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Versailles Palace VIP Tour with Private Viewing of the Royal Quarters

Paris, France
  • 8 hours (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English
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Overview

Tour the Palace of Versailles (Château de Versailles) in royal style on a small-group tour that includes a private visit to the Royal Quarters. These rooms are typically off-limits to the public, but on this exclusive VIP tour see Louis XVI's private library and enter the palace through a reserved door to bypass the lines. Additionally, explore the famous Hall of Mirrors and two of the State Apartments when Versailles first opens, before it gets too crowded.
  • VIP tour of the Palace of Versailles including a viewing of the private Royal Quarters
  • Receive exclusive access to the Royal Quarters usually off-limits to the public
  • Small-group tour limited to 16 people ensures a more intimate experience
  • Use your skip-the-line ticket for priority access to the palace
  • Enjoy a sweet break at the restaurant ORE by Alain Ducasse
  • Wander through the Gardens of Versailles after your tour
  • Experience the UNESCO-listed palace like a royal insider
  • Enjoy a guided tour of two rooms in the State Apartments and the Hall of Mirrors

Why Travelers Choose This Tour

This tour includes VIP access to Versailles’s private, off-limits Royal Quarters. 

What's Included

  • Small-group tour (maximum 16 people)
  • Hot Drink, Juice and Viennoiserie at restaurant ORE by Alain Ducasse
  • Private viewing of the palace’s Royal Quarters
  • Professional guide
  • Transport by air-conditioned minibus with complimentary water for the journey
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

  • 8 Pl. du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre
    8 Pl. du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 75016 Paris, France

    Departure Point: Central Paris Address: 8 Place du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre75116 Paris - In front of Café du Trocadéro Directions: Your tour escort will be waiting for you in front of the Café. The closest metro stop is Trocadéro (Lines 6 and 9)

Start time

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Climb aboard a comfortable, climate-controlled minivan in central Paris to begin the drive west to for a private tour of the Palace of Versailles. Upon arrival, stop for a coffee and croissant in a nearby cafe (included) before meeting your guide at the reserved entrance to the palace. There, bypass the long lines and go right inside thanks to your priority access ticket.

Begin your visit to the Palace of Versailles by seeing two of the 17 rooms of the State Apartments—the Council Study and the King's Chamber—before they get too crowded. Next, visit the Hall of Mirrors, which you also get to see before the bulk of the crowds. Take in the extravagance of the hall, lined with 357 mirrors on one wall and windows on the other.

After seeing these highlights, follow your guide beyond the velvet ropes to the Royal Quarters which are usually off-limits. The rooms of Louis XV and Louis XVI that you can see are:
• Louis XVI's library, reportedly a favorite room of his
• The formal dining room in which Louis XV held important dinners for nobility
• The clock room, with a clock with a crystal globe depicting planets revolving around the sun
• The 'corner room,' in which Louis XV's roll-top desk is located, thought to be one of the finest pieces of furniture on earth.

After this visit to the Royal Quarters, your tour continues to one of two additional attractions at Versailles, depending on availability. Either see the Royal Chapel, in which much of the artwork is focused on the theme of kings being divinely chosen, or the Royal Opera House. The latter was built in 1770 to commemorate the marriage of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.

This marks the end of the guided tour of Versailles. There is an opportunity to ask your guide any follow-up questions or recommendations for the remainder of your visit to the palace and gardens.

The rest of your visit can be spent as you please. Then meet your guide for the return trip to Paris at the conclusion of your tour.

Palace of Versailles

Admission Ticket Included

The Hall of Mirrors

Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Booking this tour gives you priority access to the Palace of Versailles. Please note: all visitors must pass through metal detectors at the security check point. Please expect to wait 10 minutes to clear security.
  • Food is not allowed inside the Palace of Versailles
  • This tour is not wheelchair accessible
  • This tour is not suitable for anyone with reduced mobility
  • Due to the nature of this special-access tour, the itinerary changes each time. Access to palace rooms varies and is based on availability. The order in which you visit the rooms may change and it is possible that you will see two of the 17 State Apartments plus the Hall of Mirrors at the end of your tour, not the beginning. On rare occasions, both the Royal Opera House and Chapel unexpectedly close due to private events or concerts. Because these itinerary changes are beyond our control, no refunds or discounts will be issued.
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

about cancellations.

