In 1624, King Louis XIII commissioned a small, intimate hunting lodge on the limits of the Versailles forest. Four decades later, Louis XIV, the Sun King, began construction to enlarge the lodge into the opulent Versailles palace we know today, and hired the renowned landscape architect André Le Nôtre to design expansive royal gardens the likes of which the world had never seen. In this 4-hour Versailles Palace Tour excursion from Paris we will join a historian to see the magnificent château and jardins of Versailles, the seat of the royal court from 1682 until the Revolution. We’ll contextualize the architectural and historical significance of this immense site, all the while taking in its awe-inspiring beauty.

• Versailles Palace Tour led by a historian or art historian.
• Take an in-depth look at Le Nôtre's magnificent gardens.
• Visit the palace interior, including the Hall of Mirrors.
• Avoid ticket lines.
• Small group size—6 people maximum

Versailles Palace Tour

Louis XIV's vision for Versailles actually began with the gardens, conceived by André Le Nôtre, the landscape architect responsible for the gardens of Châteaux Vaux-le-Vicomte, Fontainebleau, and Chantilly. By 1682, Versailles would become the seat of the French court and government, the gardens acting as a theater for the Sun King’s absolute monarchy and elegant backdrop for some of the most important events in the country’s history. Arriving at Versailles, we will visit the gardens, taking in the carefully manicured hedges, reflecting pools, and artfully carved statues. We will dissect Louis XIV's powerful solar myth which led to Le Nôtre's conception of these gardens, and contributed to the decorating scheme of the State Apartments. We'll note the important interplay of water and sculpture that makes these gardens one of the most important sites of open-air sculpture in the world.

For more on architecture in the time of Louis XIV, consider our Baroque Paris Architecture Tour.

Hunting Lodge to Palace

Next, we'll proceed inside for our Versailles Palace Tour. Upon entering, we will talk about the château's successive architectural evolutions during the reigns of Louis XIII to the 19th century. When Louis XIV ordered an expansion, he added additional wings, the marble court, and the famous Hall of Mirrors to the existing structure. While the 18th and 19th centuries brought much change and renovation to the interior of the palace, the exterior of the château and the gardens remain largely unchanged from their 17th century origins, making them a prime example of the luxury and ambitious desire of the French monarchy before the 1789 Revolution—explored further on our French Revolution Tour Paris.

"Our docent gave us a great overview of how [Versailles] fit into Louis XIV's perception of himself and his projection of power vis à vis the rest of Europe at the time, including anecdotes concerning Louis the XVI, Madame de Pompadour, and Marie Antoinette."

Take Aways

In the company of an art historian, we will immerse ourselves in the lavish narrative of Versailles. Reflecting on our journey through the palace and gardens, we will draw our final conclusions on the role of Versailles in maintaining the image of the French Kings. As our walk comes to a close, we will come away with a better understanding of how Le Nôtre's designs were a departure from established landscape design of the time, and link this to our understanding of the Louis XIV's commitment to maintaining his image as the Sun King.

Miscellaneous Notes About Our Tour

During the summer, there is a special music & fountain show on Saturdays and Sundays. On Tuesdays and Fridays, there is music, but no fountain show. On these days, the bosquets and groves are all open. On the other days of the week (Wednesday, Thursday), and in the winter months, they are not open, nor are the fountains on. Much of the site is closed on Mondays.

The Right Bank's garden landscapes Les Tuileries and the adjacent Palais Royal count among the most important historical gardens in Paris—and France as a whole. A stone's throw from the Musée du Louvre, these sun-drenched green spaces are filled during the warmer months with Parisians reveling in the weather. Enveloped by a dense architectural context, they provide an excellent lesson in how landscaping played an important role in the development of royal and French identity from the late-Renaissance onward. On our two-hour Gardens of Paris tour, in the company of an architectural or art historian, we will explore Paris' two most famous gardens, learning the history beyond the natural beauty of the carefully maintained foliage and blushing roses.

• Explore Paris' most famous public gardens: the Tuileries and the Palais Royal.
• Gardens of Paris tour led by an architectural or art historian.
• Small group size—no more than six on a walk.

Gardens of Paris Tour - Jardin des Tuileries

Beginning in the carefully manicured Tuileries Gardens, we will open our discussion by learning its origins, and noting the former location of the Tuileries Palace. Following the death of King Henri II, Queen Catherine de Medici moved from her previous residence to the Louvre. Her first renovation was to transform the land behind the palace into a garden modeled after those in her native Florence. Beyond its natural beauty, this stretch of land at the end of the Louvre is also of significant historical importance—most notably during the French Revolution (as explored further on our French Revolution Tour Paris).

Later renovated by Louis XIV, the garden was transformed into its present web of intricate, geometric planters. Guided by the genius of landscape architect André le Nôtre—a figure who also factors prominently in our Versailles Garden Tour—the garden was molded into the space we see today. Together, we will focus on le Nôtre's guiding principles of symmetry and perspective, and take in the magnificent statues and fountains that adorn the grounds. As we explore, we will come to understand how the Tuileries has been shaped by some of the city's greatest figures.

"Our docent was exceptional. It felt like we were taking a walk through Paris with a friend, as she pointed out the background and events that led to the construction of the beautiful gardens of the city. A fantastic tour that really made our trip feel more personal."

Palais Royal

From here, we'll cross over the rue de Rivoli to the Gardens of the Palais Royal, once home to the Cardinal de Richelieu and a young Louis XIV, whose impact on the city's structure can be seen on our Baroque Paris Architecture Tour. Encircled by the elegant estate, the interior garden is a lush green space. Together, we can witness Parisians playing boules between the long rows of rectangularly manicured trees and pulling chairs up to sun themselves alongside the central fountain. Here, we will be able to see the divide between the more classical grounds and the Cour d'Honneur.

We'll talk about the (relatively) recent controversy over Daniel Buren's outdoor sculptures Les Deux Plateaux, which were installed in 1986. Along the way, we'll discuss the important relationship between the gardens and their buildings, between art and public space, and how these gardens formed the backdrop to dramatic events in Paris' history.

Take Aways

Reflecting on the Tuileries and the Palais Royal as a group, we will give these elegant gardens context, weaving a rich narrative of their place in French history. As our walk comes to a close, we will depart with a greater appreciation for Paris' gardens beyond their beauty. While we will focus only on these two gardens of the Right Bank, we hope that our time together will spark your interest in discovering more green spaces dotted across Paris.

Meet your guide at a cafe in the 15th arrondissement in Paris, and then walk to the train station to hop on the RER train for a 30-minute ride to Versailles.

The Palace and Gardens of Versailles are just a quick walk from the train station. Arriving at 10am, start with a 2-hour walking tour of the beautifully manicured Versailles Gardens as your guide explains the history of Versailles, the royal family, Marie Antoinette and the French Revolution.

