Versailles and Giverny Tour Hotel Pickup

Explore Versailles and Giverny in a Single Day for $295

This full-day tour from Paris costs $295.27 per person and offers the chance to visit two of France’s most iconic cultural sites: the Palace of Versailles and Claude Monet’s Giverny home. With a 9-hour duration, this tour is perfect for those wanting a comprehensive experience without the hassle of planning multiple trips. It features hotel pickup and shared transport in an air-conditioned minivan, making the journey comfortable and convenient.

You’ll enjoy a guided tour of Versailles, including the palace interiors and gardens, with skip-the-line tickets that save you time amid crowds. Then, you’ll head to Giverny, where you can explore Monet’s house and gardens on your own for two hours. The tour has received a 4.5-star rating from 25 reviews, with many praising the knowledgeable guides and the smooth logistics. Keep in mind, this tour is best suited for those prepared for some walking and who appreciate self-guided exploration at Giverny.

Key Points

• Visit two top French sights in one day: Versailles and Giverny
• Includes skip-the-line tickets for Versailles Palace and Monet’s house
• Shared transport in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan from central Paris
• Guided tour of Versailles with a knowledgeable guide for 1.5 to 2.5 hours
• Two hours of free time at Giverny to explore Monet’s gardens and home independently
• Suitable for ages 6 and up, with hotel pickup only in select districts of Paris

Starting Your Day with Hotel Pickup in Paris

This tour begins at 83 Av. Bosquet, 75007 Paris, with pickup starting at 8:30 am. The hotel pickup option simplifies the morning, ensuring guests are collected from designated districts in Paris, including the 1st, 6th, 7th, 8th, 15th, 16th, 2nd, 5th, 14th, and 17th. The small group transfer in an air-conditioned minivan provides a relaxed start to the day, with many reviews noting the friendly and knowledgeable drivers.

The journey to Versailles takes roughly 6 minutes from the pickup point, giving you time to settle before your guided tour. The convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off is highlighted as a major benefit by many travelers, especially as it eliminates the need to navigate public transport or find meeting points in busy Paris.

Guided Tour of the Palace of Versailles

The highlight of the tour is the 1.5 to 2.5-hour guided visit of Versailles Palace, with tickets included. The guide leads you through the opulent salons, royal apartments, and the Hall of Mirrors, sharing stories about the monarchs and scandals associated with this UNESCO World Heritage site. The tour also covers the French-style gardens, where you have another hour of free time to stroll at your own pace.

Many reviews emphasize how the guide brings the palace’s history to life, with clear explanations and an engaging storytelling style. The skip-the-line tickets ensure you bypass long queues, which can be especially beneficial during busy seasons. Some guests note that security procedures at the entrance can slow entry, so patience is advised.

Exploring Versailles Gardens and Free Time

After the guided tour, guests typically enjoy about 1.5 hours of free time to explore the gardens independently. The gardens are sprawling and beautifully manicured, offering grand fountains, intricate sculptures, and tree-lined alleys. The spacious layout allows for a leisurely walk, with plenty of photo opportunities.

Visitors who enjoy royal architecture and landscaped grounds find the gardens a peaceful contrast to the palace interior. However, it’s important to keep track of time to ensure catching the ride to Giverny for the next phase of the tour.

Transfer to Giverny and Monet’s House

The drive through the French countryside to Giverny takes about 1 hour. The trip is in a small group, with a driver-guide providing commentary along the way. Upon arrival, guests have two hours to explore Claude Monet’s home and gardens on their own, with admission tickets included.

The house remains immaculately preserved, illustrating Monet’s way of life. The Japanese-style gardens are especially famous, as they inspired Monet’s Water Lilies series. Visitors can stroll through the lush gardens at their own pace, taking in the tranquility and the vibrant floral displays.

Guests appreciate the freedom to explore Monet’s gardens independently, but should be mindful of the time constraints to return to the bus for the journey back to Paris.

Return to Central Paris in the Evening

The tour concludes with a one-hour drive back to the original meeting point in Paris. Many reviews describe the comfortable ride, with drivers often sharing additional local insights. The drop-off is at the same location as the pickup, making it easy for guests to plan their evening activities.

While the tour is quite full, the well-organized schedule helps ensure you see both Versailles and Giverny comfortably, with enough time at each site to enjoy the highlights.

Practical Details and Recommendations

This tour is suitable for children aged 6 and above. It requires participants to have a good level of physical fitness because of the walking involved, especially at Versailles where stairs are present. The comfortable walking shoes are recommended to navigate the palace interiors and gardens.

Food and drinks are not included, so travelers may wish to bring snacks or plan for a quick lunch outside the sites. The hotel pickup only covers specific districts of Paris, so check that your accommodation qualifies before booking.

The tour operates with a minimum number of travelers, and full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. On busy days, the group size can reach up to 28 people, but many reviews mention that the small group atmosphere allows for a more personalized experience.

Value and Overall Experience

Many reviews express satisfaction with the timing and organization, praising the skip-the-line access at Versailles and Monet’s gardens. The guides are frequently described as knowledgeable and engaging, adding depth to the visits.

While the price includes entrance fees, transport, and guided tours, some note that lunch is not included and may need to be arranged separately. The cost is considered reasonable given the comprehensive itinerary and the convenience of hotel pickup.

This tour appeals to history enthusiasts, art lovers, and those seeking a hassle-free day trip from Paris. It offers a balanced mix of guided insights and free time, with well-managed logistics and positive reviews confirming its reliability.

Giverny and Versailles Tour: Is It Right for You?

This tour is ideal for visitors who want to see Versailles and Monet’s Giverny in one day without the stress of independent planning. It’s best suited for those comfortable with walking, especially through crowded spaces, and who appreciate guided storytelling combined with self-guided exploration.

The hotel pickup and skip-the-line tickets are significant advantages, especially during high season. However, those seeking more leisurely or in-depth visits may find the two-hour free time at Giverny somewhat limited.

This well-rated tour offers a practical, efficient way to experience two major French landmarks with a friendly and professional team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch is not included. Guests are responsible for arranging their own meal during the day, possibly at Versailles or nearby Giverny.

Is hotel pickup available outside central Paris?
Pickup is only available in specific districts of Paris, including the 1st, 6th, 7th, 8th, 15th, 16th, 2nd, 5th, 14th, and 17th. Outside these areas, alternative meeting points are necessary.

How long is the guided tour at Versailles?
The guided tour of Versailles lasts approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the chosen option. It covers the palace interiors and gardens.

Can I visit Giverny on my own?
Yes, the two hours at Giverny are self-guided, allowing you to explore Monet’s house and gardens at your own pace.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the minimum age is 6 years old. Participants should be able to handle some walking and stairs involved at Versailles.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to the amount of walking involved. Weather-appropriate clothing is advised, especially if visiting the gardens.

Are tickets included in the price?
Yes, the admission tickets for Versailles Palace, Gardens, and Monet’s house are included in the tour price.

What if I need to cancel?
Full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours before the scheduled start. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.

Is this tour good during peak season?
Yes, the skip-the-line tickets help manage the crowds at Versailles and Giverny, making the experience more comfortable during busy periods.

How do I confirm my booking?
Once booked, you receive confirmation details, and the tour is operated by PARIS WEBSERVICES. Be ready on time at the designated meeting point.