• Home
  • About Carol
  • About us

Luxury Travel Magazine

An unpretentious guide to luxury travel, culture and adventure

  • About Luxury travel
  • Destinations
  • Spas
    • The Spa and Spa Travel
    • Hot Springs Spas and Thermal Baths: Why You Should Visit One
    • Spa Towns in Europe – 8 Reasons You Should Visit
  • Popular Articles
    • Things to Do in Canada
    • Top European Destinations
    • Things to Do in the South of France
    • Travel and Art: Artistic Cities, Art Fairs and Painting Holidays
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
Luxury travel blog » Places » Europe » France » Visiting Versailles – A Private Backstage Tour

Visiting Versailles – A Private Backstage Tour

November 4, 2015 by Sally Christie 24 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links.

Did you know that when visiting Versailles you see only a small percentage of the palace? What about the parts you don’t see? This guest post by historical fiction author, Sally Christie, whose trilogy The Mistresses of Versailles is set in this magnificent palace brings us along on her private tour of Versailles – and tells you how you can do it, too. Warning: A private tour of Versailles on this level is a serious splurge.

 

No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the incomparable Palace of Versailles outside Paris. It’s more than a day trip; consider spending a night or two in the town of Versailles where there are plenty of accommodation options. The gardens are vast and there are the Grand Trianon and the Petit Trianon to visit, in addition to the main palace.

Visiting Versailles, Entrance, a private tour

The Palace of Versailles

 

The downside of visiting Versailles – lineups

Unfortunately, there is no good time to visit Versailles; long lines form in the height of summer, in the depths of winters, in the cold of April showers. The chateau receives over three million visitors a year, and though the palace is vast, the part open to the public is not. Visitors are squeezed (literally) through a series of public rooms that soon start to numb with their magnificence.

Touring Versailles

You can balance the overwhelming grandeur of the public rooms with a visit to the more intimate main-floor apartments of Mesdames (as King Louis XV’s unmarried daughters were known), and you can also take a tour of Louis XVs private apartments for just 7 euros extra – well worth it. But still… so much of the palace remains out of reach, inaccessible to the average visitor.

Private tour of Versailles exterior

Versailles

 

Visiting Versailles on a private backstage tour, complete with chauffeur

For something truly memorable, go one step further and splurge on a private tour of Versailles. This is a once in a lifetime experience, with a once in a lifetime price tag – the tour averages around 1500 euros (approx $1630), including guides and chauffeur – but it is well worth it for any self-respecting Francophile or history lover (or both, like me!).

The wonderful Deborah Anthony at French Travel Boutique coordinated my visit and also arranged for a very knowledgeable historian to accompany us, in addition the guide and guards mandated by the palace.

Out of your price range? See the fact box for visiting Versailles below or visit my much cheaper how to tour Versailles article.

 

The private tour of Versailles begins

You can imagine my excitement as the guide unlocked a door with a key from his huge keyring and ushered us away from the tourist hordes, and into the quiet and magic of the deserted palace, behind the scenes:

Visiting Versailles, Palace back corridor

Empty (!) back corridor of Versailles

 

Touring the apartments of Louis XV’s most famous mistress at Versailles

Our first stop was a visit to the third floor and what were once the apartments of the fabulous Madame de Pompadour – Louis XV’s longest serving and most famous mistress. Before she lived there, they belonged to Marie Anne de Mailly Nesle, his previous mistress and one of the protagonists of my book The Sisters of Versailles. It was such a thrill to stand in the very rooms where so many scenes in that book unfold, and to look out the windows at the same, unchanged view of the gardens Marie Anne would have seen.

Visiting Versailles, View from 3rd floor on private tour

View from the 3rd Floor

 

These private apartments in Versailles are lovely: more human-scale and intimate, more livable. Three rooms are open to the public, and the boudoir is decorated in a beautiful green-grey fabric, copied from an original fabric the Marquise de Pompadour was known to have loved:

Private tour of Versailles, Pompadour's bedchamber

Madame de Pompadour’s bedchamber

 

Another Versailles mistress: touring the rooms of the Comtesse du Barry

Next up were the delightful rooms of the Comtesse du Barry, also on the third floor of the Palace of Versailles. She was Louis XV’s final mistress and many history buffs know her for locking horns with Marie Antoinette – they overlapped for several years at Court.

