Versailles: Palace, Trianon & Marie-Antoinette Estate Private Tour with Lunch

Summary

Palace halls, mirrored light and quiet corners at Versailles

You’ll follow a local guide through Versailles Palace’s grandest rooms and mirrored halls before wandering gardens alive with fountains. A three-course lunch by the canal breaks up your day before exploring Grand Trianon and Marie-Antoinette’s hidden retreat. It’s both opulent and unexpectedly quiet in places—leaving you with more than just photos.

What’s the experience like?

It started with our guide, Camille, waving us over by the gold-tipped gates of Versailles. She had this way of making you feel like you’d known her forever — she even teased my French (“you sound like Louis XVI after too much wine”). I still remember the way the palace smelled inside: old wood, a bit of wax polish, and something floral I couldn’t place. The Hall of Mirrors was busy but somehow not overwhelming — maybe because Camille kept pointing out little things I’d have missed, like the tiny initials etched into one corner by some long-gone craftsman. We lingered longer than planned. I didn’t expect to feel so small in there.

The gardens were wild with color that day — all clipped hedges and fountains hissing quietly (and yes, fifty-five is apparently the real number; I asked). We walked down toward the Grand Canal for lunch at La Flotille. Sitting outside, eating duck confit and sipping wine while watching rowboats drift by… it felt almost staged. My partner tried to order in French and got a wink from the waiter for effort. The food was rich but not heavy; dessert was this perfect tart with strawberries that tasted like actual sun.

After lunch we wandered through Grand Trianon’s pink marble halls — so much quieter than the main palace, almost echoey. Camille told us stories about Louis XIV escaping here when court life got too much (honestly relatable). Then came Petit Trianon and Marie-Antoinette’s Hamlet — tiny cottages with thatched roofs and a pond where ducks were louder than expected. It was strange how peaceful it felt compared to everything else; just birdsong and the crunch of gravel underfoot. I keep thinking about that part — how even queens needed somewhere to disappear for a while.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Versailles Palace and Marie-Antoinette Estate

• Visit State Apartments of Louis XIV
• Admire the Hall of Mirrors
• Explore French style gardens and fountains
• Enjoy 3-course lunch at La Flotille
• Tour the Grand Trianon palace
• Visit the Petit Trianon palace
• Discover the Queen’s Hamlet

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Versailles private tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your day trip from Paris to Versailles.

What does the lunch include on this Versailles tour?

The lunch is a three-course meal at La Flotille restaurant near the Grand Canal—starter, main course, dessert, wine, and coffee are all included.

How long do we spend inside the Palace of Versailles?

You’ll have guided time inside the palace’s State Apartments and Hall of Mirrors before exploring gardens at your own pace.

Are entry fees covered on this private guided tour?

Yes, all entry fees for Versailles Palace, Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, and Marie-Antoinette’s Estate are included.

Is this tour suitable for families or people with strollers?

Yes—it’s suitable for all fitness levels and strollers or prams are welcome.

Will we visit both Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon?

Yes—the itinerary includes guided visits to both palaces as well as Marie-Antoinette’s Hamlet.

What kind of vehicle is used for transport?

You’ll travel in an air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz minivan with panoramic rooftop and free WiFi.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Paris, entry fees to all sites within Versailles including both Trianons and Marie-Antoinette’s Estate, a three-course lunch with wine by the Grand Canal, private transport in a modern minivan with WiFi—and guidance from someone who knows every shortcut through those golden halls.