Versailles Unlocked

Don’t waste precious time figuring out suburban trains, or waiting in beastly lines. Leave the planning of your Versailles visit to us! Instead, focus on soaking up as much history, grandeur, and royal glamour as you can.

As one of the world’s biggest palaces, Versailles is designed to be overwhelming. That’s why our tour combines close looking at key sites, with an enjoyable approach to lesser-known attractions. While the rest of the crowds are wandering aimlessly through gilded galleries, you and your private guide will be looking closely at carefully chosen details, from trompe l’oeil ceiling paintings, to garden grotto designs.  Your one-on-one interaction with your own expert will give you a meaningful understanding of what you’re seeing, in the Royal Chapel, Hercules Ballroom, State Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, Le Petit Trianon, and gardens. Our visit covers these main sites and more.

Versailles was most notably expanded by Louis XIV, who made it the principal residence of the royal family. But visiting Versailles with us means that instead of gossipy anecdotes about an endless line of kings named Louis, you’ll learn from an educator trained to bring vivid details to life.  You’ll see and hear how the royal family lived, but also understand how Versailles functioned symbolically as the physical expression of the divine right of kings.

Weather permitting, after the chateau, you’ll spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the vast gardens, with a focus on Marie-Antoinette’s private estate and her Hamlet, a rustic village where royals escaped from the pressures of court.  Even for visitors today, this often-overlooked section of Versailles is a welcome retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the chateau.