Explore Versailles in style with a guided garden golf cart tour, a serene Grand Canal rowboat ride, and priority entry to the palace.
Versailles Garden Golf Cart & Rowboat Experience Details:
Duration: 4 hours
Start Times: 9:30 AM
Group Size: Max 15 guests
What’s Included:
- Knowledgeable English-speaking guide
- Skip-the-line tickets to the Versailles Palace
- Guided golf cart tour through the Versailles Gardens
- Ticket for the Petit Trianon, Grand Trianon, and Queen’s Hamlet
- Self-guided rowboat ride on the Grand Canal
- 1 bottle of cold French Champagne and snacks per 2 people
- Free time to explore the interior of the Palace at your own pace
Versailles Garden Golf Cart & Rowboat Experience Description
Step into the world of French royalty with a unique and leisurely tour of the Palace of Versailles. Begin your adventure by meeting your guide in front of the Grille Royale, in Versailles, for a guided golf cart ride through the expansive estate, uncovering hidden gems and learning the fascinating history behind the gardens and grounds. Next, enjoy a peaceful, self-guided rowboat experience along the Grand Canal, offering stunning views of the palace from the water.
Following the boat ride, enjoy skip-the-line tickets for a self-guided exploration of the Versailles Palace. With plenty of time to enjoy the Hall of Mirrors, the King’s Grand Apartment, and more, this small-group tour offers a personalized and relaxed experience that combines luxury, history, and convenience for an unforgettable day.
Golf Cart Tour of the Real Estate
The tour begins in front of the Grille Royale in Versailles, with a guided golf cart ride through the extensive gardens and grounds of Versailles, allowing you to see the estate in comfort. Your expert guide will point out key historical and architectural features while providing fascinating insights into the royal history of Versailles. The golf cart ride lets you explore the sprawling estate with ease, including hidden areas that would otherwise be missed on a traditional walking tour. As you journey through the Gardens, you’ll witness the meticulous landscape design, with vibrant flower beds, majestic fountains, and perfectly manicured hedges.
One of the highlights of this part of the tour is the chance to learn about the creation of the gardens by André Le Nôtre, as well as the various royal figures who frequented the estate. From the iconic Latona Fountain to the Bosquet de la Reine, each stop offers a glimpse into the opulence and grandeur of the French monarchy. The guided portion ensures you gain a deeper understanding of Versailles, and the convenience of the golf cart allows you to cover more ground without the fatigue of walking for hours.
Self-Guided Rowboat Ride on the Grand Canal
After the golf cart tour, it’s time to slow down and enjoy a self-guided rowboat ride along the Grand Canal. This peaceful activity offers a completely different perspective of the estate, allowing you to float through the calm waters while soaking in the stunning views of the palace and gardens. The Grand Canal, a central feature of Versailles, stretches over 1,500 meters and is surrounded by lush trees, providing an idyllic and serene setting for your boat ride. Take possession of your own private rowboat for a one-hour self-guided ride on the peaceful waters of the Grand Canal, all while sipping cold French Champagne (glasses and snacks included).
The self-guided experience gives you the freedom to explore the canal at your own pace, offering a peaceful respite after the excitement of the golf cart tour. As you glide along the water, the iconic Palace of Versailles rises majestically in the background, giving you the opportunity to snap beautiful photos from a unique angle. Whether you prefer a relaxing moment to reflect or a more leisurely exploration of the waterway, this rowboat experience adds an extra layer of tranquility to your day at Versailles.
Skip-the-Line Access to the Palace of Versailles
After your rowboat ride, you’ll enjoy priority access to the Palace of Versailles, allowing you to skip the long lines and dive straight into the splendor of the palace. With your timed, skip-the-line tickets, you can seamlessly enter the magnificent interior and take your time exploring the palace’s grand rooms and stunning details. This streamlined access gives you the freedom to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Versailles, all at your own pace.
As you wander through the Palace of Versailles, be sure to visit the famous Hall of Mirrors, where royal celebrations and key moments in history unfolded. You can also explore the Petit Trianon, a more intimate palace built for Marie Antoinette, and the charming Queen’s Hamlet, where she sought refuge from court life. The tour will conclude after your self-guided exploration of the Palace, allowing you to enjoy the royal estate at your leisure and soak in the magnificence of this historic site.
Versailles Garden Golf Cart & Rowboat Experience FAQs
Why join this Versailles tour?
Designed for anyone who wants to go beyond the standard palace visit, this tour gives you a richer, more sophisticated perspective on Versailles—from guided garden touring to Champagne-on-the-water moments. Your guide handles the storytelling and orientation early on, then you’re free to savor the palace and its retreats at your own pace. It’s that ideal mix of curated highlights and unhurried exploration that makes the whole experience feel elevated and effortless.
Where does the Versailles golf cart experience start and finish?
Your experience begins right outside the Grille Royale in Versailles, where you’ll meet your guide before heading through security and up toward the grand golden gates. From there, your adventure unfolds through the gardens and palace. The tour wraps up after your self-guided visit inside the Palace of Versailles.
Is there any important information I need to know about this tour before booking?
Before booking, just note a few key details: this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and comfortable shoes are a must for the mix of cobblestones and palace floors. Large bags aren’t allowed, you’ll need a valid ID, and it’s best to arrive 15 minutes early for check-in. Very rarely, Versailles may close for official events, in which case an alternative plan will be provided.
How long does the tour last?
This experience lasts approximately four hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the guided garden portion, the rowboat ride, and your self-paced palace visit. It’s designed to feel immersive without being rushed, so you can soak up the full Versailles experience in one seamless day.
If you’re looking for a shorter experience, check out the Versailles Tour from Paris by Train!
Who is this tour run by?
We’ve proudly partnered with The Tour Guy to bring you this tour of Versailles.