Versailles: Marie Antoinette Petit Trianon & Estate Tour

The "Versailles: Marie Antoinette Petit Trianon & Estate Tour" offers a captivating exploration of the intimate world of France’s iconic queen. Visitors can discover the charming Petit Trianon and the picturesque Queen’s Hamlet, guided by knowledgeable experts. With comfortable walking and a scenic journey back to the Palace of Versailles, this tour promises a delightful escape into the royal past. Intrigued to learn more about this enchanting experience?

Key Points

• This guided tour offers a 2.5-hour exploration of Marie Antoinette’s personal retreat, the Petit Trianon, and its surrounding estate.
• Visitors can discover the Queen’s Hamlet, a rustic village constructed for her to escape the formalities of court life.
• The tour includes a 20-minute scenic ride back to the main Palace of Versailles on the Petit Train.
• Knowledgeable, English-speaking guides provide commentary and use headsets to enhance the listening experience.
• The tour is suitable for those familiar with Versailles or visiting earlier to avoid crowds, but is not wheelchair-accessible due to the walking involved.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This guided tour of Versailles takes visitors on an in-depth exploration of Marie Antoinette’s private retreat, the Petit Trianon, and its charming surrounding estate.

Priced from $54.27 per person, the 2.5-hour experience allows guests to wander the Petit Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet, followed by a 20-minute ride back to the main palace on the Petit Train.

With a live English-speaking guide, headsets for clear communication, and optional hotel pickup/drop-off, the tour offers a convenient and immersive way to discover Versailles beyond the famous State Apartments.

Comfortable shoes are recommended for the moderate walking required.

Itinerary Highlights

The guided tour begins at La Flottille, near the Grand Canal, where visitors then embark on a captivating exploration of Marie Antoinette’s private retreat, the Petit Trianon.

For one hour, the knowledgeable guide leads the group through this jewel-like palace, revealing its intimate charm and the Queen’s personal tastes.

The tour then continues to the Queen’s Hamlet, a delightful rustic village that Marie Antoinette had constructed as an escape from court life.

After another hour of discovery, the group returns to the Palace of Versailles via the Petit Train, a 20-minute scenic ride.

Tour Features

The tour is led by knowledgeable, English-speaking guides who ensure clear communication throughout the experience.

Visitors are provided with headsets, allowing them to hear the guide’s commentary clearly as they explore the Petit Trianon and Queen’s Hamlet.

This guided experience offers several key features:

• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off service for added comfort and accessibility.

• Moderate walking required, with comfortable shoes recommended.

• Not suitable for wheelchair users due to the uneven terrain.

These thoughtful tour elements enhance the overall experience, making it accessible and engaging for visitors.

Visitor Insights

How many visitors flock to the Palace of Versailles each year? Over 4 million people visit, but only 90% explore the state apartments and distant gardens.

Based on 65 reviews, the overall tour rating is an impressive 4.6 out of 5. Travelers praise the knowledgeable guide, who received a 4.9/5 rating.

The knowledgeable guide received a nearly perfect 4.9/5 rating, with the overall tour impressing visitors with a 4.6/5 score.

While the transportation aspect scored a solid 4.1/5, the value for money was rated 4.3/5.

This Versailles tour provides an intimate experience, allowing visitors to explore Marie Antoinette’s private haven at the Petit Trianon and the charming Queen’s Hamlet away from the palace’s vast crowds.

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Additional Information

Entry to the gardens of Versailles requires a ticket, but access via the Queen’s Gate is free of charge.

This tour is best suited for those already familiar with Versailles or visiting earlier in the day to avoid crowds.

Key meeting point directions are:

• Guide meets at La Flottille, identifiable by an orange lanyard

• Ensure to allow time for ticket lines and garden access

• Tour includes a reasonable amount of walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended

While the tour covers Petit Trianon and The Queen’s Hamlet, it may not be suitable for wheelchair users due to the walking involved.

Exploring the Petit Trianon

As the tour begins, visitors are transported to the enchanting Petit Trianon, a serene retreat built by Louis XV for his mistress Madame de Pompadour.

The guide leads guests through the elegant rooms, highlighting Marie Antoinette‘s personal touches and her fondness for the intimate, private residence.

Visitors marvel at the beautiful gardens and the tranquil Queen’s Hamlet, where the French queen played at being a peasant.

The tour explores the intricate details that reflect the luxurious yet simple lifestyle favored by Marie Antoinette, providing a glimpse into the private world of the ill-fated French queen.

Discovering the Queen’s Hamlet

After exploring the elegant Petit Trianon, the tour guides visitors to the enchanting Queen’s Hamlet.

This rustic retreat designed for Marie Antoinette offers a glimpse into the Queen’s private life:

• The tranquil farmhouse, mills, and cottages evoke a pastoral idyll far removed from the grandeur of Versailles.

• Visitors can stroll through the charming gardens and observe the farm animals, cultivating a sense of simplicity and solitude.

• The tour concludes with a scenic ride back to the Palace of Versailles aboard the Petit Train, providing a comfortable end to the immersive experience.

Returning to the Palace of Versailles

Upon completing their captivating journey through the Petit Trianon and Queen’s Hamlet, visitors are transported back to the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles via the Petit Train.

This leisurely 20-minute ride provides a relaxing transition, allowing guests to soak in the magnificent scenery one more time before returning to the main estate.

Once back at the palace, visitors can further explore the famed State Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, and expansive formal gardens at their own pace.

This concludes the immersive Versailles experience, leaving guests with a deeper appreciation for the estate’s rich history and Marie Antoinette’s legacy.

Ask Away

Can I Bring Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Guests are generally allowed to bring food and drinks on the tour, but it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand. Some tour providers may have specific policies regarding consuming food and beverages during the tour.

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Buildings?

Photography is generally allowed inside the buildings, but guests should check with the tour guide for any specific restrictions. Visitors are encouraged to take pictures, but flash photography may be prohibited in certain areas to preserve the historic structures.

Are Guided Tours Available in Languages Other Than English?

Yes, guided tours are available in multiple languages. Visitors can select from English, French, Spanish, German, and Italian tours to experience the Petit Trianon and Queen’s Estate at Versailles.

Are There Any Age or Height Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour does not have any age or height restrictions. It’s suitable for all ages, though the walking distance may be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

How Long Does the Entire Experience Take From Start to Finish?

The entire tour experience takes around 2.5 hours from start to finish. This includes the guided tours of the Petit Trianon and Queen’s Hamlet, as well as the return journey to the Palace of Versailles via the Petit Train.

Final Words

This immersive tour offers a delightful glimpse into the private world of Marie Antoinette. Visitors can explore the intimate charm of the Petit Trianon and the picturesque Queen’s Hamlet, led by a knowledgeable guide. The tour concludes with a scenic return to the Palace of Versailles, providing a captivating experience for those seeking to uncover the royal legacy of this historic site.

You can check availability for your dates here: