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Versailles
History
History of Versailles
The Chateau
The Chateau and Gardens of Versailles is one of the most prestigious monuments of the world’s artistic heritage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Versailles is the finest and most complete achievement of 17th century French art and symbolizes the absolute power of the Bourbon monarchs of France and the magnificence of the reigns of Louis XIV, the “Sun King”, (1643-1715), Louis XV (1715-1774) and Louis XVI (1774-1792).
Louis XIV’s childhood had been spent in the fear and disorder of a civil war between rival bands of aristocrats, the ‘Fronde’, and associated Paris with intrigue and violence. He wanted a Palace outside, but near, Paris, and chose to build at Versailles, where his father, Louis XIII (1601-1643), had built a simple hunting lodge. Louis XIV wanted to organize and completely control a government of France centered upon his person, an absolute monarchy. Visiting his finance minister, Nicolas Fouquet, who had built the finest chateau and garden in France at Vaux-le-Vicomte, he was entertained with a fete which was one of the most magnificent in French history, Louis decided to build a chateau which was even grander and finer. Fouquet’s achievement was his undoing as together with his mismanagement of funds and Louis made jealous by the magnificent chateau and fete, he was arrested in 1661, banished and then sentenced to life imprisonment.
Using the same ‘design team’ as Fouquet – architect
Louis Le Vau, decorator Charles Le Brun, and garden designer Andre
Le Notre - Versailles was designed to be the most glorious palace
in Europe. It is still dazzling in its opulence. Louis IV took
up residence in May 1682 before construction was completed and
while Mansart, the architect who took over from Le Vau, was still
overseeing 36,000 laborers and soldiers. Versailles would become
the official residence of the Court of France, supplanting the
Louvre palaces, and at its height 20,000 courtiers lived there.
The Chateau was added to in the 18th century, during the reigns
of Louis XV and Louis XVI. The royal family and the court were
forced to leave Versailles on October 6, 1789, after the first
days of the French Revolution.
The Town of Versailles
Versailles is well-worth a visit as it was created by Louis XIV to supply the Chateau and be an instrument of his government.
The highlights are:
The King’s Kitchen Garden
The Coach Museum
The Jeu de Paume Court
Museum of the Landmarks in the History of French Parliament
In the Rue St. Mederic was a house known as Parc aux Cerfs. Louis XV liked to hunt and pursue women. After Madame de Pompadour, Louis XV took a former prostitute, Madame du Barry, as his mistress, but with age he developed a liking for young ‘common’ girls and kept several at a time for his pleasure in the house known as the Parc aux Cerfs ("Deer Park").
What you'll see
Inside the Chateau:
On the first floor are the private apartments of the king and
queen composed around the Marble Courtyard. On the garden side
are the state apartments of official court life.
Hall of Mirrors - where great state occasions were held.
It was here the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919 ending
World War I.
Queen’s Bedroom - in this room the Queen gave birth
to the royal children, in public view
Chapelle Royale - the first floor was reserved for the royal family and the ground floor for the court. Best seen from the first floor
Salon de Venus - statue of Louis IV in a beautiful marble
décor
Salon d’Apollon - dedicated to the god Apollo, Louis
XIV’s throne room. A copy of Rigaud’s famous portrait
of the king (the king was 58 years of age at the time) hangs above
the fireplace. The symbol of Apollo was used throughout the Chateau
and gardens, thus Louis IV’s name, the “Sun King”.
The King’s Bedroom - where much court business was
carried on and where Louis XIV died in 1715
Salon de la Guerre (The War Room) - includes a stucco relief of Louis XIV riding to victory
Louis XIV’s Library - King’s large terrestrial globe amid Neo-classical paneling
Salon du Sacre- Huge paintings of Napoleon by Jacques-Louis David
Park & Gardens:
Formal Gardenss – Geometric flower beds and fountains
in perfect harmony with the Chateau
Grand Trianon - Built in 1687, a small Palace of white
and pink marble where Louis XIV could escape from the formality
of the Chateau and entertain his last mistress, Madame de Maintenon.
The charm of the Trianon resides in its floral decoration, a motif
that recurs in woodwork, paintings, and flowerbeds. Also a favorite
place of Napoleon.
Petit Trianon - built in 1768 for Louix XV and his mistress
Mme de Pompadour, it became the favorite residence of Marie Antoinette.
Hameau – in 1783 Marie-Antoinette had a make-believe
rustic hamlet built which was actually a small working farm. Here
the queen played at being a shepherdess. Rousseau’s vision
of “returning to the simplicity of nature” was in vogue
at the time but the cost of this artificial farm was millions
of francs. Marie-Antoinette’s extravagancy caused her to
be hated by the French people and was one of the factors leading
to the French revolution in 1789.
