France’s historic royal residences, the Chateau de Fontainebleau and the Palace of Versailles, offer a captivating window into the country’s storied past. Visitors can marvel at the Renaissance-era opulence of Fontainebleau, once home to Napoleon, or be dazzled by the lavish splendor of Versailles’ Hall of Mirrors. With stunning gardens and a chance to step back in time, these iconic landmarks promise an unforgettable experience for any traveler to France. Delving deeper into their contrasting charms, however, reveals the nuances that set these two royal retreats apart.

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Key Points

This tour offers a comprehensive experience visiting both the Chateau de Fontainebleau and the Palace of Versailles over 10.5 hours.
The tour includes live guides in French and English, as well as audio guides in multiple languages, and covers hotel pickup, transportation, and exploration time.
Highlights of Chateau de Fontainebleau include viewing Napoleon’s throne, experiencing French Renaissance architecture, and strolling through lush gardens.
Highlights of the Palace of Versailles include admiring the breathtaking opulence of the royal apartments, visiting the Hall of Mirrors, and exploring the expansive French gardens.
The tour is highly rated by customers for its informative and enjoyable experiences, professional and kind guides, and private trip experience with skip-the-line access.

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Tour Overview

What does this tour offer?

It provides a comprehensive experience, visiting the iconic Chateau de Fontainebleau and Palace of Versailles over 10.5 hours. Priced from $283.98 per person, the tour includes live guides in French and English, as well as audio guides in several languages.

Guests can book with free cancellation and a reserve now, pay later option. The itinerary covers hotel pickup, transportation, and ample time to explore the historical sites and stunning gardens.

Guests can book with free cancellation and a reserve now, pay later option. The itinerary covers hotel pickup, transportation, and ample time to explore the historical sites and stunning gardens.

Highlights include skipping the lines, viewing Napoléon’s throne, and admiring the grandeur of Versailles. This is a private and informative tour experience.

Looking for more options in Paris? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with pickup from 11 designated hotel locations in Paris, followed by a 75-minute journey to Chateau de Fontainebleau.

Visitors spend 2 hours exploring the historic castle.

Next, there’s a 1-hour lunch break in Fontainebleau.

The group then travels 70 minutes to the Palace of Versailles, where they visit for 2 hours.

Afterwards, they spend 75 minutes exploring the palace gardens.

Finally, the tour returns to Paris hotels, a 75-minute drive.

Throughout, a live guide provides commentary in French and English, and audio guides in multiple languages are available.

Highlights of Chateau De Fontainebleau

Visitors to Chateau de Fontainebleau can marvel at Napoleon Bonaparte’s ornate throne, a centerpiece of the historic castle.

Guests will also discover the stunning French Renaissance architecture and explore the magnificent royal apartments. The extravagant Hall of Festivals, with its ornate ceilings and lavish decor, offers a glimpse into the palace’s glorious past.

Beyond the interiors, the lush gardens designed by landscape architect André Le Nôtre provide peaceful respite. Visitors can stroll through the serene grounds, admiring the intricate fountains and statues.

With its rich history and breathtaking aesthetics, Chateau de Fontainebleau promises an unforgettable experience.

Highlights of Palace of Versailles

Guests exploring the Palace of Versailles will be captivated by the breathtaking opulence of the royal apartments.

They’ll admire the Hall of Mirrors, adorned with 17 mirrored arches reflecting glittering chandeliers. The King and Queen’s private apartments showcase lavish bedrooms, salons, and bathrooms.

Outside, the expansive French gardens designed by André le Nôtre offer serene pathways, ornate fountains, and the stunning Trianon estate.

The expansive French gardens designed by André le Nôtre offer serene pathways, ornate fountains, and the stunning Trianon estate.

Visitors can stroll through the Orangery and discover hidden gems like the Queen’s Hamlet, a charming 18th-century rustic village.

With no queuing, guests can fully enjoy the palace’s magnificence.

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Customer Experience

Reviewers have overwhelmingly praised this tour, awarding it a stellar 5-out-of-5 rating based on 4 reviews. Customers highlight the informative and enjoyable experiences, praising the professionalism and kindness of the guides. The tour provides a private trip experience, allowing visitors to skip the lines and explore the historical sites and stunning French gardens at their own pace.

| Positive Feedback |

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| Informative tour experiences |

| Enjoyable tour experiences |

| Professional and kind guides |

This tour offers a high-quality customer experience, making it a top choice for those seeking to discover the Chateau de Fontainebleau and Palace of Versailles.

There's plenty more to explore in Paris

Availability and Schedule

When are the tour options available?

This Paris tour operates daily, with multiple starting times throughout the day. Customers can choose from an 8:15 AM, 9:15 AM, or 10:15 AM departure.

The tour duration is 10.5 hours total, ensuring ample time to visit both Chateau de Fontainebleau and the Palace of Versailles.

Pickup is offered from 11 hotels across Paris, so travelers can conveniently begin their excursion.

However, it’s important to arrive in the hotel lobby 10 minutes prior to the scheduled pickup time to avoid any delays.

Availability may vary, so customers should check with the tour provider for the latest schedule.

Important Considerations

Along With the convenient scheduling options, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind when booking this Paris tour.

First, the itinerary is subject to change, so travelers should verify the details prior to the tour date.

Plus, it’s crucial to arrive at the hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time to ensure a smooth start.

Lastly, while the tour provides skip-the-line tickets, visitors should be aware that the historical sites can still be crowded, particularly during peak seasons.

Adhering to these considerations will help ensure a seamless and enjoyable tour experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Photography and Videography Allowed Inside the Chateaus?

Photography and videography are generally allowed inside the chateaus, but visitors should follow any posted rules or guidance from staff. Some restrictions may apply to specific rooms or areas to preserve the historical sites.

How Accessible Are the Chateaus for Guests With Mobility Challenges?

The chateaus provide accessible options for guests with mobility challenges, including wheelchair-friendly routes, elevators, and staff assistance. However, some areas may have limited accessibility due to the historical nature of the buildings.

What Is the Dress Code for Visiting the Historical Sites?

There’s no strict dress code, but visitors should dress respectfully. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as there’s a lot of ground to cover. Avoid overly casual attire like shorts or tank tops when visiting these historical sites.

Can Children Under a Certain Age Attend the Tour for Free?

Children under 3 years old can attend the tour for free. The tour provider offers discounted tickets for children aged 3-17 years old, but they must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour offers discounts for seniors aged 65+ and students with valid ID, though specific percentages aren’t provided. Children under a certain age may attend for free, but the age limit isn’t specified in the overview.

The Sum Up

The Château de Fontainebleau and the Palace of Versailles offer a captivating glimpse into France’s regal past. Visitors can explore the ornate interiors, stunning gardens, and iconic landmarks that have witnessed centuries of royal history. Whether marveling at Napoleon’s throne or strolling through the Hall of Mirrors, these two sites provide an unparalleled opportunity to take in the grandeur of French monarchy.