Your tour also includes the famous Versailles fountain display or musical gardens show on selected days in the summer.

• Versailles Fountain Display: See the magnificent Versailles fountain display, known as the Grand Eaux. It’s a wonderful live concert held in the groves, designed by André Le Nôtre, where you can watch the fountains explode to the sounds of music. The show runs on most Tuesdays in May and June and on Saturdays and Sundays from April to October.
• Musical Gardens Show: Be enchanted by the musical gardens show, known as Jardins Musicaux. Enjoy the simple beauty of classical music played in the lovely surroundings of the Versailles Gardens. This event runs on Tuesdays in April and May and from July to October.

Your VIP experience begins as you board a luxurious, air-conditioned minivan in central Paris and head west to the Palace of Versailles. On arrival in Versailles enjoy a coffee and croissant in a cafe close to the Palace. Next, meet your knowledgeable guide at the palace’s reserved entrance, and go straight inside with your priority access ticket.

Follow your guide to the State Apartments, where you’ll see two of the 17 rooms – the King’s Chamber and the Council Study. Then head to the fabulous Hall of Mirrors. Your group will be among the first of the general public to arrive at this famous room so you can enjoy the sumptuous setting in all its glory. Walk down the spectacular hall, lined with 357 mirrors that reflect the windows on the opposite wall.

Next, the exclusive part of your tour truly begins as you leave the crowd behind and pass through the velvet ropes into the palace’s restricted area. See the following Royal Quarters of Louis XV and Louis XVI:

• The library of Louis XVI, said to be one of his favorite rooms
• The dining room where Louis XV held dinners for lords and ladies
• The clock room with its clock that has a crystal globe showing the planets revolving around the sun
• The ‘corner room,’ which contains a cylinder desk belonging to Louis XV that is considered one of the most outstanding pieces of furniture in the world

This small-group tour is the best way to see the palace. This tour gives you skip-the-line access, so you won’t have to wait in the long lines.

Inside the palace, peruse its incredible array of fine art and the intricate design of its 1,250 fireplaces as you work your way through the castle, including the King and Queen’s apartments, the Chapel, the Coronation Room, Hall of Mirrors and the Salon of Abundance. Your guide will talk you through the rooms as you pass them, each one entirely different from the next. And just when you think that you have seen all that the Palace of Versailles has to offer, you’ll burst into the sunlight and encounter its dazzling gardens, more than 1,800 acres in size.

Versailles Palace + Gardens
Entrance to the Palace. The Fountain shows and Musical Garden shows take place in the Versailles Gardens on Saturdays, Sundays and Tuesdays.

Versailles Palace + Show
Entrance to the Palace plus

• Versailles Fountain Display - See the magnificent Versailles Fountains Display, known as the Grand Eaux. It’s a wonderful live concert held in the groves, designed by André Le Nôtre, where you can watch the fountains explode to the sounds of music. The show runs on Tuesday (8, 15, 22-26 and 29 May), and Saturday, Sunday (01 May - 28 October). No show on Thursday.

• Musical Gardens Show - Be enchanted by the musical gardens event – Jardins Musicaux, as it’s known. Enjoy the simple beauty of classical music played in the surroundings of the Versailles Gardens. The musical gardens event runs on Tuesday (01 - 15 May and 03 July - October 23. No show on Thurs, Sat or Sun.

An exceptional evening! This enchanting château, a 17th century masterpiece which inspired Louis 14th to build Versailles, opens its doors to you. Your tour begins with a guided visit to the "Carriage Museum" where you can see horse-driven carriages from a roman carriage to the 20th century saloons.

Next, a 3-course candlelight dinner will be served in one of the restaurants in the château grounds including a complementary glass of red or white wine, water and coffee. The chef only uses seasonal French products from the local markets to prepare your high quality dishes. Vegetarian options are available.

After dinner, at sunset, you independently visit the château and stroll around the gardens brilliantly lit by 2,000 candles. Learn about the history of the Vaux-le-Vicomte Palace and France’s first garden from your complimentary audio-guide. To accompany this exceptional moment, recorded classical music is played in the garden to bring in a special touch.

Enjoy a romantic and enchanting evening in 17th century France.

Start your private full-day tour with a 9am pickup at your Paris hotel, then take a seat in your air-conditioned minivan for the journey to the UNESCO–listed Palace of Versailles — widely considered among France’s top attractions. Along the way, listen as your private guide delves into palace’s colorful history.

On arrival at around 10am, follow your private guide on a tour of the opulent state apartments and gain insight into royal life here during the reign of Louis XIV of France in the 17th century.

Step outside into the gardens — where pretty fountains hide among the manicured flowerbeds and lawns — and admire panoramic views over the grounds and palace from the winding pathways.

After lunch in Versailles Park (own expense) explore the Grand and Petit Trianon — where King Louis XIV entertained guests in a less formal setting away from the palace. Afterward, continue on to the Hameau de la Reine — the Queen’s Hamlet — a peaceful retreat where Queen Marie Antoinette could relax at her leisure.

When your time at the Palace and Park of Versailles comes to an end, return in comfort to your Paris hotel at approximately 5pm.

Enjoy a Full Day excursion to Versailles from Paris by minibus with this small group guided tour to the Palace with priority admission, the most important symbol of french Monarchy. Experience a guided tour of the magnificent Hall of Mirrors and the Royal Apartments, Explore the Gardens, designed by André Le Nôtre. Your private expert guide will end with the Small and Large Trianons, plus the Queen's Hamlet. Venture in these legendary and radiant places on the footsteps of the King Louis XIV and the Queen Marie-Antoinette.  

For this 8.5-hour tour, get picked up from your Paris hotel between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Your local guide will be there at your disposal all the day to answer to your questions and to reveal to you all the secret of Versailles Estate. 

Discover the Palace of Versailles, its spectacular architecture, and its splendid rooms like the King and Queen’s apartments, many livings room with its stories and the Mirror Gallery design to impress visitors with its three hundred and fifty seven mirrors, its marble and bronze decoration, and its gilded bronze sculptures. The visit ends with an introduction to Versailles Gardens.

After being stunned  by this fantastic place, take a deep breath and have a break. You are free to have a lunch (own expense) where you want in Versailles. Your guide can help you with some recommendations if you'd like. 

Appreciate a stroll at your own pace trough the Le Notre’s gardens. Its fountains and sculptures tells mythological and exciting stories which will surprise you. Be charmed by numerous secrets of this natural area. 

Finally, be surprised by a complete change of scenery, and explore Marie Antoinette Estate, a place marked by french characters such as the Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte or Marie-Antoinette. Wander in the Little and Great Trianons, the most refined monuments in Versailles, and in the cute Queen Hamelet created especially for the famous Queen Marie Antoinette.  

