Do I need to carry my bike onto the train?
Blue Fox Travel does not make you carry your Blue Bike onto the train, the bikes for this tour are stored just across the street from the Palace, in Versailles.
We are staying in Versailles, can we start the tour in Versailles?
Yes you can join the tour directly in Versailles. It is very important that you let us know beforehand, please
send us an email before making your reservation online
Is biking in Versailles safe?
95% of our Versailles Bike Tour takes place on the Royal grounds of Versailles where there are far more sheep than cars. The rest of the tour is in the small town of Versailles, on dedicated bike lanes.
What is included in the tour prices?
Tour price includes:
- Reserved entrance tickets to the Palace
- Grand & Petit Trianons entrance tickets
- Domain of Marie-Antoinette entrance ticket
- Round Trip train tickets to/from Versailles
- Bike rental
Lunch not included in tour price.
Where do we meet? Where do the bike tour start?
The
Versailles Bike Tour meets in Central Paris, outside of a train station named Gare Saint-Lazare. Find your guide 15min before the scheduled departure time, in front of the Starbucks Coffee located at 2 Rue de la Pépinière. Don't be late, you might miss the train! of the exact meeting point. FYI: you will take the train to Versailles with your guide.
Where does the Versailles Bike Tour end?
At the end of the cycling part of the tour, you will be taken into the main Palace. You'll have free time to visit the Palace on your own, at your own pace with an audio-guide. After your visit of the Palace, you may go back to Paris (train ticket provided by Blue Fox Travel) or spend more time in the French Gardens. During summer, the French Gardens close at 8PM. Last train leaves Versailles back to Paris at 11PM.
How many people are in a group?
Because the Versailles Bike Tour is a naturally safe route, taking place in an enclosed park, we allow up to 14 people to join us on this tour.
Do I need to be fit?
Our tours have been specifically designed for people of all fitness levels. Old, young, round, or thin, we are happy to guide you on our tours through the grounds of Versailles. We ride at a leisurely pace and on flat ground. Total cycling during the Versailles Bike Tour : 1.5hrs. Our Adult bikes can handle anyone weighing 110 kilos (242lbs) or less.
Do I need to wear a helmet?
French law requires cyclists under 12 years old to wear a helmet, we enforce that rule on all our bike tours. The fine for not doing so is 135€.
Adults are not required to wear a helmet, but feel free to ask for one.
Can I bring my own bike?
Yes you can. Be aware that we take a train to Versailles, you will have to put your bike in the train, which can be busy during weekdays.
What & When is the Musical Fountain Show?
The Musical Fountain Show takes place in the French gardens attached to the main Palace which is only accessible by foot. During the show all of the fountains are turned on and 15th century music plays throughout the gardens.
It takes place on most week-ends between April and October and some Tuesdays in spring. Note that the fountains only run 1h in the morning and 2 hrs in the afternoon.
Is the Musical Fountain Show included in tour price?
Tickets to the Musical Fountain Show are included in our tour price only for participants who select the “Adults" fare. For Kids and Paris Museum Passes : tickets can be purchased directly on site if desired. Please note that these tickets are not necessary to have during our tour, you can visit the Fountain Show on your own after our tour is over.
Does the tour go inside the Palace?
After the cycling part of the tour is over, we provide reserved entry into the Palace. There you will have unlimited time inside with an audio-guide so you can focus on the rooms that interest you the most.
FYI: During the tour you will also be entering two other small chateaux (the Petit and Grand Trianons) and exploring the private village and domain of Marie-Antoinette.
What time will I get back to Paris?
Usually people get back to Paris between 6 and 6:30PM depending on how much time they spent in the Palace & French Gardens. The last train back to Paris leaves Versailles at 11PM.
Can I leave the tour early?
Unfortunatly it not possible to leave the tour early.
What are the Paris Museum Paris and Paris Pass?
The Paris Museum Pass is a visitor pass that gives unlimited and free access to most museums in the Paris Region for the number of days you purchased it (2,4 or 6 consecutive days). The Paris Museum Pass includes free access to the Palace of Versailles, the Grand & Petit Trianons as well as the Domain of Marie-Antoinette (Hameau de la Reine in French). You are entitle to a Reduced Fare on our tour if you are in possession of a valid Paris Museum Pass on the day of your tour. Please note that you cannot buy the Paris Museum Pass during our tour; If you booked for the Reduced Fare, you must have a valid Paris Museum Pass at the start of your tour.
The Paris Pass is another visitor pass that includes a transportation card as well as the Paris Museum Pass (cited above), it is hence, more expensive than the Paris Museum Pass alone. The Paris Pass in itself does not give you free access to the Palace of Versailles but the Paris Museum Pass included in it does.
Can I reserve with the Reduced Fare option?
The Reduced Fare is only applicable to:
- Kids under 18 (no matter the nationality)*
- Europeans under 26 (if you are not European but have a European student visa of at least 6months, you are also in that category)*
- Paris Museum Pass holder (must be valid on the day of your tour, cannot be bought on the day of the tour)
*proof will be asked everytime you enter a building on the grounds. Make sure to bring it (a good photocopy of your passport will do)
If your situation is not included above (Reduced Fare), then you must book for the Regular Fare.
What about the picnic in case of bad weather?
When the weather is not suitable enough for a picnic on the grass by the lake, we always have the option of sitting down in a heated and covered restaurant terrace where you can order warm drinks and enjoy your picnic supplies purchased at the market.
