Living Like a Queen - Marie-Antoinette’s World in Paris and Versailles

Upon arrival in Paris, grab a taxi at the airport and head to our charming accommodation, the Hotel Square Louvois. This centrally located hotel blends modern comfort with classic Parisian elegance. If you prefer a private car for a more luxurious arrival, arrangements can be made at your cost.

Once checked in, rest, unpack, and unwind from your journey. The hotel’s tranquil ambiance is perfect for recharging. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings, take a nap, or head to the wellness area for a dip in the pool or a relaxing massage (optional).

In the evening, we’ll gather in the hotel courtyard for a delightful champagne reception to meet your fellow travelers, enjoy bubbly, and learn a bit about Marie-Antoinette. Afterward, we'll stroll through the historic Marais district on our way to a delightful dinner at Juveniles, where we’ll savor exquisite cuisine and toast to the beginning of a wonderful adventure in Paris.

After breakfast, we'll begin our day in the Marais with a stroll through the magnificent Place des Vosges and a visit to the Musée Cognacq-Jay. You'll learn all about Ernest Cognacq, founder of the Samaritaine department store, and his wife, Marie-Louise Jay, who were passionate art lovers. They collected over 1,200 European works from the Age of Enlightenment, now housed in the extraordinary Hôtel Donon, a sixteenth-century townhouse in the Marais.

We'll have lunch at Camille, a lovely, elevated bistro Parisien, perfect for enjoying classic French cuisine. 

After lunch, we'll visit the historic perfumerie, Buly, founded in 1803. At a time when there were 139 perfumers in Paris, Buly stood out and remains a bastion of France’s beauty heritage, inspired by the excellence of the past and committed to the best of the present.

For dinner, we'll head to Le Grand Véfour in the Palais-Royal Gardens. A jewel of 18th-century decorative art, this restaurant has been Paris's gastronomic mecca for political, artistic, and literary life for over 200 years.

This morning, we'll visit the enchanting gardens of Paris, starting with the stunning Bagatelle Gardens. These gardens are a true marvel, built in just 64 days after a wager between Marie-Antoinette and her brother-in-law. We will be joined by a private garden expert and guide who designs flower arrangements for the American Embassy and judges roses at Bagatelle. We are fortunate to visit during the rose season, making the experience even more special.

We'll have lunch at the lovely Le Camondo, where we can enjoy delicious cuisine in a charming setting. Then, we'll take a short tour of the Parc Monceau, a garden built by Marie-Antoinette’s cousin. 

We'll explore the elegant Nissim de Camondo Museum, renowned for its exceptional eighteenth-century furniture and decorative arts. This museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the era.

Afterwards, there will be some free time to relax at the end of the day. There's arguably no better way to spend a few hours than people-watching the fashionable Parisians go by while sitting in a French cafe enjoying a coffee and a Pastis.

Tonight, you’ll have a well-earned night off. Enjoy dinner at one of the many cafes and restaurants in the Marais or stroll to the left bank to marvel at its historic and artistic charm.

After breakfast, we’ll visit the Chapelle Expiatoire. Called “the most remarkable monument in Paris" by Chateaubriand, this hidden gem blends history, art, and architecture, offering a quiet oasis near the bustling Grands Boulevards. The chapel, dedicated to Marie-Antoinette and King Louis XVI, was constructed at the exact spot where they were buried after their execution by guillotine in 1793.

We'll enjoy lunch at Le Café Lapérouse in the Hôtel de la Marine, a delightful spot with a charming ambiance.

After lunch, we’ll explore the Hôtel de la Marine, known for its magnificent views and beautifully restored eighteenth-century interiors. As we overlook the Place de la Concorde, where Marie-Antoinette was executed, our discussion about the French Revolution will truly come to life.

Tonight, indulge in a private dinner party hosted by Veronique, the visionary behind Cuisine Elegante. Savor exquisite Champagne and a delectable selection of her renowned appetizers.

This morning, we depart for Versailles, a pinnacle of French 17th and 18th-century art. Originally a hunting pavilion, Louis XIV transformed it into the grand Palace where the Court resided from 1682 onward. Enhanced by successive kings until the French Revolution, Versailles remains a breathtaking testament to royal splendor.

Susan, our expert on Marie-Antoinette and Versailles, will guide us through the public rooms of the king and queen, providing insights into their lives.

For lunch, we'll dine at Ore, an acclaimed restaurant by Alain Ducasse located within the Versailles grounds. After our meal, we'll enjoy a special visit to the queen's private apartments. After we check into our luxurious Trianon Palace Hotel, you'll have free time to relax in the beautiful surroundings.

In the afternoon, indulge in a unique experience reminiscent of Marie-Antoinette's court. Wearing period costumes, we will savor tea and pastries while capturing the moment with a professional photographer.

Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own or rejuvenate at the Guerlain Spa with one included pampering treatment to unwind and refresh before continuing our adventure.

Today, we explore the expansive gardens of Versailles, sprawling over 800 hectares and meticulously landscaped in the classic French formal garden style by André Le Nôtre. Prepare to be awestruck – your backyard gardening will never feel the same! We'll also witness the spectacular water show, a highlight of Versailles.

We'll enjoy a light lunch at the Flottille in the gardens overlooking the Grand Canal.

Afterward, we'll visit the Petit Trianon, an elegant neo-classical building that Marie-Antoinette redecorated as her private residence. Her desire for privacy even led her to install moving mirrored walls! We'll stroll through her private English gardens to the Hameau, her mock village where comic operas were once performed.

Back at the hotel, relax and indulge in the included spa treatment – because even queens need pampering!

We'll conclude our trip with an extraordinary dinner at Gordon Ramsay's AU Trianon restaurant within the Versailles Palace. Optionally, if you're up for it after a full day, we can venture out for a spectacular fireworks show this evening.

After a lavish and leisurely breakfast, we'll check out and depart for Paris. Arrangements can be made to get you to the airport or your hotel. You may even be inspired to fly home first class, as coach is too much of a letdown for a queen.