Versailles: Electric Bike Tour, Market Picnic & Palace Entry

Summary

Cycle quiet trails to Versailles market then wander palace halls

You’ll ride electric bikes from Paris along scenic trails to Versailles, shop for picnic treats at a bustling French market, and relax by the Grand Canal before exploring Marie-Antoinette’s Hamlet and wandering through the Palace of Versailles at your own pace. Includes return train ticket and all entry fees—just bring your curiosity (and maybe an appetite).

What’s the experience like?

I never thought I’d start my day in Paris and end up picnicking beside the Grand Canal at Versailles, but here we are. The electric bikes made it weirdly easy—honestly, I barely broke a sweat even after that first little uphill past Parc de Saint-Cloud. Our guide, Lucie, kept us laughing (and not lost) as we zipped through tiny villages like Marnes-la-Coquette. She pointed out a bakery where apparently even presidents have stopped for croissants. The smell of fresh bread was everywhere. I tried to say “merci” to an old man outside but probably sounded like a lost tourist—he just grinned and waved me on.

The Notre-Dame Market in Versailles is chaos in the best way: cheese stalls shouting prices, people arguing over tomatoes, someone handing out sausage samples (I took two, don’t judge). We stuffed our saddlebags with whatever looked good—cheese so creamy it stuck to my fingers, strawberries that actually smelled like summer—and rolled out our blanket by the water. Eating there with the palace glinting in the distance felt almost too perfect. Sun kept poking through gray clouds; I got goosebumps once when it hit just right.

After lunch we wandered through Marie-Antoinette’s Hamlet—tiny cottages with gardens and ducks waddling around. Lucie told us stories about secret parties and royal drama; she made history sound like gossip from last week. Inside the Palace of Versailles itself, I lost track of time in the Hall of Mirrors (so many chandeliers it almost hurt my eyes). You could hear your own footsteps echoing back at you. When it was finally time to go, Lucie handed us train tickets and said goodbye right outside—she took care of the bikes so we didn’t have to worry. I still think about that view from our picnic spot sometimes; it’s hard not to.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Electric bike tour to Versailles

• Ride through Parc de Saint-Cloud
• View Paris from Parc de Saint-Cloud
• Cycle through Marnes-la-Coquette village
• Ride through forest paths and quiet roads
• Shop fresh products at Notre-Dame Market
• Picnic by the Grand Canal
• Admire Grand Trianon Château exterior
• Walk through Petit Trianon courtyard and park
• Explore Marie-Antoinette’s Hamlet
• Visit Versailles Gardens
• Tour the Palace of Versailles and Hall of Mirrors

Top questions

How long is the electric bike ride from Paris to Versailles?

The ride covers several scenic kilometers with stops along parks and villages; most guests find it comfortable with e-bikes.

Is lunch included on this Versailles bike tour?

You’ll buy your own picnic items at the Notre-Dame Market in Versailles using local recommendations from your guide.

Do I need to be athletic for this electric bike tour?

No—the e-bikes make riding easy even if you’re not athletic or used to cycling long distances.

Are entrance tickets to Versailles Palace included?

Yes, entry tickets for the Château de Versailles, gardens, fountains, Petit Trianon, and Marie-Antoinette’s Hamlet are included.

How do we get back to Paris after visiting Versailles?

You’ll return by train with provided tickets while your guide handles returning the bikes separately.

What should I bring for this day trip?

Bring comfortable clothes suitable for biking and weather changes; everything else is provided including helmet and rain cape if needed.

Is this tour suitable for children?

This tour is suitable for ages 10+; children must meet minimum height requirements for available bikes.

Will there be a local guide throughout?

Yes—a local guide leads you from Paris through all activities until you enter the palace grounds.

What’s included

Your day includes use of an electric bike with helmet and rain cape if needed, a saddlebag for your market finds, entrance tickets for both Marie-Antoinette’s Hamlet and Petit Trianon plus full access to Château de Versailles and its gardens, a picnic blanket for lunch by the canal, clear instructions with a train ticket back to Paris, and your guide takes care of returning all bikes so you can relax after exploring.