Biking in Versailles

Biking in Versailles is not only enjoyable but also a great way to cover ground at the massive palace. Versailles is known for the palace that housed kings and queens and hosted the treaty negotiations at the end of WWI. Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI lived here until their arrest and early deaths. The palace and grounds occupy a vast area, and a great way to tour the outside is by bicycle. We signed up for the all-day tour with Fat Tire Tours and we’re so glad we did. This day is definitely a highlight of our time in Paris.

Exploring the City of Versailles

Discovering the little city of Versailles proved to be one of the unexpected pleasures of the day. Many people ride the train from Paris for about 30 minutes, get off at the train station, and go right to the palace. We headed instead to downtown Versailles to pick up our bikes at the company office there.

That day happened to be market day in Versailles, which is famed for one of the best farmer’s markets in France. Our guide turned us loose to find something for our picnic lunch. Cheeses, fruit, fresh baguettes – we were spoiled for choice. And it was fun to mingle with the locals who were out doing their grocery shopping.

Versailles has no lack of fancy pastries. And the homemade caramels melt in your mouth.

The first king to occupy the palace here was Louis XIV. Then Louis XV and Louis XVI lived here until the government returned to Paris. This is a mural of one of the kings. As there are no photographs from those years, I’m not sure which Louis this is. Any experts out there want to chime in?

After carefully choosing from among all the bounty, we carried our bags of food through the town to do a little sightseeing.

Biking in Versailles – on to the Palace

Back at the bikes, we stashed our goodies and headed to the palace grounds.

The greenery at Versailles Palace

Our excellent guide Drew gave us a brief history of Versailles as we took in the beauty of the greenery.

A picnic at the Grand Canal

For lunch, we rode to the end of the grand canal and set up our picnic on the lawn. Our guide provided plates and utensils and the all-important corkscrew. We settled back to bask in the view of the vast backyard of the palace.

Fortified by our fresh French food, we got back on our bikes and rode towards the Palace. A day of biking in Versailles proved to be a fantastic experience!

Read more about Versailles: The Palace of Versailles and Marie Antoinette’s Play Village

Information

For comprehensive information on tours, hours, prices, and history, visit this website.

The palace is open every day except Monday from 9:00 to 5:30. You can purchase general admission tickets online before you go to save time in line.

The gardens are open every day for no charge.

Fat Tire Tours offers tours of Paris, Versailles, and Giverny. The two tours we have been on have been very well organized and the guides are fun and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this company.

Where to stay

Paris offers hundreds of hotels. It’s sometimes overwhelming to start looking for a place to stay. Here are a few suggestions for lovely hotels near some of the sites mentioned. With the excellent Paris Metro system, you will be able to arrive wherever you like with just a little planning.

Near the Invalides: The Hotel de Varenne is exquisitely decorated and includes an inviting patio. You can walk from here to the Invalides as well as the Rodin Museum. (7th arrondissement)

Near the Pantheon: Hotel des Grand Hommes and (right next door) the Hotel les Dames du Pantheon. Both of these elegant hotels are across the street from the Pantheon. From my balcony room at the Grand Hommes I watched the sun rise on the iconic Pantheon. (5th arrondissement)

Near the Museum of the Liberation of Paris: Hotel Serotel Lutece is in the Latin Quarter, not exactly near the museum. But it is within comfortable walking distance. You can also walk from here to the Pantheon, Notre Dame, and Sainte-Chapelle. Not only is this a comfortable, attractive hotel, but I also found the staff here to be extra helpful with directions and information. (5th arrondissement)

Central to wherever you want to go: Hotel Moliere, themed on the French poet, is a delightful hotel near the Louvre. It is surprisingly affordable for this pricey area. You can walk or take the Metro to any sites you would like to visit. (1st arrondissement)

Take a tour and explore Paris!

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FOR MORE OF PARIS, HEAD TO THESE POSTS!

Paris WWII Sites for History Lovers

A Few Hours in Paris

The Invalides – Where Paris History Comes Alive

Reasons to Visit the Eiffel Tower

The Conciergerie – Marie Antoinette’s Prison

Tips for Your First Trip to Paris

Climbing Up Into the Eiffel Tower

Exploring the Rodin Museum

5 Reasons to Visit Luxembourg Gardens

Paris Gardens to Enjoy

The D’Orsay Museum in Paris

A Walk in the Latin Quarter

Ageless Beauty at Sainte-Chapelle

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