Tour Details
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
-
- Versailles Gardens
- Versailles Palace and Gardens
Photos & Highlights
- Let your kids' imaginations run wild as they discover the grandeur of a royal palace and the stories of kings and queens who lived centuries ago.
- Benefit from a tour specifically designed for families, with storytelling that make learning about history exciting for children.
Select a date
Tour Description
This tour is for families who value educational experiences, wish to bond over shared adventures, and are looking for an extraordinary day out that combines fun, learning, and awe-inspiring sights.
You and your children will step into an iconic venue where history comes alive, a place so enchanting it feels like stepping into a fairytale. You’ll gain context on the Palace of Versailles, a majestic estate just outside Paris, where adventure and discovery await your family.
From the moment your journey begins with a hotel pick-up in Paris, you're immersed in a story that spans centuries. Picture the wide-eyed wonder in your kids' eyes as they learn about King Louis XIV, who became king at the young age of five. Imagine their curiosity as they ponder what it's like to be a monarch before turning ten. This is a car ride that connects the past with their young minds, making history relatable and fascinating.
As you arrive and stroll through the palace grounds, witness your children's imagination take flight among the meticulously crafted fountains, statues, and plants. Uncover the secrets of the Sun King's myth as our family-friendly scholar reveals the artistry behind André Le Nôtre's iconic landscaping.
Step inside the palace gates, a once humble countryside residence transformed into an awe-inspiring 2,300-room chateau. You’ll be guided through its dazzling ballrooms and lavish apartments, each room telling a story of fashion, art, and opulent balls. Watch as your children visualize the grandeur of the past, learning about the royalty who once walked these halls.
As our tour concludes, you’ll leave with not just memories, but a deeper understanding of Versailles' role in shaping the Sun King’s legacy. Whether you choose to return to Paris or continue exploring the grounds, you and your family will carry with you tales of royal adventures, a day spent in the splendor of Versailles, creating a once-in-a-lifetime memory that will be cherished forever.
Experts
You’re seeking to
- Immerse Your Family in History: Experience a captivating journey through time, perfect for families eager to explore the rich history of France in a fun and engaging way.
- Create Unforgettable Memories: Share a unique and memorable day with your family, creating stories and experiences that you'll reminisce about for years to come.
- Experience a Tailored Adventure: Enjoy a tour that's thoughtfully designed for families, ensuring that both kids and adults have an enriching and enjoyable experience.
- Explore Beyond the Ordinary: Go beyond typical tourist experiences with a private tour that delves into the fascinating details and lesser-known aspects of Versailles.
Sites Visited
- Versailles Palace – Did you know that the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles Palace has more than 350 mirrors? This hall was built in the 17th century and the mirrors were considered very luxurious at the time.
- Versailles Gardens – These magnificent gardens span about 2,000 acres (that's over 1,400 football fields). These gardens are famous for their beautifully arranged flowers, trees, and statues. But the most fun part for kids? The seasonal water shows, where over 50 fountains perform in time with music.
Where does the tour start?
- Our Private tours will begin with car service pick-up from your accommodations in Paris. Please let us know where you'll be staying.
How can my party and I return to Paris?
- Unless you've booked the private car transfer back to Paris with us, your tour will end in Versailles. You can return to Paris at your leisure by the train or a taxi.
- Additional information to assist you with planning your return journey is available here.
Transport
- One-way car transfer from Paris to Versailles is included in this tour
- If you're booking a private tour, the car service will depart from your accommodations in central Paris and bring you to Versailles with your Context Guide.
- Please provide your address when booking.
- If you're booking a private tour, the car service will depart from your accommodations in central Paris and bring you to Versailles with your Context Guide.
- NOTE: Return car transfer from Versailles to Paris is NOT included in the tour cost. You can optionally add this at checkout.
Tickets
- Skip-the-line entry tickets into Versailles Palace and grounds are included.
- With your entry ticket, you'll have access to all sites within the Versailles complex, even those we don't include in our guided tour (such as Marie Antoinette's Hamlet and the Trianon Palace).
- If you are taking a morning tour, we encourage you to stay on your own to explore these sites independently.
Headsets
- Depending on your group size, we may be required by the venue to order headsets. If you would like to guarantee headsets for your tour regardless of your group size, please email us and we’ll be happy to get them reserved for you.
Lunch
- Lunch is not included in the tour price. If you’ve booked a morning tour, your guide can offer suggestions on where to dine near the palace. If you’ve booked an afternoon tour, it is advisable to have lunch beforehand.
Resources
- For more information on planning your time in Paris, take a read through our Context Stories.
- If you are looking to learn more about Paris prior to a visit, check out our online lectures and audio guides.
If a member of your party has mobility concerns, please let our team know at the time of booking so that we can further advise and assist. For additional details on accessibility at Versailles, including tips to plan your trip, visit their official website.
Transport Recommendations: For optimal convenience, consider booking a return car service through our team.
Return Public Transit Options: The Versailles Rive Gauche - Chateau stop is wheelchair-friendly with elevators. Additional information about accessible stations is available here.
Wheelchair Availability: Manual wheelchairs are available for loan inside the palace without prior booking. They are free but require a temporary deposit of an official ID. Note that these wheelchairs are for indoor use only.
For more information about Context Tours, please visit our FAQs.
How long is the car journey from Paris to Versailles?
The drive usually takes about 45 minutes, but this depends on the location of your hotel and the time of day. The on-site walking tour with the guide lasts approximately 3-3.5 hours. Full-day tour options are also available here.
What's the plan if the weather isn't great?
Our tours proceed as scheduled, come rain or shine. We suggest dressing in comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing.
Will there be breaks or rests available for kids during the tour?
Absolutely! If you need to pause for a moment, just let your guide know.
Can we bring strollers inside the Palace of Versailles?
Strollers are not permitted inside the Palace. However, there is a designated area where you can check strollers. Additional details on their policy can be found here.
Do we need to have a Versailles entry ticket from Context if we have a museum pass?
Yes, entry tickets are required as part of the tour reservation, even for museum pass holders.
Where does the guided tour experience end?
The tour concludes in Versailles. If you haven't arranged a return car transfer, you can stay to explore the town further and return to Paris via train or taxi at your convenience.
Will the fountains be operational during our visit?
Fountain shows are usually scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays from April 1 to October 31, and on select Tuesdays during this period. On other weekdays in April-October, there's garden music but no fountain show. There are no music or fountain shows during winter.
Can I meet my expert directly in Versailles?
Yes, we can arrange this. Please reach out to our client experience team or leave a note at the time of booking.
Can I meet my expert directly in Versailles?
Yes, we can arrange this. Please reach out to our client experience team or leave a note at the time of booking.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
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47 Reviews
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
Laurent amazingly gave us a full tour of the chateau and gardens with detailed, interesting (riveting) information about the kings, lifestyles and history of the chateau. We, unfortunately, had to cut the tour short because of a dinner reservation we had made and he valiantly forged ahead and gave us a terrific tour. We appreciated his enthusiasm, knowledge and storytelling skill. A fantastic afternoon. We would gladly have Laurent as a tour guide again.
Jenny
Aug. 11, 2018
Everything was great. The only thing is the cost. It is a lot of money for the tour, but overall well worth it. Sandra really brought Versailles to life for my son and me.
Alison
Aug. 2, 2018
We had a great tour of Versailles with Thibaud. He customized the tour for our family and everyone enjoyed it. We learned about history as well as present-day life in Paris. Thibaud went out of his way to help us with our return trip home on the metro since several stations were closed in anticipation of World Cup volume. We truly appreciated it!
Ann
Jul. 20, 2018
