Versailles Full-Day Tour with the Estate of Marie-Antoinette

Paris , France

Versailles Full-Day Tour with the Estate of Marie-Antoinette

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(180 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Step into the splendour of the most prestigious royal palace in Europe on this full-day guided tour of Versailles. Walk in the footsteps of kings and queens through the glittering Hall of Mirrors, explore the opulent State Apartments, and stroll the grand gardens where lavish parties once captivated the court of the Sun King.

In the afternoon, discover a more intimate side of Versailles with a visit to the private estate of Marie Antoinette. Explore the elegant Petit Trianon, her personal retreat hidden among manicured gardens. Finish your journey in her charming Normandy-style hamlet—complete with vineyard, farm, and vegetable gardens—created as a peaceful escape from court life.

With expert commentary and access to both the main palace and the Queen’s hidden domain, this immersive experience reveals the full story of Versailles, from royal glory to private retreat.

Available options

Departure from Paris

Late July/August departures from Montparnasse during railway line works.<br/>Starting point:<br/>5 Bd de Vaugirard, 75015 Paris, France

Departures from Paris

Departure from Paris<br/>Starting point:<br/>Le Régalia, 1 Rue de la Convention, 75015 Paris, France

What's included

Discover Marie Antoinette’s private estate, from the Petit Trianon to her rustic hamlet.

Walk the glittering Hall of Mirrors and royal apartments with an expert guide.

Explore the spectacular gardens that once hosted Versailles’ grandest celebrations.

Benefit from timed entry, all reservations and tickets including Palace, gardens and Petit Trianon

Enjoy an easy, escorted train ride from central Paris

Experience Versailles in full, including areas most visitors never get to see.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

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 splendors of this incredible palace. Our friendly local guides will steer you expertly through the crowds, bringing the famous figures who once inhabited this palace back to life.

Stop 2

Marvel at the glittering Hall of Mirrors, and hear the stories of the Kings, Queens and courtiers who played out their lives in this sumptuous setting.

You'll 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.

Stop 3

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. Otherwise, enjoy the beautiful Musical Gardens as you explore with your guide.

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. 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 peek into her tiny theater, built specially for her so she could perform on stage, to small audiences made up of friends and servants! This stunning theater is often called the hidden jewel of Versailles.

Stop 5

At Trianon Marie Antoinette lived a simple, country life. You will discover her Hamlet, a 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 and Marie-Antoinette's peaceful hamlet.

For the comfort of your visit we will take the 'Petit Train' to and from the Petit Trianon.

What's not included

Hotel pick up/drop off

Gratuities

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

69 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.8

111 reviews

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

From 1 April to 31 October, the gardens of the Palace feature special Musical and Fountain Shows. Fountain Shows take place on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as on Tuesdays in May and June and on national holidays. Please note that the fountains operate according to a set schedule — they do not run continuously throughout the day. On the other days of the week during this period, the gardens host the Musical Gardens, where music is played throughout the groves.

There will be a break in the gardens at the end of the morning tour for lunch, where there is a choice of restaurants or sandwich bars.

Please note lunch is at your own expense

You can cancel your tour up to 24 hours prior to departure and receive a full refund. Please note that refunds are not possible for missed tours.

This tour requires a significant amount of walking. Comfortable shoes are recommended

If you plan to arrive at the meeting point by taxi, please ensure you leave yourselves plenty of time, it can often take a considerable amount of time to find a taxi in Paris!

Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before your tour departure time. We have to catch a train to Versailles and we cannot wait for late arrivals.

Please note this tour requires a lot of walking. The tour is paced to be comfortable but you will need to be able to walk throughout the whole day.

Meeting point

Meet your coordinator by the green newspaper kiosk situated on the corner of Boulevard de Vaugirard, just a few meters from number 5. It is next to the Montparnasse train station complex, close to the Montparnasse-Bienvenüe metro station.

They will be wearing an orange cap and an orange badge.

Important notes

• Please meet your guide 15 minutes prior to the starting time of the tour. We have to take a train to Versailles and cannot miss it.
• Entry times at the palace are strict and the group must enter on time, please do not be late.
• We cannot guarantee that late arrivals can be accommodated and tickets are non-refundable.

