Viator Exclusive: Versailles and Marie-Antoinette Estate Tour plus Optional Dalloyau Meal

Discover the highlights of Versailles, and then use an exclusive voucher to dine from a Versailles-themed menu at Dalloyau – one of the most prestigious restaurants in Paris. It’s a combination that’s available nowhere else! The 4.5-hour trip to the UNESCO-listed site of Versailles includes tours of Marie-Antoinette’s Hamlet and the Palace of Versailles plus free time in Versailles Gardens. Finish in Paris near Dalloyau, and present your exclusive Viator voucher to gain access to a special menu for a meal (own expense) and macaroon-making demonstration. The luxury family-run restaurant was established when Charles Dalloyau cooked for King Louis XIV in the 17th century, so it’s a fitting place to finish your day!

Relax on your journey southwest from Paris to the town of Versailles, roughly 30 minutes away. After arriving in the town, head straight to its star attraction – the Palace of Versailles. The sprawling Baroque chateau is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site with centuries of history to match its grandeur. While exploring the estate by minibus, learn about the palace’s roots, from its humble beginnings to the masterpiece of opulence that it is today.

Founded in the early 17th century, the showstopping palace was officially built as a royal hunting lodge for King Louis XIII; unofficially, it's believed that it served as a place for trysts with his lover, Louise de la Vallière. During Louis XIV's reign, lavish wraparound gardens and a succession of extravagant additions to the lodge were added, transforming it into one of the world’s most decadent palaces.

By 1682, the grounds were declared the official royal residence. Louis XIV eventually set up separate quarters for his wife, Queen Marie-Antoinette. Attesting to his elaborate tastes, her home was more akin to a fairytale village and the site is now referred to as Marie-Antoinette’s Hamlet. Admire the gardens and farmhouse and see Le Petit Trianon, her handsome personal palace.

After seeing the grounds by minibus, walk past the palace’s long entrance lines with your skip-the-line ticket and head inside for your walking tour. Explore public rooms like the chapel, the King’s Grand Apartments, and Hall of Mirrors – where crystal chandeliers hang from frescoed ceilings and the walls are covered with gilded mirrors. Gaze at the plush interiors, and then head outside the palace to explore Versailles Gardens at leisure.

Having explored the gardens, meet your guide and travel back to central Paris. Your tour finishes with a drop-off on the Champs Élysées, near Dalloyau – a luxurious family-owned restaurant that has operated since Charles Dalloyau started cooking for King Louis XIV in the 17th century.

Before leaving, your guide will explain how you can use your Viator voucher to enjoy an exclusive Versailles-themed meal at Dalloyau in Paris– only available to Viator customers on this tour – at a reduced rate, and immediately after the end of the tour. The meal is at your own expense and menu options and prices are detailed below. Head inside, meet your Dalloyau guide, receive a complimentary gift and learn all about the restaurant's connection with Versailles. Watch a macaroon-making demonstration to see how the sweet treats were once made for King Louis, and then take a seat for your meal!

• Round-trip transport from Paris to Versailles
• Entrance fee
• Minibus tour of Marie-Antionette's Estate
• Walking tour of the Palace of Versailles
  
• Professional guide
• Option to have an exclusive meal at Dalloyau at the end of your tour, on presentation of your Viator voucher (own expense)
  
• Dalloyau souvenir (only in conjunction with the lunch menu on the same day as the main tour)
  

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
  
• Food and drinks
• Gratuities (optional)
• The price of the Dalloyau lunch is not included in the tour price and all meals will need to be paid for directly at the restaurant