Versailles: Bike Tour, Palace Entry & Picnic by Grand Canal

Summary

Cycle Versailles gardens shop at market picnic by canal then palace

You’ll pedal through Versailles’ vast gardens with a local guide, pick up picnic supplies at a bustling market, relax by the Grand Canal with fresh bread and cheese, and explore both Marie Antoinette’s retreats and the famous palace itself. Expect a day that feels both grand and strangely personal—one you might still think about weeks later.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to be picking out cheese in a French market before 10am, but that’s how our Versailles bike tour started. The train from Paris was quick — just enough time for coffee and a chat with our guide, Luc. He joked about “Paris legs” not being ready for country cycling, which made me nervous (they were right — but it’s mostly flat). The air in Versailles felt different than Paris, softer somehow. We wandered through stalls of strawberries and baguettes, everyone negotiating in quick French. I tried to ask for Comté and probably mangled it; the vendor smiled anyway.

Once we got our bikes (mine had a squeaky bell I couldn’t resist), we pedaled straight into tree-lined avenues and open lawns. There’s this moment when you first glimpse the Grand Canal — it just stretches out forever, sunlight flickering on the water. That’s where we stopped for our picnic: bread still warm from the bakery, salty ham, fruit that tasted like summer. It was quieter than I thought it would be; just some laughter from another group nearby and ducks splashing around. Luc shared stories about Marie Antoinette’s “village” and pointed out where she’d sneak away from court life. I always pictured Versailles as just gold and mirrors, but there’s so much green space — you can actually breathe here.

The ride to the Petit Trianon was easy, except for one cobblestone bit that rattled my teeth (worth it). We wandered through Marie Antoinette’s hamlet — little cottages with flowers everywhere — then circled back toward the main palace. Timed entry meant no waiting in line (thank god), so we drifted into the Hall of Mirrors with all those chandeliers catching afternoon light. I kept thinking about how different it feels seeing all this after biking through the grounds instead of just arriving by bus or whatever. My legs were tired but in a good way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Versailles bike tour and palace visit

• Meet near Paris metro station
• Take suburban rail to Versailles
• Pick up bikes near train station
• Ride through Versailles town and parks
• Explore market and buy picnic supplies
• Ride around Grand Canal
• Have picnic by Grand Canal
• Visit Grand Trianon palace
• Explore Petit Trianon retreat
• Enter Palace of Versailles
• Visit Hall of Mirrors
• See Versailles Royal Chapel
• Access Versailles gardens

Top questions

How far is Versailles from Paris?

Versailles is about 16 kilometers (12 miles) from Paris. The suburban train ride takes around 30 minutes.

Is lunch included on this Versailles bike tour?

No set lunch is included, but you’ll shop for your own picnic supplies at the local market before enjoying them by the Grand Canal.

Do I need to be very fit for this bike tour?

No, moderate fitness is enough. The route covers about 10 miles on mostly flat terrain at a leisurely pace.

Are child seats or children’s bikes available?

Yes, child seats and tandem bikes are available if requested when booking. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Does this tour include entry to the Palace of Versailles?

Yes, timed entry to the Palace of Versailles is included along with access to its Royal Chapel and Hall of Mirrors.

What happens if it rains during the tour?

The tour operates in all weather conditions; dress appropriately for rain or shine.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip train transportation from Paris to Versailles, use of a bicycle and helmet (with options for children), access to explore both the Chateau and Royal Gardens independently after your guided ride, plus timed entry into the palace itself—so you won’t have to wait in line—and time to enjoy your own picnic by the Grand Canal before heading back to Paris.