Versailles Palace & Marie-Antoinettes Estate Private Guided Tour

Versailles Palace and Marie-Antoinette’s Estate offer a captivating glimpse into France’s royal past. Visitors can explore the grandeur of the Hall of Mirrors, wander through the meticulously landscaped gardens, and discover the intimate charm of the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon. But the true highlight may just be the enchanting Hamlet, where Marie Antoinette indulged in her pastoral fantasies. With a private guided tour, travelers can enjoy the splendor and intrigue that defined the lives of French royalty. What secrets might these historic sites still hold?

Good To Know

• A guided tour of the iconic Palace of Versailles, including the Hall of Mirrors, Royal Apartments, and expansive gardens.
• Exploration of Marie Antoinette’s private retreats, the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon, with a visit to her charming Hamlet.
• Lunch at a local restaurant, enjoying a 3-course meal featuring authentic French cuisine.
• Convenient hotel pickup in Paris and meeting at the equestrian statue of Louis XIV in Versailles.
• A comprehensive experience that provides insights into France’s rich history and royal heritage.

Palace of Versailles Highlights

The Palace of Versailles is the centerpiece of this all-inclusive tour, featuring its stunning architecture, lavish interiors, and expansive gardens.

Guests will marvel at the Hall of Mirrors, a breathtaking gallery adorned with ornate chandeliers and gilded mirrors. The tour also covers the Royal Apartments, where visitors can glimpse the luxurious living quarters of French royalty.

Outside, the lush gardens boast meticulously landscaped grounds, intricate fountains, and scenic walkways.

From the Palace’s impressive facade to the tranquil grounds, this iconic landmark offers a captivating glimpse into France’s rich history and royal heritage.

Explore Hall of Mirrors

Inside the Palace of Versailles, visitors will encounter the awe-inspiring Hall of Mirrors, a true architectural marvel. This iconic gallery features 17 mirrored arches that reflect the grandiose gardens outside, creating an illusion of infinite space. The table below highlights the key facts about this breathtaking room:

Fact	Description
Length	73 meters
Mirrors	306 mirrors lining the walls
Lighting	17 mirrored arches with 21 chandeliers
Purpose	Showcase French power and wealth
History	Built between 1678-1684 under Louis XIV

The Hall of Mirrors truly encapsulates the opulence and grandeur of the Palace of Versailles, leaving visitors in awe of its magnificent design and historical significance.

Manicured Palace Gardens

After touring the breathtaking Hall of Mirrors, visitors can’t help but be captivated by the manicured palace gardens that unfold before them.

Covering an area of over 2,000 acres, the gardens feature meticulously landscaped lawns, ornate fountains, and intricate flower beds. Guests can stroll along the serene canals, admiring the remarkable symmetry and attention to detail that defines the gardens.

From the iconic Neptune Fountain to the tranquil Orangery, each corner of the gardens offers a new delight. Whether one seeks a peaceful respite or a grand spectacle, the Versailles gardens deliver an unforgettable experience that complements the palace’s magnificence.

Lunch at Versailles

Halfway through the immersive Versailles tour, guests are treated to a 3-course lunch fit for royalty.

The meal is served at a local restaurant, providing a chance to savor French cuisine while taking in the stunning palace grounds. The menu includes a starter, main course, and dessert, showcasing the finest regional dishes.

Guests can expect a selection of fresh seasonal ingredients, expertly prepared and beautifully presented.

This lunch break offers a welcome respite from the comprehensive tour, allowing visitors to refuel and reenergize before continuing their exploration of the palace’s magnificent interiors and expansive gardens.

Grand Trianon & Petit Trianon

Following the tour of the main Palace of Versailles and a delightful 3-course lunch, the itinerary moves on to the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon.

The Grand Trianon is a small palace built for King Louis XIV as a private retreat. Visitors can explore its elegant rooms and wander through the surrounding gardens.

The Petit Trianon, a more intimate estate, was a favorite of Queen Marie Antoinette. Guests will discover the Queen’s private apartments, the charming Orangery, and the picturesque Hamlet – a rustic village she’d constructed to escape the formalities of court life.

These additional stops provide a deeper understanding of the Versailles estate and the lifestyles of its famous residents.

Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet

The Hamlet of Marie Antoinette stands as a delightful oasis within the grand estate of Versailles.

This charming pastoral retreat, built at the queen’s request, offers a serene escape from the opulence of the palace. Guests will explore the quaint village, complete with a farmhouse, boudoir, and a rustic mill.

Wander through the lush gardens, admire the delicate bridges, and imagine the carefree days Marie Antoinette spent in this idyllic setting.

This unique stop on the tour provides a fascinating glimpse into the private life of the ill-fated queen, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the tranquility she sought amidst the grandeur of Versailles.

Tour Pickup and Logistics

The tour begins with a convenient hotel pickup in Paris, saving guests the hassle of navigating to Versailles on their own.

The meeting point is the equestrian statue of Louis XIV at Place d’Armes in Versailles, where guests without hotel pickup can join the group.

The tour requires confirmation of pickup location and time 48 hours prior. For those not needing pickup, the meeting time is 9:00 am.

The tour concludes at the original meeting point, and full refunds are available for cancellations made 24 hours in advance.

Guests can provide feedback on their experience after the tour.

Sum Up

This private guided tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the grandeur and intimacy of Versailles. Visitors will be captivated by the opulent Hall of Mirrors, manicured gardens, and Marie Antoinette’s charming Hamlet, providing a unique glimpse into France’s royal heritage. With convenient hotel pickup, this immersive experience allows guests to fully enjoy the elegance and history of this iconic destination.