• Please note this voucher does not give you access to the palace, your guide will have the entry tickets with them at the meeting point.

About Paris

Paris, the capital of France, is a city steeped in history, art, and romance. Known for its iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and charming neighborhoods, Paris offers a unique blend of timeless elegance and modern vibrancy. From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, the city is a treasure trove of cultural and historical gems.

Top Attractions

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is Paris's most iconic landmark and a symbol of France. Built in 1889 for the World's Fair, it offers breathtaking views of the city.

Architecture 2-3 hours €17.10-€26.80 (depending on the level)

Louvre Museum

The Louvre is the world's largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris. It houses thousands of works of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.

Museum 3-4 hours €17 (full price), free for under 18s and EU residents under 26

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Notre-Dame is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture and one of the most famous cathedrals in the world. It has been undergoing restoration since the 2019 fire.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free (towers and crypts may have reopening fees in the future)

Montmartre

Montmartre is a historic and artistic district known for its bohemian past, charming streets, and the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

Cultural Half-day Free to explore (Sacré-Cœur dome visit €6)

Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is a grand royal château and garden located just outside of Paris. It was the principal royal residence of France from 1682 to 1790.

Historical Full day €18-€28 (depending on the pass)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Croissant

A buttery, flaky pastry made from laminated dough. Best enjoyed fresh from a local bakery.

Breakfast Contains gluten and dairy

Baguette

A long, thin loaf of French bread with a crispy crust and soft interior. Often served with cheese or ham.

Breakfast/Lunch Contains gluten

Steak Frites

A classic French dish consisting of steak and French fries, usually served with a side of salad and béarnaise sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Contains gluten (if served with fries) and meat

Crêpes

Thin pancakes that can be filled with a variety of sweet or savory ingredients, such as Nutella, cheese, or ham.

Snack/Dessert Can be made gluten-free and vegetarian/vegan options available

Popular Activities

Hot air balloon rides Rock climbing in Fontainebleau forest Kayaking on the Seine Picnicking in the Luxembourg Garden Boat tours on the Seine Spa day at a luxury hotel Visiting museums and galleries Attending a cabaret show

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in Paris, with warm weather and long daylight hours. This is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities and festivals. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: French
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Paris is generally safe for travelers, but pickpocketing and petty theft can be a problem in tourist areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas and on public transport
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Charles de Gaulle Airport • 25 km (15.5 miles) from city center
Orly Airport • 14 km (8.7 miles) from city center

By train

Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon

By bus

Bercy Seine, Porte Maillot

Getting around

Public transport

The Paris Metro is one of the most efficient and extensive subway systems in the world, covering all major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, G7

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Le Marais Montmartre Latin Quarter Saint-Germain-des-Prés Champs-Élysées

Day trips

Versailles

17 km (10.5 miles) from Paris • Full day

The Palace of Versailles is a grand royal château and garden located just outside of Paris. It was the principal royal residence of France from 1682 to 1790 and is famous for its opulent interiors and vast gardens.

Giverny

75 km (47 miles) from Paris • Half day to full day

Giverny is a charming village known as the home of the famous impressionist painter Claude Monet. The village is home to Monet's House and Gardens, which inspired many of his most famous works.

Château de Fontainebleau

55 km (34 miles) from Paris • Full day

The Château de Fontainebleau is a grand royal château and park located just outside of Paris. It was a residence of the French monarchs from Louis VII to Napoleon III and is known for its beautiful architecture and vast forests.

Festivals

Fête de la Musique • June 21st (annual) Paris Fashion Week • February and September (annual) Nuit Blanche • First Saturday in October (annual)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic French phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture
Use public transport, walk, or bike to get around the city and avoid traffic and parking issues
Consider purchasing a Paris Museum Pass or a multi-day public transport pass to save money on attractions and transport
Explore the city's many neighborhoods and hidden gems, not just the major tourist attractions
Try local specialties and enjoy the dining experience slowly and leisurely