Versailles: Bike Tour, Palace Entry & Market Picnic

Summary

Cycle Versailles gardens taste cheese at market picnic by lake

You’ll wander bustling food stalls in Versailles’ market before cycling tree-lined paths past grand palaces and lakes. Picnic with local cheese beside swans, then explore Marie-Antoinette’s whimsical farm village and finish inside the dazzling Hall of Mirrors — all with a guide who brings royal history down to earth.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to start my Versailles day trip by awkwardly trying to order cheese in French at the morning market. Our guide, Camille, just grinned and let me stumble through it — “brie or comté?” she asked, but honestly, I picked by smell. The market was noisy and bright, with locals haggling over strawberries. I still remember the sharp scent of fresh bread mixing with something floral from a nearby stall. We loaded up our baskets for the picnic later (I might have gone overboard on pastries), then hopped on bikes right outside.

The ride itself surprised me — Versailles is huge, like really huge. There’s this moment where you’re pedaling past wheat fields and suddenly the palace appears across the water, all gold and glass. It felt quiet out there except for birds and the crunch of gravel under our wheels. Camille stopped us near the Grand Canal for lunch; we sat in soft grass watching swans glide around while she told stories about Louis XIV that made him sound more ridiculous than regal. I tried to pet a sheep at Marie-Antoinette’s hamlet later (it ignored me), but the village itself looked like something from a storybook — thatched roofs, crooked fences, even goats chewing on everything.

I got lost for a minute inside the Hall of Mirrors — not literally lost, just sort of stuck staring at my own reflection next to chandeliers and tourists. It’s strange how you can feel both tiny and important in a place like that. By the end my legs were tired but I didn’t want to leave yet; there was this golden light coming through the trees as we cycled back toward town. So yeah, if you’re thinking about a bike tour of Versailles from Paris… go hungry and don’t wear white pants (grass stains are real).

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Versailles Palace and Grounds Tour

• Meet at Paris train station
• Take train to Versailles
• Tour Versailles Farmers Market
• Free time at market stalls
• Cycle around Royal Domaine
• Ride through Royal forests
• Visit Royal fountains
• Explore Grand Trianon and gardens
• Picnic lunch by Grand Canal lake
• Visit Marie-Antoinette's Private Farm
• Explore Petit Trianon chateau
• Visit Palace of Versailles interior
• Free time at Hall of Mirrors

Top questions

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

The tour includes round-trip train tickets between Paris and Versailles with your guide.

Is lunch included on the Versailles bike tour?

You’ll buy your own picnic supplies at the Versailles Farmers Market; time is set aside for shopping before lunch by the lake.

Do you visit inside the Palace of Versailles?

Yes, timed entrance tickets are included so you can explore inside after biking.

Are entry fees for Grand Trianon & Petit Trianon included?

Yes, your ticket covers both chateaux as part of the itinerary.

Can children join this bike tour?

Yes; kids’ bikes and baby seats are available if arranged when booking.

What happens if it rains during the tour?

The tour operates in all weather conditions; bring appropriate clothing just in case.

Is there hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; you meet your guide at a train station in Paris for departure.

Will we see Marie-Antoinette’s hamlet?

Yes, you’ll walk through her private farm village and can meet some animals there.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip train travel from Paris to Versailles with your guide leading throughout. All entrance tickets are covered: Palace of Versailles (with timed entry), Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, plus access to Marie-Antoinette’s private hamlet and farm village. You’ll get a comfortable bike (with kids’ options or child seats if needed), time to shop at an award-winning farmers market for picnic lunch supplies, and plenty of stories from an engaging local expert before heading back in the evening.