Rick Steves Tour: Versailles

by Rick Steves

Rick Steves' Tours eBooks are straightforward, self-guided tours of some of Europe's most popular museums, ancient buildings, and other points of interest, designed for easy reference on your mobile device or eReader. In Rick Steves' Versailles —for less than the price of a café au lait—Rick shares his candid advice on how to get the most out of a visit to Versailles, including when to go, how much it costs, and what's worth your time once you're there. With Rick's knowledgeable, humorous writing in hand, you'll also learn some interesting historical facts about the château along the way. Packed with indispensable tips and recommendations from America's expert on Europe, Rick Steves' Versailles is a tour guide in your pocket—and on your smartphone.

Rick Steves' Tours and Walks are available for must-see locations throughout London, Paris, Rome, Florence, Venice, Amsterdam, Vienna, Budapest, Athens, and Istanbul.

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 14, 2012

About the author

Rick Steves is an American travel writer, television personality, and activist known for encouraging meaningful travel that emphasizes cultural immersion and thoughtful global citizenship. Born in California and raised in Edmonds, Washington, he began traveling in his teens, inspired by a family trip to Europe. After graduating from the University of Washington with a degree in European history and business, Steves started teaching travel classes, which led to his first guidebook, Europe Through the Back Door, self-published in 1980.
Steves built his Edmonds-based travel company on the idea that travelers should explore less-touristy areas and engage with local cultures. He gained national prominence as host and producer of Rick Steves' Europe, which has aired on public television since 2000. He also hosts a weekly public radio show, Travel with Rick Steves, and has authored dozens of popular guidebooks, including bestselling titles on Italy and Europe at large.
Beyond travel, Steves is an outspoken advocate for drug policy reform, environmental sustainability, and social justice. He supports marijuana legalization and chairs the board of NORML. He has funded housing for homeless families and donates to anti-hunger and arts organizations. In 2019, he pledged $1 million annually to offset the carbon emissions of his tour groups.
Steves is a practicing Lutheran with Norwegian ancestry and continues to live in Edmonds. He has two adult children and is in a relationship with Reverend Shelley Bryan Wee. Despite health challenges, including a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2024, Steves remains committed to his mission of helping Americans travel with greater purpose, empathy, and understanding of the world. His work reflects a belief that travel, done right, can be both transformative and a force for peace.