Versaillles: Hidden Passages and Antiques Neighbourhood

Versailles’ hidden passages and antique neighborhood offer a captivating glimpse into the city’s rich history. Wander through recently restored alleyways, discovering charming houses, trompe l’œil paintings, and unique art galleries. Guided by experts, visitors can enjoy this enchanting quarter, culminating in the picturesque Village des Antiquaires. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or a history buff, this tour promises a fascinating blend of culture and tradition. Prepare to uncover the secrets that lie behind Versailles’ well-known landmarks and uncover the hidden gems that make this neighborhood truly special.

Key Points

• Guided tour exploring the oldest neighborhood of Versailles, including hidden passageways, charming houses, trompe l’œil paintings, and art galleries.
• Opportunity to visit the picturesque Village des Antiquaires and Christiane Schmitt’s atelier, offering a blend of history, tradition, and optional tastings.
• Tour duration of 1.5 hours, priced at £58.42 per person, available in Italian, English, and French with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Not suitable for children under 5, wheelchair users, or individuals over 80, with comfortable shoes recommended due to narrow, cobblestone pathways.
• Booking available on the platform, with "Reserve Now & Pay Later" option and accessibility and safety considerations emphasized throughout the experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

The activity titled "Versailles: Hidden Passages and Antiques" offers a 1.5-hour guided tour through the oldest neighborhood of Versailles, showcasing the city’s hidden gems and blending history with local traditions.

Priced from £58.42 per person, the tour is available in Italian, English, and French. Guests meet at La Palette de jeux and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Highlights include discovering charming houses, trompe l’œil paintings, art galleries, and the picturesque Village des Antiquaires.

Optional tastings of foie gras, wine, or sweet treats are available.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 5, wheelchair users, or individuals over 80, and comfortable shoes are recommended.

Experience Highlights

Discover oldest neighborhood of Versailles and hidden gems on this immersive experience.

You’ll blend history and traditions, accompanied by a live tour guide.

Explore recently restored passageways with charming houses and trompe l’oeil paintings.

Venture into the Quartier des Antiquaires, featuring galleries and art stores.

Visit the picturesque Village des Antiquaires courtyard, where you may catch a glimpse of the milliner Christiane Schmitt’s atelier, if available.

Then, walk through the Passage de la Geole to the Carré des Antiquaires, once a stable transformed into a wine and spirits shed.

End your journey by exploring the secret courtyard of Impasse du Plessis, with its transformed workshops.

Itinerary Details

Visitors start the tour at La Palette de jeux, where they’ll explore a recently restored passageway lined with charming houses and trompe l’oeil paintings.

Next, the group moves to the Quartier des Antiquaires, featuring galleries and art stores. They visit the Village des Antiquaires, a picturesque courtyard with unique shops, including milliner Christiane Schmitt’s atelier, if available.

Continuing the journey, they walk through Passage de la Geole to the Carre des Antiquaires, originally a stable transformed into a wine and spirits shed.

The tour concludes by exploring Impasse du Plessis, leading to a secret courtyard with transformed workshops.

Important Information

Accessibility and safety considerations are paramount for this tour. The activity isn’t suitable for children under 5 years, wheelchair users, or individuals over 80 years.

Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes for the walking portion of the experience. The narrow, cobblestone pathways and uneven terrain may prove challenging for those with mobility issues.

Guests should exercise caution and follow the guide’s instructions throughout the tour. While the experience offers a glimpse into Versailles’ hidden gems, it’s important to note these limitations to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for all.

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Booking and Availability

Guests can check availability for specific dates and participant numbers on the booking platform. The tour can be booked and paid for at the time of reservation, or guests can opt for the "Reserve Now & Pay Later" option.

Certain optional tastings, such as foie gras and wine or sweet treats, can be added to the experience and should be coordinated with the tour provider prior to the visit.

Here are some key things to keep in mind when booking this tour:

1. Check availability for your preferred date and group size.
2. Inquire about any optional tastings you may want to add.
3. Ensure you meet the age and mobility requirements.
4. Review the cancellation policy and take advantage of the free cancellation option if needed.

Pricing and Duration

The tour is priced at a reasonable cost of £58.42 per person and lasts for a duration of 1.5 hours.

This allows visitors ample time to explore the oldest neighborhood of Versailles and discover its hidden gems. The experience is available in Italian, English, and French, catering to a diverse audience.

Participants can expect to wander through charming houses, admire trompe l’œil paintings, and browse through galleries and art stores in the Quartier des Antiquaires.

The tour provides a blending of history, tradition, and optional tastings, offering a well-rounded culture in the heart of Versailles.

Languages and Meeting Point

The tour is available in Italian, English, and French, accommodating a diverse audience.

The meeting point is at 17, Rue des Deux Portes, in front of La Palette de jeux, making it easy to find and start the exploration.

Some key details about the meeting point and languages:

1. The tour guide will be waiting at the designated spot, ready to lead the group.
2. Guests can choose their preferred language, ensuring a comfortable and informative experience.
3. The multilingual approach allows the tour to cater to international visitors and local French speakers alike.
4. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is offered, providing flexibility for participants.

Free Cancellation and Reserve Now

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, participants can book their spot and receive a full refund if their plans change. This flexible policy allows visitors to secure their spot on the tour without the worry of unexpected schedule conflicts.

Plus, the "Reserve Now & Pay Later" option means no upfront payment is required to hold a booking. This makes it easy to plan ahead and ensure availability for the desired tour date.

Whether it’s a last-minute change or pre-planned trip, the free cancellation and reserve now policy provides peace of mind for those interested in exploring the hidden gems of Versailles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?

The tour’s group size is not explicitly mentioned in the provided information. Without any specific details, the group size can vary and is likely flexible to accommodate different party sizes.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer specific discounts for students or seniors. However, the company may provide flexible pricing options if requested in advance. Customers should contact the provider for more details on any available discounts or special rates.

Can We Take Photos During the Tour?

Participants can take photos during the tour, though they should avoid disrupting the guide or group. Photography is generally permitted, but it’s best to check with the guide before the tour begins for any specific restrictions.

Is the Tour Guide Available for Private Bookings?

The tour guide is available for private bookings. You can contact the tour operator to arrange a private tour for your group. Private bookings allow for a more personalized experience and flexibility in the itinerary.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Along the Tour Route?

The tour route does not include any dedicated restroom facilities. However, participants can find public restrooms in nearby cafes or shops along the way, as the guide will point out during the tour.

Sum Up

The "Versailles: Hidden Passages and Antiques" tour offers a captivating exploration of Versailles’ enchanting oldest neighborhood. Guided by knowledgeable experts, visitors can wander through restored passageways, art galleries, and the picturesque Village des Antiquaires, seeing the city’s rich history and culture. This unique experience is a must-see for art and history enthusiasts, available in multiple languages with flexible booking options.

You can check availability for your dates here: