Versailles half day trip from paris marie antoinette s hamlet palace of versailles and gardens

Discover the highlights of Versailles in a short space of time on this must-do half-day trip from Paris! After seeing Marie-Antoinette’s Hamlet and Petit Trianon palace on a minibus tour of the estate, skip past the entrance lines to enter the Palace of Versailles itself. Take in the sheer opulence of rooms like the Hall of Mirrors and learn about the 17th-century palace’s rich history from an expert guide. Before returning to Paris, explore Versailles Gardens at leisure and admire the groomed lawns and flowerbeds that mimic the palace’s grandeur.

Meet your guide in central Paris, near Ecole Militaire, and then board your luxury, air-conditioned minibus. Sit back and relax on your journey southwest to the town of Versailles, roughly 40 minutes away.

After arriving in the town, head straight to its star attraction – the incredible Palace of Versailles. The sprawling Baroque chateau is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with centuries of history to match its grandeur. While exploring the estate by minibus, learn about the palace’s roots, from its humble beginnings to the masterpiece of opulence that it is today.

Founded in the early 16th century, the showstopping palace was officially built as a royal hunting lodge for King Louis XIII; unofficially it was said to serve as a place for trysts with his lover, Louise de la Valliere. Lavish wraparound gardens soon followed, along with a succession of extravagant additions to the lodge itself, transforming it into one of the world’s most decadent palaces.

The king moved his family to the estate, setting up separate quarters for his wife, Queen Marie-Antoinette. Attesting to his elaborate tastes, her home was more akin to a fairytale village and the site is now referred to as Marie-Antoinette’s Hamlet. Admire the gardens and farmhouse and see Petit Trianon, her handsome personal palace.

After seeing the grounds by minibus, walk past the palace’s long entrance lines with your skip-the-line ticket and head inside for your walking tour. Explore public rooms like the chapel, the King’s Grand Apartments and Hall of Mirrors, where crystal chandeliers hang from frescoed ceilings, framed by floor-to-ceiling gilded mirrors. Gaze in admiration at the plush interiors that abound, and then head outside the palace to explore Versailles Gardens at leisure.

Wander around the extensive park, posing for photos against marble pillars, carefully sculptured fountains and colorful flowerbeds. If you want to stop for a drink or snack, visit one of the on-site cafes (own expense). If you travel on a Tuesday, the gardens host a spectacular musical show, where classical music is broadcast throughout the grounds. Similarly, if you visit on a weekend, a fountain display takes place inside the gardens.

After exploring, walk to the pre-arranged point to board your minibus and travel back to central Paris. Your half-day trip finishes with a drop-off near Champs Elysées.