Your tour ends with a hotel drop-off at about 5 p.m.  

Learn how to make home chouquettes like a pro and enjoy a break with your friends and family.

Are you a pastry lover?

If so, you’ll love this cooking class dedicated to the Parisian pastry. A chouquette is a type of Choux pastry consisting of a small portion of dough sprinkled with pearl sugar and sometimes filled with custard or mousse.

Learn how to make yourself home chouquettes like a pro and enjoy a break with your freinds and family.

Your host will share with you techniques and secrets as you bake two different flavors, based on the season: chocolate, pistachio, vanilla, coffee, chocolate, passion fruit, strawberry, lemon, salted caramel...After the class, you’ll enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with your creations.

And of course, you’ll have many to take home!

Gabi is delighted to welcome you to our table to experience a marvelous taste of Brittany, France. This is a must-do in Paris and definitely an off the beaten track experience! French cuisine is extremely famous for it's marvellous taste and taste array of dishes.

One famous French dish to try in Paris is the Galette de Sarrasin - also known as a crêpe. In Brittany there is a distinction between the famous French dessert and galette- it's savoury counterpart.

What is the difference between a galette and a crepe? She hears you ask...Well, a galette is made out of blé noir (buckwheat flour), whereas the sweet crepe is made out of plain flour. She will show you how to make real crepes and share a nice time together.

This Versailles tour exclusively suggests you to experience most amazing Fireworks and Fountains show which takes place only in Summer and only once a week. So the tour starts at about 3 pm on a summer Saturday afternoon with a pick up from your hotel in Paris. Our driver guide will bring you to Versailles by a comfortable air-conditioned minivan and give you historical information and lots of sightseeing tips on the way. You will have a short tour of about an hour around the town of Versailles and see the places connected to the brightest times in French history. The mansions of Marquise de Pompadour and Madame du Barry, the most famous Lyceum in France established by the wife of Louis XV and the best farmers market of Ile de France, vegetable garden of the Kings and secret entrances to the Park - all of those attractions are crowding around the Palace - the central spot of the town and of the French history in XVI - XVIII centuries. After the tour around the town you will enter the Palace and explore it with an audioguide enjoying all the gold and glittering of the rooms, refine beauty of decorations and for sure the stunning Mirror Hall itself. After the visit to the Palace you have a pleasant break at one of the restaurants belonging to the list of establishments situated "not further than 500 meters from the bed of the King". That must be fun! You take your French style 3 course dinner with a bottle of wine and spirit of Art of Living! 
After that you enter the Park of Versailles to witness most amazing event of the summer - a Firework and Fountains show at the gardens. You will feel the atmosphere of glamour and chic, surrounded with music, mesmerizing fountains and absolutely gorgeous fireworks. You can imagine traveling in time and visiting one of luxurious balls of Louis XIV.  The size of the Royal Gardens is quite impressive and you will have a chance to see all its fountains, alleys and certainly canals of the King with unforgettable Fireworks combined with music. The show lasts till after 11 pm, after it the guide brings you back to your hotel.

Enjoy a 3-hour guided tour to explore the Parisian Secret by walking in the unusual atmosphere of the covered 19th Century passages. Continue to the Opera Garnier, a temple of lyrical art and choreography to be amazed by the treasures. Capture magnificent views from the Roofs of the Galeries Lafayette and much more. This tour includes a professional guide and entrance fees.

Venture into the Real Paris with the Parisian Secret Passages in the city Centre as your guide shares amazing stories. Enjoy a guided tour of one of the most expensive buildings built during the Second Empire (45 different marbles throughout ) with an impressive architectural designs, known as the Opera Garnier. Witness the huge hanging chandelier weighting over six tons in the center. Visit the impressive grand staircase with dual mirrors on each side (dedicated to Ladies) and marble friezes, which is a place for enjoying good music but also for socializing.

Immerse yourself into the alcoves, corridors, stairwells, and landings made especially for talking during intermission. Chagall, an artist, redid the ceilings with a painting depicting scenes from operas by 14 composers. In 1907, the Gramophone Company sealed 24 records in two containers and locked them in the cellars of the opera house to be opened 100 years later. In 2007, the containers were opened and the records digitized by EMI, which released the collection as Les Urnes de l’Opera.

End your tour with a grandiose panoramic view of the City from the Roofs of Department Store the Galeries Lafayette, which is located on boulevard Haussmann in Paris.

Explore what life was like at the Palace of Versailles living amongst the nobility and the Kings and Queens of France. On a private tour lead by a specialist in historical family tours, you’ll experience the splendor of Versailles from its intricate painted ceilings and golden doorways to the magnificent Hall of Mirrors overlooking the majestic palace gardens.  As you explore the secret details of the Palace and gardens with our exclusive skip the line access, your guide will bring to life Versailles as it was in the time of Kings and Queens. Activity sheets for children are included as the perfect souvenir of their visit!

The tour begins in Paris where your history expert will accompany your family by train to the resplendent Château de Versailles. On the way to the world’s most famous former royal palace, the youngsters will find out how you could tell which carriage belonged to the King, which of the Royal family sported wigs and which king was known as the Sun King.

Our skip the line entrance tickets mean your family goes straight into the palace to begin exploring. Uncover the secrets of each intricately decorated room theme by theme be it love, hunting, mythology or war. As you explore the majesty of Versailles, the youngsters will be searching for royal symbols, hunting for wild creatures and even discovering Louis XVI’s throne room. For would-be Queens, your guide will present where the famous palace balls took place and explain what Marie Antoinette herself may have been wearing.

In the final part of your adventure you’ll be exploring the palace gardens, of great importance during the time of Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI and the place where many of the royal events and festivities took place. It was in the gardens amongst the majestic fountains and secluded groves where royalty and noblemen came to frolic. Fun and engaging activity sheets will enable the youngsters to navigate mazes and to identify the mark of the Sun King throughout the estate. From April to October at weekends and on Tuesdays, your visit of the gardens will be timed with the Musical Fountain Show, a chance to see the gardens of Versailles in all their majesty.

Marvel at the sheer size of the Palace of Versailles, one of the largest and most beautiful castles in the world with a whopping 700 rooms.

Meet your expert, English-speaking guide in Versailles where they’ll begin a tour of the Gardens and Palace of Versailles. With a maximum of 20 to 25 people per group (depending on your day of travel), your tour of Versailles will be unhurried and enjoyable. We Skip the Line via pre-booked entrance to Versailles and your guide will lead you from one marvelous room to the next, pointing out where Louis XIV tormented his friends and family with long, boring ceremonies. Peruse its incredible array of fine art and the intricate design of its 1250 fireplaces as you work your way through the highlights of the castle including the King and Queen’s apartments, the Chapel, the Coronation Room, the Hall of Mirrors and the Salon of Abundance. This list of rooms your guide will show you goes on and on, each one an entirely different and unique experience from the Peace Room to the Queen’s bedchamber. 

