This afternoon your private guide and chauffeur will meet you at your hotel and you will drive to Versailles to discover the infamous Chateau de Versailles.
Louis XIV spared no expense in renovating this once modest hunting lodge and, in 1682 the Chateau became the official residence of the king and his court. In the palace itself hundreds of rooms, glittering with gold, crystal, and mirrors, beg exploration and you can discover the State Apartments of the king and queen at your own pace. A fascinating tour of the King’s Chamber lends intriguing insight, and the Hall of Mirrors reflects an unrivaled era of opulence.
The formal Le Notre gardens are reason enough to come here—acres of meticulous landscaping, dazzling fountains embellished with mythical creatures, and a tram encircles the park showcasing off the vast grounds.
PLEASE NOTE: On January 5, 2016 most of the Queen's Apartments that are accessible for the regular public touring were closed for restoration until sometime in 2018. To make up for this, three other spaces in this part of the palace were opened for view. These include:
• The Antechamber of the Grand Couvert, where the Kings and Queens (from Louis XIV to Louis XVI) ate their dinner “in public,” watched by numerous other royal family members
• The Queens’ Guard Room, once the chamber where guards came and went throughout their 24 watch
• The Mesdames Apartments, built in the mid-1700s for Louis XV’s five daughters.
Note: We recommend an afternoon visit to avoid much of the crowds and tour groups that are there in the morning.