Visiting Versailles with kids doesn’t have to be a formal, over-structured experience. In fact, some of the best family memories can be made by exploring the grandeur of the grounds and castle in creative, cost-effective ways. Here are some fantastic DIY options to keep the little ones engaged and curious while discovering the rich history of this iconic landmark.
DIY Tours of Versailles for Kids
The Little Detectives at Trianon
📖 Guidebook Recommendation: Les Petits Détectives à Trianon
One of the most enchanting parts of the Versailles experience for kids is hidden away in Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet and the Petit Trianon. This magical area feels like stepping into a fairy tale, with picturesque cottages, winding paths, and charming farm animals.
Make the adventure even more exciting by grabbing the guidebook Les Petits Détectives à Trianon. This interactive booklet follows the tale of two women uncovering the mystery of the Petit Trianon. Is it haunted by the ghost of Marie Antoinette? With comics, mazes, and puzzles, this guide lets kids explore history in a fun and imaginative way.
🛤️ Getting There: The easiest way to reach the Petit Trianon is by taking the Petit Train, a hop-on-hop-off shuttle that circles the grounds. Tickets are €7.50 for adults, and kids under 11 ride free.
💡 Pro Tip: Order the guidebook ahead of time, as it’s not always available at the château gift shop. The on-site investigation lasts about an hour and is perfect for kids when guided by an adult.
Rick Steves’ Audio Tour of Versailles
🎧 Audio Guide Link: Rick Steves Audio Tours
For older kids and parents who enjoy storytelling, Rick Steves’ free audio tour of Versailles is a gem. Download it before your visit, pop in your earbuds, and let Rick Steves guide you through the palace’s most iconic rooms.
In just under an hour, this engaging narration covers the rise and fall of the French monarchy, weaving in vivid stories about Louis XIV, Marie Antoinette, and the events leading to the French Revolution. It’s like having a personal historian in your pocket!
Geocaching at Versailles
📍 Get Started: www.geocaching.com
Turn your visit into a treasure hunt! Geocaching is a modern-day scavenger hunt where participants use GPS coordinates to find hidden “caches” around the world. Versailles has over 1,000 caches waiting to be discovered, each hiding a piece of history.
Download the free app, and you’ll receive coordinates to begin your hunt. Not only is this activity thrilling for kids, but it’s also educational—you’ll uncover fascinating tidbits about the gardens and palace as you search.
💡 Pro Tip: Bring a small trinket to leave behind in the cache as part of the geocaching tradition.
Self-Guided Street Art Tour
🎨 Explore with ExplorHappy: Self-Guided Walk for Families Versailles
While Versailles is steeped in royal history, its surrounding neighborhoods also boast vibrant and eclectic street art. Take a self-guided walk with your family to discover murals and installations that add a contemporary twist to this historic town.
ExplorHappy’s guide makes it easy to navigate these artistic gems, providing an off-the-beaten-path experience that kids will love.
Budget Tips for Visiting Versailles with Kids
- Pack a Picnic: Skip the pricey on-site cafés and pack your own lunch. The Grand Canal area offers plenty of scenic spots to spread out and enjoy a picnic.
- Free Entry for Kids: Admission to the Palace and the Trianon estate is free for children under 18 years old (and under 26 for EU residents).
- Bring Refillable Bottles: Save money on drinks by refilling water bottles at the fountains around the gardens.
DIY Tours of Versailles: A Day Full of Fun and Memories
Versailles offers so much more than its gilded halls. From solving mysteries at the Petit Trianon to geocaching and exploring street art, these DIY tours let kids connect with history in hands-on, engaging ways.
Whether you’re on a budget or simply looking for unique ways to enjoy the palace, these activities promise an unforgettable family adventure.
So pack your curiosity, grab your guidebooks, and get ready to explore Versailles like never before!
