My friend would like us to hire a driver and have a more private tour of Versailles.. the choices are endless.
Please advise if you have recommendations for an older couple, my main objective is reliability
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
3296 posts
Vikki,
Whether you have a private driver and guide to Versailles or not, you won't be able to avoid the security line, or the crowds within the chateau. With or without a guide it will be necessary to prepurchase tickets with a reserved entrance time. A private guide may do this for you, but will probably charge a mark-up. You will also be paying for the guide's ticket, although these may be included in the guide's overall charge to you. I would check out the option of the King's Apartments Tour oh the Versailles official website, to see if that suits you.
If taking the quick and efficient train from Paris to Versailles isn't something you want to do, and you decide against a private driver, you could take an Uber or Bolt to Versailles and arrange for a private guide just for the chateau. Fyi, the train stop is very close to the entrance to Versailles. As an 82 year old, I would definitely rely on the train from Paris. It is very reliable. I am not sure if a driver who also accompanies you into the chateau would be able to park as close to the entrance as the train station, so you may have to walk further.
In summary, a private tour guide for Versailles may well suit you, but it won't get you any shortcuts or crowd avoidance, as far as I am aware. The King's Apartment tours, from the Versailles official site, will give you the best tour, IMO. Best of luck!
Posted by
Lexington, KY (formerly Southeast US)
4726 posts
My biggest recommendation for Versailles is this if you can handle it and work it out... get a ticket for the first entry of the day, get in line around 20-30 minutes before opening so that you can be one of the first to enter and see the place before it gets super crowded. If you have a guide, maybe he/she can give you history while waiting in line.