Versailles: Palace Small Group Tour & Royal Apartments Entry

Summary

Wander royal halls see mirrors glow meet versailles up close

You’ll join a small group at Versailles for direct entry into the palace with a local guide who brings centuries-old stories to life. Walk through royal apartments and stand beneath sparkling chandeliers in the Hall of Mirrors before wandering gardens at your own pace. Expect moments that surprise you — maybe even make you feel tiny next to all that history.

What’s the experience like?

“Is that really all gold?” someone whispered as we craned our necks under the Equestrian Statue of Louis XIV. Our guide — Camille, born and raised just outside Paris — grinned and said, “Not quite, but almost.” She handed us headsets (I was grateful; my French is terrible) and led us right past the long ticket line. It felt a bit surreal to step through those gates with a small group instead of being swept along in a crowd. The air inside was cooler than I expected, carrying this faint scent of old wood and polish. Camille pointed out details I’d never have noticed — like how the sunlight in the Hall of Mirrors bounces off 357 mirrors and makes everything shimmer. I tried to count but got distracted by the ceiling paintings. You know how sometimes you think you’ve seen something in photos, but it’s completely different when you’re actually there?

We shuffled quietly through the Royal Apartments, velvet ropes everywhere, but Camille kept us moving at just the right pace. There was this moment in the Queen’s bedroom where she told a story about Marie Antoinette sneaking out through a hidden door during the Revolution — I could almost hear footsteps echoing on those creaky floors. Someone asked if people still live here (they don’t), and for some reason that made me laugh. After we finished inside, Camille waved goodbye and reminded us we could explore the gardens as long as we liked (just remember tickets for musical shows aren’t included). The sky had cleared by then; I sat on a stone bench near one of those fountains, eating an apple from my bag while kids ran around pretending to be kings.

I didn’t expect to feel so small among all that history — or to notice how quiet it gets once you’re away from the palace crowds. If you go on certain days, there’s music drifting from hidden speakers among the hedges (it’s extra for those shows). Either way, wandering alone after hearing all those stories hits different. I still think about that light in the Hall of Mirrors — it’s hard to describe unless you’ve stood there yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided tour of Versailles Palace and gardens

• Meet guide at Louis XIV statue
• Tour State Apartments and Royal Chapel
• Visit Hall of Mirrors gallery
• Explore gardens and fountains freely
• Optionally watch Musical Gardens or Fountains Show

Top questions

Where does the Versailles small group tour start?

You meet your guide at the Equestrian Statue of Louis XIV in front of Versailles Palace.

Does this tour include entry to Versailles Palace?

Yes, scheduled time access to Versailles Palace is included with your ticket.

Is garden access included in this tour?

No, tickets for garden shows like Musical Gardens or Fountains must be purchased separately.

How many people are usually in each group?

The tour is described as small group but exact numbers may vary; check with provider if needed.

What will I see inside Versailles Palace?

The guided tour covers Royal Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, State Apartments, and Royal Chapel.

Is there free time after the guided portion?

Yes, after saying goodbye to your guide you can spend free time exploring the gardens.

Are headsets provided during the tour?

Yes, headsets are provided so you can clearly hear your local guide throughout.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near Versailles Palace.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your guide by Louis XIV’s statue at Versailles for scheduled palace entry with headsets provided so you don’t miss a word. Enjoy a guided walk through royal apartments and famous halls before having free time to explore gardens or catch musical fountain shows (garden show tickets not included).