The Palace & 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
Our day trips are exclusively private, allowing our guests to ride at their own pace and enjoy a personalized experience.
Optional : Stay overnight at the stunning Grand Contrôle, Treat yourself at the Guerlain SPA, Embark on an E-Bike Tour in the Parc of Versailles, etc...
Our driver and guide will meet you directly at your hotel in or near Paris and transport you to various locations.
The journey to Versailles typically takes about 40-minute, depending on your specific location and traffic conditions.
The Palace of Versailles & Its Gardens Ride welcomes riders of all experience levels - from first-timers to experienced riders.
When a group includes riders of mixed experience, the pace of the ride will be adjusted to match the least experienced participant. More experienced riders may have the opportunity to enjoy trots and canters, at the discretion of the riding guide.
Our gentle, calm and well-trained horses are carefully matched to each rider based on individual height, weight, and riding background, ensuring a safe and enjoyable equestrian experience for everyone.
We are delighted to welcome families, with children aged 3 and above eligible to participate in horseback riding in Versailles, depending on their size, stamina, and riding ability, to ensure safety and comfort throughout the ride.
Like on most of our horse riding holidays, non-riders are most welcomed to join the Day Trip: While equestrians explore the trails, we offer tailored alternative experiences including E-Bike tours, visit of the Equestrian Academy, Guerlain SPA, and more – ensuring every participant enjoys a memorable and personalized day out.
In order to book a ride, you can contact us directly, and our team will send you a riding form to ensure a tailored and unique experience. We are happy to address any questions or special requirements you might have for the Day Trip.
To confirm your reservation, we kindly request a 50% deposit, which can be conveniently completed via our secure payment link or traditional bank transfer.
Just half-an hour away from the busy streets of Paris, 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 experience, offering horseback riding in Versailles, while transporting you to the time of Kings and delighting 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 schedule
From Paris to Versailles
Your day begins around 9 a.m. with a personalized pick-up from your hotel's reception by your knowledgeable guide and experienced driver, whisking you away on a 45-minute drive to Versailles.
Morning Ride through the Gardens of Versailles
Upon arrival at the entrance of the Versailles gardens, you'll be greeted by your guide and introduced to your horse, carefully selected based on your riding level. Once saddled up, embark on a two-hour ride, by trotting* through the verdant alleys, cantering* up until the tranquil waters of the Grand Canal, offering breathtaking views of the Palace of Versailles.
*When a group includes riders of mixed experience, the pace of the ride will be adjusted to match the least experienced participant. More experienced riders may have the opportunity to enjoy trots and canters, at the discretion of the riding guide.
Exquisite Cuisine at Les Airelles
Following your ride, step into a culinary journey at renowned restaurant of 21-Michelin stars Chef Alain Ducasse. Prepare to savor the very best of French cuisine with a three-course meal - expertly paired with fine wines and champagne - in an ambiance reminiscent of bygone eras.
Visit of the Palace
Upon finishing lunch, your historian guide will lead you on a 90-minute private tour of the Palace of Versailles. While strolling through its Grand Trianon or the Hall of Mirrors, allow yourself to be transported to a world of mystery and grandeur. With each step, your guide will unveil the secrets and stories behind this iconic masterpiece, revealing the captivating tales of French aristocracy.
From Versailles to Paris
Your journey ends around 4 p.m, with a comfortable ride back to your hotel along with your guide and chauffeur - 45 mins drive depending on your hotel’s location and traffic.
What our riders say
Optional activities
Guerlain SPA
After your horseback riding in Versailles, indulge in a luxury wellness experience at the Guerlain SPA at the Trianon Palace.
Relax in the heated indoor pool, sauna, and hammam, set within the exceptional grounds of Versailles Park. Enjoy a selection of Guerlain treatments, blending tradition, expertise, and care, leaving you fully restored and rejuvenated.
Non-riders are also welcome to enjoy the SPA while riders are out on the trails.
Night at Le Grand Contrôle
Experience a 5-star experience at Versailles - Le Grand Contrôle invites you to indulge in royal luxury within the very grounds of the Palace of Versailles.
Step back in time with beautifully restored rooms featuring period furnishings, while enjoying modern amenities and exclusive château access. Wake up to the magical silence of the gardens, and savour a private breakfast fit for royalty. A once-in-a-lifetime stay for those who seek the extraordinary.
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.
