A day trip to Versailles is the perfect plan if you’re looking for things to do in Paris that go a little outside the city limits. The grandeur of the palace, the beautiful gardens, and the history packed into this UNESCO World Heritage site make it a must-see, especially if it’s your first time in France.
I finally visited during the summer of 2024, right in the middle of the Olympics, and while that certainly added to the crowds, everything I heard from locals and tour guides suggests that Versailles is very busy year-round. But with the right planning, you can maximize your day trip to Versailles and make it a seamless, enjoyable experience.
Booking a Day Trip to Versailles Tour: What We Did & Recommend
We booked a half-day tour through Viator, which I would recommend. The tour included round trip transportation from Paris to Versailles via a comfortable bus, but we opted to take an Uber back for the sake of ease (more on that later).
The inside of the palace is best explored with a guide unless you already know a lot about the rooms. Our tour included a guided portion for the interior, and it made a huge difference for understanding what we were seeing. Our guide shared a wealth of historical facts—most of which I don’t remember—but what mattered was that their storytelling kept me engaged and focused in an environment that can otherwise feel overwhelming. And, focusing on following them through the crowd helped with my anxiety.
Arriving at Versailles: Timing is Everything
We arrived in the mid-morning, and there were already loads of people inside and a ton lining up to enter. In hindsight, I would recommend getting there as early as possible – especially if you go in summer because it was uncomfortably hot by the afternoon. If you want the best chance of a less chaotic experience inside, aim for the earliest time slot available when booking your tour. Despite the crowds, the palace itself is breathtaking. The Hall of Mirrors didn’t disappoint even with the droves of tourists crowded in. The sheer opulence of every ceiling, wall, and piece of furniture is worth experiencing at least once. It’s like walking back in time, and I found myself repeatedly imagining what life would have been like all those years ago.
Exploring the Gardens: Why You Should Get the Add-On Ticket
Once we finished touring the palace, our tour guide informed us we had a half hour to explore before we needed to return to the bus, or, that we could go do our own thing and take the city bus back into Paris. We decided we wanted to see the gardens and grounds after all and we purchased tickets. If you’re debating whether or not to see the outdoor spaces, do it! It was well worth the time and money. The gardens provided an immediate sense of relief from the crowds. Inside, we were shoulder to shoulder, but outside you have space, fresh air, and the ability to move freely. The gardens are expansive, with meticulously designed landscapes, fountains, and shaded paths perfect for wandering.
Renting a Golf Cart to Explore: Worth Every Euro
We decided to rent a golf cart to explore the gardens, the Queen’s Hamlet and The Trianon. Versailles is massive, and walking the entire estate in the summer heat (or anytime, really) is no joke. Plus, it saved on time, and allowed us more time in the afternoon to explore Paris.
Here’s what to know about golf cart rentals at Versailles:
- Cost: Expect to pay around €42 per hour. You’re charged by time, so keep track of how long you have it. It fits 4 people.
- Where to get one: Rentals are available near the entrance to the gardens.
- How it works: They’re easy to drive, and they save you a ton of walking. We used ours to cruise through different parts of the gardens, stopping to take in a view or take photos. These carts aren’t fast at all and were simple to drive. The carts slows down if you are approaching an off limits area too, so it’s hard to get lost. Both features help to keep you out of trouble!
Beyond convenience, the golf cart was just fun. At one point, we met a young couple who looked exhausted and offered them a ride back to the entrance. This solidified our thinking that the cart would be worth the 1.5 hours in fees.
One of my favorite parts of the day was visiting the Queen’s Hamlet, a charming, storybook-like retreat built for Marie Antoinette. To get there, we parked our golf cart near the Grand Trianon, paid the entrance fees and took a peaceful 10-minute walk through a shaded forest path. The Hamlet has several thatched-roof cottages, a small lake with swans, and gardens that felt like we had dropped into the past somehow. Unlike the crowded Hall of Mirrors, this area was nearly empty, likely because it requires an additional ticket (€12 per person) on top of general admission. But for me, it was completely worth it. The feeling of stepping into a secret corner of Versailles made this the most memorable and relaxing part of the day.
Returning to Paris: Why We Chose Uber
To allow for more time at Versailles, we skipped the tour bus ride back to Paris. Once we finished exploring, it was an easy walk down to the city bus stop located just outside the property. But once we reached the bus stand the temps were well into the high 90’s and it was so humid. So instead of navigating public transit in the heat, we opened the Uber app, and had a car in under two minutes – with AC. It was a hassle-free way to get back to our hotel without dealing with train crowds or extra walking. We actually used Uber with some regularity on this trip.
Final Thoughts: Is a Day Trip to Versailles Worth It?
If you’re debating whether to include a day trip to Versailles during your Paris visit, the answer is Yes!
For a half-day visit:
- Tour the inside of the palace first (preferably early in the day)
- Stop by the gift shop before heading out to the gardens
- Enjoy the gardens with a golf cart rental for a relaxing, scenic experience
- Buy your tickets ahead of time as they can sell out – especially with the better rated tour companies. We used Viator to purchase ours–as we often do.
- There are places to get food and snacks at Versailles, so it’s not necessary to pack snacks.
- Remember to bring water, a hat and sunscreen though if you go in summer.
- Check the Palace of Versailles website for up to date specifics about prices and hours of operation
Even with the crowds, Versailles did not disappoint. It’s absolutely worth visiting whether you’re a first-time visitor or someone who’s been on the fence about going. The mix of history, beauty, and sheer size makes it an unforgettable experience. I would even visit again and spend some time in areas we didn’t see. But next time, I would buy the package that includes access to all areas for €24.
What are your recommendations for this day trip to Versailles? Let me know in the comments!
