Thomas_K, Jun 2024

When we arrived at the pick up location in Paris, the tour operators treated us with indifference and rudeness. They seemed dismissive and annoyed that I would be asking them if I was in the correct location for the tour bus. Then, when we arrived at Versailles, there was confusion for a good 20min, because they had reserved a Spanish speaking tour guide for our English only group. Then they rushed us through Versailles for the next 90min, only to then let us know we were on our own to find the gardens and Trianon and find our way back to the bus. There was then confusion at the bus area, since no one in our group received specifics on exactly where the bus would be or what it would look like or how it would be labeled. The only reason I gave 2 stars instead of one is because at least the Viator Paris team was extremely responsive via WhatsApp. This was greatly appreciated. Versailles itself was incredible. The tour operators however left much to be desired.

Sharyl_M, Sep 2023

This was a terrible experience. Went from 8 hour tour to 10 1/2 hour, which made us miss our dinner reservation. The tour guide did 2 hours at the place and then left the tour group in the garden, no maps or direction was given. It was not a all day guided tour. Andre was mad that my husband had to go to the restroom and asked him why he didn't go earlier. He was irritable, seemed annoyed and did not seem to want to show the tour group anything. Stated in the garden, Lunch is over the hill at the restaurant. There were 3 restaurants and we were not told which one to go to. He did not know about any alternative transportation. "Well if you have 38 euros you can rent a cart if you want to spend the money." The train he didn't even suggest. We have taken tours on Viator for years and this was the worst one. We feel we should get a refund.

Erik_G, Aug 2023

The guide was great and she spoke English very well.

We started the tour with the Palace of Versailles, then moved on to an overview of the gardens and fountains from the terrace above the Escaliers de Latone (Latone's Stairs) that gives a panoramic view of the grounds. The guide gives you hints about their favorite things to see, and then you are free to roam the grounds until your tour's assigned lunch time, when you meet at the restaurant (La Flotille) by the boat pond at the end of the long promenade between Latona's Fountain and the Apollo Fountain.

Lunch was excellent and very satisfying.

After lunch, you are given tickets (self guided) to the Trianon. I mention that the Trianon tour is self-guided, because one of the people in our tour group was upset because that she thought that the tour of the Trianon would be guided. Our family was glad that it was not guided because that allowed us to wander where our interests dictated at our own pace. BE WARNED; the walk from the restaurant to the Trianon is not short (but very rewarding). There are golf carts for up to 4 people available for rent if you prefer to ride to the Trianon. (You can not rent carts at the Trianon for the return trip from the Trianon back to the starting point - the carts are round trip from the starting point.)

HINT: There is a free app available for your smart phone that will give you a visual / audio guide to the palace, gardens, and Trianon estate from the official Versailles website. This app can be downloaded prior to your visit and viewed offline while on site (no internet connection needed once you have downloaded the app). We did not use this app, so I can't speak to how well it works.

We walked to the Grand Trianon and toured at our leisure, then went through the Petite Trianon to gain access to the trail leading to the Hameau de la Reine (Queen's Hamlet) - a group of rustic Normandy cottages around a man made lake that Marie Antoinette had constructed during her stay at Trianon. This is a real treat that is not to be missed, but it is NOT a short walk from the Petite Trianon. You can not ride a golf cart on the trails to the hamlet, so plan on walking to this site whether or not you have a cart.

When you initially get off of your bus, your guide will give you a meeting place in the parking lot and let you know what time you need to meet the group at that designated spot to board your bus. Make sure you keep track of how long it takes you to get to the farthest spot that you adventure away from the starting point on the terrace so you know how much time to budget for the return trip to make it back to the departure point in time to meet up with your group. We kept that in mind, and made it back in plenty of time to use the restrooms and visit the gift shop near the entry gates before joining our group in the parking lot for the ride home. Also keep in mind that it is a slightly uphill walk from the Trianon to the grand terrace in front of the palace, so plan on a few rest stops.

Overall, my family had a great time and made memories to last a lifetime! And we got in some nice healthy exercise in the mix.

Carolyn_D, Aug 2023

The tour was very good. The bus was very comfortable and it was nice to know transportation was looked after, especially after a full day tour.

Our guide Cecelia was very personable, knowledgeable and had some fun & interesting anecdotes! Felt a bit rushed in the Palace but I understand they limit viewing time to manage crowds and allow as many people through as possible.

The set menu lunch was ok. Good value for money but also felt a bit rushed and like they wanted us out as soon as possible. This was also a good opportunity to meet others on the tour and hear their travel stories.

When they said they’d pick us up at 6pm. I wondered what I’d do for 6 hours but in the end it wasn’t enough to see all the gardens & grounds. It is huge and truly magnificent!

ANN_M, Aug 2023

Unfortunately, our experience on this excursion was terrible. I would not recommend this at ALL!! We could barely hear our guide through most of the tour and then once we got to lunch our guide left and did not finish the tour with us. We were left to wonder for an additional 5 hours before the bus came. In hindsight we should have taken a cab back to the meeting place. Also, the description of this tour is inaccurate as we didn’t see some of the things mentioned as the Queen’s private retreat or the fountain show. I would recommend doing only a half day tour. It’s more than enough time to see the castle. Do not waste your time or money on this tour!! Very disappointing!!