Versailles & its gardens
- Like Kings & Queens, trot along hunting lanes of the 2000 acres Gardens of Versailles
- Indulge in the French cuisine classics from Michelin Star Chef
- Discover one of the greatest achievements of French 17th-century architecture: The Palace of Versailles
Just half-an hour away from the busy streets of Paries, lies one of France’s best-known treasures: Versailles.From beginners to experienced riders, we invite you to discover this haven of peace like French Royalty used to: On horseback.The Gardens & Palace of Versailles on Horseback is an immersive horse riding journey that transports you to the time of Kings and delights your taste buds to experience the Royal Art de Vivre à la française for a day.Ride through the polished 2000 acres Gardens of Versailles, savor French cuisine classics while overlooking the Cour Royale, and discover with a historian guide one of the greatest achievements of French 17th-century architecture : The Palace of Versailles.
The calendar for your horse ride
Be greeted by your driver and guide who will pick you up at your location in Paris and take you to the Gardens of Versailles, where your horses and horse-riding guide will be waiting for you.
30mins drive, depending on traffic.
At entrance of the gardens, you will be welcomed by your riding guide and meet your horses – All horses are very kind and are assigned depending on your riding level. Saddle-up and set up for a tour ride through the gardens of Versailles, up until the Grand Canal (1h30 ride).
After the morning ride within the gardens of Versailles, we invite you to sit for a gastronomic lunch at the renowned restaurant of 21-Michelin stars Chef Alain Ducasse. Enjoy the very finest of gastronomy and elegance, by savor French cuisine classics while overlooking the Cour Royale.
Upon finishing lunch, be greeted by your passionate historian guide for a 1h30 visit of the Palace of Versailles. From the Grand Trianon, to the remarkable collection of paintings and sculptures of the Museum of French History, discover the decadent symbol of elegance, royal power and influence that Versailles represents.
After discovering the Château, our driver will take you back to your location in Paris/near Paris.
The driving time is approximately 1h15, depending on traffic.
What our riders say
Optional activities
Guerlain SPA
Is there anything more relaxing than a massage after riding ?
Escape to an oasis of tranquility at the Guerlain SPA in Versailles: Unwind in the heated indoor pool, sauna and hammam, all set within the stunning lush grounds of the Versailles Park. Indulge in wellness or beauty treatments that subtly blend traditional techniques with Guerlain’s science of well-being.
Night at Le Grand Contrôle
Indulge in royal luxury with a night at Le Grand Contrôle, an exquisite 5-star hotel within the grounds of Versailles. Step back in time in an ambiance reminiscent of bygone eras, with beautifully restored rooms featuring period furnishings, while enjoying modern amenities and exclusive château access.
Visit the Equestrian Academy of Versailles
See the behind the scenes of this Academy on a private tour and visit the historic riding arena, the stalls, the riding ring and the saddlery. Along with a guide, learn about the history of the Great Stables, since the construction by Louis XIV until today and discover the ways of the equestrians who keep Versailles’ traditions alive.
Attend Bartabas prestigious show
Attend Bartabas prestigious show
Sit in one of the world’s most exceptional equine shows, presented by pioneer Bartabas. Combining equestrian art, music, dance, and comedy Bartabas invented and staged a new form of live performance: the Equestrian Theatre. Prepare to be captivated by one of his famous shows “La Voie de l’écuyère”, blending high school dressage with captivating choreography and artistic disciplines.
Musical Fountains Show
The gardens of the Palace of Versailles are not only about what you can see – but also what you can hear. At the Musical Fountains Show, you can discover the extraordinary beauty of the water features, synchronised to the tune of period music: When the fountains are playing, a ballet comes alive to enchant each and all. Your royal stroll will unfold to the tunes of the greatest baroque composers from Lully to Charpentier or Rameau through the rhythm of the 55 fountains and 600 water features.
Gastronomy : Dine as in the time of kings
After the morning ride within the gardens of Versailles, we invite you to savor a gastronomic lunch at the renowned restaurant of Chef Alain Ducasse. With an impressive collection of over 20 Michelin stars, Ducasse stands today as one of the world’s most esteemed culinary maestros. « In this unique setting, I wanted guests to dine as in the time of the King » announced Alain Ducasse after being commissioned by the Palace of Versailles to craft an exquisitely tailored restaurant within the Château.
The restaurant boasts of the very finest of gastronomy and elegance, where you can savor French cuisine classics while overlooking the Cour Royale and the Cour d’Honneur. In the words of Alain Ducasse himself, it offers “French cuisine with a contemporary touch, but whose inspiration draws from the food served at the time. More than a meal, this is an experience”.