You may start your day with horseback riding in Versailles, and then enjoy your visit in the afternoon, exploring the stables at your own pace.
Attend Bartabas prestigious show
Prepare for an experience unlike any other with one of the most exceptional equestrian shows in the world, presented by the legendary 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
One of the most enchanting experiences near Paris, the Musical Fountains Show at Versailles delights as much in sound as in sight.
Discover the extraordinary beauty of 55 fountains and 600 water features, perfectly synchronised to period baroque music — a living ballet that enchants with every jet of water. Stroll through the royal gardens to the timeless compositions of Lully, Charpentier, and Rameau, and let the magic of Versailles wash over you.
Falconry Introduction
Discover the art of falconry, one of the world’s oldest and most fascinating traditions.
Meet a passionate and experienced falconer, accompanied by their impressive birds of prey. Explore their natural habitats, learn about their daily care, and take part in interactive feeding sessions. End your experience with a falconry demonstration, as these majestic raptors take to the sky, revealing their speed and effortless grace in flight.
Capture your Ride
Make your visit unforgettable with a professional photographer capturing your horseback riding in Versailles.
Come back home with edited photos and videos of your journey to the Palace and Gardens on horseback, preserving every moment of your Versailles experience.
E-bike Tour in the Gardens
Don’t ride horses? Enjoy a scenic e-bike experience through the beautiful Gardens of Versailles !
While your friends or family are on horseback, explore the Versailles park at your own pace. Reconnect along the way and share the experience together - an ideal blend of freedom, nature, and discovery in one of France’s most spectacular settings.
Gastronomy : Dine as in the time of kings
Horse riding in Versailles as royalty once did calls for dining just as royally. 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 royal hunting property, horseback riding in Versailles was an integral part of court life. In 1661, Louis XIV decided to transform the estate into the French Kings’ primary residence, establishing the Palace as the heart of royal power and the seat of the Court of Versailles.
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 Palace & Its Gardens Ride welcomes riders of all experience levels - from first-timers to experienced riders.
Important Information : When a group includes riders of mixed experience, the pace of the ride will be adjusted to match the least experienced participant. More experienced riders may have the opportunity to enjoy trots and canters, at the discretion of the riding guide.
Our gentle, calm and well-trained horses are carefully matched to each rider based on individual height, weight, and riding background, ensuring a safe and enjoyable equestrian experience for everyone.
Non-riders are also welcomed to join the Day Trip: While equestrians explore the trails, we offer tailored alternative experiences including E-Bike tours, visit of the Equestrian Academy, Guerlain SPA, and more – ensuring every participant enjoys a memorable and personalized day out.
Yes, like on all our horseback riding Paris experiences, this day trip is designed to provide you with a completely private and personalized experience; from the personalized driver's pick-up, to the ride, and château guided visit, all the activities are organized privately for you to ensure an exclusive, comfortable, and intimate journey tailored precisely to your preferences and interests.
Yes, we happily accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies on our Day Trips.
Prior to embarking on a horse riding holiday or day trip, we request guests to complete a comprehensive form. This form allows us to gather essential information such as your dietary restrictions and allergies and this information is carefully communicated to the Chefs so they can prepare your meals accordingly.
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.
If you find yourself unsure whether a day trip 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 day horseback riding in Versailles, packing the right essentials is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
As you will be having an active day (horse-riding, and walking through the Château), aim for comfortable clothes and shoes. Please note that bringing two different outfits (for riding and for lunch or visits) is entirely optional, but if you wish, you may change in the restaurant’s restroom.
For the ride, we recommend you to wear:
- Riding Pants or Jeans or Leggings: Choose the fabric based on the predicted weather, ensuring comfort and adaptability. Avoid flared pants
- 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 calfs.
- 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 Palace and Its Gardens 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.
To confirm your reservation, we kindly request a 50% deposit, which can be conveniently completed via our secure payment link or traditional bank transfer.
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.
If you need to cancel your reservation for your day trip, please note that refunds are not available, regardless of the reason or weather conditions. We recommend guests to purchase comprehensive travel insurance in order to claim any cancellation charges where applicable.
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.
For The Palace & Its Gardens Day Trip we accept riders weighing up to 125 kg (275lbs).
This limit ensures the safety and well-being of our horses, as they cannot comfortably carry more weight.
A glimpse into the palace and its gardens day trip
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