Versailles Half Day Private Guided Tour with Timed Entry Tickets
● Explore the exquisite Château of Versailles, a French 18th-century architectural masterpiece with a rich history.
● Enjoy a 1.5-hour guided tour of the palace's opulent interiors and learn everything about it with your private driver-guide
● Admire the stunning gardens from the garden terrace, designed by André Le Nôtre in the 17th century, with magnificent fountains and meticulously landscaped grounds.
Visiting Versailles in half a day offers a glimpse into the splendid world of French art, architecture, and history. The Château of Versailles, a masterpiece of 18th-century French art and architecture, has a rich and fascinating history. Originally a hunting lodge in the 17th century, it evolved into a seat of power and later, in the 19th century, transformed into a museum.
Begin your tour with a captivating 1 hour and 30-minute visit of the castle itself. As you explore the opulent halls and chambers, you'll witness the grandeur that once hosted kings, queens, and the French Court. The palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for three decades, stands as a testament to the pinnacle of 17th-century French art, with Louis XIV's extensive renovations and expansions. Expect your itinerary to include visits to the State Apartment, the Hall of Mirrors, and the King’s bedchambers with enough time to take in the opulent decor and architecture.
Next, venture to the garden terrace for breathtaking views and a panoramic vista that captures the essence of Le Nôtre's visionary landscaping. In 1661, Louis XIV entrusted Le Nôtre with the monumental task of creating and renovating these gardens, one of the finest examples of French garden design and a project he considered just as vital as the palace itself. Massive earth-moving efforts leveled the ground, sculpted parterres, and excavated fountains and the famous Canal, transforming what was once meadows and marshes into an emblem of French grandeur. The trees brought from various regions of France lend an enchanting touch to this extraordinary landscape. Time permitting, you will have free time to discover the beautiful French-style gardens with 55 fountains on your own before the journey back to Paris in your private vehicle.
This half-day journey through Versailles encapsulates the essence of French history, art, and nature in a condensed yet enriching experience.
*Closed on Mondays.
*Because of the high volume of visitors to this renowned monument, the use of audio headphones is compulsory. Please be sure that this enhances both your guide's experience and your own comfort.
*Recommended in the afternoon.
*While this product is fully privatized, please note that departures are at 2 pm only. Morning tours are now reserved for groups above 11 pax by the Versailles institution.
*Kindly be aware that the sequence of visit of the Castles and the gardens might vary depending on your entrance tickets’ times.
*Opt for a licensed guide and a dedicated driver instead of a driver-guide.
*We also provide the option of having an English-speaking driver, who will handle timed tickets and audio guides for you, ensuring a smooth and independent self-visit of the palace for your convenience.
Included
● English-speaking private driver-guide
● Mercedes vehicle or equivalent
● Timed entrance tickets to the Castle and the gardens
Not Included
● Access to the Trianon's and Marie Antoinette’s hamlet
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