Versailles: Golf Cart & Bike Tour with Gardens, Hamlet & Palace Entry

Summary

Golf carts whirring past fountains then bikes by the Grand Canal—Versailles opens up in ways I didn’t expect

You’ll ride through Versailles Gardens by golf cart and bike (or shuttle), explore secret groves and fountains, wander Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet at your own pace, then enter the Palace after peak crowds—all tickets included. Expect small surprises: laughter with your guide, quiet corners away from crowds, maybe even the best hot chocolate you’ve ever tasted.

What’s the experience like?

I hopped into the golf cart at Versailles Gardens feeling a bit skeptical—was this going to be too touristy? But our guide, Lucie, had this way of making everything feel casual. She pointed out these hidden groves (the Bosquets), where you could actually hear the fountains before you saw them—sort of a muffled rush behind thick hedges. There was this one spot where sunlight flickered through the leaves and I swear, for a second, it felt like we’d slipped into another century. The air smelled faintly green and wet, not floral like I’d expected. Lucie laughed when I tried to pronounce “Bosquet”—I’m sure I butchered it.

Switching to bikes near the Grand Canal was surprisingly easy—no city roads, just smooth paths under big old trees. I’m not much of a cyclist but honestly, it felt safe (and kind of freeing). There were families with kids on tandems and even someone with a baby trailer. We stopped for photos where the canal shimmered in the sun and geese wandered by like they owned the place. For anyone who can’t or doesn’t want to bike, they had a shuttle option too—one older couple took that and seemed pretty content waving at us as we pedaled past.

The real surprise was Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet. It’s tucked away from everything else—a little village with thatched roofs and lazy goats chewing grass. You could smell hay and something sweet from a nearby bakery (or maybe just my imagination). We wandered around quietly; it almost felt rude to talk loudly there. Lunch wasn’t included but we got a discount at Angelina’s—I went for their hot chocolate because Lucie said it was “almost as famous as Versailles itself.” She wasn’t wrong; it was thick enough to eat with a spoon.

After all that, getting timed entry into the Palace felt like skipping some invisible line everyone else was stuck in. Most people were still outside so inside was calmer than I’d expected—echoey halls, gold everywhere, but what stuck with me most was actually that moment back in the gardens when everything went quiet except for birds and distant water. Funny how that’s what I remember first.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Versailles Gardens and Palace Tour

• Ride golf carts through Royal Gardens
• Stop at scenic viewpoints
• Explore Bosquets and fountains
• Cycle inside Royal Domain on smooth paths
• Choose bike or shuttle option
• Visit Marie Antoinette's Hamlet village
• Enjoy lunch with 15% discount at Angelina's
• Enter Palace of Versailles after peak hours
• Explore the Palace with timed ticket

Top questions

Is lunch included on this Versailles tour?

No, lunch isn’t included but you get an exclusive 15% discount at Angelina’s café inside Versailles Gardens.

Do I need to be an experienced cyclist for the bike part?

No experience needed—the cycling is only inside Versailles grounds on smooth paths with various bike options for adults and children.

Can I skip biking if I have mobility issues?

Yes, there’s a shuttle option instead of biking at no extra cost—ideal for guests who prefer not to cycle.

Does this tour include entry to Marie Antoinette’s Estate?

Yes, your ticket includes access to Marie Antoinette’s Estate as well as Trianon and the main Palace.

Are golf carts shared or private?

Golf carts seat up to 4 people per vehicle; you may share with others if your group is smaller than 4.

What language is the guided tour in?

The tour is conducted in English.

When can I visit the Palace during this tour?

You’ll have timed access to enter the Palace after 3:30pm when most crowds are outside in the gardens.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near Versailles for getting to and from the meeting point.

What’s included

Your day includes all entry tickets for Versailles Gardens (with fountain show if scheduled), Marie Antoinette’s Estate, Trianon palaces, use of an electric golf cart for about an hour (up to four per cart), choice of bicycle or shuttle ticket within the Royal Domain (with helmets or infant seats if needed), plus timed access into the main Palace after peak hours so you can explore more calmly at your own pace.