Visiting Versailles on private tour, Mme du Barry (1)

Pink room in the Comtesse du Barry’s Apartment

 

The rooms of the Comtesse du Barry were endless – she had 13 rooms in her suite (an enormous number in a very overcrowded palace, where even the highest of nobles might be happy with one or two rooms) – and very intimate: low ceilings and delightful paneling in many of the rooms, the paint original from when she lived there in the 1770s:

Visiting Versailles, Blue Room Madame du Barry

Blue room in the Comtesse du Barry’s Apartment

 

Visiting Versailles: the Rat’s Nest

The best part of the private tour of Versailles for me was experiencing firsthand the “rat’s nest” that the majority of the palace was. As Versailles became more and more crowded (it was estimated that it contained at least 1,000 apartments) rooms were cut in half, both length-wise and height-wise (!), and even the smallest of cubbyholes became a viable living space:

Visiting Versailles, Private Tour, Alcove sleeping

Half-height sleeping chamber

 

From reality to fiction

Seeing the reality of how many of the courtiers lived was essential research for my book and made their daily lives come alive for me. It also made me realize that the inhabitants of Versailles had to find their way around a literal maze, as well as a figurative maze of treachery and intrigue!

Visiting Versailles, private tour, Cubbyhole for sleeping

Cubbyhole sleeping area for a servant

 

The apartments of the Dauphin and Dauphine

My backstage tour of Versailles ended in the apartments of the Dauphin (the title of the eldest son of a French king) and Dauphine. These are grand rooms similar to the ones open to the public, but they were completely empty. It was such a thrill to walk through them without fighting the crowds, and just inhale the atmosphere. Here you could almost imagine, if you added a bit more furniture and ignored the selfie-sticks visible through the French doors leading out to the gardens, that you were back in the 18th century.

These rooms have some amazing paintings and portraits, as well as original furniture that the Societé des Amis de Versailles works very hard to acquire. During our visit, our historian was very interested to see a new acquisition she had heard about but never seen: a beautiful sofa, original to the palace:

Visiting Versailles, private tour of the palace, newly aquired sofa

Newly acquired sofa, original to Versailles

 

A backstage glimpse into the court of Versailles

Visiting Versailles on a private tour provides the magnificence of Versailles without the masses, giving a backstage peek into what life was like for its thousands of inhabitants, away from the grandeur of the main rooms. Highly, highly recommended.

 

About the author: Sally Christie is the author of The Sisters of Versailles (Simon & Schuster 2015), the first in The Mistresses of Versailles trilogy about Louis XV of France and his many lady loves. Sally is a life-long history buff who finally turned her compunction to write into a full time pursuit. She is based in Toronto and when she is not writing, she is disappearing down into various rabbit holes of historical research, and playing lots of tennis. Visit her website at www.sallychristieauthor.com for more information about her and the books.

If you want to do a private backstage tour of Versailles: French Travel Boutique normally requires about 4 months’ advance notice to organize the tour.

Visiting Versailles without a private tour: Everything you need to know

We can’t all afford a private tour of Versailles, but we can see how the other half lived. Here’s what you need to know to plan a day trip to Versailles:

Tickets for Versailles

  • A Passport ticket allows you to see anything at Versailles that is open to the public. Cost is €20
  • A 2-day Passport ticket gives you the same access over 2 days. €25. Great if you’re staying in the town of Versailles.
  • A Palace ticket gives you entry into the Palace of Versailles only.
  • A Paris Museum Pass gives you entry to Versailles as well.

Guided tours

For €10 you can take a guided tour of the Kings’ Apartments. You must book online on the Chateau Versailles website.

Powered by GetYourGuide. Become a partner.

