Biking Day Trip Through Historic Versailles, Paris

5.0 (6 reviews)
Experience Versailles' rich history on two wheels, from royal forests to its iconic château.

Overview

Embark on an immersive bike tour through the legendary village of Versailles, just a short train ride from Paris. Begin your journey with a ride through Versailles' royal forests, making your way to a local food market where you'll gather fresh French specialties for a picnic lunch. As the day progresses, explore iconic landmarks such as Marie Antoinette's village and the infamous château, concluding with a picnic by the Grand Canal.

Highlights

  • Explore the world-famous town of Versailles on a bike
  • Discover the rich flavors of the Versailles open-air food market
  • Delve into history by visiting Versailles' royal grounds, including the Petit and Grand Trianon palaces
  • Indulge in a French picnic along the banks of the Grand Canal
  • Step into Marie Antoinette's whimsical village and farm

Know before you go

Duration
8 hours
Recommended for
All ages
Group
Small group

What you'll do

Start your day by heading to the arranged meeting spot in Paris, where you'll join other adventurers geared up for a memorable day. With your round-trip train tickets in hand, you'll embark on a brief journey to the world-famous town of Versailles, trading the Parisian city noise for a serene day in the French countryside.

As soon as you arrive, your guided biking adventure begins. You'll cycle through Versailles' graceful streets and districts with an expert guide, gaining insights into the residents' daily lives. Make your way through the bustling Versailles open-air food market, where the vibrant stalls overflow with fresh baguettes, aromatic cheeses, flaky pastries, and a variety of wines. Here, you'll have a chance to gather your choice of delicacies for your later picnic by the Grand Canal.

Next, your will pedal off toward the royal grounds of Versailles, exploring the vast, tree-lined gardens and cruising along the majestic Grand Canal. Imagine the opulence and grandeur as you trace the paths where French royalty once walked. Continue your stroll, making your way to Marie Antoinette's village and farm, nestled within Versailles' forest. This idyllic retreat, where Marie Antoinette famously dyed her sheep pink, served as her escape from the pressures of palace life. Take a moment to soak in the tranquility of this whimsical village before you move on.

Following this, you'll cycle toward the Petit & Grand Trianon palaces. These charming summer houses nestled within the Versailles forest were favored retreats of royalty, including Marie Antoinette, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Charles de Gaulle. Here, you'll hear intriguing stories of their past residents, adding a dash of history to our cycling adventure.

Once you've worked up an appetite, you'll settle down for a classic French picnic along the banks of the Grand Canal. Spread out your market-bought lunch, share in the French specialties, and enjoy a relaxed meal in the spectacular surroundings. Conclude your tour with a visit to the iconic Château de Versailles. With timed entry tickets, you'll step inside the palace to absorb its splendor and learn about its rich history. After a full day of exploring, you'll return to Paris via train, with memories of Versailles' charm and the taste of French countryside life still fresh.

What's included

  • Guided bike tour through Versailles
  • Round-trip train tickets from Paris to Versailles
  • Exploration of Versailles open-air food market, royal grounds, and Château de Versailles

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Traveler reviews

6 total ratings, 5 with reviews
5.0
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
5.0
Guides, Drivers and Staff
5.0
Transport
4.8
Kylie
Kylie W.
Australia | Reviewed on May 01, 2023
A fantastic way to spend the day, loved it. It’s great to explore Versailles on bike. Read more

A fantastic way to spend the day, loved it. It’s great to explore Versailles on bike.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ann
Ann S.
Ann Arbor, MI | Reviewed on Dec 26, 2022
This was the best experience. Read more

This was the best experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was excellent.
Jeannette
Jeannette L.
San Francisco, CA | Reviewed on Aug 04, 2022
This was fabulous! Read more

This was fabulous!

Tips for future travelers

Several people in our family group dropped out of doing this activity because it was too hot and they would not have tolerated the level of activity combined with the heat. For those of us that went despite the heat, we loaded up on water and brought cooling towels (which were really helpful!) Try to book your tour when the market in Versailles is in full swing -- it will optimize the selections for your picnic lunch! Also, if you want to keep any of our beverages cool, consider bringing a bag/cooler with you. You'll be glad you did.

Quality of Experience
Overall a 10 out of 10!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
We won the jackpot with our Fat Tire guide, Nick! He was deeply knowledgeable about French history and culture, very clever and entertaining, and his positive energy and enthusiasm kept the group from flagging in the 100+ F temps. He was also extremely helpful. When a member of our group had difficulty with her bike, he rode it back while we were getting our picnic items and brought her a new one. When the store we were shopping at lost electricity, he helped us get to the best places for alternatives.
Transport
When we got there the train that departs from our meet up location was not operating, so we had to get on the metro for a few stops and take a different regional train. The 3-speed bikes worked well for the flat terrain we had that included some gravel.
S
Samantha E.
Canada | Reviewed on Jun 08, 2022
It was a great was to see Versailles!
The tour guide was not going to fast which made it easier for older travelers. We had an amazing group and bonded throughout the day. We first stopped at the market where we were able to get provisions for our picnic and see local vendors.
Overall, the activity is a must if you like to know history and visit beautiful landmarks. The picnic was also a great addition to the activity and a great way to get to know the other travelers better. We ended the...
Read more

It was a great was to see Versailles!
The tour guide was not going to fast which made it easier for older travelers. We had an amazing group and bonded throughout the day. We first stopped at the market where we were able to get provisions for our picnic and see local vendors.
Overall, the activity is a must if you like to know history and visit beautiful landmarks. The picnic was also a great addition to the activity and a great way to get to know the other travelers better. We ended the day at the Chateau the Versailles where we had the freedom to visit at our own pace.

I wish I remembered the name of our guide but she was amazing and easy-going!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Angela
Angela K.
Canada | Reviewed on May 29, 2022
Amazing. Will def do it again :) Read more

Amazing. Will def do it again :)

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport

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