And just when you think that you have seen all that the Palace of Versailles has to offer, you’ll burst into the sunlight and encounter its dazzling manicured gardens, over 1,800 acres in size.  Depending on the date chosen and your tour option you will have the option to witness the spectacular Fountain Show or the Musical Gardens show before departing.

The Palace of Versailles is a must-see for tourists to Paris, but all too often the long lines, huge crowds, and large tour groups can dull the imagination of its youngest visitors. Ensure the wonder isn’t lost on your young travelers with this specially crafted family tour that expertly navigates all the logistics while bringing this fascinating palace to life.

Your day of being treated like royalty begins in central Paris where your carriage – a fully air conditioned coach – waits to bring you and your group of 20 people or fewer to Versailles. Princes and princesses shouldn’t have to wait in line, and your group will enjoy Skip the Line access to the Palace, bypassing the long queues snaking around the courtyard. On entry, your expert guide will begin to weave the fascinating history of Versailles into a fantastic story sure to spark the imagination of your little tourists. Watch as they are enthralled by tales of mock naval battles on the Grand Canal, incredible fireworks exploding over the Palace, and bizarre Royal rituals which included rising and being dressed in front of a public audience.

Life in the Palace is brought alive as your guide skilfully combines their commentary with activity materials exclusively designed for this tour, ensuring that children have a fully immersive Royal experience. However, parents will also benefit from the tour as your guide is a fully licensed guiding professional, expertly versed in all aspects of Versailles and ready to answer any questions you may have.

Your guided visit covers all of the most famous of Versailles’ 2,300 rooms – the iconic Hall of Mirrors, the lavish State Apartments, as well as the manicured gardens. Your tour will take you and your small explorers on a journey from the pinnacle of royal power to its tragic demise at the hands of the French Revolution. Your adventure comes to an end in the gardens, where your guide will lead you through the story of the ornate fountains and lush greenery, before leaving you to enjoy a leisurely stroll by yourself – as the Royals once did – before you return to your coach and present-day Paris.

Your 10-hour shared tour combines a trip to Monet’s exquisite Giverny estate with a tour of Versailles palace, including gardens. Meander around Monet’s delightful house and gardens, which he immortalized on canvas, and be enchanted by the beauty of the Palace of Versailles with its gardens, where you will experience skip-the-line access with a local guide. Your tour includes round-trip transfer from Paris in a comfortable air-conditioned coach.

Your tour combines trips to two of the most notable attractions within driving distance of Paris, Claude Monet’s estate at Giverny and the famously extravagant Palace of Versailles. Learn about two different chapters from French history, the Baroque-era excess of Versailles and the hugely influential Impressionist art movement.

In the morning, travel from Paris to the quaint country village of Giverny by air-conditioned coach. During the drive, which takes around an hour, your guide will provide an introduction to the day’s agenda. First stop is the Fondation Claude Monet, where you will be treated to a short and informative introduction to the estate where the Impressionist master Monet made his home. After your orientation tour, you are free to explore at your leisure. You might stroll around the lily pad ponds of the garden, made famous by Monet’s masterpieces, or make your way around the artist’s ivy-clad house, which has been restored to show how it would have appeared during the painter’s lifetime. After your visit, you can avail of lunch from one of the towns quaint bar or restaurants. After lunch, you will regroup and make the short trip to Versailles, which serves as a perfectly preserved example of the extravagance of the French monarchy. Upon arrival an official palace guide will be waiting to bring you on a comprehensive two-hour guided tour of the Palace and gardens.

You skip the line via pre-booked entrance to Versailles and your guide will lead you around the labyrinthine interior, showing you the resplendent rooms where Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette threw lavish soirées for fellow aristocrats as well as the royals’ own private chambers. Marvel at the sheer array of magnificent art, and at the astonishingly detailed design of the palace’s 1,250 fireplaces. Your tour will include the King and Queen’s apartments, the Chapel, the Coronation Room, the Hall of Mirrors and the Salon of Abundance.

And just when you think that you have seen all that the Palace of Versailles has to offer, you’ll step out into its manicured gardens. The gardens measure more than 1,800 acres in size.  We will give you a short tour, before letting you off to traverse them at will. Depending on what day you visit, you may also manage to catch the famous Versailles Fountain Show or Musical Gardens. Tickets are included in tour price on show days. The Fountain Shows brings Versailles’ famous water features spray to life, while the Musical Gardens event allows you to enjoy the garden against a soundtrack of classical music.

After ambling around the gardens at your preferred pace, you can hop back on board the return coach to Paris or, depending on your travel itinerary, you may prefer to stay in Versailles and make your own way to your next destination.

Get to see this newly restored, beautiful and quite intimate chapel from the 13th century, admire its mesmerizing stained glass windows.
Built in seven years, an impressive feat, the Sainte Chapelle was intended to house precious Christian relics, including Christ's crown of thorns, acquired by Saint Louis. Having these sacred relics in his possession made the already powerful monarch head of western Christianity. 

Adorned with a unique collection of fifteen glass panels and a large rose window forming a veritable wall of light, the Sainte-Chapelle is a gem of French Gothic architecture. Arranged across 15 windows, each 15 metres high, the stained glass panes depict 1,113 scenes from the Old and New Testaments recounting the history of the world until the arrival of the relics in Paris.

Please note:

• Free admission: 18-25 years old (EU nationals and regularised EU residents)
• Unaccompanied tour with guide booklet available in: French, English, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Polish
• Due to the "Vigipirate Plan", luggage larger than 55x35x20 will not be accepted inside the monuments.
• Security checks are taking place: Sharp, dangerous items or motorcycle helmet are not permitted inside the monument.

Meet your guide at a convenient location near the train station. Take a short train ride to Versailles, approximately 30 minutes. Arrive in Versailles and go directly to the Palace of Versailles. Enjoy the ease of skip-the-line access and an intimate visit with a group size limited to 25 participants.

Once inside, follow in the footsteps of legendary French kings and queens on a guided tour of the world-renowned palace. See the private apartments, lavish staterooms, and much more, with the help of your knowledgeable guide. Learn about King Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, and those that were part of their court, hear interesting facts and stories about the history of the palace and the royal family.

Following your tour of the palace, take a stroll through the exquisite palace gardens, where glamorous balls were held and frequented by the most famous figures of those times. Depending on your day of travel, you might also get to see the famous Musical Fountain Show (weekends and some Tuesdays during the summer). 

If your tour concludes after the gardens, your guide will escort you back to the train station for your return to Paris. You may also choose to remain in Versailles for some free time and return to Paris on your own.

