The Full Day Versailles Tour (8 hours) will embark you on a journey that will introduce you to the splendour and tragedy of the most famous and largest royal residence in the world: The Palace of Versailles. This symbol of absolute monarchy for more than a century is one of the most beautiful achievements of 18th century French architecture and art. The construction and expansion of the Chateau de Versailles that lasted for over a 50 year period began as Louis XIII ‘s hunting lodge before his son Louis XIV (the famous Sun King) transformed and expanded it, moving the court and government of France to Versailles, using the chateau to demonstrate its political, economic, military and artistic success . Your private, licensed driver-guide will pick you up at your hotel (or apartment). On the way to Versailles (30 minute drive), he will give you an introduction to the history of the palace and the century of the Sun King. Upon arrival, he will collect your reservation and tickets, and enter with you through a special entrance, skipping the lines. The visit initiates with the Royal Chapel, followed by the visit of the King's Grand Apartments: Hercules Salon (Reception and Ball Room), Abondance Salon, Venus Salon (where buffet tables were arranged to display food and drink for the king’s guests), Diana's Salon (that served as a billiard room.), Mars Salon (that served as a ballroom.), Mercury Salon (that served as a gaming room), Apollo Salon (that served as a concert or music room). The visit of the King’s Grand Apartment will lead you to the magnificent Hall of Mirrors, that served daily as a passageway and a meeting place for courtiers and visiting public. You will continue your visit with the War Room, the Queen's Grand Apartments (Guard's Room, Salon Des Nobles , Queen's Bedchamber), the Peace Room and the Hall of French History. After the visit of the Palace, your guide will take you for a walk into the exceptional French-style Gardens to discover the planted architectural patterns and groves. There you will look down on the grand perspective that leads the gaze from the Water Parterre along the Grand Canal to the horizon. Every Tuesday and Weekends, The Musical Fountain Show , brings new life to the exceptional gardens and fountains, part of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage. "It was a garden before a castle, a feast before a garden, a night before a thousand suns. If you want to understand Versailles, you must first walk through its gardens" After the visit of the Gardens, it is time for Lunch (not included in the price - your guide will find a place to suit your expectations) The rest of the afternoon will be dedicated to the visit of the Park and the private guided visit of its jewels: The Grand Trianon, probably the most refined group of buildings in the domain of Versailles, elegantly proportioned, radiating a sense of coziness, sweetness and grandeur all at once. Louis XIV had it erected to escape the rigid pomp of court life with his mistress Madame de Montespan, Napoleon occupied it on many occasions with Marie-Louise before Charles de Gaulle had it restored as a guesthouse for presidents of France. The Petit Trianon and Marie-Antoinette’s Estate (Queen’s Hamlet and Garden), linked to the memory of the Queen, that swept away the old court and its traditions, finding at the Petit Trianon a haven of privacy that enabled her to escape from the rigours of court etiquette (nobody could come there without her invitation). You will find at the Petit Trianon the eclectic taste and refinement of Marie-Antoinette, an art of living linked to free thinking... She loved this place where she could return to the pleasures of more simple pursuits. At the end of this quite busy, interesting and enjoyable day, your guide will bring you back to your hotel. Entrance tickets included. Lunch not included. The security measures are reinforced in Versailles. The security control may take more time than usual, especially during the high season. The first security check is outside Versailles ground. Moreover due to the closure in the Palace (works) of the Queen’s bedroom and its four adjoining salons, the route of your guided tours of the Grand Apartments will be modified. It will lead you to explore the salon du Grand Couvert and the salle des gardes du Roi, open to the public and refurbished for the occasion. Then, you can continue your visit to the Mesdames' apartments, recently restored and refurnished. Extra charge for a pick up and/or a drop off outside Paris PRICES 1 TO 2 PERSONS - 950€ 3 TO 4 PERSONS - 1,025€ 5 TO 6 PERSONS - 1125€ 7 TO 8 PERSONS - 1210€