Traveler Photos

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Traveler Tips

As the place is huge, use the train to get to the other end or rent a buggy.
Reviews
4.5
497 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 497 reviews
Very good
kmn011, Nov 2019
Wonderful - the guides were knowledgeable - could have very easily strayed longer. Would have liked to spend more time in the garden:
Day trip to Versailles
Tina_V, Oct 2019
This was well worth waking up early, great trip. Our bus guide Nina was great and very knowledgeable she made our drive there more pleasant. It was nice to see the royal quarters and the gardens were our favourite. The breakfast that was provided was not worth it. The waiter did not bring us a bread basket like everyone else so we were only offered fresh juice and or coffee. It was a beautiful day and just enough time on the tour to cover almost everything.
VIP tour
Jeanne_H, Oct 2019
This is a great tour for a more in-depth visit to Versailles without the hassle. The small group size was perfect. I loved avoiding the crowds and hassles. The local guide was very knowledgeable and spoke English well. The timing of the tour worked out well. After the chateau tour, we had plenty of time to see all the fountains going off to music and tour the grounds leisurely. Only issue was that the van to return us to Paris was delayed with another tour group
Not worth the price
Guide180828, Oct 2019
You are paying for the drive to and from Versailles. The breakfast they offer is one shot of espresso and two small pastries. The tour of Versailles is AMAZING - but you can book that tour yourself directly from Versailles for 10 euros (plus 27 euros as an entry ticket). That being said, you'd think the additional $250 drive would be fabulous. They use the tour bus for another tour, and it was late picking us up. The tour guide did not tell us that it was late (just kept saying it was "too blocks away") when in fact the tour it as on was running behind. The drive back the tour guide spoke in french to the bus driver the entire time and did not give us any info. I recommend doing Versailles and a private tour, but do not waste your money on this.
Started and ended with aggravation.
Marc_W, Sep 2019
The tour itself was great. However, we had been given a meet time of 7:15 AM. We walked about 30 minutes, so left hotel very early. One other couple had same time. No van came, so I called the office, which was not open yet. About 7:30, several people showed up with a 7:40 meet time, and then two with 7:50. The van showed up at 7:45,with no idea we had been waiting 45 minutes. At the end of the tour, we had free time and were to meet at the entrance at 3PM. We got there at 3:03 shuttle back took longer than expected, and no one there. Walked around 5 minutes, starting to panic, then called office. While on hold, tour guide showed up. It was now almost 3:15. She had walked the group to the van and came back for us. But she should have left someone there to meet us. It was a long day!
Several closed rooms, inexperienced guide and that was not a breakfast
Jessica P, Sep 2019
I want to say first that it was probably just a really bad day to go to the Palace, but when you are paying this amount of money, you have to clarify expectations or charge a smaller fee for days when things are obviously not open. First, we get to the palace and are brought in for breakfast. What breakfast meant was one cup of coffee, one of orange juice and three pastries. Afterwards, after a long wait for the guide, we finally begin the tour just to find out we were given the wrong tickets. It takes a good 15 minutes to get it all sorted so by the time we get to gallery of mirrors, it is already packed. My understanding was that we would have gotten a "before the crowd" view, but that is not what happened. We also learn a few things - 1. our guide is not an official palace guide. She is usually a guide at the Louvre and is not fully trained to give the tour in English (her words, not mine). 2. We learn that is "world heritage day" so a few rooms that are normally shown on this tour will be available for free to anyone. 3. There are private rooms - like the library of the king and the bureau of the king that are closed for renovation. In total we saw 5 rooms. It is an extraordinary amount of money to pay to have a guide that was unprepared, that gave explanations worse than the audio guide the palace gives for free, and to see a handful of rooms. Would not recommend.
Wonderful!
John_P, Sep 2019
Allowed us to see more of Versailles than we otherwise would have seen. Not only behind the scenes but also saw the hall of mirrors before the crowds arrived. Would highly recommend.
VIP - Palace of Versailles and Royal Quarters
Sheila_B, Jul 2019
I was very glad we had audio assistance on this tour. It really made a difference. Our guide was very informative.
Best way to go
L C, Jul 2019
Nina and Julie were excellent in providing a great tour, no cues, no stress, public cues were miles long. I know it costs more but the time you save and the value you get is second to none.
Must See.
Nik_C, May 2019
An amazing journey back through time to how the elite of France once lived. It is amazing to follow the footsteps of famous French Royalty.
Fantastic day out
LJT_518, May 2019
We were 5 friends visiting and really enjoyed this tour. Our guide was fantastic and the private rooms were absolutely worth the cost. We also hired golf carts to visit the gardens and it was perfect: highly recommend this tour!
Amazing
Nik_C, May 2019
Be on time and the tour will start straight away. The leaders are friendly and excellent. The tickets issued to you give all access. If by chance you are stopped at one of the attractions, just ask for a supervisor. I had no issues anywhere. As the place is huge, use the train to get to the other end or rent a buggy. The train is more economical. Definitely a bucket list item.
Wow! Well worth the extra price for...
Heather P, Oct 2018