For those who have selected the option to visit the Petit Trianon, you will go there after your garden tour. The Petit Trianon offers a unique insight into the private life of the royals at the Palace of Versailles. Hear how King Louis XVI presented a key encrusted in diamonds to his beloved wife, Marie Antoinette and admire the English-style gardens, vegetable gardens, and thatched cottages commissioned by the queen to replicate a Normandy village. Learn how she surrounded herself with farm animals so she could play shepherdess, a far cry from her public persona. At the end of the tour, you will be driven back to the train station to return to Paris.

Join us for a full day visit to the spectacular Chateau of Versailles, the most prestigious and famous royal palace in Europe. Walk the glittering Hall of Mirrors as Kings, Queens and courtiers used to. Explore the lavish state apartments and magnificent gardens, and learn how the glory of the Sun King shone throughout the world. Visit the beautiful gardens, once home to lavish balls and parties. Then experience Versailles as few do, and continue your tour to visit the private domain of Marie Antoinette. On this guided afternoon tour you will discover the exquisite Petit Trianon, her private mansion set in beautiful gardens. See the jewel of Versailles, the tiny theatre built specially for her, and end your visit at her picturesque Normandy village, complete with vineyard, farm and vegetable gardens. Including a visit to the hidden estate of Marie Antoinette is the only way to fully understand the history of Versailles.

Meet your guide in central Paris and enjoy a short, escorted train ride to Versailles. On arrival, let them take you on a journey in the footsteps of the Kings and Queens of France. During the reign of Louis XIV - the Sun King - Versailles was the place to be and to be seen. Nowadays visitors from all over the world still come to Versailles to marvel at the splendours of this incredible palace. Our skip the line access allows you to bypass the long lines that form each day, and our friendly local guides will steer you expertly through the crowds, bringing the famous figures who once inhabited this palace back to life, and making sure you don’t miss a thing.

Learn how the Kings and Queens lived out their lavish lives in public, how they kept the gossiping courtiers under their thumb, and stole Italy’s thunder by making Versailles the artistic center of Europe. Discover a typical day in the life of Marie Antoinette; you’ll quickly understand why she hated the palace so much! Her opulent lifestyle here would ultimately lead to her tragic demise under the French Revolution; she left Versailles in 1789 never to return.

After visiting the royal apartments inside the palace, your guide will lead you through the spectacular gardens, once the setting of balls, parties and elaborate firework displays. On fountain show days you will discover the amazing waterworks, still running today as they did in the times of Kings and Queens.

We then invite you join us and discover the secret parts of this incredible place. After a break for lunch, spend an afternoon exploring the beautiful hidden treasures tucked away in the expansive gardens. Away from the crowds, see places that only Queens, Kings and their closest friends were allowed access to.

King Louis XVI gave a key encrusted with diamonds to his beloved wife Marie Antoinette. It opened the doors to a secret world, far removed from the public life at the palace and accessible to only a few. The palace of the Petit Trianon was her private world and the place where she was happiest. Follow in her footsteps, through the beautiful English style gardens, into the elegant and charming rooms of her home, furnished today as they were then. You will also see her tiny theater, built specially for her so she could perform on stage, to small audiences made up of a few friends and servants! This stunning theater is often called the hidden jewel of Versailles.

At Trianon Marie Antoinette lived a simple, country life. You will discover her perfect replica of a Normandy village, complete with thatched cottages and vegetable gardens where, far from the elaborate rituals of the palace, she would play at being a shepherdess surrounded by farm animals.

No visit to Versailles is complete without seeing the beauty of the Petit Trianon. At the end of your visit, your guide will escort you in a chauffeur driven car back to the train station to continue your journey back to Paris.

Combine a visit to the Palace of Versailles and Gardens with a gourmet lunch designed by world-renown Chef Ducasse. See the lavish staterooms, Hall of Mirrors, and the exquisite gardens led by your expert guide. You will maximize your time by traveling via RER train from Paris, round-trip tickets are included.

You will meet your escort at a centralized location in Paris before heading to the nearby train station. Travel to Versailles in comfort, approximately 30 minutes on the RER train. Upon arrival, your English-speaking guide will be waiting to take you to the Palace of Versailles.

Marvel at the beauty of the famous palace built during the reign of King Louis XIV, the Sun King. Learn how Versailles ascended to the artistic center of Europe and at its peak the palace was host to some of the world's most notable people. Walk in the footsteps of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette as you make your way through the magnificent staterooms, Hall of Mirrors, and more.

Step outside to stroll the French style gardens were grand balls once were held. See the Musical Fountain Show that remains a staple for visitors from all over the world. Admire the meticulously groomed landscape and intricate details throughout the garden.

Feast like a king with a 3-course gourmet lunch with wine, prepared by world-famous Chef Alain Ducasse. Savor his distinctive blend of local ingredients and fine French cuisine to produce contemporary dishes that are timeless classics. Sit down to enjoy your meal inside an 18th century salon at Ore, inside the Palace of Versailles. You will be treated to an extraordinary meal surrounded by beautiful views from the palace. At the end of your day, you will be escorted back to the train station to return to Paris.

Those who have chosen to upgrade their tour with the Petit Trianon, will continue to Marie Antoinette's retreat. You will gain insight into the royal life away from public life. See the home that King Louis XVI gave to his beloved. Hear the romantic story of how he presented her with a diamond encrusted key and how she re-imagined the hamlet as a Normandy village. See the thatched cottages, English-style gardens, and elegant furnishings. Following your visit, a driver will take you to the train station to return to Paris.

You will be transported back to the Golden Age of France with a trip to the Palace of Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and emblem of French royalty and extravagance. You will be guaranteed fast-track entry, allowing you to jump the queue and travel in comfort on one of our fully air-conditioned coaches. You will marvel at the breathtaking royal chateau, transformed by the ‘Sun King’ Louis XIV in the 1660s from a hunting lodge. Playground of the French monarchs, Versailles was the centre of royal and political power until the French Revolution in 1789 which saw Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette forced to return to the capital.

Your audio guide will enable you to discover the State apartments of the King and Queen, the Royal Chapel and Hall of Mirrors, the epitome of French opulence: three hundred and fifty-seven mirrors line the gold-adorned hall and crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling.

You will also be given time to explore the manicured gardens "à la française", which mirrors the splendor of the interior. Designed by the French landscaper André Le Nôtre in 1661 for the King Louis XIV, the 2,000-acre park is an architectural expanse of perspectives, parterres, fountains and groves that since its inception has defined what a French garden should be.

Let us transport you back to the Golden Age of France with an entire day to discover the Palace of Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's gardens and the Trianons which includes Marie Antoinette's private Hamlet.

