Versailles rentals

Kathy- In July 2008 we rented bicycles from a rental corral in the gardens behind the palace, on the right after going down several stairs in the gardens. We had to be mindful of pedestrians until we were away from the main crowds, but the bikes were great for getting out to the Trianon and to Marie Antoinette's little farm. We didn't need to rent ahead, and I don't recall whether bike locks or helmets were available (Europeans have seemed to be more unconcerned about bike helmets than in the USA, except sometimes for their kids). They had bikes in several sizes (maybe even a tandem?), but we haven't been back since 2008, so can't guarantee what the situation is now.

Here is the link to the page that has the information you are looking for. Scroll down for transportation...
Versailles Rentals
We've rented bikes several times and it's, in our opinion, the best way to get around the grounds quickly (the area you need to cover is quite extensive!) and pleasantly. There are parts of the grounds that you'll have completely to yourselves if you ride far enough. Wheat fields, alleys of trees, forests...it's great to get away from the crowds once you're done seeing everything. We often bring a picnic and eat somewhere remote and beautiful!
I recommend that you get there when the grounds open and do the biking portion of your visit first - that way you'll be more likely to get bikes before they are all gone. I don't think you can reserve them ahead of time. We do our visit in reverse of most people, visiting the Petite Hameau, Trianons, and the gardens first, saving the chateau for later in the day when the crowds seem to be a bit lighter. That, of course, isn't always the case but it does tend to be true much of the time.

Thanks for the replies! The grounds are fairly flat, aren't they? So, not strenuous bicycling?

Yes, the grounds are quite flat and manicured.

Anita, your link didn't work...

When we were there 2 years ago and they had bikes and some kind of tram - an engine pulling 2 or 3 open cars with seats. I don't know if that was reserved for tour groups or if anyone could buy tickets, but I know it cost money to ride.

We preferred to walk instead of cycle. From what I remember, the grounds slope down away from the palace all the way to the other end. Biking away from the palace might be okay but riding back would be a different story.

It also depends on the time of year you are visiting. During the off season, rental options may be less. Availability depends on how crowded the gardens are that day. On summer weekends and days with the fountains turned on, you may not be able to rent a bike and the trams might be pretty full. If you visit the gardens early in the day, you'll probably have better luck as most people probably go through the palace first.

Other than the area right behind the palace, which sits up on a hill, the gardens are flat. There essentially is no traffic, though there are a couple of roads that people use to access parking. But no traffic to speak of.

Even though the grounds are mostly flat they are quite large so you're smart to think of renting something. What we saw in May were bikes and golf carts. By the time we decided we needed to rent something, all the golf carts were gone & with the uneven surfaces on the roads (cobblestones), we decided against the bikes. I don't know how far we walked that day but I'd venture a guess it was at least 5 to 7 miles, if not more. Next time, we'll get a golf cart first thing!

http://en.chateauversailles.fr/prepare-my-visit-/single/services
Try it now? Hope it works.....:)

When I was there two years ago the little train was €4. After walking all the way to the trianons and Marie's hamlet I was ready for the ride back.

The link worked! Great information there. Thanks everyone for your helpful advice and suggestions!

That's more betterer. Thanks for sorting it uit....

Good link, I was also looking for bike rentals to see the grounds. It looks like Queen's gate and up to 19 euro (all day rate)

Any recommendations on eating there (if I'm spending all day)? Is it better to go back into town and find a cafe for lunch?

There's a very nice cafe right near the bike rental place.
We often pack a picnic when we're renting bikes and find a quiet spot out in the grounds or at the edge of the Grand Canal for a picnic.

Kathy,

The grounds of the gardens are almost flat, but there's a slight downhill incline from the Chateau towards the lake (which of course means a slight uphill incline on the way back to the Chateau).

For transportation from the Chateau to the lake, you could use the small tourist train. It's a bit bumpy but sure beats walking as the grounds are HUGE! I've noticed visitors driving electric golf carts around the gardens, but didn't see where they were renting them from.