Versailles Marie Antoinette Afternoon Guided Tour With Petit Trianon & Hamlet

Explore the enchanting world of Marie Antoinette on this intimate guided tour of Versailles. You’ll stroll through the Petit Trianon, the queen’s private retreat, and discover the whimsical charm of the Queen’s Hamlet. With expert English-speaking guides leading the way, you’ll gain rich historical insights into the life and times of this iconic figure. The tour’s limited group size ensures a personalized experience, though entry tickets to the gardens are an additional cost. Prepare to be captivated by the elegance and allure of Versailles’ most famous resident.

Key Points

• This afternoon guided tour offers an intimate exploration of Marie Antoinette’s favored Petit Trianon, its lush gardens, and the Queen’s Hamlet.
• Expert English-speaking guides provide insights into Marie Antoinette’s life and experiences at Versailles during the tour.
• The tour includes access to the Petit Trianon, gardens, and Queen’s Theatre, but does not include entry tickets to the Versailles gardens.
• Participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness as the tour involves approximately 2-3 hours of walking on cobblestone pathways and stairs.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible but is stroller-friendly, making it suitable for guests familiar with the main palace and gardens of Versailles.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The afternoon guided tour offers a chance to explore the Petit Trianon, a haven favored by Marie Antoinette.

You’ll wander through the lush gardens, discover the Queen’s Hamlet – a charming rustic village, and visit the Queen’s Theatre.

Expert English-speaking guides will bring Marie Antoinette’s life at Versailles to life.

The small group size, limited to 20 people, ensures a more intimate experience.

With headsets provided, you’ll easily hear the guide’s insights.

This tour’s a great option for visitors familiar with the main palace and gardens who want to delve deeper into Marie Antoinette’s world.

Inclusions and Meeting Information

Guided visits of Petit Trianon, the gardens, and the Hamlet are included in this tour.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are also provided. Guests will meet at La Flottille in Parc du Chateau de Versailles and the tour will end at the Palace of Versailles.

Tickets for garden entry cost 8.50€ or 9.50€ per person. This ticket is required for the tour but not included in the tour price.

To participate, a moderate level of physical fitness is needed due to the walking involved. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller-friendly.

Tour Requirements and Recommendations

To participate in this tour, a moderate level of physical fitness is required due to the considerable walking involved. Comfortable shoes are strongly recommended.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller friendly. This tour is best suited for guests familiar with the main palace and gardens of Versailles, as the focus is on the Petit Trianon, its gardens, and Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet.

The tour route involves:

1. Navigating cobblestone pathways and uneven terrain.
2. Climbing some stairs within the Petit Trianon.
3. Spending approximately 2-3 hours on your feet.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience. However, no refunds will be issued for missed tours. This policy is in place to ensure a smooth operation for both the tour provider and your.

Cancellation Policy	Refund Policy
Free up to 24 hours before	No refunds for missed tours
Flexible	Strict
Convenient for guests	Protects provider
Allows changes	Maintains reliability
Favors customer	Avoids losses

Customer Feedback and Experiences

According to reviews, the Versailles Guided Tour receives a 4.2-star average rating from 17 participants.

Guests praised the knowledgeable and engaging guides, who brought the history of Marie Antoinette’s Petit Trianon to life.

However, some participants faced logistical challenges, including:

1. Confusion over the meeting point.
2. Additional costs for garden tickets.
3. Limited accessibility for those with mobility issues.

Exploring the Petit Trianon

Though often overshadowed by the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles, the Petit Trianon offers visitors a unique glimpse into the private life of Marie Antoinette.

This small chateau, favored by the Queen, showcases her personal style and taste. Guests can explore the elegant rooms, admire the lovely gardens, and wander through the Queen’s Hamlet – a replica rustic village where she could escape the formality of court life.

Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour provides an intimate experience, allowing guests to imagine what daily life was like for the ill-fated Queen in her private Trianon retreat.

Discovering the Queen’s Hamlet

What truly sets the Petit Trianon apart is the Queen’s Hamlet, a delightful rustic village Marie Antoinette had constructed on the estate.

Visitors can explore this charming replica of a Norman village, complete with a farmhouse, mill, and dairy.

The highlights include:

1. Strolling through the quaint lanes and seeing the thatched-roof cottages.
2. Visiting the Queen’s Theatre, where she’d host intimate gatherings and perform in plays.
3. Wandering through the lush gardens surrounding the Hamlet, filled with fruit trees and vegetable patches.

It’s a unique glimpse into Marie Antoinette’s world, where she could momentarily escape the formality of court life.

Experiencing the Queen’s Theatre

Within the Queen’s Hamlet, visitors can’t miss the Queen’s Theatre, where Marie Antoinette would entertain guests with intimate performances.

This quaint, Rococo-style building housed a fully equipped stage and seating area. Here, the queen would delight in staging pastoral plays and musical productions, often playing the lead roles herself.

Touring the theatre offers a glimpse into Marie Antoinette’s private world of leisure and artistic pursuits. Guests can imagine the lively atmosphere as the queen and her courtiers gathered for these exclusive performances, escaping the formality of palace life.

Things To Know

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour groups are limited to a maximum of 20 people, allowing for a more intimate experience as guests explore the Petit Trianon and its grounds with the expert English-speaking guides.

Do the Headsets Have Translation Capabilities?

The headsets provided during the tour don’t offer translation capabilities. They’re used to ensure clear communication between guests and the English-speaking guide leading the small group of no more than 20 people.

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Petit Trianon?

Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the Petit Trianon. However, visitors should check with their guide or posted signage, as rules may vary or change. Photography policies can sometimes differ between different areas of the Petit Trianon complex.

Can We Visit the Petit Trianon on Our Own Without a Guide?

Yes, visitors can explore the Petit Trianon on their own without a guide. However, purchasing tickets and gaining access to the gardens may require an admission fee. It’s best to check the Versailles website for the latest visitor information.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

Unfortunately, the information provided doesn’t mention any discounts for students or seniors. The tour seems to have a fixed price, though buying a garden ticket separately may be cheaper than the packaged tour option.

Sum Up

The Versailles Marie Antoinette Afternoon Guided Tour offers a captivating glimpse into the life and times of the iconic French queen. Visitors can explore her beloved Petit Trianon, the whimsical Queen’s Hamlet, and the elegant Queen’s Theatre, gaining a rich historical perspective. With expert English-speaking guides and a focus on Marie Antoinette’s legacy, this intimate tour provides an enchanting and immersive experience.