Departure by coach in the company of your hostess for a visit to the Château de Versailles. Listed as a World Heritage Site for thirty years, the Château de Versailles is considered to be one of the finest achievements of French art from the 17th century. Louis XIII's former hunting lodge was transformed and enlarged by his son Louis XIV, who fixed the Court and government of France here in 1682. Until the French Revolution, one king followed another, each embellishing the Château in his turn. When you arrive, your guide will take you through the King's Grand Apartment. These seven successive rooms were intended to serve as a Parade Apartment, that is to say for the sovereign's official business. This is why it was decorated with the most splendid riches and based on the model of Italian palaces of the time. During daytime, it was open to all, French and foreigners, who came to see the king, and it was reserved for the Court three evenings a week. Afterwards, you'll go through the Hall of Mirrors, known in the 17th century as the "Great Gallery" and which was where courtesans would wait, meet or just pass through every day. This 75m-long, 10m-wide and 12m-high hall was designed by Mansart in. The principal feature of this hall is the seventeen mirror-clad arches that reflect the seventeen arcaded windows that overlook the gardens. You tour will end with a visit to the Queen's Apartments, where the Queen would host the ladies of the Court when she rose in the morning and granted private audiences. After visiting the Château, you will still have a little free time to discover the fabulous formal French gardens created by André Le Notre for Louis XIV. Return on board by coach.
PLEASE NOTE
- Good walking shoes are recommended.
- Pre-booking only. If the minimum of 25 participants isn't met, the excursion will be replaced with a visit to the Château de Malmaison.
- Flash photography is forbidden inside the Château.
- The Versailles Palace is closed on Mondays, visit to the Château de Malmaison instead.
- The order of the visits can change.
- Times are approximate.
Departure by coach in the company of your hostess for a visit to the Château de Versailles. Listed as a World Heritage Site for thirty years, the Château de Versailles is considered to be one of the finest achievements of French art from the 17th century. Louis XIII's former hunting lodge was transformed and enlarged by his son Louis XIV, who fixed the Court and government of France here in 1682. Until the French Revolution, one king followed another, each embellishing the Château in his turn. When you arrive, your guide will take you through the King's Grand Apartment. These seven successive rooms were intended to serve as a Parade Apartment, that is to say for the sovereign's official business. This is why it was decorated with the most splendid riches and based on the model of Italian palaces of the time. During daytime, it was open to all, French and foreigners, who came to see the king, and it was reserved for the Court three evenings a week. Afterwards, you'll go through the Hall of Mirrors, known in the 17th century as the "Great Gallery" and which was where courtesans would wait, meet or just pass through every day. This 75m-long, 10m-wide and 12m-high hall was designed by Mansart in. The principal feature of this hall is the seventeen mirror-clad arches that reflect the seventeen arcaded windows that overlook the gardens. You tour will end with a visit to the Queen's Apartments, where the Queen would host the ladies of the Court when she rose in the morning and granted private audiences. After visiting the Château, you will still have a little free time to discover the fabulous formal French gardens created by André Le Notre for Louis XIV. Return on board by coach.
PLEASE NOTE
- Good walking shoes are recommended.
- Pre-booking only. If the minimum of 25 participants isn't met, the excursion will be replaced with a visit to the Château de Malmaison.
- Flash photography is forbidden inside the Château.
- The Versailles Palace is closed on Mondays, visit to the Château de Malmaison instead.
- The order of the visits can change.
- Times are approximate.
Cruises
This shore excursion is available for one or several cruises
The Seine Valley (port-to-port cruise)
PARIS - LA ROCHE-GUYON - HONFLEUR - ROUEN - LES ANDELYS - PARIS
Sail along the Seine to discover the history, idyllic landscapes and culture that border this mythical river with its hidden secrets. In Vernon, you will discover the Claude Monet house and gardens with its famous water garden. Visit the sumptuous Martainville Château, stroll along the Côte Fleurie or vist the historical Normandy landing beaches.
The Seine Valley and its must-see calls
PARIS - LES ANDELYS - ROUEN - HONFLEUR - ROUEN - PARIS
Embark on a cruise where heritage and history are as rich as they are exciting. Visit the iconic Palace of Versailles— France at its most luxurious! Discover the Alabaster coast, bathed by the greeny blue waters of the Channel, offering the most impressive landscapes of Normandy. Visit Rouen, a real museum city, a memorable experience with its beautiful half-timbered houses, cobbled streets and Gothic churches.