Versailles Marie Antoinette Afternoon Guided Tour with Petit Trianon & Hamlet

Versailles , France

Versailles Marie Antoinette Afternoon Guided Tour with Petit Trianon & Hamlet

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(29 reviews)

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Step off the beaten path and discover a secret side of Versailles on this enchanting afternoon tour of Marie Antoinette’s private estate. Nestled deep within the palace gardens, the Queen’s Domain feels a world away from the grandeur of the main château. Explore the elegant Petit Trianon, Marie Antoinette’s personal retreat, and stroll through lush gardens to her charming Normandy-style hamlet—complete with a vineyard, dairy, and vegetable farm. Designed as a rustic escape from royal life, this hidden gem offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the private world of France’s most famous queen.

Available options

Petit Trianon and Hamlet

What's included

Step inside the exquisite Petit Trianon, Marie Antoinette’s private palace.

Escape the crowds and explore Versailles’ hidden royal retreat.

Wander through her Normandy-style hamlet, complete with vineyard and farm.

Discover a peaceful, rarely visited corner of Versailles rich in charm and history.

Detailed itinerary

Millions of visitors come each year to marvel at the glory the Palace of Versailles, miss the beautiful private domain of Queen Marie-Antoinette. Distance the crowds and access areas reserved for the private lives and loves of the royalty.

With a diamond-encrusted key, Louis XVI offered his beloved wife Marie Antoinette an escape from the ritualized public life she found so suffocating in the Palace. This key unlocked the small Petit Trianon palace, sheltered from gossip and criticism, where she could feel free to be herself. Follow in her footsteps, through her English gardens and into the place she called home. The furniture and decoration authentically represents the queen’s own taste and favored craftsmen. You won’t forget Marie Antoinette’s private theatre, a hidden jewel of Versailles, installed so the queen herself could star in popular plays applauded by her fashionable ladies-in-waiting!

Stop 2

Just down the path from the richly adorned palace, Marie Antoinette commissioned a replica rustic village, evoking Normandy with its thatched cottages and dairy herd. Here she appreciated the informal atmosphere and healthy air, and indulged in pastoral amusements with her closest friends and confidantes.

We'll also explore her beautiful, landscaped English gardens as we make our way from the Petit Trianon to her hamlet. This hidden paradise is a world away from the crowds at the palace nearby.

Make the most of your visit and spend an enchanting afternoon in the private world of Marie Antoinette.

Please note we will use the 'Petit Train' to take us back from the Petit Trianon, to ensure your visit is comfortable and to reduce the amount of walking. From the drop off at the Palace it is just a short walk back to the RER train station for your direct train back to Paris.

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Gratuities

Please note you will need to purchase a garden ticket to access the meeting point.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.3

24 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.2

5 reviews

5★

4★

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2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

A reasonable amount of walking is involved, please ensure you wear comfortable shoes

Please note! You will need to purchase a ticket to enter the gardens of Versailles, as you need to cross the gardens to reach the gate that leads to the Domain of Marie-Antoinette. The ticket will cost 10€ or 11€ depending on the day of your visit. Please allow yourself plenty of time, ticket lines can be long and it is about a 15 minute walk through the gardens to reach the gate.

This tour is best suited to guests who are already in Versailles visiting the palace and gardens in the morning, or guests who have previously visited and know the palace and gardens and wish to explore more.

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.

Meeting point

Meet your guide at the bottom of the gardens in front of the restaurant La Flotille by the Grand Canal. You can see the Grand Canal from the terrace behind the palace. Walk towards it, on the right hand side of the gardens. Your guide will be wearing their guide card on an orange lanyard.

Important notes

• Please meet your guide 15 minutes prior to the starting time of the tour.
• Our tours start on time and we cannot guarantee that late arrivals can be accommodated.
• Please present your booking voucher on your cell phone to your guide at the meeting point. You do not need to print it.
• Areas in the garden are not optimal for people with disabilities, specifically those using wheelchairs

About Versailles

Versailles is renowned for its opulent palace, the Château de Versailles, which was the seat of political power in France under King Louis XIV. This grand estate, with its stunning gardens and Hall of Mirrors, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts. The city itself offers a charming blend of historical significance and modern attractions.

Top Attractions

Château de Versailles

The Château de Versailles is a grand palace and garden that was the principal royal residence of France under King Louis XIV. It is famous for its opulent Hall of Mirrors, stunning gardens, and historical significance.

Historical/Architecture 3-5 hours €20-€30

Musée de l'Histoire de France

This museum, located within the palace, showcases a vast collection of historical artifacts and paintings that tell the story of France from the Middle Ages to the modern era.

Museum 1-2 hours Included with palace ticket

Grand Trianon

The Grand Trianon is a neoclassical palace built by Louis XIV as a retreat from the formalities of court life. It features beautiful gardens and a serene atmosphere.

Architecture 1-2 hours Included with palace ticket

Parc du Château de Versailles

The extensive gardens of the Château de Versailles are a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring beautifully landscaped lawns, fountains, and sculptures.

Nature 2-3 hours €12 (for Musical Gardens or Fountain Shows)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Croissant

A buttery, flaky pastry that is a staple of French breakfasts.

Breakfast Contains gluten and dairy.

Boeuf Bourguignon

A hearty beef stew cooked in red wine with carrots, onions, and herbs.

Dinner Contains beef and gluten.

Crème Brûlée

A rich custard dessert topped with a layer of caramelized sugar.

Dessert Contains dairy and sugar.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the forest Biking through the gardens Picnicking in the gardens Shopping in the markets Visiting the palace and museums Attending local festivals Boating on the Grand Canal Ice skating in the palace grounds

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Versailles due to pleasant weather and the full blooming of the palace gardens. It's ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the historical sites.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: French
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Versailles is generally safe, with low crime rates. However, visitors should take standard precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services.
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with unsolicited offers.

Getting there

By air

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport • 40 km (25 miles)

By train

Versailles Château Rive Gauche

By bus

Versailles Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is efficient and affordable, with frequent services connecting major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: G7, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Notre-Dame Montreuil Porchefontaine

Day trips

Paris

20 km (12 miles) • Half day to full day

Paris, the capital of France, offers a wealth of cultural and historical attractions, including the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Giverny

45 km (28 miles) • Full day

Giverny is a charming village known for its association with the artist Claude Monet, who lived and worked there. The village is home to Monet's house and gardens, which are open to the public.

Rambouillet

30 km (19 miles) • Half day to full day

Rambouillet is a charming town known for its beautiful forest and historical sites, including the Château de Rambouillet and the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature.

Festivals

Fête de la Musique • June 21st Versailles Classic • June

Pro tips

Book tickets for the palace in advance to avoid long queues.
Visit the palace early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Explore the gardens and fountains during the Fountain Shows for a spectacular experience.
Try local pastries and coffee at the charming cafes in the city center.
Take a day trip to Paris or Giverny to make the most of your visit.