The Grand Canal – setting for Louis XIV’s boating parties.
Whats:
Special Events
In addition to the usual programmes, on weekends you can wander around the groves and pools where the magnificent display of fountains reveals the skill and artistry of three centuries of French garden design and engineering.
The display is accompanied by music from one of the famous composers from the court of Louis XIV.
As there is so much to see, one can get an overview of the gardens by taking the small train that shuttles between the terrace in front of the château and the Trianons (15 mins). The train trip lasts 35 mn, costs 3.5 to 5.5 €.
Or try the horse -drawn carriage which goes around the grounds every 15-20 mins and lasts about 45 mins.
If you need a slight pause, there are little boats on the Grand Canal – capacity of a boat is 4 people. Cost - 8,3 €. Departure : Grand Canal
Quick Links to Places near Paris:
Chateau of Versailles Tours
Versailles was designed to be the most glorious palace in Europe using the same "design team" as Fouquet's Vaux-le-Vicomte, architect Louis Le Vau, decorator Charles Le Brun, and garden designer Andre Le Notre. It is still dazzling in its opulence.
Half Day Guided Tour
Escorted Group or Semi Private
Summer & Winter: 8.30 am & 1.30 pm daily except in Summer Monday & afternoons of the Fountain Show
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From 61€ per person
Escorted Group Tour
Duration 4hrs
No Lines! Entrance tickets to the Palace and the gardens included.
All through the excursion, our guide-interpreter will bring back to life the Palace of Versailles where, from 1682, Louis XIV officially installed the court and government of the Kingdom. In particular, you will discover the Great Royal Apartments, the Hall of Mirrors and the Queen’s Apartments. Free time at the end of the excursion to stroll through the French gardens surrounded by sculptures (statues, busts, marble vases) made from 1661 by teams of sculptors initially supervised by Charles Le Brun, the King’s leading painter.
Semi Private Tour
Royal apartments 
Visit to the park Trianon Queen's Hamlet
Our guide will retrace the history of the Palace and the century of the Sun King. You will have an exterior view of the Trianon and the gardens. Free time to explore the fabulous Royal Apartments.
Transfer with hotel pick up and drop off by minivan.
Entrance ticket to the Palace and the gardens included
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Versailles + Giverny Tour
Escorted Group or Semi Private
8:30am daily except Monday
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119€ per person
Escorted Group Tour
Duration 9 hrs
Monet's Home Country-style lunch Versailles
The day begins with a visit to Monet’s House in Giverny: a discovery visit of the painter’s furnishings, his collection of Japanese engravings, then followed by a lovely walk around the famous water lily garden. Lunch at the Moulin de Fourges. During the afternoon a guided visit to the Palace of Versailles: the Royal Apartments, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Queen’s apartments.
Includes entrance ticket
Semi Private Tour
Monet’s house & gardens American Art Museum Lunch in the Moulin de Fourges Park of the Castle of Versailles Royal Apartments
Departures : From April 1st to October 31st 2006: Departure: 8.30 am on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
152 eurobook tour GV+
The day begins with a visit to Monet’s House in Giverny and its famous water lily garden followed by a discovery of the American Art Museum.
Lunch is taken in the delightful Moulin de Fourges. During the afternoon, visit to the Palace of Versailles and discovery of the Trianons.
Free time to explore the Royal Apartments and the park.
Entrance tickets included.
Transfer and hotel pick up and drop off bny private minivan
Special Programme Fountains Show:
In addition to the usual programme we suggest that you wander
around the groves and pools where the magnificent display of fountains reveals the skill and artistry of three centuries
of French garden design and engineering. The display is accompanied by music from one of the famous composers from
the court of Louis XIV.
Additional fee of 4€ the saturdays of the special Fountains Show Programme: every Saturday from April 1st to September 30th.
"Just want to say that our trip to Giverny was great. Our driver was on time, courteous and fun. All the folks on board the van with us were interesting and fun also. You have a great service and we will recommend it to everyone we know. Thanks a bunch, Bunny"
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Versailles by Bike
Departure:
3/1 to 3/31 Tues, Thurs, Sat & Sun at 9:15am
4/1 to 10/15 Everyday at 9:15am (except Monday)
10/16 to 11/15 Tues, Thurs, Sat & Sun at 9:15am
more details
55 Euro
Escorted Group Tour
Duration: 7 hrs
Includes: guide, bicycle, transportation to and from Versailles and Chateau entrance.
Le Chateau de Versailles awaits you in all its grandeur as you return to the time period of the most famous French Kings and Queens. Allow us to bring you the most famous "house" in the world as few others have experienced it.
