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").
Palace Highlights
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.
The Great Stables
Thirty horses live today in the 17th century stables restored for the Academy of equestrian arts. Most of them are Lusitanian. Their cream-coloured coat (cremelos) and their blue eyes were particularly appreciated by Louis XIV. They made the reputation of the Ecole de Versailles. There are other horses in the cavalry: for example eight Argentine criollos, three black Arab thoroughbreds, one Shire, one Andalusian and one Quarter Horse... Each horse works according to its level of training (basse école, haute école, saut d’école) or is used in artistic fencing.
15 Equeries follow different curricula live and work together every day in Versailles. They like to speak of it being a company as the notion of collective work is very much at the core of their experience. Every year, riders join the Academy with the prospect of becoming permanent riders at some stage as the Academy’s internal organisation allows them to gain some responsibilities within the structure, depending on their competences, motivations and seniority.
What's On:
Special Events
Versailles is visited by more than 4,700,000 people a year.
Fastes de Cour et Ceremonies Royales (Court Pomp and Royal Ceremony) retraces European court costumes from 1650 to 1800 . The exhibition runs through June 28, is underwritten by Chanel.
In his foreword to the exhibition catalogue, Karl Lagerfeld notes that even the French court, "the most brilliant and imitated in the world," went into debt to retain universal admiration. "Nothing was too beautiful, or too expensive,"the designer points out. "One had to dazzle to impose "
Chateau of Versailles Tours
From 1661, Louis XIV built what was to become the most prestigious residence of all the courts of Europe with world famous architects and decorators such as Le Vau, Mansart, garden designer Andre Le Notre, garden sculptures (statues, busts, marble vases) initially supervised by Charles Le Brun, the King’s leading painter. From 1682, Louis XIV officially installed the court and government of the Kingdom.
Full day tours include a visit to the Trianon where Louis XV and Louis XVI liked to work and retire from court life and Marie Antoinette's hamlet where from 1783 played the role in her own private theatre as a shepherdess.
During summer weekends you can wander around the groves and pools and enjoy a magnificent Fountain Show accompanied by music from one of the court composers of Louis XIVwhich reveals the skill and artistry of three centuries of French garden design and engineering. (Supplemental Entry Fee)
Inquiry Form
Half Day Tours
After being pick up from your accommodation in Paris, our guide will then take you to Versailles home to Louis XIV, the "Sun King" for a guided inside visit or the chateau with time to stroll the gardens.
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Half Day Tour to Versailles
Description: On the way to Versailles, your guide will give you an introduction to the history and architecture of the palace. After fast entry into the castle you will have an approximate one-hour guided visit in particular the Great State Apartments, Queen's Apartments, the Hall of Mirros and the Gallery of Battles. Throughout your visit, the guide will furnish you with the history of this magical place.
After your inside tour you will hav a chance to stroll the amazing gardens and appreciate the beauty of the estate. Look out for the groves - Ball Room, Colonnade, Encelade, Bath of Apollo, Arc de Triomphe, Neptune.
Option 1. Semi Private by mini-van (max 8)
Departures: Daily at 8.15 am daily except Monday
Cost : 96€pp
Includes
Hotel or Apartment Pick Up and Drop Off
Transport by Air-Conditioned Minibus
Guided tour of Versailles with priority access
Skip the line Entrance Fee to Versailles
Time to stroll throught the famous gardens
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Option 2. Private Tour with Local Chauffeur Guide
Departures: Daily at 1:00 pm or 8:15am
Cost : 135€pp per group of 3
Includes :
Hotel or Apartment Pick Up and Drop Off
Transport by private executive car and English speaking driver
Priority Access, Entry & Guided Visit with a Chateau Guide
Bottle of sparkling Blancs de Blancs
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Option 3. Private Tour with Qualified Licensed Guide
Departures: Daily at 1:00 pm or 8:15am
Cost : On Request
Includes :
Hotel or Apartment Pick Up and Drop Off
Transport by Air-Conditioned Minibus
Escorted tour of Versailles by Licensed Guide with priority access
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Full Day Tours
In a full day tour you have time to lunch in te grounds of Versailles and visit the Trianons and the Hameau of Marie Antoinette or even even spend the afternoon in Vaux le Vicomte or Fontainebleau.
