Versailles: Path of the Heroes on original electrics 2 wheels

Discover Versailles’ Heroes on Electric Two Wheels

This half-day tour in Versailles combines history, scenery, and outdoor fun on electric scooters, making it a lively way to explore important sites linked to World Wars I and II. Priced at $173.64 per person, the tour lasts approximately 4 hours and is perfect for those with a good sense of balance and a desire for an active, educational experience. The guides lead you through cycle paths, small streets, and forest tracks—covering about 18 miles—while providing plenty of interesting commentary along the way.

What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to visit some of the lesser-known monuments and locations tied to France’s wartime history, all while riding a scooter rather than walking or bus touring. The group size is limited to 6 participants, ensuring a personalized experience, though children under 14 are not permitted. The tour includes snacks, photos, and a GoPro, making it a fun and engaging way to learn about the heroes of the past.

Key Points

• Electric scooter tour lasting approximately 4 hours in Versailles, France
• Visit key WWII and WWI memorials and sites including the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial and the war memorial near the town hall
• Guided by an expert, with opportunities to take photos using a GoPro and walkie-talkies provided
• Includes snacks, a camera, and a rain poncho, ensuring comfort and convenience during the ride
• Limited to 6 participants, with a minimum age of 14 and a maximum weight of 130 kg

Starting Point and Meeting Details in Versailles

This tour departs from a designated meeting point in Versailles, specifically at R43G+86 Versailles, France, at 2:00 pm. The meeting point is conveniently located near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers. The tour ends back at this same meeting location, so planning around local transit options is straightforward.

The small group size guarantees a more intimate experience, allowing for personalized attention from the guide. Since the tour is available most days, booking about 12 days in advance is recommended to secure a spot, especially during busy seasons.

What the Electric Scooters Bring to the Experience

The electric scooters are a key feature of this tour, offering a lively way to cover more ground with less fatigue. The package includes helmets, gloves, and a Kway, making outdoor riding comfortable regardless of the weather. Walkie-talkies accompany the ride, facilitating communication with the guide and ensuring everyone stays connected.

Travelers note that the scooters provide the ability to explore more than 25 km during the half-day, making the experience far more dynamic than walking. The guide remains actively involved, helping you navigate the route and explaining the historical significance of each stop.

Exploring the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial

The first stop at the Memorial de L’Escadrille La Fayette is a highlight, dedicated to the American volunteer pilots who fought during WWI under French command before the U.S. entered the war. The story of this site predates U.S. involvement and celebrates the courage of those pilots.

Admission to this memorial is included, and the guide provides detailed explanations about the history and significance of the memorial. Visitors learn about the American pilots who sacrificed their lives, with the site serving as a powerful reminder of international cooperation in wartime.

The Pershing-Lafayette Memorial on Versailles Heights

A short ride takes you to the Monuments Pershing – Lafayette, located on the heights of Versailles. This memorial honors both General Pershing and General Lafayette, symbolizing the connection between the American army in WWI and the American War of Independence.

The view from this spot offers a scenic backdrop, and the free admission allows for a quick but meaningful visit. It’s an ideal stop to appreciate the historical ties between France and the United States.

The Significance of Place d’Armes and Versailles’ Military Past

The Place d’Armes is a poignant stop, where the guide explains how Versailles served as a gathering point for French soldiers and horses before heading to battle during WWI. The site is located near the Château de Versailles, created by Louis XIV, but here, the focus is on France’s wartime mobilization.

This stop lasts about 15 minutes, providing an opportunity to reflect on the scale of wartime preparations and the role of Versailles during the conflicts. It’s a quiet moment that highlights the military history intertwined with the city’s iconic palace.

The Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Trianon Palace Connection

The Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Trianon Palace marks a notable historical site, where Georges Clemenceau dictated the conditions of the Treaty of Versailles. This luxury hotel, located at the entrance of the Versailles park, connects the legacy of peace negotiations with the city’s grandeur.

