Versailles Royal Palace & Gardens Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Skip-the-line access to the Palace of Versailles
- Guided tour of the Royal Apartments and Hall of Mirrors
- Stroll through the meticulously manicured Gardens of Versailles
- Discover the history of the Sun King, Louis XIV
- Explore the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon palaces
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Skip-the-line access to the Palace of Versailles
- Guided tour of the Royal Apartments and Hall of Mirrors
- Stroll through the meticulously manicured Gardens of Versailles
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Your adventure commences at the magnificent equestrian statue of King Louis XIV, proudly positioned in the palace forecourt, just before the gleaming golden gates. With skip-the-line access, you'll bypass the queues and step into the palace grounds. As you explore, marvel at the results of the meticulous 30-year restoration project overseen by Gerald Ven Der Kamp. Navigate through the maze of mythical fountains adorning the sprawling gardens, and after your tour of the formal gardens, your guide will lead you into the heart of Versailles Palace.
Originally a modest hunting lodge of King Louis XIII, Versailles underwent a remarkable metamorphosis in the 17th century under the ambitious vision of King Louis XIV, blossoming into the quintessence of European opulence. Immerse yourself in the lavish chambers and extravagant tales of the splendid palace, replete with narratives of indulgence and political intrigue. Venture beyond the public spectacle to uncover the clandestine treasures of Versailles: the king’s private apartments. Within these intimate quarters unfolded the personal lives of Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI, shielded from the ceremonial facade.
In the era of Louis XIV, these apartments doubled as a gallery for the king’s esteemed private collections. Behold magnificent artifacts like the pendulum constellation clock and intricate Equestrian statuette, delving into the secluded domain of royalty, from the porcelain-clad dining hall to lavishly adorned bathing chambers. As part of the king’s apartments tour, immerse yourself in the grandeur of the opera house and/or cathedral [depending on the day of your visit], enriching your immersive exploration of Versailles. As your tour concludes, bid adieu to your guide, who will leave you to bask in the splendor of the estate at your own leisure, armed with newfound insights into the captivating history of Versailles.
Pass by: Your passport ticket includes access not only to the palace and gardens, but also to the Trianon Estate. After your guided tour, you are free to continue exploring independently, including visits to the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, and the Queen’s Hamlet.
Pass by: After your guided tour, you are free to continue exploring independently, including visits to the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, and the Queen’s Hamlet.
Meeting point
Start Location
Equestrian statue of Louis XIV, Versailles, France
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour is conducted in English; ensure you are comfortable with the language.
- Photography is allowed in most areas; however, flash photography may be restricted in certain rooms.
- The tour operates rain or shine; plan your attire accordingly.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves extensive walking.
- Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly for outdoor portions of the tour.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- IMPORTANT: Due to heightened security measures at the Versailles entrance, we advise all clients to ensure punctuality by arriving at the meeting point 15 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time.
Traveler reviews
Great tour, great guide.
This was an exceptional tour that gave us special views and insights into the hidden parts of Verssilles. Our guide Eva, was truly amazing. Her passion, knowledge and presentation skills really brought Versailles to life. The tour was not inexpensive but it was way worth the money. Go, you will be glad you did.
Intimate and Memorable Versailles Tour
Our tour of Versailles with Giovanna was truly memorable. She was enthusiastic, incredibly knowledgeable, and brought the history of the palace to life. The highlight was visiting the Private Quarters of the King and the Royal Family, which gave us an intimate experience without having to deal with the crowds at the start. Although we later merged into the State Rooms with the throngs of tourists, most of the tour felt very special. The tour was the perfect length to fully appreciate Versailles without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. We highly recommend a tour with Giovanna and LivTours.
Wonderful Tour
Grigor was a fabulous guide and this was a wonderful tour. We really enjoyed seeing all the hidden VIP areas and it was worth the extra money to not be waiting in all the lines. This is my second time using Liv Tours and they do a great job!
VIP tour Versailles
We signed up for a group tour but were the only ones on the tour so we were very lucky to have a private tour with Anna. She gave us an amazing tour of the Kings apartments and the palace. She really brought the history of the palace to life and made us feel like VIPs. We enjoyed the time that we spent with her and felt like we really learned a lot about the history of France and Versailles.
Fantastic 5 stars
Fantastic! Clearly a group of professionals that run Liv Tours. The guide was an expert and interesting. The private portions were stunning and relaxed.