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Full Day Escorted Tour Versailles and Grand Trianon
Description: Morning as above then After lunch near the Grand Canal, your guide will take you to the "Grand Trianon", a marble palace listed as UNESCO World Heritage since 1979. followed by the "Queen's Hamlet", a Norman-style thatched cottage built for Maire Antoinette.
Option 4. Semi Private by mini-van (max 8)
Departures: Daily at 8.30 am Tuesday and Sunday
Cost : 176€pp
Includes
Hotel or Apartment Pick Up and Drop Off
Transport by Air-Conditioned Minibus
Escorted tour of Versailles by Licensed Guide with prioirty access
Skip the line Entrance Fee to Versailles
3 Courses LUNCH with Wine included
Grandes Eaux Water & Music Show included on Sundays during the summer
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Option 5. Private Tour with Qualified Licensed Guide
Departures: Daily
Cost : On Request
Includes :
Hotel or Apartment Pick Up and Drop Off
Transport by Air-Conditioned Minibus
Escorted tour of Versailles by Licensed Guide with priority access
Optional
Versailles Fountains Show - saturdays from April 1st to September 30th
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 entry fee of 6 € -
Helicopter
Combine a half day tour to the Chateau and and in the afternoon take a 30 minute helicopter tour in a 3 seaters Robinns around the Chateau des Chevreuses. Your guide will be waiting at the heliport to drive you back to Paris.
Equestrain Arts Show - Saturdays & Sundays February thru July except June.
L'Academie du spectacle equestre de Versailles, directed by Bartabas, lets you into the intimacy of dressage sessions open to the public. Work sessions of the riders and their horses dancing to baroque music.
Like any other artist, the Academy practices everyday with their horses. Les Matinales des écuyers will allow you to discover these dressage sessions against a baroque musical background. Equestrian art as seen by Bartabas, all about the rigour and smoothness, momentum and subtlety of the riders’ work with their mounts.
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Versailles & Giverny
Begin the day with a drive on the Normandy highway leads us for a tour in Giverny & Monet's famous home and Garden. In the afternoon l visit Versailles.
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Escorted Full Day Tour of Giverny and Versailles
Option 6. Semi Private by mini-van (max 8)
Departures: Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:30am
Cost : 176€pp
Includes :
Hotel or Apartment Pick Up and Drop Off
Transport by Air-Conditioned Minibus
3 Courses LUNCH with Wine included at MOULIN de FOURGES
Self Visit of Monet's House and Gardens
Self Visit of Versailles Castle & Gardens
All Entry Fees
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Option 7. Private Tour with Local Chauffeur Guide
Departures: Daily at 1:00 pm or 8:15am
Cost : 200€pp per group of 3
Includes :
Hotel or Apartment Pick Up and Drop Off
Transport by private executive car and English speaking driver
Self Visit of Monet's House and Gardens
Self Visit of Versailles Castle & Gardens
Versailles Reservations (excluding cost of entry about 15Epp)
Giverny Entry
Bottle of sparkling Blancs de Blancs
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Option 8. Private Tour with Qualified Licensed Guide
Departures: Daily at 1:00 pm or 8:15am
Cost : On Request
Includes :
Hotel or Apartment Pick Up and Drop Off
Transport by Air-Conditioned Minibus
Guided Visit to Monet's House and Gardens by a qualified licensed guide
Guided Visit of the grand apartments in Versailles and gardens by a qualified licensed guide
Reservations & Quick Access(Entry cost not included)
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Versailles + Paris
With limited time this is a great option to see the highlights at the Chateau de Versailles as well as a Panoramic Paris city tour with lunch at the Eiffel Tower.