You will be guaranteed fast-track entry, allowing you to jump the queue and travel in comfort on one of our fully air-conditioned coaches. You will marvel at the breathtaking royal chateau, transformed by the ‘Sun King’ Louis XIV in the 1660s from a hunting lodge. Playground of the French monarchs, Versailles was the centre of royal and political power until the French Revolution in 1789 which saw Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette forced to return to the capital.

Your audio guide will enable you to discover the State apartments of the King and Queen, the Royal Chapel and Hall of Mirrors, the epitome of French opulence: three hundred and fifty-seven mirrors line the gold-adorned hall and crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling.

You will also have free time to explore the famous gardens à la française ; a 2,000 acre park designed by André le Notre with its magnificent groves, statues, and fountains. The grounds of Versailles boast two smaller, but equally beautiful palaces which are also well worth a visit.
The Grand Trianon was built for King Louis XIV to enjoy with his mistres Madame de Montespan and later by Napoleon Bonaparte and Empress Marie-Louise. The elegant, single-storey palace with pink marble radiates cosiness, sweetness and grandeur all at once.

The Petit Trianon, a small chateau in the grounds of Versailles used by Marie Antoinette for festivities and to escape the overwhelming court etiquette. You will also discover the Queen’s Hamlet, a stylised Norman village and farm built for Marie Antoinette where she retreated with her closest friends to enjoy an intimately rustic life. Completed just a few years before the Revolution, the Hamlet remains a testiment to the Queen’s desire for a simpler life over the cold marble vaults of the main palace.

Meet your friendly private guide and leave central Paris by luxury minivan to travel to the historic town of Versailles. Famous as the home of King Louis XIV from 1682 to 1789, the town’s elaborate palace and intricately designed gardens bear testament to his extravagant tastes during his reign.

First stop of the day is the Palace of Versailles, the incredible palatial estate where Louis XVI and his wife, Marie Antoinette, once lived. The building oozes grandeur both from the outside as well as its inside.

Skip past the lines outside the palace with your skip-the-line ticket, and straight inside to explore. On a tour led by your private guide, discover the palace’s intriguing State Apartments and see the Hall of Mirrors and Queen’s Apartments. While walking, your guide will keep you entertained with tales of the aristocrats who held court there.

After an hour inside Versailles Palace, walk into the gardens and explore them at leisure. Every bit as elaborate as the palace, the French Baroque-style gardens took nearly 40 years to complete with eye-catching features like the Versailles fountains. After ambling around, enjoying its resplendent features, meet your guide for a 3-course lunch at a restaurant close to the Grand Canal. Please see the Itinerary below for your sample menu.

Your afternoon continues at the Grand Trianon -- the UNESCO World Heritage-listed palace in the center of the gardens. Marvel at its pink marble colonnades with your guide and hear tales of Napoleon who revamped it after after Louis XIV and his family left. The Queen’s Hamlet is nearby, and so head over to visit this next. Created by the esteemed French architect Richard Mique, the countryside retreat boasts a charming little cottage, lakes, streams and even a small farmhouse.

After exploring the Queen’s Hamlet, head back to your luxury minivan for the return journey to Paris.

In the sumptuous living quarters and royal gardens, step back in time and walk in the shoes of the colorful people who lived in Versailles. Join this small-group tour (8 pers. max) and enjoy a 5-hour experience to discover Versailles off the beaten track. You will just have to pick up one of the “Character Cards” to discover... who you are and which odd sounding position you held at the Court. You could be the King's Ear, a Gentleman of the Sleeve, or an Annunciator of the Mouth! Follow your Versailles expert and get to know the Courtiers who would have killed to be the sovereign's servants. After this tour, you will never say that History is boring.

Colorful characters from the Past will come out around every corner of your Versailles experience. Follow your guide to hear details and anecdotes about their intimate lives and public deeds.

As Courtiers from the Past rushed to Versailles, you will travel from Paris to the Palace to pay your own tribute to the Sun King. During this 30-minute train ride, you will get to know Louis XIV and his Court thanks to your Licensed Versailles expert. Once there, you will admire the Versailles you've dreamed of, while proceeding through the palace’s official rooms. Moreover, your guide will allow you a look behind the Monarchy's golden curtains. This tour offers an intense immersion in the noble life at the service of the Royal family.

The King officially lived in the Great Apartment, where the Court's daily life took place. The young Marie-Antoinette would have never crossed these public rooms without her "Dame d'Honneur," despite deeply hating her. The reason for their daily arguments? A matter of State, of course!

In private moments, many servants surrounded the King. His toiletry, his clothing and even his portable potty were subjects for a harsh war for privileges between the aristocrats. The purpose of such a struggle among the French nobility and upper class will soon be revealed.

In the Hall of Mirrors, imagine the entire Court bending on its knees as the monarch passed when crossing the Palace to the Chapel. He offered a splendid show of himself, surrounded by the Princes of his kin and usually with his Royal Favorite. Don't confuse her with a simple mistress... She was much more than that!

Even as a child, the Dauphin (the Crown’s Heir) had his own Court. Among his officers and attendants, the Menin held a major role. If you can’t guess what his main duty was, your guide will be there for you.

The Versailles Gardens were the perfect setting for a Court greedy for splendor. At the top of the “Green Carpet”, take in the beautiful view. The whole universe seems to contribute to this, even the God Apollo, whose statue adorns the water mirror in the distance. In fact, the magic of the gardens was all in the hands of Louis XIV’s resourceful hydraulic engineers. You'll certainly laugh while listening to how they satisfied the King’s pride while he reviewed his fountains.

Your 5-hour tour of Versailles begins with an early afternoon departure from Paris by bus. Relax on the 30-minute journey southwest of Paris.
After arriving in the town, head straight to Queen Marie-Antoinette’s idyllic hamlet. In 1682, the grounds were declared the official royal residence and Louis XIV eventually set up separate quarters for his wife, Queen Marie-Antoinette. Attesting to his elaborate tastes, her home resembles a fairytale village. You’ll have approximately an hour and fifteen minutes to explore the hamlet and farmhouse and visit Le Petit Trianon, her handsome personal palace.

Meet back at the bus and drive to the Palace of Versailles. Founded in the early 17th century, the showstopping palace was officially built as a royal hunting lodge for King Louis XIII. During Louis XIV’s reign, lavish wraparound gardens and a succession of extravagant additions to the lodge were added, transforming it into one of the world’s most decadent palaces. The sprawling Baroque chateau is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site with centuries of history to match its grandeur. Walk past the palace’s long entrance lines with your skip-the-line ticket and head inside for your walking tour. Explore public rooms like the chapel, the King’s Grand Apartments, and Hall of Mirrors – where crystal chandeliers hang from frescoed ceilings and the walls are covered with gilded mirrors.

