Le Bon Paris Tours

While Marie Antoinette is known for being the last official queen of France, she is often misrepresented by modern pop-culture. Commonly viewed as a care-free wealthy aristocrat, she is mostly known for her vast wardrobe and the famous phrase “Let them eat cake!” However, did she actually say this? Also, what did actually eat herself? While there is truth to her wealth and extravagance, modern media tends to focus solely just on her role living within the massive palace of Versailles.

Enter Marie Antoinette's Hamlet... Planned as an escape from the chaotic rigid French court life, this intimate hidden village within the palace grounds was actually commissioned specifically by Queen Marie Antoinette in 1784. Off the beaten path, today the hamlet is still a peaceful, secluded paradise, with a story of its own to tell: the real life of Marie Antoinette.

This half-day walking tour focuses exclusively on Marie Antoinette and her hidden private estate. We have a wonderful picnic lunch in front of the palace of Versailles, and discuss the history of Versailles from her perspective. We go over her day-to-day activities, talk about her friends and visitors, and discuss her favorite foods as well as eating habits!

Itinerary

We will start off by meeting in central Paris near the Saint-Lazare train station, and taking the train to Versailles. After shopping for picnic supplies at the highly-rated Versailles market, we'll wander to the grounds and have an epic picnic on the canal.

After lunch we will venture through the Queen's Hamlet, spending ample time revealing each nook and cranny. We'll learn about her daily life here, and discuss each building and its function.

We will wrap up the experience by exiting the grounds through the formal gardens surrounding the back of the Palace of Versailles. These feature the famous fountains, still operating on the same system that Louis XIV commissioned in the 1600s! Depending on the day you will also be able to experience the celebrated musical fountain show.

As we end at front of the palace, you will then be free to either enter the palace if you wish, or simply hop on the train for a quick 20 minute ride back into Paris.