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Paris Highlights Tour + Lunch at the Eiffel Tower + Visit to Palace of Versailles
Type : Semi Private Group Tour (max 8)
Departs : 8:30am or 9:30am daily except Mondays
Duration : 8 hrs
Cost: Adults 174Epp
Includes
Hotel or Apartment Pick Up and Drop Off
2hr City tour and Versailles visit with audio-guide
Skip the line Entrance Fee to Eiffel Tower and Versailles
Lunch at the Eiffel Tower
Transport by Air-Conditioned Minibus
Morning City Tour
Start the day with a 2 hour best of Paris City Tour to see the main monuments which include Champs Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe, Concorde Square, the Invalides *, The Eiffel Tower and the Trocadero*, Opera, Notre Dame Cathedral*, the Louvre Museum, Orsay Museum, Madeleine Church… * (Photo stop).
Enjoy your lunch with a panoramic view of Paris from the Eiffel Tower.
Afternoon Versailles Tour
You guide will be waiting for you at the foot of the Eiffel Tower to driver you to Versailles. At the end of your visit, the guide will drop you back at your accommodation in Paris. FountainShow included : Saturday and Sundays from 2nd April to 30th October 2011, Tuesdays from 24th May to 28th June 2011 22/04, 02/06 and 14/07
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Type : Private Tour with private licensed guide
Departs : 9:00am daily except Mondays
Duration : 8 hrs
Cost: On request
Includes
Hotel or Apartment Pick Up and Drop Off
4hr City tour and inside guided Versailles visit and priority access
Lunch at the Eiffel Tower
Transport by Air-Conditioned Minibus
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Fountains & Fireworks
Limited Departures - Book Early
Experience the glories of Louis IV with a baroque serenade in the Hall of Mirrors, followed by a magnificent illuminated fountain show and fireworks.
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Evening Water Fountain Show
Special Summer Dates: TBA
Departure from Versailles at 11.30 pm.
Return to Paris around 0.30am
Includes
Hotel or Apartment Pick Up and Drop Off (Arrondissement 1-9 only)
Dinner Cruise on Bateau Parisiens : An all inclusive a la carte menu: starter, main course, dessert, wines, mineral water and coffee
Versailles Nocturnal Water Shows and Fireworks over the Grand Canal
Transport by Air-Conditioned Minibus
Cost: 171€pp (without dinner cruise Cost: 90 €pp)
Pick up around round 5:30pm
Let us pick you up at your Central Paris Hotel in an air-conditioned minibus and escort you to the foot of the Eiffel Tower and the "Bateaux Parisiens" to embark on an entirely glass-encased boat to discover the majesty of Paris. There "your Parisian evening begins with an the inclusive a la carte menu, which includes a starter, main course, dessert, wine, mineral water, and coffee.
You will be welcomed by your driver on your return and depart for Versailles to experience the Nocturnal Water Shows. As night falls, the Royal Garden of Louis XIV becomes a land of astonishing sights and sounds. You will discover a world of colourfully illuminated groves and playing fountains before experiencing one of the most amazing fireworks. At the end of the show you will be driven back to Paris.
Serenade 7.45 pm - 8.35 pm
Get a glimpse of the flamboyance of the court under the reign of Louis XIV in the King’s appartments and the Hall of Mirrors to the sound of a serenade at sunset. Baroque musicians and pairs of costumed dancers will accompany your visit. A privileged moment when the great Mirrors reflected the glory of the setting sun and the Sun King shines once more.
Evening Fountains Show 9.00 pm - 11.20 pm
At nightfall, the fountains are illuminated and the music begins to play. The Gardens of Versailles create the mysterious backdrop for a walk along the terraces and through the groves, accompanied by music. Fireworks above the Grand Canal light up the stunning finale to a magical stroll through time and provide a fitting conclusion to the spectacle.
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