Wow! Well worth the extra price for this in just skipping the line alone! Much less the fact that the tour of the private quarters gets you out of the crush of tourists to be able to enjoy and appreciate the palace. Very knowledgeable guide who took exceptional care of us!
The tour was very good. The tour...
Renee_R, Aug 2018
The tour was very good. The tour guide is very knowledgeable and you do not have to wait in line. When we were there, the crowds were crazy, so skipping the lines was a big plus. A few tips if you choose to take this tour: 1. Eat before you go - all they serve is a croissant, coffee1 cup and juice. We felt it was a waste of time and was not a positive addition. 2. The fountains were not running when we were there - the fountain show starts at 3:30 but the tour boards the bus at 3pm. That was very upsetting - because part of this package states that the fountain/music tickets are included. Honestly - I would choose a different, less expensive tour - this one was not worth the price for what we were able to see.
The tour was lovely. The tour guide...
Amber C, Jul 2018
The tour was lovely. The tour guide was awesome. I personally got really sick when we got to this tour so I didn't get to fully enjoy it and we had some rude people that wrecked the beginning part of the tour for us not the tour's fault...and actually the guide was quite nice to them. Versatile was a dream...just wish my body would have cooperated.
To start off our morning, due to...
Melissa J, Jul 2018
To start off our morning, due to Bastille Day coming up the road where we were supposed to meet up was closed down by police for preparations. I understand this is out of Viator's control, however, we were only given a phone number to Versailles palace in case of emergency, not a Viator rep. We spent 30 minutes walking up and down streets trying to find the marked van. We eventually found an unmarked van and workers who did not have any badge or anything showing Viator. Our group size was over the 16 people limit stated in the description. We got to the palace at 8:45 a.m. where we were supposed to be able to immediately enter and have breakfast at this renowned restaurant. The door to the restaurant was locked, of course, because they don't actually open until 9 a.m. which is when we were let in. The so called breakfast was a dry croissant and a cup of coffee, from which the people in our group only had time to take a couple of sips and bites before we had to insist on our guide taking us on because the HUGE line out front was already being let in. So much for early access. By the time we actually entered, it was beyond packed with people, 2 people in our group actually got lost in the crowd. We were NOT able to see the chapel, the opera house, or the Musical Gardens show as stated because of Versailles's hosting some event, the description says this is a rare event, but I wouldn't count on being able to view these things. The actual tour guide was pleasant and knowledgable. After the guided tour, we were supposed to have access to the gardens included in our tickets. However, every person in our group was initially denied access. We had to argue and ask to speak with a supervisor. Some in our group weren't granted access at all, so they were left to sit at the front of the palace, with no rep around to provide assistance. Our Viator rep that rode with us/walked us to the gate gave us incorrect information all day and was no where to be found when needed. For instance, she told us the walk from the palace to Petit Trianon was a short 15 minute walk when in actuality it is a mile and a half away. The Orangerie, which was one of the major things we wanted to see, only 2nd to the Hall of Mirrors, was closed off. Versailles palace itself is beautiful. Do yourself a favor, don't spend so much money on this tour, get there super early by 7:30 or 8 to be at the front of the line and rent the golf cart available in the garden to save the miles of walking. This tour was supposed to be the highlight of our time in Paris but turned out to be a major let down.
Great tour for the money. They allow...
Robert_S, Jul 2018
Great tour for the money. They allow a lot of free time but its not nearly enough given the size of this place! not their fault though, the tour was great as was the Palace. The breakfast was a bit of a joke as it was really just coffee - but outside of that we were very satisfied.
This was so much more than I was...
Pamela_J, Jun 2018
This was so much more than I was expecting, and I expected a lot! Everyone told us not to bother with Versailles because the crowds were unbelievable. This is true, but this VIP tour removed the crowd problem so you can just enjoy the AMAZING palace.
I would highly suggest this tour...
Sherry_M, May 2018
I would highly suggest this tour especially if you want a very extensive, private tour. Comfortably transferred to Versailles in a van with guide. You are met at Versailles by an museum employee that gives an incredible tour of places not visited by the regular ticket, PLUS you skipped that line which was HUGE advantage. The only thing I would mention was the personal Versailles guide did not wait long enough at some palace places to take pictures....it was a fast paced but indepth. At least an hour with a personal guide in the private apartments and palace. We then had enough time to rent the electric cars outside the palace and travel the grounds comfortably. It is ACRES and ACRES so if you would like to see the other palace buildings on the other side of the grounds, I would suggest this extra option because walking would take hours to and fro.
This tour was a wonderful way to see...
Todd B, May 2018
This tour was a wonderful way to see Versailles. We had plenty of time to see the palace and also all the gardens, fountains and The Trianon Estate. Our guide shared so much interesting history with us and the transportation was very convenient. It was so nice seeing parts of the palace not open to everyone and not packed full of other tourists.
...

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Product code: 5622VERSAILLESPARVIP

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