other vacation destinations. The French, especially Parisians, live life a little differently. This means that while you’re there, you may have to get used to eating at different times and you may need to plan your attire.

On your first day, taking a guided tour of the city will help you zero in on areas you would like to spend more time in will help a lot.

These are our top 5 tips for visiting Paris. Have you been there and have tips of your own? Let us know!

Tip #1: Stay in a Central Location

Everywhere you’re going to want to go as a tourist in Paris will be centrally located or have provided travel that leaves this area. Most of the hotels, many museums, and a lot of restaurants are all centrally located. You’ll also find that the pickup and drop-off locations for many tours are located here. It makes things much easier if you find accommodations close to central Paris.

Tip #2: Always Have Euros on Hand

There are many stores and even restaurants that don’t accept debit or credit cards. Some taxis won’t accept plastic either. If an establishment does accept a card, they often won’t allow you to leave a tip on your receipt. This means it’s important to always have a few euros on hand. Many ATMs in the city will allow you to use a foreign card to withdrawal euros.

Tip #3: Have Snacks on You

Parisians often eat their dinner very late. While you may be used to a dinner time of between 4 and 6 pm, it’s not uncommon for those in Paris to eat as late as 9 or 10. You’ll want to keep this in mind when making reservations, but you should always have a small snack with you just in case you get hungry and it’s still a few hours to dinner.

Tip #4: Avoid Traveling to Paris in August

Most Parisians are used to taking off the entire month of August. This means that while you will most likely be able to find accommodations, many restaurants and attractions will not be open. If you’re traveling to Paris in August, this can be a very quiet time to visit the city. However, if you’re looking forward to seeing the sights, it’s best not to travel to Paris in August.

Tip #5: Dress Appropriately

While those in Paris can still be found wearing sneakers, most dress in a business casual or a simple but chic style. Most attractions and restaurants will frown on those wearing beat up shoes, blue jeans, and other very casual clothes. Some places will even require a more elegant or fancy appearance, such as certain high-end restaurants.

Bringing a set of casual clothes might not be a bad idea but be sure to bring enough clothes you can wear while out and about. If you don’t have much in the way of the chic style that Paris requires, at least you’re in the perfect place to go shopping to stock up on some.

Restaurants & Eating Out

The Ciel de Paris is one of the most romantic restaurants in the city. It is located in the Montparnasse Tower with beautiful views of the city. You’ll also find a well-stocked champagne bar available to you. The Polidor is one of the oldest restaurants in Paris. It dates back to 1895 and the interior decor hasn’t changed much since. This is one of those restaurants that only take cash, so have a few euros on you.

France is well known for it’s fine wines. If you are a wine connoisseur be sure to take a wine tasting tour around Paris. In Paris, it’s hard to find a truly casual restaurant. Because of this, you’ll want to make sure that you’re dressed for the occasion. If you’re not sure what you could or should wear to a particular establishment, some will list their dress code online or you can always give them a call.

You should consider taking a French cooking class while you are in Paris. Learn from the best and make the dishes you love at home!

Nightlife & Entertainment

Harry’s New York Bar was actually once located in New York City. The entire bar, just as it was, was moved over to Paris in the early 1900s. This bar is credited with inventing some of the most popular cocktails we know today, including the Bloody Mary and the Sidecar.

Wine and champagne are something most Parisians are very proud of. If you’re looking for an upscale wine bar, you’ll want to try out Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels. You’ll be able to try nearly every wine and champagne local to Paris. However, there are wine bars located in nearly every corner of the city.

If you are really a lover of champagne you should take a day trip to the champagne region for tastings and seeing the castles this area is known for.

From backroom speakeasies to modern nightclubs, Paris has a little bit of everything for everybody when it comes to nighttime entertainment.

Getting Around

There’s no shortage of ways to get around in Paris. The most popular, effective, and affordable way is the Metro. You may find it a bit intimidating at first due to the sheer number of lines and routes, but after a few trips to an attraction or restaurant, you’ll be riding the Metro like a pro. You can purchase single ride tickets or a batch of 10. If you’re going to be in Paris longer there are also ride passes.

While traditional taxis can be quite expensive in the city, Uber offers some fairly inexpensive ways to get around town if traveling by car is best. Walking between destinations is very doable in Paris but if you’d like to ride a bike instead, there’s plenty of kiosks that rent them. In fact, this can be a great way to tour the city and do some sightseeing on your own.

Accommodations

You’ll find everything from small and inexpensive hostels too large, luxury resorts in Paris. There are even small boutique hotels with spas and other amenities. Where you decide to stay while visiting Paris will largely depend on the type of experience you’re looking for.

If you wish to spoil yourselves, the Le Roch Hotel & Spa is perfectly located between restaurants, the Louvre Museum, and many tourist pick up spots. If you’re looking to meet other tourists, learn more about the city from those who’ve been here several times, and have a quieter stay, one of the many hostels around town are ideal. We recommend The Generator Hostel Paris.

Weather

On average, July is the warmest month in Paris. While the weather is much better during the summer months, there are usually more crowds. If you don’t want to have to fight the crowds and don’t mind cooler weather, traveling in late winter or early spring might just give you the blend of comfortable weather and fewer crowds. January is the coldest month, on average, with temperatures in the low 40s Fahrenheit.

Attractions

Paris is full of attractions. The Louvre Museum is a popular stop for tourists. The Mona Lisa exhibit here can be quite busy, however. Use your limited time at this world-famous museum by taking in the many other exhibits, many of which are quite interesting and just as important to French history.

If you like to visit museums, you might want to try the Musee d’Histoire de la Medecine. You might just learn more about how modern medicine came to be. The Museum of Modern Art is a popular stop as well.

Visiting the Palace of Versailles, exploring the Paris catacombs, taking a river cruise down the Seine River, and making it to the top of the Eiffel Tower usually top most tourist’s lists of attractions. Remember that traveling to or visiting these places can be much easier if you go as a group on a tour.

You may get priority access, free souvenir photos, and more, just for traveling with a tour group. This is often the most affordable way and makes it easier to plan the days you’re planning to spend in Paris.

Disneyland Paris

Also outside the city, despite its name, is Disneyland Paris, 20 miles to the east. This famous theme park is the most visited attraction in France. If you’re visiting Paris with children, you’ll probably want to devote two days to Disney because there are two separate parks here: Disneyland Park opened in 1992 and Walt Disney Studios Park opened in 2002.

Inside both, you’ll find thrill rides for all ages as well as classic attractions, like actors dressed up as your favorite Disney characters and Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. The easiest way to get to Disney Paris is with a shuttle and entrance ticket deal.