About this ride
The palace of versailles
Recognized as one of France’s best-known treasures and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Palace of Versailles is undoubtedly one of the greatest achievements of French 17th-century architecture.
Once a hunting property, the Palace became French Kings’ primary residence in 1661, when Louis XIV decided to build a country estate where the court of Versailles could be held.
Witnessing a century of French royalty and aristocracy, this palace provides an extraordinary window into French history, shedding light on the extravagant lifestyles led by the former kings until the upheaval of the French Revolution in 1789.
Now composed of the Palace, the gardens, the Trianon Palace and several buildings in town, the Estate of Versailles spreads over more than 800 hectares.
From the Equestrian Bronze Statue of Louis XIV, the glittering golden gates, the Hall of mirrors and the staggering 2300 rooms, prepare to be captivated by the epitome of royal French elegance along with a passionate historian and local guide.
Frequently asked questions
The Versailles & Its Gardens on Horseback is tailored to suit both novices and experienced riders.
The horses are very gentle and calm, and upon booking your saddle, our team will ask your height, weight and horse-riding level to partner you with the most suitable horse for the ride.
Our mission is to accommodate riders with diverse horse-riding backgrounds and offer the opportunity to anyone – from beginners to advanced riders – to enjoy the unique experience of traveling on horseback. If you find yourself uncertain about your horse-riding experience, we are here to help and assist you. Please feel free to contact us via our Contact form, email, or WhatsApp, and we will be more than happy to guide you.
We acknowledge that unforeseen events may occur, leading to changes in plans, and we are committed to providing our guests with a fair and transparent cancellation policy :
For the Day Trips such as The Gardens & Palace of Versailles, no refunds are possible – considering all fees are paid upfront. If possible, we will try our best to find alternative and suitable solutions on a case-by-case basis.
In the case your initial booking no longer fits your schedule or an unexpected event arises, we are open to flexibility and willing to consider alternative options where feasible. Feel free to contact us via our Contact form, email, or WhatsApp, and we will be more than happy to guide you and find a suitable solution.
Absolutely. Our commitment lies in curating tailor-made experiences that cater to the unique preferences and needs of each of our guests. This includes accommodating dietary restrictions and allergies to ensure a seamless and enjoyable journey.
Prior to embarking on the ride, we request guests to complete a comprehensive form. This form allows us to gather essential information, not only about dietary restrictions and allergies but also about your gastronomic preferences. By doing so, we can craft an experience that not only meets but exceeds your expectations.
Your safety, well-being and satisfaction are at the forefront of our personalized service, making every ride with us a truly unforgettable experience.
As a general guideline, the minimum age for participants is 6 years old. However, age restrictions can vary based on the destination and individual circumstances. We take into consideration factors such as size, stamina, and riding ability.
For those who may not wish to participate in every aspect of the ride, we also offer the flexibility of one-base options and the possibility of following the journey by car. Our aim is to ensure that every guest, regardless of age or preference, can enjoy the beauty of horse riding in a way that suits them best.
If you find yourself unsure whether a horse-riding holiday is the perfect fit for your family, particularly when considering the participation of your children, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We understand that safety and comfort are paramount, especially when it comes to younger riders. We will be more than happy to assist you in making an informed decision.
When gearing up for your horse-riding adventure, packing the right essentials is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. For the Versailles ride, which includes a smooth 2 hours riding in the gardens, we recommend wearing :
- Riding Pants or Jeans or Leggings: Choose the fabric based on the predicted weather, ensuring comfort and adaptability.
- Riding Boots or Sneakers: If you have riding boots, you can bring them. If not, sneakers will suit. We provide chaps on-site to protect your calf.
- Sports Bras for Women: In order to prioritize support and comfort during the ride.
- Waterproof Windbreaker Jacket: If a very windy day is predicted.
- Sunglasses: Shield your eyes from sun, wind, and dust for a clear and comfortable ride.
- We provide helmets of all sizes on-site.
On all of our rides, you will be welcomed and led by local and passionate horse-riding guides, all of whom are fluent in English to ensure seamless communication.
On the Versailles ride, the visit of the Palace of Versailles – upon inquiry – can be led by guides who are proficient in various languages such as French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, German, Japanese, and more. This multi-lingual approach ensures that our guests can fully appreciate the depth of the destinations explored, making their horse-riding holiday not only adventurous but also culturally enlightening.
A glimpse into the ride
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