Where to buy tickets for Versailles

  • You can buy a ticket online on the Chateau Versailles website.
  • You can buy tickets at any Palace ticket desk located around the Main Courtyard of Versailles

Paris to Versailles by train – You have 3 choices

  • You can take the RER C. Buy a Paris to Versailles Rive Gauche ticket (zones 1-4)
  • From Paris Montparnasse train station take an SNCF train to Versailles Chantiers
  • From Paris Saint Lazare train station take an SNCF train to Versailles Rive Droite

Find a hotel in Versailles 



Booking.com

 

Staying in Paris? Read some of WanderingCarol’s top Paris posts

  • Losing my cool in the footsteps of Coco Chanel
  • Montparnasse and the historic cafes of Paris

Want more France?

  • The South of France and what to do in the French Riviera
  • One day in Monaco

Note: This spa post contains some affiliate links. If you book through me, I get a small (like really small) percentage. If I’m lucky, one day I’ll earn enough for a whole night at one of these hotels! But rest assured, this is at no cost to you. Thanks.

Filed Under: France, Tours

Comments

  1. Carol Perehudoff says

    July 29, 2017 at 10:32 pm

    Wow, what a Versailles experience you’ve had, Traveling Pear. Thanks for sharing.

  2. Carol Perehudoff says

    July 15, 2017 at 3:37 am

    I wish I could have gone to Fontevraud Abbey, Wendy. I’m fascinated by Eleanor of Aquitaine. How many women marry two kings from two different countries?

  3. Carol Perehudoff says

    July 15, 2017 at 3:36 am

    Thanks so much for writing in, Traveling Pear. It sounds like the ultimate history splurge in the ultimate palace of history, architecture and wealth.

  4. thetravelingpear says

    July 14, 2017 at 11:41 pm

    Love and admire dearest Deborah Anthony. I did my first private tour with her in 2008, and after that made it my mission to one day be her assistant. In the summer of 2011, my husband and I quit our careers in the US and moved to Paris so that I could do just that. I accompanied her on many a private tour to Versailles, around Paris and lived out my dream of being her assistant. It was the greatest summer of my life, as I lived and breathed Paris, Versailles and all the history that I had become so deeply passionate about. It was a dream that became a reality. She inspired me to pursue a graduate degree in French history which I completed a year after working for her. A private tour of Versailles or the Trianon is never too expensive!!! It’s the only way we do Versailles and the entire domaine.

  5. Carol Perehudoff says

    November 20, 2015 at 3:53 am

    I thought this was a super interesting story, too, Janice & George – I’m so glad Sally could share her experience.

  6. Janice & George (@SandInSuitcase) says

    November 20, 2015 at 12:49 am

    Very interesting! Who knew so many people lived in Versailles at one time… We just wouldn’t want to be a servant back then. We prefer the Comtesse du Barry’s rooms :-).

  7. Carol Perehudoff says

    November 7, 2015 at 7:55 pm

    Thanks, Aileen – I wish I could take credit but it was a guest post by author, Sally Christie – a historical fiction writer who truly knows her stuff.

  8. Aileen says

    November 7, 2015 at 6:48 pm

    You’re lucky to have been able to experience this tour! I haven’t been to this place yet, but I’m absolutely looking forward to it. Great shots by the way as well. I love how you captured things so well!

  9. MrsTee says

    November 6, 2015 at 2:58 pm

    Amazing! I am not sure I will ever get the chance to take an option like this but it definitely seems like a lifetime memory and something I would always be glad I experienced.

  10. Melissa says

    November 6, 2015 at 9:05 am

    I have never been to Versailles but it is now on my travel bucket wishlist! This looks like an amazing place to visit and your pictures are lovely! I love all the over the top and ornate detail in the furnishings! Blinged out! That is my style :-)

  11. Carol Perehudoff says

    November 6, 2015 at 7:00 am

    Me, too, Mary. And Versailles has such an intriguing one … or should that be a history filled with intrigue?

  12. Mary Madalene says

    November 6, 2015 at 6:28 am

    I would love to visit one day to see The Palace of Versailles. I like to see History, and Culture from years past.

  13. Carol Perehudoff says

    November 5, 2015 at 9:42 pm

    Isn’t it crazy, Jennifer? Those sleeping spaces could barely hold a child. Although I suppose that just to live at Versailles was an opportunity.

