Versailles Bike Tour: Market, Marie-Antoinette's Hamlet
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Overview
The Versailles Palace Bike Tour with Market & Marie-Antoinette hamlet lets visitors discover the beauty of Versailles on a full-day adventure from Paris. A guide meets guests at a Paris train station for a ride to Versailles. There, the tour explores an award-winning French Farmers Market with many food stalls.
Guests can leisurely cycle through the Royal Domaine of Versailles' 2,000 acres, viewing wheat fields and forests. A picnic on the grass offers views of a swan-filled lake. The tour visits the Grand and Petit Trianon chateaux and Marie-Antoinette's Private Farm village, where guests can even pet a sheep. The tour guide shares stories of King Louis's extravagance and the French Revolution. The stunning Palace of Versailles, including the Hall of Mirrors, is a key stop.
This experience includes access to the Petit & Grand Trianon Château, the Versailles farmer’s market, and Marie-Antoinette’s private farm & village. Expert guides lead the small group tour, which includes round-trip train tickets from Paris, comfortable bikes (with kids' sizes and baby seats available), and timed entry to the Palace of Versailles. Food and drinks at the market, and tips, are not included. Key stops include the Chateau of Versailles, Versailles Farmers Market, Marie-Antoinette's Hamlet (The Queen's Hamlet), Royal Grounds of Versailles, Grand Trianon, Grand Canal Picnic Spot, Petit Trianon, Royal Forests of Versailles, Fountains of Versailles (Apollo Fountain), and the Hall of Mirrors.




Highlights
Explore Versailles by Bike: See the vast Royal Domaine of Versailles in a fun and active way.
Visit a French Farmers Market: Discover and taste local foods at an award-winning market.
Tour Marie-Antoinette’s Hamlet: Explore the Queen's charming private farm and village.
See the Palace of Versailles: Gain timed access to the Palace, including the famous Hall of Mirrors.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers generally enjoyed the bike tour, praising the knowledgeable guides, beautiful scenery, and local market visit. Some mentioned discomfort with the bikes and crowded conditions at the market.

Guests loved biking through the beautiful gardens and grounds of Versailles.
The tour guide was knowledgeable and made the history interesting and fun.
The visit to the local market was a highlight, with opportunities to sample local foods.
The small group size made the tour feel personal and not too crowded.
Some found the bikes to be uncomfortable for the long ride.
The market can be very crowded, making it difficult to navigate.
The Journey
Chateau of Versailles
Step into the Chateau of Versailles, the lavish royal palace that epitomized the grandeur of France's most famous kings. Once the seat of power and a symbol of absolute monarchy, Versailles now stands as a testament to artistic achievement and historical significance. Explore its gilded halls, opulent staterooms, and the Hall of Mirrors, a dazzling display of French artistry. With a timed entrance reservation, immerse yourself in the palace's splendor for as long as you desire, experiencing the life of French royalty.
Versailles Farmers Market
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Versailles Farmers Market, established during the reign of King Louis XIV. Wander through the bustling stalls overflowing with fresh produce, cheeses, pastries, and local delicacies. Your guide will lead you on a market tour, revealing the best culinary treasures. Enjoy 30 minutes of free time to gather the perfect ingredients for a delightful picnic later in the day. This market offers a taste of authentic French culture and a chance to savor the region's finest flavors.
Marie-Antoinette's Hamlet (The Queen's Hamlet)
Escape to Marie-Antoinette's Hamlet, a charming rustic village created for the queen's private retreat. Seeking refuge from courtly life, Marie-Antoinette commissioned this idyllic farm where she could play the role of a commoner. Stroll along the picturesque paths, admire the quaint farmhouses, and interact with the adorable farm animals that reside here today, including pigs, sheep, goats, geese, and cows. This enchanting village offers a glimpse into the queen's personal sanctuary and a unique connection to the past.
Royal Grounds of Versailles
Discover the vast and breathtaking Royal Grounds of Versailles, encompassing over 2,000 acres of meticulously designed landscapes. Cycle leisurely through fields of wheat and beets, alongside an immense artificial lake, and past perfectly trimmed trees. Marvel at the scale and beauty of these gardens, created to impress and entertain. This relaxing bike tour allows you to experience the best of the Royal Grounds without expending too much energy, ensuring you can fully appreciate the splendor of this historical setting.
Grand Trianon
Visit the Grand Trianon, a stunning mini-palace built by Louis XIV as a summer retreat. This elegant marble palace served as a haven where French Kings could escape the rigid etiquette of the court while remaining close to the center of power. Learn about the Grand Trianon's rich history from your guide, then explore its beautiful French gardens filled with colorful flowers. Your tour price includes tickets, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty and tranquility of this royal residence.
Grand Canal Picnic Spot
Savor a delightful picnic lunch on the banks of the Grand Canal, the largest lake in Versailles. Relax on the soft grass while admiring the stunning view of the Palace reflected in the water. This secluded part of the grounds offers a tranquil escape and a picturesque setting for enjoying the treats you purchased earlier at the Versailles Farmers Market. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Versailles as you dine al fresco in this idyllic spot.
Petit Trianon
Explore the Petit Trianon, a charming chateau originally built for King Louis XV's favorite mistress, Madame de Pompadour, and later gifted to Queen Marie Antoinette. Your guide will share stories about its history, offering insights into the lives of the women who resided here. Enjoy free time to explore inside and discover where Marie Antoinette once slept and dined. Your tour price includes tickets, so you can experience the intimate elegance of this royal retreat.
Royal Forests of Versailles
Ride through the lush green of the Royal Forests, where French royalty once sought refuge from courtly life. Feel the breeze and breathe in the scent of trees as you discover the hunting grounds where kings and courtiers pursued stag, pheasant, wild boar, and fox. These forests offer a glimpse into the leisure activities of the French aristocracy and a peaceful escape into the natural beauty surrounding Versailles.
Fountains of Versailles (Apollo Fountain)
Marvel at the elaborate fountains and water displays scattered throughout the Royal Grounds of Versailles. The Fountain of Apollo is particularly iconic, representing the Sun God Apollo rising from the darkness to bring light to the world. King Louis XIV, known as the 'Sun King,' identified with Apollo, believing himself to be a source of light and wealth for France. Admire the artistry and symbolism of these magnificent fountains, a testament to the opulence and power of the French monarchy.
Hall of Mirrors
Be mesmerized by the Hall of Mirrors, a breathtaking gallery adorned with hundreds of mirrors that symbolized the wealth and extravagance of King Louis XIV. Mirrors were incredibly rare and expensive in the 1700s, so this dazzling display showcased France's power and artistry to the world. Take the perfect selfie as a souvenir of your time in Versailles, capturing the grandeur and splendor of this iconic space.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes access to Petit & Grand Trianon Château, Versailles farmer’s market, Engaging and expert Versailles guides, Round trip train tickets Paris - Versailles, Small group tour with limited numbers of participants, Comfortable and easy to ride bikes (kids bikes and baby seats available), Timed Entrance tickets to Palace of Versailles, Access to Marie-Antoinette’s private farm & village. Not included in this tour is Food & drinks (at your own expense at the market) and Gratuities (tips).
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes and bring water! The tour covers a lot of ground, and staying hydrated is important. Also, arrive at the meeting point a little early to ensure a smooth start to the day.