A quick stop here allows viewers to appreciate the luxurious setting and the historical weight of the Treaty, signed shortly afterward at the Château de Versailles. It’s a fascinating blend of history and opulence.

The War Memorial near Versailles Town Hall

Near the Versailles town hall, the war memorial honors those who served, while the hotel housing Germans before the signing of the Treaty of Versailles** is also visible from the route.

This 30-minute stop offers a chance to see the local memorials and grasp how Versailles commemorates its wartime history. The guide explains each site’s significance, enriching the visit with context.

Refreshment Break at Haras de Jardy

A refreshment break takes place in the Haras de Jardy, an exceptional setting that offers a moment to relax amidst greenery. The 15-minute break is included, providing snacks and a chance to chat with the guide or fellow participants.

This stop adds a pausing point in the tour, balancing active riding with moments of reflection and rest. It’s a peaceful setting that enhances the overall experience.

The Unique Benefits of the Guided Tour

Throughout the tour, JB, the knowledgeable guide, shares detailed stories about the sites visited. His expertise and friendly manner ensure that the history comes alive, enriching the experience beyond just riding around.

The use of walkie-talkies ensures that communication remains clear, making it easier to learn about the monuments and ask questions. The GoPro camera allows you to capture memories without the hassle of taking photos yourself, and the snacks keep everyone energized.

Practical Details and Booking Tips

This tour is suitable for most people over 14 years old who know how to ride a bike. The maximum weight limit is 130 kg (285 pounds), and the tour is limited to 6 participants, ensuring a more personal experience.

Booking around 12 days in advance is recommended, given it’s popular. The confirmation is immediate unless booked within 8 hours, in which case it’s subject to availability. Since the tour ends at the meeting point, planning local transport should be straightforward.

Why Choose This Tour in Versailles

This electric scooter tour offers an engaging way to discover lesser-known historical sites around Versailles, beyond the palace grounds. The scenic route combines history, outdoor activity, and scenic views, making it ideal for active visitors eager to combine culture with adventure.

What sets this experience apart is the expert guidance, the casual outdoor setting, and the personalized attention given the small group size. It’s especially suited for those comfortable on a bike or scooter who want a dynamic, informative, and fun way to explore the city’s wartime legacy.

The Sum Up: A Unique Way to Experience Versailles’ Wartime History

This half-day electric scooter tour in Versailles provides a balanced mix of history, scenery, and outdoor fun. The guides’ expertise and engaging storytelling transform the visit into a memorable journey, with stops at important memorials and sites related to WWI and WWII.

The scenic route, combined with snacks, photos, and the opportunity to ride on eco-friendly scooters, makes it a distinctive experience. It’s perfect for active travelers with a curiosity for history and a desire to see more than just the palace.

While it’s limited to adults and teens over 14, the small group size and detailed commentary ensure a personalized and informative outing. This tour delivers culture, history, and a touch of adventure all in one package, making it a worthwhile choice for those seeking a different perspective on Versailles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is for participants aged 14 and above due to the physical nature of scooter riding and safety considerations.

What should I bring or wear?
Participants should know how to ride a bike. The tour provides helmets, gloves, and a Kway for weather protection, but comfortable outdoor clothing is recommended.

How physically demanding is the tour?
The ride covers around 18 miles on varied terrain, including cycle paths, small streets, and forest tracks. Basic riding skills are necessary, but the guide will assist throughout.

Can I book this tour last-minute?
Booking about 12 days in advance is ideal, but confirmation is immediate unless booked within 8 hours. Availability depends on the group size and demand.

What is included in the price?
The tour fee covers guidance, scooters, helmets, gloves, snacks, a camera with a memory card, walkie-talkies, and a rain poncho if needed.

This Versailles: Path of the Heroes on original electrics 2 wheels tour offers an active, educational, and scenic way to connect with the city’s wartime legacy—perfect for curious explorers eager to see Versailles from a different angle.