Versailles: Bike Tour, Palace Entry & Local Market Picnic

Summary

Bike through Versailles markets and gardens with palace entry

You’ll ride from Paris by train with your guide, shop for picnic treats at Versailles’ lively market, and cycle through tree-lined paths past Marie Antoinette’s hamlet and royal gardens before exploring the palace at your own pace. Expect laughter over lunch by the Grand Canal—and moments you’ll want to linger in long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the first thing that hit me—fresh strawberries at the Versailles market, sweet and a little earthy in the morning air. Our guide, Camille, had us weaving through stalls packed with cheese wheels and baguettes while she chatted in French with a vendor about which brie was “le plus crémeux.” I tried to say it too. Didn’t quite land it. But nobody seemed to mind. We loaded up our baskets before hopping on the bikes—mine creaked a bit but felt sturdy enough for what was coming.

The town faded behind us pretty quickly as we pedaled into the grounds. There’s this hush under the trees that surprised me—just birds and our tires crunching gravel. Camille pointed out where Marie Antoinette used to sneak away (“her little village is over there,” she said, waving vaguely). It was easy to imagine her hiding out here; it’s peaceful in a way Paris never is. At the Grand Canal we unpacked our market haul for lunch—cheese so soft it stuck to my fingers, juicy tomatoes, a bottle of wine someone braver than me opened with a pocketknife. Sunlight off the water made everyone squint and laugh.

I lost track of time wandering through the Trianon gardens (roses everywhere), then finally inside the palace itself—the Hall of Mirrors is almost too much to take in at once. You get your own audio guide for this part; I liked moving at my own pace after all that biking and fresh air. The crowds are real but somehow didn’t bother me after such an open day outside. When I left for the train back to Paris (ticket already sorted), I realized I’d barely checked my phone all day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Versailles bike tour and palace visit

• See Palace exterior
• View Versailles Gardens briefly
• Explore Marie Antoinette's Hamlet and Trianons
• Picnic lunch at Grand Canal
• Enter Palace and explore with audio guide

Top questions

How do you get from Paris to Versailles on this tour?

The tour includes round-trip train tickets from Paris to Versailles with your guide accompanying you both ways.

Is lunch included on the Versailles bike tour?

You’ll buy your own picnic supplies at the local market in Versailles before cycling into the estate for lunch by the Grand Canal.

Do you visit inside the Palace of Versailles?

Yes, entry tickets are included so you can explore inside the palace—including the Hall of Mirrors—at your own pace after biking.

Are bikes and helmets provided?

Yes, bikes and helmets are provided for all participants on this day trip from Paris.

Is this tour suitable for beginners or kids?

The route is suitable for anyone who can ride a bike confidently; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What happens if it rains during the bike tour?

The tour operates rain or shine; ponchos are available if needed so you can still enjoy cycling through Versailles.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip train travel from Paris with your guide riding along, bikes and helmets ready when you arrive, entry tickets covering not just the famous palace but also its royal gardens, Marie Antoinette’s hamlet, and both Trianons—and plenty of time to explore inside at your own pace before heading back whenever you’re ready.