  14. Carol Perehudoff says

    November 5, 2015 at 9:00 pm

    Touring the gardens of Versailles is a definite highlight, Sicorra. Glad you enjoyed it.

  15. Wendy Fedec says

    November 5, 2015 at 8:57 pm

    Carol, that would be awesome! I’ll let you know the next time I’m going to be in Toronto.

  16. Carol Perehudoff says

    November 5, 2015 at 8:04 pm

    I think so, too, Jennifer. It’s really a once in a lifetime tour. (Unless you do it twice.)

  17. Jennifer Van Huss says

    November 5, 2015 at 7:27 pm

    I am a huge history buff! That behind the scenes tour is AMAZING! I love learning about how people lived and find treasures like the rat’s nest and the sleeping cubby!! amazing

  18. Jennifer Mercurio (@DoubleDutyMommy) says

    November 5, 2015 at 7:02 pm

    wow, gorgeous rooms. Interesting fabric choices to say the least. I can’t believe the servant sleeping area. though. Crazy they had to sleep in that tight area.

  19. sicorra says

    November 5, 2015 at 6:49 pm

    I love looking at all of these pictures. Many years ago I did a bus trip and one of the stops was Versailles. It was a very hot afternoon in June, and instead of going inside, I spent all of my time in the back garden. Then a friend and I did a quick walk over a few streets away to an outside Farmers Market, that was beautiful too.

  20. Carol Perehudoff says

    November 5, 2015 at 6:31 pm

    Yes, I’d definitely put Versailles on your list, Stefanie.

  21. Stefanie Whelchel Cornwall says

    November 5, 2015 at 3:54 pm

    This is so gorgeous! I love all of the photos and hope to visit one day myself! Thanks for all the useful info and tips! The architectural aspects of the palace are just breathtaking!

  22. Michele Peterson (A Taste for Travel) says

    November 5, 2015 at 8:07 am

    I’m really looking forward to reading the Sisters of Versailles – it’s on my Christmas wish list – and it will be extra enjoyable to cozy up and imagine being in the palace complete with its rat’s nest. Fantastic photos

  23. Carol Perehudoff says

    November 4, 2015 at 10:42 am

    I really enjoyed Sisters of Versailles, too, Wendy. Next time you’re in Toronto we’ll have to get together with Sally. Sally? Are you listening?

  24. Wendy Fedec says

    November 4, 2015 at 10:23 am

    I just read this book and really enjoyed it! Loved the info and photos of the private rooms! Thanks!

Talk to me! Leave a comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Search

Subscribe and you won't miss an article!

About Wandering Carol

circle profileIn my 10+ years as a travel writer and columnist I've seen the best of what the world has to offer and written for some top publications around the globe - and now my goal is to bring this expertise to you. For more blah blah blah, visit my
About page.

Connect with me online

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
Carol Perehudoff published in top media, logos for newspapers and magazines

Categories

How to use this adventure and luxury travel site

  • Click on the ‘DESTINATIONS TO TRAVEL TO’ tab on the menu bar to go to my destinations page.
  • The CATEGORIES drop down menu above will point you to locations and travel themes such as hotels, outdoor adventure and tours.
  • SUBSCRIBE to keep up with the latest articles and get tips to make your next journey inspiring.

Recent Posts

  • Best Beach Resorts in South Africa: Top 9 Luxury Stays for 2021
  • A Chocolate Christmas in Switzerland
  • Best Place to Live in South Africa | Cheapest, Safest and Best on Offer
  • Romantic Budapest
  • Best Things to do in the Bouches-du-Rhône

Recent Comments

  • Carol Perehudoff on A Tropical Island Cocktail Cure at Paradisus Palma Real
  • chrisrochfort on Who worked at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel?
  • brittshedhappens on My shamanic healing in the Amazon, Peru
  • Christa McKinney on A Tropical Island Cocktail Cure at Paradisus Palma Real
  • Ruth Reynolds on Bad Kreuznach – the German Spa Town You Probably Never Heard of

Terms of Use

Terms of Use

Copyright @2020 WanderingCarol.com Luxury Travel Blog