From Paris: Giverny and Versailles Private Full-Day Trip

Key Points

• Private full-day trip lasting 9 hours with hotel pickup and drop-off in Paris
• Explore Versailles Palace, including the Hall of Mirrors and lavish apartments
• Visit Monet’s house and gardens at Giverny, with vibrant flower beds and the famous water lily pond
• Skip long lines with special entrance tickets and enjoy the convenience of an air-conditioned vehicle
• Led by a professional, licensed guide who shares engaging stories and historical insights
• Suitable for groups of up to 8 people seeking an immersive day outside Paris

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Comprehensive Tour of Versailles Palace and Gardens

This private full-day tour from Paris offers the chance to experience two iconic destinations in a single day. The tour departs with hotel pickup and takes about 9 hours, making it a convenient way to see Versailles and Giverny without the hassle of planning transportation or tickets. The price is $1,554 per group—up to 8 travelers—which provides a personalized experience with exclusive services and the benefit of skip-the-line tickets.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, guided visit to these landmarks, ensuring they don’t miss any highlights or essential details. It’s also perfect for those who prefer comfortable transportation and a private setting to explore at their own pace. While the day includes a lot of sightseeing, it’s designed to be manageable and engaging, with a focus on quality over quantity.

The Journey from Paris to Versailles Palace

The adventure begins with a hotel pickup in Paris, where a professional, licensed driver-guide collects your group. The journey to Versailles Palace takes about one hour in an air-conditioned minivan, setting a relaxed tone for the day ahead. This private arrangement guarantees minimal waiting times and a flexible schedule, allowing the guide to tailor certain parts of the visit to your interest.

Once at Versailles, the guide leads the group through the opulent palace, once home to King Louis XIV, Louis XVI, and Marie Antoinette. The Hall of Mirrors commands attention with its grandeur, while the Grand Apartments and Queen’s Apartments showcase exquisite decor and historical significance. Visitors get a vivid sense of royal life through the guide’s stories, making the experience both educational and visually stunning.

Exploring the Gardens and Grounds of Versailles

After touring the interior, the group has free time to wander through the vast gardens behind the palace. These gardens feature symmetrical patterns, ornate fountains, and carefully manicured lawns. The outdoor space offers perfect photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate the scale and beauty of the Versailles estate at your own pace.

The visit to Versailles is complemented by skip-the-line entrance tickets, which save valuable time and help avoid the crowds that can gather at this popular site, especially during peak seasons. This part of the tour emphasizes luxury and comfort, allowing you to focus fully on the scenery and history.

Lunch and the Drive to Giverny

Following the Versailles visit, the tour includes a midday break for lunch (lunch is not included in the cost) before heading to Giverny, Monet’s long-time home. The drive lasts approximately 1.5 hours, giving everyone a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery in the air-conditioned vehicle.

The guide provides lunch recommendations, helping you find a local spot or suggesting options tailored to your preferences. This pause lets you recharge before exploring Monet’s artistic sanctuary.

More Great Tours Nearby

Monet’s House and Gardens at Giverny

Arriving at Giverny, the group explores Monet’s house and gardens, a site that inspired some of his most famous paintings. You’ll see rows of vibrant flowers, the water lily pond, and the Japanese bridge which Monet painted countless times. The walk through the gardens is a colorful, sensory experience, with plenty of opportunities for photos.

Inside Monet’s house, you can view his workshop and living quarters, as well as his collection of Japanese prints on the walls. The guide shares insights into Monet’s life, his artistic process, and how the gardens served as his outdoor studio. The visit is designed to evoke the artist’s creativity and passion for nature.

Returning to Paris After a Day of Artistic and Royal Splendor

The journey back to Paris completes the day’s exploration. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort during the approximately 1.5-hour drive. The drop-off service drops you back at your accommodation, wrapping up the 9-hour adventure.

Throughout the day, guests enjoy the convenience of exclusive services, including skip-the-line tickets and professional guidance, making this tour accessible and stress-free. The private group setting is ideal for families, friends, or small groups seeking a personalized experience.

The Experience with Normandy Melody

The provider, Normandy Melody, is known for offering well-organized, informative tours tailored to individual groups. The guides are praised for their friendly demeanor and extensive knowledge, ensuring that each stop is both educational and engaging. The comfortable transportation and flexible scheduling contribute to a seamless day trip.

While the tour does not include lunch, the guide’s recommendations and the overall flow make up for this, allowing plenty of time at each site without feeling rushed. The private nature of the tour means your group enjoys a personalized experience, free from large crowds and rigid schedules.

Is This Tour Right for You?

This full-day private trip suits travelers who want to maximize their time outside Paris while enjoying comfortable logistics. It’s especially good for those interested in royal history at Versailles and Impressionist art at Giverny. The skip-the-line tickets and guided commentary add value, making it easier to absorb the significance of each location.

Participants should be prepared with comfortable shoes, as both sites involve walking through expansive gardens and historic interiors. The tour’s private group setting is perfect for those who prefer a more intimate and custom experience.

Final Thoughts on the Giverny and Versailles Private Full-Day Trip

This tour offers a well-balanced combination of royal opulence and artistic inspiration. The price reflects the private, personalized service, with exclusive access and professional guidance enhancing the overall value. It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate seamless logistics and want to avoid long lines at these highly visited destinations.

While it requires a full day, the organized pace and comfort of the private vehicle make it manageable and enjoyable. The guides’ storytelling and attention to detail ensure that both the history and beauty of Versailles and Giverny come vividly to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of this tour?
The tour includes a private full-day trip, admission tickets to Versailles and Giverny, skip-the-line entrance, hotel pickup and drop-off, and a licensed, professional driver-guide.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 9 hours, from pickup in Paris to return after exploring both sites.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included. The guide offers recommendations for local restaurants during the midday break.

What transportation is used?
Guests travel in an air-conditioned minivan, allowing for comfortable and flexible transfers between locations.

Are the visits guided?
Yes, the tour is led by a licensed guide who offers live commentary in English and French, sharing stories and historical insights.

Can I cancel or change the reservation?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance. You can also reserve now and pay later for added flexibility.

Who is this tour suitable for?
It’s ideal for small groups of up to 8 people who want a personalized, comprehensive experience that combines royal history and impressionist art.

Is this tour accessible for people with limited mobility?
The tour involves walking through gardens and palace interiors, so travelers should wear comfortable shoes. No specific accessibility information is provided for mobility limitations.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes for walking and a camera to capture the beautiful sights.

Who should consider this tour?
Anyone seeking a stress-free, guided experience of Versailles and Giverny, with the convenience of private transport and skip-the-line access—perfect for art, history, and architecture enthusiasts.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby