Versailles: Marie Antoinette Petit Trianon & Estate Tour

The "Versailles: Marie Antoinette Petit Trianon & Estate Tour" allows visitors to escape the crowds and explore the iconic queen’s private domain. With expert guides, guests can explore Marie Antoinette’s lifestyle, wandering through the enchanting Petit Trianon and Queen’s Hamlet while enjoying the picturesque gardens of Versailles. It’s a captivating 2.5-hour experience that offers a unique glimpse into the past. But what exactly can travelers expect from this tour? Let’s take a closer look.

Good To Know

• This 2.5-hour guided tour explores Marie Antoinette’s private domain, including the Petit Trianon mansion and the whimsical Queen’s Hamlet.
• The tour starts at La Flottille, includes a walk to Petit Trianon, guided visits, and a tram ride back to the Palace of Versailles.
• Guests can expect insights from an expert English-speaking guide and an exclusive experience away from the crowded State Apartments.
• The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to reasonable walking involved, and comfortable shoes are recommended.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 65 reviews, with praise for the knowledgeable and engaging guides.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The "Versailles: Marie Antoinette Petit Trianon & Estate Tour" offers visitors a 2.5-hour guided exploration of Marie Antoinette’s private domain within the Versailles estate.

Priced from Kč 1,245 per person, the tour includes a walk to the Petit Trianon, a guided tour of the mansion and the Queen’s Hamlet, and a tram ride back to the Palace of Versailles.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now & pay later option is available.

The tour starts at La Flottille and ends at the Palace of Versailles, with reasonable walking involved and garden access through the Queen’s Gate.

Itinerary

Starting Location: La Flottille (bottom of the gardens), the tour begins with a 10-minute walk to the Petit Trianon, Marie Antoinette’s private mansion. There, guests spend an hour on a guided tour, learning about its history and significance. Following this, the group explores The Queen’s Hamlet for another hour, a pastoral village built for Marie Antoinette’s private enjoyment. The tour concludes with a 20-minute tram ride back to the Palace of Versailles.

| Activity | Duration |

| — | — |

| Walk to Petit Trianon | 10 minutes |

| Guided tour of Petit Trianon | 1 hour |

| Guided tour of The Queen’s Hamlet | 1 hour |

| Tram ride back to the Palace of Versailles | 20 minutes |

Highlights

Visitors are able to explore Marie Antoinette’s private mansion, the Petit Trianon, and her whimsical pastoral village, The Queen’s Hamlet, on this tour.

An expert English-speaking guide provides insights into the estate’s fascinating history and significance. The tour offers a more exclusive Versailles experience, away from the crowded State Apartments.

Guests can wander through the beautiful gardens and gain a deeper understanding of Marie Antoinette’s lifestyle and passions.

The tour also includes a tram ride back to the Palace of Versailles, providing convenience and a unique perspective of the expansive grounds.

Important Information

Although the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, it does involve reasonable walking, so guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes. The gardens of Versailles require a separate ticket, but access is free via the Queen’s Gate. The meeting point for the tour is in front of La Flottille restaurant by the Grand Canal, where the guide will be wearing an orange lanyard.

| Accessibility | Garden Entry | Meeting Point |

| — | — | — |

| Not suitable for wheelchair users | Ticket required to enter the gardens | In front of La Flottille restaurant by Grand Canal |

| Reasonable walking involved | Access via Queen’s Gate is free | Guide will wear an orange lanyard |

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Customer Reviews

Commonly, the Versailles tour receives positive feedback, with an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 65 reviews.

Guides are praised for their knowledge and engagement, earning a 4.9/5 rating. Families find the tours family-friendly. Customers highlight exceptional service, particularly in handling emergencies.

While transportation scores a respectable 4.1/5, there’s room for improvement.

The tour provides an immersive experience exploring Marie Antoinette’s private estate, including the Petit Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet, away from the crowds of the main palace.

The tour provides an immersive experience exploring Marie Antoinette’s private estate, including the Petit Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet, away from the crowds.

Guests appreciate the unique opportunity to learn about this historic site’s significance.

Petit Trianon: Marie Antoinette’s Private Retreat

At the heart of the Versailles tour lies the Petit Trianon, a private retreat that once belonged to the enigmatic Queen Marie Antoinette. This intimate chateau, nestled within the sprawling gardens, offered the queen a tranquil escape from the formalities of court life. Visitors can explore the exquisite interiors, adorned with 18th-century furnishings and decor. The tour also includes the Queen’s Hamlet, a delightful rustic village where Marie Antoinette indulged her pastoral fantasies. This exclusive area of Versailles provides a unique glimpse into the private world of the ill-fated queen.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Petit Trianon | Marie Antoinette’s private chateau |

| Queen’s Hamlet | Rustic village where Marie Antoinette retreated |

| Interiors | Exquisite 18th-century furnishings and decor |

| Gardens | Sprawling grounds surrounding the estate |

| Exclusivity | Peaceful escape from the main palace |

The Queen’s Hamlet: A Rustic Escape

Nestled within the expansive gardens of Versailles, the Queen’s Hamlet offered Marie Antoinette a tranquil respite from the formalities of court life.

This rustic village, designed to her specifications, included:

1. Charming cottages and farmhouses recreating a pastoral idyll.

2. A working farm with livestock, orchards, and vegetable gardens.

3. A grand Belvedere pavilion overlooking a picturesque lake.

4. A dairy where the queen could indulge in cheesemaking and other agricultural pursuits.

This enchanting estate allowed Marie Antoinette to play at being a simple country maiden, far from the pressures of royal duty.

Exploring the Expansive Gardens

The expansive gardens of Versailles sprawl across nearly 2,000 acres, offering visitors a breathtaking landscape to explore. Intricate parterres, ornate fountains, and manicured hedges create a captivating setting.

Visitors can stroll through the Queen’s Garden, admiring the serene ponds and blooming flora. The Grand Canal, an artificial lake over a mile long, invites leisurely boat rides.

Throughout the gardens, sculptures and monuments pay tribute to French royalty and mythology. Exploring the estate’s grounds allows guests to enjoy the grandeur and opulence that defined the reign of Louis XIV.

A guided tour ensures visitors don’t miss the garden’s hidden gems.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Get to the Meeting Point From Central Paris?

To reach the meeting point from central Paris, guests can take the RER C train to the Versailles Rive Gauche station, which is a 10-minute walk from the La Flottille restaurant where the tour begins.

Is It Possible to Visit the Palace of Versailles After the Tour?

Yes, it is possible to visit the Palace of Versailles after the tour. The tour includes a tram ride back to the Palace, providing guests the opportunity to explore the main palace and its famous State Apartments following the Petit Trianon and Estate experience.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks on the Tour?

Bringing your own snacks and drinks on the tour is generally allowed. However, it’s important to check the tour operator’s policies beforehand, as some may have restrictions or recommendations regarding food and beverages during the tour.

Is There a Dress Code for This Tour?

There is no strict dress code for this tour. Comfortable, casual clothing and walking shoes are recommended, as the tour involves some walking. Visitors should dress appropriately for the weather and activity level.

Can I Take Photographs Inside the Petit Trianon and Queen’s Hamlet?

Photography is generally allowed inside the Petit Trianon and Queen’s Hamlet, though some restrictions may apply. Visitors should check with the tour guide or staff for any specific rules regarding photography during the tour.

The Sum Up

The "Versailles: Marie Antoinette Petit Trianon & Estate Tour" offers an intimate glimpse into the private world of the iconic French queen. Guests can explore her elegant Petit Trianon mansion, wander the charming Queen’s Hamlet, and enjoy the idyllic gardens of Versailles. With expert guidance and a serene setting away from the crowds, this tour provides a unique opportunity to step back in time and discover the captivating life of Marie Antoinette.

You can check if your dates are available here: