• Honour Gate - Meet Louis XIV, the illustrious Sun King, and the grand Palace of Versailles, which he transformed from a modest hunting lodge into a magnificent royal residence. Construction began in 1661 and spanned over 50 years, with every detail reflecting his grand vision.

• Jardins du Chateau de Versailles - Discover the captivating French garden design style crafted by André Le Nôtre at Versailles in the 17th century, which set the standard for French garden aesthetics. Featuring formal symmetry and geometric layouts, these gardens embody the grandeur of the French Baroque style and reflect the artistry behind these stunning landscapes.

• L’Orangerie - Louis XIV, renowned for his larger-than-life personality and ambitious vision, surrounded himself with brilliant architects, artists, and gardeners to realize his grand ideas, such as the construction of the L’Orangerie at Versailles to cultivate exotic citrus fruits. Its thick walls protect these delicate plants from freezing temperatures, highlighting Louis XIV’s dedication to innovation in both gardening and architecture.

• Latona Fountain - Discover how Louis XIV wielded power through design, using architecture and art to assert his authority, as exemplified by the Latona Fountain, symbolizing his divine right to rule.

• Grand Canal - As visitors gaze upon the Grand Canal from the Palace of Versailles, they witness the enchanting classical French formal garden style, which emphasizes symmetry, order, and a beautiful balance between nature and architecture. This picturesque scene, meticulously landscaped to embody Louis XIV’s grand vision, showcases the artistry and thoughtful planning behind this remarkable estate, inspiring all who visit.

• Ballroom Grove - Welcome to the Ballroom Grove, or “La Salle de Bal,” an enchanting space at the Palace of Versailles where Louis XIV often entertained guests, showcasing his passion for dance and the arts. This beautifully designed area features elaborate landscaping and a stunning fountain, which served as a backdrop for the king’s grand performances, during which he famously dressed as the sun god Apollo, embodying the essence of his reign.

• Bassin du Miroir - As visitors approach the Bassin du Miroir, or Mirror Basin, they encounter a striking feature of the gardens at the Palace of Versailles, ingeniously designed to reflect the grandeur of the surrounding landscape. Positioned in front of the iconic Grand Canal, this rectangular pond captures the vibrant sky, majestic trees, and ornate palace architecture, beautifully showcasing the harmony of nature and design.

• Colonnade Grove - As visitors enter the Colonnade Grove, they are greeted by a stunning series of classical columns that create a striking architectural framework, surrounded by elegant fountains and meticulously curated plantings. Designed as a serene retreat for Louis XIV and his court, this beautiful space offers a peaceful escape from the palace’s formalities, allowing them to relax and enjoy leisurely pursuits amidst the beauty of nature.

• Apollo Fountain - As visitors approach the Apollo Fountain, or “Bassin d’Apollon,” they discover one of the most iconic features of the gardens at the Palace of Versailles, depicting the sun god Apollo emerging from the waters in a chariot drawn by four majestic horses. Surrounded by intricate sculptures of sea creatures and allegorical figures, this stunning fountain symbolizes Louis XIV’s divine association as the Sun King and serves as a breathtaking centerpiece that beautifully integrates water, art, and nature.

• Bosquet de L’encelade - Welcome to the Bosquet d’Encelade, a captivating grove within the gardens of the Palace of Versailles that intricately weaves Greek mythology into its design, named after the giant Enceladus. The central fountain showcases dramatic sculptures depicting his defeat at the hands of Athena and Zeus, symbolizing the triumph of divine order over chaos in this mythical space where art and storytelling converge for a truly unique experience.

• Les Terrasses de la Petite Venise - Terrasses de la Petite Venise is a charming café situated in the gardens of Versailles, offering a delightful selection of pastries, expertly brewed coffees, and delicious sandwiches. Guests can enjoy their treats on the beautiful outdoor terrace while taking in the scenic surroundings, with convenient restroom facilities nearby for estate visitors.

Adjacent to the café, visitors will find the hop-on hop-off train, providing easy access back to the Palace of Versailles (3rd stop) after visiting the Petit Trianon (2nd stop), the hamlet of Marie-Antoinette. Tickets for the hop-on hop-off train are included and will be organized by Alistair.

• Le Petit Trianon - The Petit Trianon served as a cherished retreat for Marie Antoinette, offering her an escape from the formalities of court life. She transformed its gardens into a pastoral haven, creating a charming “hamlet” reminiscent of a quaint Austrian peasant village, complete with rustic buildings, a farm, and picturesque landscapes. This unexpected setting, akin to a scene from Disney World, embodied her desire for simplicity and tranquility, providing a private sanctuary where she could unwind and embrace a more natural lifestyle away from the strictures of royal expectations.
• Le Grand Trianon - The Grand Trianon, the first stop on the hop-on hop-off train, is a beautiful retreat built for Louis XIV, showcasing stunning architecture and tranquil gardens that provide a glimpse into the royal lifestyle.
• Palace of Versailles - The Palace of Versailles, created by Louis XIV, the Sun King, is a stunning representation of absolute monarchy, featuring the renowned Hall of Mirrors, opulent ballrooms, and the private chambers of the king. With their timed entry tickets, visitors can effortlessly explore the grandeur of this historic palace and its exquisite architecture, rich history, and intricate details.

• Maximum group size of 15 guests for a more personalised tour
• Versailles Gardens Admission Ticket with Guided Tour (Fountain Shows: Weekends, April–October)
• Timed entry Palace of Versailles Ticket for self-guided exploration, avoiding the long queues
• Marie-Antoinette’s Hamlet Ticket and Guided Tour
• Expert, native English-speaking professional guide
• Hop-On Hop-Off Train Ticket in Versailles Gardens

• Guests are required to arrange their own transportation to Versailles
• Rain jackets
• Snacks and Lunch

Explore Versailles with a native English-speaking historian and expert guide. This exclusive full-day tour, limited to 14 guests, blends captivating storytelling with priority access to Versailles’ most renowned sites.

• Enjoy a guided highlights tour of the Versailles Gardens, featuring Fountain Shows on weekends (April–October)

• Experience a guided highlights tour of Marie-Antoinette’s Hamlet and Farm

• With reserved Palace entry, skip the lines and delve into the history of the Royal Chapel, Marie Antoinette’s bedchamber, the State Apartments, and the magnificent Hall of Mirrors through engaging stories

• Take a Little Train ride to uncover hidden treasures without the lengthy walk

• Relax at La Petite Venise and Angelina cafés, offering snacks, lunch, and restroom facilities. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary options are available

• It is imperative that you provide us with the guest’s MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including the country code). The reason is simple but crucial: guests sometimes arrive late. If a tour operator books on their behalf and uses the operator’s number instead of the guest’s, we have no way of contacting them directly. Unless the guest reaches out to us, they cannot rejoin the tour. However, if we have the guest’s own number, we can immediately send their tickets and ensure they can easily rejoin the tour without missing out.
• This 1.5-mile walk is downhill and is not suitable for strollers or small children (+7 years old only)
• This 1.5-mile walk is downhill and is not suitable for mobility walkers, wheelchair users or individuals with canes
• Babies are welcome as long as parents are happy to carry them in a baby carrier (no strollers permitted inside the Palace)

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