See the full Versailles estate by bike, complete with local market shopping, a picnic lunch, guided grounds access, and entry to the palace.
Versailles Bike Tour from Paris Details:
Duration: 7 hours
Start Time: 8:30 AM
Group Size: Max 18 guests
What’s Included:
- Expert, local guide
- Round-trip train from Paris
- Bike rental with helmets
- Versailles’s outdoor market visit
- Picnic lunch at the top of the Grand Canal (cost not included)
- Guided tour of Royal Grounds
- Access to Grand & Petit Trianon
- Access to Marie-Antoinette’s Private Hamlet
- Timed entry into the Palace of Versailles to explore on your own
Versailles Bike Tour from Paris Description
Your extraordinary ride through Versailles kicks off at the Javel Train Station in Paris, where you’ll meet your guide and fellow adventurers before hopping on a quick train to Versailles Rive Gauche. Once you arrive, your guide will get everyone fitted with bikes and helmets, and just like that—you’re ready to roll. First stop: the vibrant outdoor market, where you can stock up on picnic-perfect snacks and drinks. Bring a bit of extra cash, because the treats here are dangerously tempting in the best way.
With your goodies in tow, you’ll cruise through the lush gardens near the Grand Canal and pause at a prime photo spot while your guide shares the royal backstory of the grounds and Château. Lunch is a laid-back picnic overlooking the water—just you, your snacks, and views fit for a king. Afterward, pedal over to the Grand Trianon for some free wandering, then onto The Queen’s Hamlet for a charming walking tour before making your grand finale at the Royal Palace of Versailles.
Explore the Château at your own pace, snap all the photos you want, and when you’ve had your fill of royal splendor, you’ll head back to the train for an easy ride home to Paris.
All Aboard!
Your day begins at the Javel Train Station in Paris. Enjoy a comfortable, quick train journey of about 35 minutes alongside your guide and fellow travelers, before arriving at Versailles Rive Gauche Train Station. Now, your adventure can begin!
Retrieve Your Bicycles
Now that you’ve arrived, you will follow your guide to the Chateau grounds to pick up your bikes at the Versailles Gardens. This is a great time to stop at the adjacent cafe for water or drinks, as there won’t be many opportunities to do so during the tour.
Once you and your group members are situated with your bikes and helmets, it’s time for the adventure to begin!
Versailles’s Outdoor Market
Your first stop of the day is Versailles’s bustling, open-air market. Park your bike and begin perusing the numerous stalls selling fresh baguettes, cheese, fruits, and more delicious French delicacies. Not only is the market a feast for the senses, it’s also amazing people-watching and a wonderful look at local life in Versailles. Plus, it’s the perfect time for everyone in the group to grab something yummy for later. We’ve got an awesome lunch stop planned.
Lunch isn’t included in the price of the tour, so be sure to bring cash for any additional purchases.
The Grand Canal
After exploring the market, hop back on your bike and follow your guide to the Grand Canal for an amazing photo opportunity! Shaped like a large cross and designed by André Le Notre, Louis XIV’s gardener, the Grand Canal is an iconic attraction in Versailles. Take in the breathtaking view as your guide explains the fascinating history of the canal and its significance to Versailles.
Lunch with a View
Before moving on to the next stop on the tour, enjoy a traditional Parisian picnic lunch from the top of the Grand Canal. Admire the view as you devour French treats while chatting with your newfound group of friends.
Grand Trianon
Now that you’ve refueled with a delicious lunch, it’s time to hop back on your bike and continue exploring! Follow your guide to the awe-inspiring Grand Trianon, a French Baroque-style chateau found tucked away in the gardens.
Louis XIV requested that the chateau be built as a place for him to retreat with his mistress at the time. The architecture of the building is truly impressive, and after parking your bike, you’ll have thirty minutes of free time to explore the breathtaking site at your leisure.
The Hamlet
After meeting your friendly guide back at the bike parking area, you’ll cruise over to your next stop, the Queen’s Hamlet. This rustic retreat was built for Marie Antoinette in 1783, as a place for the queen to relax and entertain her closest friends.
Drop off your bike and follow along as your guide leads a tour through the most prominent landmarks within the Hamlet. Marvel at the Temple of Love, a beautiful marble temple surrounded by greenery, the House of the Queen, the charming Moulin, and the idyllic farm that was actually in use when Marie Antoinette lived there.
If time allows, your guide will also take you to the Petit Trianon, a Neoclassical chateau that served as a place of refuge for Marie Antoinette.
The Chateau
You have one more stop on your royal adventure through Versailles! After riding back from the Hamlet, drop off your bicycles and enter the Chateau, the absolute jewel of Versailles. Explore the magnificent royal palace on your own and learn intriguing stories of those who once lived in this former royal residence.
You will have plenty of free time to explore the opulent palace and extraordinary gardens of Versailles at your leisure. You can take any train back, so no rush to depart the palace grounds.
Versailles Bike Tour from Paris FAQs
Why join this Versailles bike tour?
Join this Versailles bike tour to experience the palace grounds the way the royals actually did—slowly, scenically, and with plenty of fresh air. You’ll explore markets, gardens, hidden retreats, and the iconic Château with an expert guide who makes the history feel alive. Plus, you get the freedom to wander, snack, and snap photos at your own pace.
Where does the Versailles bike tour start and finish?
The Versailles bike tour starts at the Javel–André Citroën metro station in Paris, where you’ll meet your guide and begin your journey by train. After the guided portion wraps up with an introduction to the Palace of Versailles, you’ll explore the Château on your own. When you’re ready to head back, simply use your included return train ticket to make your way back to the Javel–André Citroën station.
Is there any important information I need to know about this tour before booking?
Before booking, keep in mind that you’ll need extra cash for your picnic lunch from the Versailles market, and large bags or backpacks aren’t permitted. This tour involves walking, biking, and cobblestone paths, so comfortable shoes are essential. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes early with a valid ID, and note that Versailles may occasionally close for official events, in which case an alternative plan will be provided.
Do I need to be an experienced biker to join?
Not at all—this tour is suitable for casual riders who are comfortable on a bike. The route is mostly flat, the pace is relaxed, and your guide will make sure everyone feels confident before setting off.
If you’d like to explore the gardens but prefer not to bike, we recommend joining our Versailles Garden Golf Cart & Rowboat Experience.
Who is this tour run by?
We’ve proudly partnered with The Tour Guy to bring you this tour of Versailles.