Gaze at the plush interiors, and then head outside the palace to explore Versailles Gardens at leisure. Having strolled the gardens, meet your guide and travel back to central Paris where your tour finishes with a drop-off in the early evening.

Climb aboard a comfortable air-conditioned bus shuttle from any of our bus stops strategically located near the higher hotel concentration areas in central Paris (Gare du Nord, Opéra or Champs-Elysées / Etoile) and prepare yourself to delve into the opulence of the Palace of Versailles.

Accompanied by a multilingual escort/hostess you'll benefit of a priority access to the Château avoiding the long lines. Once inside delight yourself with an informative audio guide available in 11 languages and go deep into the heart of the Hall of Mirrors and the State Apartments. After the visit to the Palace you'll have free time to discover the massive gardens of the Palace designed by André Le Nôtre. This tour allows you to maximize your time in Versailles with a 5h visit in the domain of Versailles

The Château de Versailles has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage List for 30 years and is one of the most beautiful achievements of 18th-century French art. The site began as Louis XIII’s hunting lodge before his son Louis XIV transformed and expanded it, moving the court and government of France to Versailles in 1682. Each of the three French kings who lived there until the French Revolution added improvements to make it more beautiful.

From the central window of the Hall of mirrors look down on the grand perspective that leads the gaze from the Water Parterre to the horizon. This original perspective, which preceded the reign of Louis XIV, was developed and prolonged by the gardener André Le Nôtre by widening the Royal Path and digging the Grand Canal. This vast perspective stretches from the façade of the Château de Versailles to the railings of the park.

At the end of your visit find your tour leader at the meeting point in order to go back to Paris. You can choose to be dropped off at Champs-Elysées/ Etoile or at the Opéra House of Paris.

Head to Montparnasse in the early evening for a night of traditional Parisian entertainment courtesy of César Palace. This welcoming 250-seat cabaret venue proudly presents its ‘100% Made in France’ shows to an ever-growing fan base of locals and visitors alike.

Take a seat at your table and enjoy a 3-course dinner of authentic French cuisine (see sample menu below). Soak up the electric cabaret atmosphere, and sit back in delight as the curtains rise for an evening of traditional Parisian cabaret entertainment.

Be swept away by the glitz and glamour of energetic Cancan girls in feather boas and shimmering rhinestone costumes. Watch in wonder as dynamic acrobats, magicians and jugglers make the stage their own, and sing along to famous show tunes performed by a troupe of singers and musicians. The diversity of the acts will keep you enthralled throughout the whole 2-hour show.

When the curtains close, show-goers across Paris will head home but your night is far from over! Grab more drinks from the bar (own expense) and dance to the rhythms of the latest hits and cabaret classics until 2am.

Sample Menu
Aperitif:

• Kir (blackcurrant liqueur topped with white wine)

• Lentils and fois gras
• Salmon tartare

• Duck confit with dauphinois potatoes
• Sea bass with ratatouille

• Assorted César Palace delicacies

• 1/2 bottle of Bordeaux wine per person, or, 1/2 bottle of Champagne with a 20€ supplement per person

Discover the beauty of Versailles on this hassle free, small group, day trip from Paris!  Start the day by exploring the local farmers market in Versailles. There you’ll be able to tour the brimming food stalls and pick up some supplies for your picnic lunch that is planned for later in the day.  During the rest of the day you’ll be discovering the beauty and elegance of Versailles 2,000 acre park.

Discover Versailles on this hassle free, small group, day trip from Paris!  Start the day by exploring the local farmers market in Versailles. There you’ll be able to tour the brimming food stalls and pick up some supplies for your picnic lunch that is planned for later in the day.  During the rest of the day you’ll be discovering the beauty and elegance of Versailles 2,000 acre park.

You’ll visit the charming farm and village inside Marie Antoinette’s private domain, complete with adorable animals of all kinds.  Have free time inside of the Grand & Petit Trianon chateaux to see where the King would hide away for his summer holidays.

Enjoy priority entrance into the Palace of Versailles and free time to explore inside at your leisure with an audio-guide. You’ll learn about the Sun King’s life, Marie-Antoinette’s scandals,  the French Revolution, and how the French Monarchy ended with the guillotine. Seeing the beauty of this amazing Palace with it’s luxurious gilding, amazing paintings, and Hall of Mirrors is sure to impress!

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TOUR :

- A full-day adventure in the french countryside: Take a day to breath some fresh air and step away from the hustle and bustle of Paris

- See the most famous Palace in French History: No other Palace is so acclaimed for its beauty and extravagant decoration.

- Have Skip-The-Line access into the Palace of Versailles: Since it is one of the most visited monuments in all of France the line outside can stretch for hours! On this tour you will not have to wait in line but instead be escorted into the Palace via a priority entrance thanks to our special reservations.

- Learn about the French Monarchy from an enthusiastic guide: Being experts in their researched fields of history and very passionate story tellers makes our guides true assets to each tour we provide!

- Access to the Private Domain of Marie-Antoinette: Complete with charming thatched roof village and a working farm full of adorable little animals.

- Access into the Grand Trianon: Visit the pink marble chateau with its lovely garden and see where King Louis used to hide away from the nobles on his Summer holidays.  

- Access into the Petit Trianon: Visit the home built for the most infamous French mistress to the French King: Madame de Pompadour.

- A guided tour of the French Gardens of Versailles: Visiting these perfectly manicured gardens full of flowers, fountains, mazes of hedges, and statues will charm you.

- A truly small group tour: You will be in a group with no more than 8 people and your guide! So individual attention and quality time with your guide are guaranteed.

- Comfortable A/C Van: Enjoy your ride to and from Versailles in a brand new, impeccably clean van with leather seats and big clear windows.

The Palace of Versailles Bike Tour : Skip-the-Line is the most fun way to discover the grandeur of this 2,000 acre Royal Domain! You'll start your tour by exploring the local market and browsing through the brimming food stalls as you choose the best things for your picnic lunch along the lake.

Discovering the unique gardens , the inside of Marie Antoinette’s private farm and fantasy village , the Grand & Petit Trianon summer homes, and enjoy Skip-the-line access into the Palace itself with its famous Hall of Mirrors .

On a bike you'll be able to see it all in comfort as you cruise effortlessly from one picturesque spot to another. The guide will share stories and pictures that will help you learn about the life, legends, and scandals of the Sun King , Marie-Antoinette, and the French Revolution . Touring Versailles on a bike is fun and interactive for all ages!

