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These tours have been specially designed to go beyond the usual tourist experience and provide an increased knowledge of French history and a deeper understanding of its most interesting characters, their relationships and intrigues. Go behind the scenes, avoiding the usual tourist crush, and see how the kings and queens (and their fabulous favorites) lived in private - the private apartments, libraries, dining room, secret staircases and passages - and yes, you’ll see there are bathrooms and toilets in Versailles.
Visit the garden of Versailles armed with Louis XIV’s own instructions on how it should be visited, as well as enjoying the private domain of Marie-Antoinette at the Petit Trianon.
The Louvre is no longer just a landmark museum, but the Parisian residence of the French Kings from the time of Henry VIII’s contemporary, François 1. Underground, discover the vestiges of the original medieval fortress palace.
In the Loire Valley, visit Amboise and Blois, as well as the impressive hunting lodge created at Chambord for François I with its celebrated staircase designed by Leonardo da Vinci (who is also often credited with designing the château). The rich history of Catherine de Medici and her rival (and husband’s mistress) Diane de Poitiers comes to life at Chenonceau, the stunningly beautiful “Queen’s Castle”.
Tours are available as modules, starting from three days for Paris and Île de France and three days in the Loire Valley. There is also a comprehensive three day visit to Versailles available. All tours include accommodation in charming hotels in Paris, Versailles and the Loire Valley, breakfasts, transfers, all museum entries and a private guide to introduce you to the homes of the most famous French monarchs. Add on itineraries are available, with a wide variety of royal residences dating from medieval times, as well as the summer and autumn residences of the kings. Personalised packages can be designed, including meals in a variety of select restaurants and extra days to allow you to experience the best of Paris. Whether you’re interested in sightseeing or shopping (or both!), these are tailor made to suit your own personal interests.
French Travel Boutique only caters to small, select groups and has the flexibility to offer individual attention, making this a unique traveling experience - the kind you can only enjoy when you have a friend in Paris (who also happens to be a history expert!)
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