After meeting at our Paris office we'll ride our bicycles to the nearest RER station for the quick 20 minute trip to Versailles. Once at Versailles, we'll first visit the village market for all of us to buy baguettes, cheese, ham, wine or whatever you desire for our picnic later in the Chateau's gardens.
The highlight of the day is our bicycle ride through the gardens behind the Chateau. The average Versailles tourist doesn't realize that they can only visit a small fraction of the gardens on foot. We, however, are able to visit everything worth seeing including Marie Antoinette's Hameau and the quiet Petit and Grand Trianons. The gardens and forests are crisscrossed by a network of fantastic trails and tree-lined paths. Bring your camera for breath-taking views in every direction.
Once we arrive at the far end of the Grand Canal we'll settle down for our picnic in the exact spot where Kings Louis XIV, XV and XVI ate in order to marvel at their house at the other end. The magnitude of Versailles and the basis for the anger of the French citizens in 1789 is finally understood. But today we'll simply relax all alone in the grass and sunshine since we're the only ones that can easily reach the end of the Grand Canal.
After lunch we'll pedal again through the gardens back towards the Chateau itself for an unforgettable view into the lives of the monarchy before being deposed by the Revolution in 1789. Visit the Hall of Mirrors (site of the treaty ending World War I), the King's state apartments and the amazing King's chapel. And finally after enjoying one of the treasures of France we'll return to Paris via the RER.
No Tours July 24th
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Full Day Tours
Spend the day and have lunch. Escorted group and semi private tour options.
more details
Duration: Full Day
Escorted Group Tour
Summer + Winter: 9.00 a.m. Tuesday and Saturday. Except Saturdays of the Special Fountain Show
Royal apartments Groves Lunch Trianon Queen's Hamlet
Start your day in Versailles with guided morning visit of the Royal Apartments. This will be followed by a walk around the Palace Park, passing through some of the "Groves" (Summer). Lunch is taken in the restaurant “la Flottille” which faces the Grand Canal.
The afternoon will continue with guided visit of the Trianon vast mansion-style lodges where Louis XV and Louis XVI liked to work and retire from court life) and a discovery tour of Queen’s hamlet (where from 1783 Marie Antoinette played as a shepherdess).
Includes entrance tickets & A country-style lunch in the Park’s restaurant with drinks.
Semi Private Tour
Summer + Winter : 9:00 am Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Except every Sunday from April 3 to September 25
Royal apartments Visit to the park Trianon Queen's Hamlet
Guided visit of the Royal Apartments and then a walking tour to discover the park of the Château de Versailles. Enjoy lunch in the outdoor setting of "La Flottille" restaurant overlooking the Grand Canal. In the afternoon you will be taken on a guided visit of the Petit and the Grand Trianon followed by the Queen’s Hamlet. Return to the Chateau and take time to admire the statues in the gardens and buy some souvenirs.
Entrance ticket to the Palace and the gardens + lunch with drinks included. Transfer and hotel pick up and drop off by minivan.
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Private Tour
Let our licensed bilingual guides pick you up and drop you off at your hotel or apartment rental. No lost time. Either half day orfull day in a luxury vehicle from 1 to 8 persons. Or in combination with a half day in Paris or Giverny.
more details
Half Day Tours 4 hrs
On the way to Versailles, introduction to the history and architecture of the palace. Visit of the parc of Versailles (Grand Canal, Petit Canal, outside visit of the Trianon and the Hamlet of Marie Antoinette). Guided visit of the State Appartments. Visit of the Gardens.
Back to Paris and drop at a charming restaurant in Paris for lunch.
Full Day Tours 8 hrs
On the way to Versailles, your guide will give you an introduction to the history and architecture ofthe palace. Guided visit of the chateau Grands Apartements (King's Apartments, Queen's Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, Hall of the Battles). Visit of the Gardens and the Groves (Ball Room, Colonnade, Encelade, Bath of Apollo, Arc de Triomphe, Neptune etc).
Free for lunch in Versailles. After lunch visit of the Parc, Grand Canal, Grand Trianon (visit), Petit Trianon (visit) and Hamlet of the Queen Marie-Antoinette (visit).
If you are lucky enough to visit the Gardens on Saturdays or Sundays in the summer you will see a magical Fountain show in the garden.
Reservation Fee Included
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Versailles by Helicopter
Escorted Group or Semi Private
Discover the beauty of Versailles from the air by Helicopter. 30 to 45 minute rides leaving from Paris or Versailles
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Escorted Group Tour
Private Flights
5 seater US Robinn 44 helicopters leave from Paris during the weekend and 3 seaters Robinns everyday from Versailles. See an unspoiled view of Paris and its most beautiful monuments - Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tour, Montparnasse Tower, Invalides, the National Library, Tuileries, Versailles Palace and its gardens.