question about the amount of time spent at Versailles
We will be on the Tauck Rendezvous on the Seine in late August 2026. My question is how. much time is allowed at Versailles? Is it 1/2 a day or more? Does the tour include both the inside and outside in the gardens? Did you think it was enough time or would you have preferred to have an additional 1/2 day there. thanks in advance
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This is what your itinerary says
"Château de Versailles is unequaled in its display of regal splendor and privilege. Louis XIV (the Sun King) built this "country home" to escape the confines of the Louvre and Paris in 1682, and made it large enough to house all of his courtiers and servants – it was eventually expanded to include 2,300 rooms; he also built the town of Versailles while he was at it. Prepare to be dazzled when your guide takes you inside the palatial estate to see opulently decorated rooms in the King's Apartments, including the superb Hall of Mirrors where the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, ending the First World War. If you wish, enjoy some free time or take a tour of the chateau's gardens. The gardens are a monumental counterpart to the palace in design and décor, a showcase of magnificent bronze statues, patterned flower beds, lakes, fountains and architectural gems, from a marble colonnade to two smaller palaces. Meet your riverboat and sail for Rouen, which is home to Joan of Arc memorial sites."
So yes it does include some time in the Gardens. Is it enough? Yes just to get an idea but the grounds of Versailles are huge (2000 acres) and the gardens, fountains, etc are very spread out. They are mostly not flower gardens but more greenery, hedges, fountains, etc. They are best on weekends when the Musical Fountains are happening. There is so much to see at Versailles beyond the main chateau and gardens you can easily spend several days to see it all.
Since lunch is included that day it will either be money given to buy something at Versailes (several spots to chose from) or you'll be back on board the ship for lunch there. Timing also depends on where the ship is docked. If Paris, it's about a 30-45 minute drive.
We did this tour in May. It was a great tour/river cruise. Versailles was more like 1/2 day as we did something else afterwards. There was a very nice tour of the inside, including some private areas not shown to the public - then there was time for the gardens on our own, not a lot of time, but enough to walk around and take photos. We loved this tour. I did post a review under the Rendezvous on the Seine section.