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TOUR :

Stephanie is a native from Paris who spent years with her family in Normandy while her children were growing up. She describes herself as a child as the “petit souris” (little mouse) who was sneaking in to the kitchen to watch her mom cook. Later, she went on to improve her cooking skills, graduating from one of the top hospitality schools in Lausanne, Switzerland! Stephanie lives in a lovely Paris apartment in the Batignolles neighborhood. She is passionate about the marvels of her local market, just across the street and has both - knowledge of the various local ingredients and of teaching how to cook traditional and typical homestyle French dishes. 

Join Stephanie for this wonderful opportunity to learn about French culture and cuisine from a true local and leave Paris with a full stomach, new recipes and fond memories!

After hotel pickup in Paris, your tour starts with the drive to the Palace of Versailles, which played a fascinating role in French history. The dream of the Sun King, the palace is a pure example of the classical French architecture of the 17th century and is home to two smaller estates—the Trianon and Marie Antoinette's Hameau.

When you arrive, your guide tells you about the history of the château and its infamous residents. See and hear about the places constructed specially for King Louis XIV, such as the Hall of Mirrors, the apartments of the king and the queen, and other royal chambers. After your visit inside the palace, follow your guide outside to see the gardens and groves designed by the landscape architect Le Notre, the creator of the French garden style.

At the end of your time at Versailles, you'll be returned to Paris in your private transport.

When you reache the Versailles Palace, go directly to the restaurant  "ORE" to have your breakfast,

Once in, you will enjoy the first wonder of this UNESCO word heritage listed monument by having a succulent French breakfast in the Ore restaurant. This restaurant is managed by one of the  famous chef  who chose the best French bread and croissants for you to taste.

After you finished your breakfast, our staff will lead straight to in front of the queue to skip all the lines and get you inside the palace. Then, you will be free to visit the palace at your own path. You may discover the somptuous place and  the beautiful rooms of the palace with your audio guide.

After the visit, you will have the possibility to walk into the gardens to discover the surprising fountains hidden in the bushes. Those fountains can only be seen from April to October and will need an additional fee. You can also ask your guide about the temporary exhibitions inside the palace that you will be able to access without any additional charge.

Breakfast Menu

LE LEVER DU ROI 20 —

• Your choice of hot or iced drink 
• Vegetable or fruit juice 
• Toasted ficelle baguette & butter, jam, honey or chocolate spread 
• 3 mini viennoiserie assortment 
• Two organic eggs, pan-seared or scrambled, sausages & tomato

HOT OR ICED DRINKS
Espresso, decaf
American coffee 
Filter coffee 
Double espresso 
Noisette
Latté, cappuccino 
Tea or infusion 
Hot chocolate from our Manufacture in Paris

JUICES
Fresh fruit juice, orange or grapefruit 
Tomato juice

Meet your private guide at your pre-scheduled time and place, probably your hotel in Paris, and then head to the train station for the ride to the town of Versailles, about 40 minutes from the city.

During the transfer from the Versailles train station to the Palace of Versailles (Château de Versailles), listen to an overview from your guide about this lovely town. When you reach the golden gates of the palace, skip the ticket line to start your visit like a VIP. Follow your guide through the public rooms of the palace, visiting sites like the chapel with its painted ceiling, the royal apartments, and the Hall of Mirrors. Your tour takes you through 107 years of French history; in each room, your guide shares anecdotes about members of the French court who spent time with the kings of France.

Your visit continues into the gardens, designed by landscape architect Andre Le Nôtre. Walk with your guide from one grove to another, passing by statues and fountains and soaking up the atmosphere. You might hear about some of the mysteries and stories of the gardens, just as intriguing as what once went on inside the palace.

After spending roughly four hours at Versailles, your guide takes you back to Paris.

The Palace of Versailles is one of the most famous palaces in the world and attracting millions of visitors each year from all over the globe. Touring the Palace at Versailles is simply a must for any visitor to Paris. Initially built as the summer residence for French royalty, Versailles’ legendary grandeur and opulence is unsurpassed. It has since been home to everyone from Marie Antoinette and King Louis XIV to France’s Dauphin and Dauphine.

Your Versailles tour begins with your guide meeting your group at the meeting point of your choosing and taking you personally to Versailles. You'll take a quick, 20 minute RER train ride that leaves you right near the entrance of the Palace. 

Once there, you’ll visit the Palace and the King’s Suite, well known for it’s luxurious woodwork, paintings, and marble décor. You will see where Louis XIV conducted his royal escapades and where Marie Antoinette hosted her lavish parties.

You'll visit the Petit and Grand Trianon, two buildings built for different King Louis' so that their mistresses could be within easy reach from the Palace. You'll explore the lives of the French royal family and get an extraordinary view into the lives of the monarchy before they were overthrown during the French Revolution in 1789. You'll get to study your reflection in the same celebrated Hall of Mirrors that Louis XVI did, while also visiting the room where the treaty that ended World War I was signed. 

You'll explore the stunning and expansive gardens that are as striking as the palace itself on your tour. Created in the traditional royal style, Versailles’ gardens are filled with more than just lush fauna – they are also full of exquisite marble and gold statues and lustrous fountains. Breathtaking and ethereal, the legendary gardens of Versailles actually served as the inspiration for many of Claude Monet's greatest paintings.

After your tour, you're able to continue exploring the Palace on your own, or heading back to Paris with your guide. The guide can recommend local restaurants in Versailles to stay for dinner. 

Enjoy this 2-hour tour and explore the less-known covered passages (passages couverts) dating back to the 19th century - a time when Paris was a beacon of class and sophistication. Browse its intriguing shops, cafés and booksellers, see the hotel where Frederic Chopin would meet his mistress or the book stalls where Victor Hugo once searched for inspiration. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the gardens of the Palais Royal, full of surprising secrets you’ve got to hear to believe! You can choose between private and small-group (mixed bookings, no more than 10 participants) tour options.

Leave touristy Paris behind—let us whisk you back in time to the romance of the 19th century with a walking tour of the covered passages!

You will begin your tour with a visit to Palais Royal´s tranquil gardens. Away from the crowds of the nearby Louvre, its trees, flowers and a grand fountain offer a scenic slice of local Paris life. Your guide will paint a vivid picture of the gardens’ glory days of the 18th century - a time when the area was an adult playground full of revelry and debauchery. You’ll discover hidden details and unexpected anecdotes that will bring the exciting history of the Palais Royal to life.

During the second part of the tour, you will head off to explore some of the most unique glass-roofed arcades, lying tucked away in the corners of the Right Bank and unknown even to many locals. Today very few of these unique glass-roofed arcades remain, lying tucked away in the corners of the Right Bank and unknown even to many locals. Enjoy a palpable snapshot of a bygone era as you explore their ornate decors, fine mosaics, charming boutiques and much more. You will see the hotel where Frederic Chopin would meet his mistress or the book stalls where Victor Hugo once searched for inspiration.

You’ll never look at Paris the same way again once you’ve unlocked the secrets side of its covered passages!