Versailles Full-Day Electric Bike Tour : Market, Picnic & Palace

Explore Versailles by Electric Bike for a Unique Day Trip

This full-day electric bike tour from Paris offers a fresh and eco-friendly way to experience the grandeur of Versailles. Priced at $186.06 per person, the tour lasts approximately 8 hours and is designed to be accessible to most participants, with bikes provided along with helmets, rain capes, and saddlebags. It starts at 167 Rue St Charles in Paris and ends at the Versailles Château Rive Gauche train station, where guests are free to return to Paris at their convenience via train, for which tickets and instructions are included.

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of scenic cycling away from typical tourist crowds, visits to local markets, and delightful stops at key Versailles sites. The tour is highly rated, with a perfect 5.0 out of 5 based on 194 reviews, emphasizing its popularity and quality. It’s especially well-suited for those who enjoy a blend of nature, culture, and food, and who want to avoid the hassle of driving or crowded buses.

While the tour is comprehensive and flexible, it’s important to note that participants must be comfortable riding a bike on various terrains, including dirt paths and low-traffic roads. The maximum group size is 14 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience. With most bookings made 52 days in advance, this trip appeals to those planning ahead for a well-organized day of exploration.

Key Points

• Accessible to most: Electric bikes make covering 20+ km easier, suitable for those with moderate cycling skills.
• Includes a market picnic: Shop for fresh cheeses, sausages, baguettes, and wine at Place Du Marche Notre Dame.
• Visit key Versailles sites: Enjoy Marie-Antoinette’s Hamlet, Petit Trianon, and the Palace of Versailles with tickets included.
• Scenic, off-the-beaten-path route: Ride through parks, forests, and charming villages like Marnes-la-Coquette.
• Part of a small group: Max of 14 travelers ensures personalized attention from guides.
• Weather considerations: Bikes come with rain capes, and a rain cancellation policy is in place for bad weather.

Starting from Paris with Electric Bikes

The tour begins at 167 Rue St Charles, a location near public transportation, making it easy to access from most central Paris accommodations. Participants receive an electric bike, helmet, rain cape, and saddlebag, allowing for a comfortable ride regardless of weather. The journey to Versailles involves mostly bike paths and trails, with some low-traffic roads, making it a safe and pleasant ride for most.

This route also allows for scenic views of Paris from the Parc de Saint-Cloud, including a panoramic vista of the city from the Rond de la Balustrade. The ride through the village of Marnes-la-Coquette offers a glimpse into a tranquil, exclusive neighborhood with lovely homes and a calm atmosphere away from the crowds.

Shopping and Picnic at Notre-Dame Market

One of the most appreciated parts of this tour is the 50-minute stop at the Notre-Dame Market in Versailles. This traditional French food market provides the opportunity to pick up fresh, local products like cheese, sausages, baguettes, and wine to craft a personalized picnic. The picnic by the Grand Canal lasts about an hour, with a picnic blanket included, giving travelers a chance to relax and enjoy the serene waterside setting.

The market stop adds a local flavor to the experience that many reviews praise as a highlight, emphasizing the chance to indulge in authentic French fare in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Visits to Marie-Antoinette’s Hamlet and the Petit Trianon

After the picnic, the tour takes you to Marie-Antoinette’s Hamlet at your own pace. This reconstructed village conveys a magical charm that captivates visitors, offering insights into the Queen’s personal retreat. Adjacent to this, the Petit Trianon is available for photos and outdoor exploration, with tickets included.

The Grand Trianon is also visible from outside, constructed of pink marble and favored by Louis XIV. While entrance tickets aren’t included for the Grand Trianon, viewing and photo opportunities are available from outside, adding to the regal atmosphere of the estate.

Exploring the Gardens and Fountains

The Gardens of Versailles, designed by Le Nôtre, are a major highlight of the tour, with a 30-minute visit to appreciate the meticulously landscaped grounds. Visitors can admire the fountains and sculptures, which showcase classical French garden design at its finest. This outdoor stroll is a perfect complement to the palace visit and offers excellent photo opportunities.

The guide leads the group through these breathtaking gardens, emphasizing their history and design, before moving on to the main palace.

Inside the Palace of Versailles

The final stop is the Palace of Versailles itself, where visitors spend about 1 hour and 15 minutes exploring its lavish rooms, including the Hall of Mirrors. The entrance ticket to the palace is included, ensuring easy access. Here, guests experience the opulence and grandeur that defined French royalty, with detailed interiors and impressive art collections.

The palace visit is flexible, allowing guests to take their time to enjoy the interior architecture, art, and history. The guide departs before the palace exploration concludes, returning the bikes to Paris via train, with tickets and instructions provided.

The Return Journey and Flexibility

After the palace visit, the group is free to leave at their own pace. The train ticket back to Paris is included, and detailed instructions help ensure a smooth return. Starting from 2025, the return will be by train instead of cycling, offering a more relaxed end to the day. This flexibility ensures that even those who tire toward the end can comfortably conclude their visit.

The Tour’s Strengths and Practical Notes

The most praised aspects include the knowledgeable guides, scenic route, and quality equipment. Many reviews highlight the ease of riding the electric bikes and the informative commentary provided throughout. The small group size fosters a personal experience, with plenty of opportunity for questions and customized attention.

However, participants should be comfortable riding a bike on varied terrain, including dirt paths and quiet roads. Since the tour involves about 20 km of cycling, moderate physical fitness is recommended, though the electric bikes help reduce fatigue.

Weather can impact the experience, but bikes come with rain capes, and the tour has a flexible cancellation policy if weather conditions become unsafe. It’s best suited for ages 10 and up, with bikes sized for both children (from 1.35m) and adults (from 1.50m).

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This tour appeals to those seeking an active day trip with a touch of adventure, food lovers, and fans of scenic outdoor experiences. It’s perfect for families, friends, or solo travelers who want to see Versailles from a new perspective, away from crowded buses or long lines.

The combination of cycling, sightseeing, and picnicking makes it a well-rounded day option, especially for those who enjoy a more authentic and local experience of the Versailles region. Its balance of active exploration and cultural highlights offers something memorable for a variety of travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 10 and above can participate, but children’s bikes are limited to those taller than 1.35m. Participants should be able to ride a bike properly on roads and dirt paths.

What if the weather turns bad?
The tour provides rain capes for all participants. If weather conditions are severe, the experience may be canceled for safety, and a full refund or rescheduling is offered.

How long do we spend inside the Versailles palace?
Visitors typically have about 1 hour and 15 minutes to explore the palace and gardens, with tickets included for easy entry.

Can I return to Paris by bike?
Starting in 2025, the return will be by train instead of cycling, offering a more relaxed ending. Before that, the guide returns the bikes to Paris after the palace visit.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes electric bikes, helmets, rain capes, saddlebags, entrance tickets to the Château, gardens, fountains, Marie-Antoinette’s Hamlet, and the Petit Trianon, and a train ticket for the return.

Is this tour good value for money?
Yes, given the comprehensive itinerary, small group size, and the all-inclusive nature, it offers a rich experience that many reviews consider excellent value.

This Versailles Full-Day Electric Bike Tour combines active exploration, cultural visits, and local flavor into one memorable day. It’s perfect for those who want to see Versailles from a different angle and enjoy a personalized, scenic journey through the French countryside and historic estate.