Guide2Paris Test Drives a Vespa Tour of Versailles

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(Free-Press-Release.com) September 14, 2011 -- 2 Wheel Tours offers a number of set tours of Paris but it is a while since Guide2Paris last visited the chateau at Versailles and so opted for the Versailles tour by Vespa scooter. Xavier, the owner and manager of 2-Wheel Tours, arrived at our meeting time at Boulogne Billancourt with his dark blue Vespa and additional crash helmet. The pickup can be anywhere in Paris, whether it is at your hotel or your residence. Generally, customers drive themselves and follow Xavier but sometimes it is possible, as in my case, to be driven by the guide.

Having never been on a Vespa before, or even a motorcycle if I am being honest, it was with some trepidation that we set off to Versailles with my hands clinging to the handles on the seat. However, to my surprise the ride was comfortable and easy on the ears, whilst I was expecting a noisy, bumpy ride. On the contrary, during the ride Xavier was able to explain the route we were taking and point out the places of interest as we passed.

Passing through the Versailles forest and small, typical villages of the Hauts-de-Seine Department, the route takes us directly to the outskirts of Versailles and misses out the main road that most visitors by car take to get to the chateau.

After passing through the old part of the town of Versailles with its flamboyant facades and old market place, we arrive at the side entrance to the chateau, rarely frequented by tourists. Arriving at this entrance means we could wander straight into the gardens of the chateau without queuing or waiting for tickets. What a splendid way to start the visit! Although the fountains are not always spouting water during the visit, the gardens themselves are a sight to be seen. The Sun King (Louis XIV) certainly knew how to spend the money of his subjects.

After a tour of the impressive gardens and a pleasant lunch in one of the restaurants of the park, we headed to the chateau itself. The chateau at Versailles is unlike any other chateau in the Ile-de-France region. Originally built as a house to stay in whilst the king was hunting in the nearby forest, the chateau was continually expanded, particularly by Louis XIV, with massive wings being added with a Royal Chapel and Opera house. The façade is truly splendid and makes for some impressive photographs. Parts of the building are currently being re-gilded with gold so expect some covered scaffolding to be in place for a while.

The timing of the tour means there is no queue to obtain tickets for entry to the chateau. Xavier also organises the tour, so that a 1 hr 30 min guided tour in English with a professional member of the Versailles staff is planned. This tour is a superb introduction to the chateau; the tour guide being extremely knowledgeable and interesting without being overwhelming with facts. The tour includes a headset to amplify her voice and the group consists of less than 15 people. It is also possible to visit rooms not usually on the public walkway, with the highlight being the visit to the Opera house at the end of the tour. The tour cannot of course visit the whole of the chateau but there is plenty of time available to see some of the other public areas including the hall of mirrors which was originally conceived as the corridor between the king and queen’s separate bedrooms (one of the many interested facts learnt from the tour guide).

It was time to leave the marvellous chateau and head back to Paris. This time we passed through the Domaine de Saint Cloud which is an enormous park to the south west of Paris. This park was built by the famous Louis XIV's gardener, Lenôtre. It is possible to drive through the park by car (€4) or motorcycle (€3). Xavier drove to an area where there was a magnificent and panoramic view of Paris with the Eiffel Tower, Montparnasse Tower and the Butte de Montmartre (topped by the Sacré Cœur) all clearly visible. Xavier also recommended a trip to the l’Oasis restaurant which also has stunning views.

To summarise, a Vespa tour was a great way to visit Versailles and much more enjoyable than taking the standard journey using the RER and then having to queue for hours to enter the Palace. Although, Guide2Paris has not undertaken the same tour of Paris, we imagine this will be just as enjoyable with more stops to take photos. Set tours of Paris are available but 2 Wheel Tours are also happy to discuss specific requirements. If you book now, you'll have the opportunity to get a Private Tour because 2 Wheel Tours currently have two Vespa’s available for tours. In the future, there are plans to expand the fleet to enable groups to attend tours and to allow more rental opportunities.

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