TRAVEL IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE KINGS & QUEENS OF FRANCE

Over the centuries the amazing personalities and lavish lifestyles of the Kings and Queens of France have created a remarkable legacy. As significant as they are from an architectural viewpoint, the palaces and châteaux take on a fascinating new dimension when visited as royal residences.

Gain a deeper understanding of French History’s most interesting and influential characters, their relationships and intrigues. We venture into the private lives of the Kings and Queens.

For good measure, we also include an Emperor or two!

CREATE YOUR OWN TOUR, WITH ITINERARIES AVAILABLE FROM A HALF DAY THROUGH TO SEVERAL DAYS.

The most popular royal residence can present a challenge for visitors.
Make this an unforgettable experience and avoid the tourist crush. Go behind the scenes and see how the Kings and Queens (and the fabulous favorites) lived in private - the more intimate apartments, libraries, dining rooms, secret staircases and passages - and yes, you'll see there are bathrooms and toilets in Versailles!

Tour the garden of Versailles armed with Louis XIV's own instructions on how it should be visited, as well as enjoying the tranquil private Domain of Marie-Antoinette at the Petit Trianon.

PARIS OPTIONS

LOUVRE -

PALAIS DE LA CITE -

See what remains of the principal residence of the French Kings from the 10th to 14th centuries- Sainte Chapelle built by Louis IX (Saint Louis) in the 13th century and the Conciergerie, site of the prison where Marie-Antoinette spent her last weeks before the execution.

LUXEMBOURG PALACE -

This palace was built in the early 1600's by Marie de Medici. Now the seat of the French Senate, visits are difficult (but not impossible) to organise, but the wonderful gardens are freely accessible.

 CHATEAU DE VINCENNES

The 14th century walls and towers remain, as well as the restored keep, which can be visited and gives great insight on the life of the court in medieval times.

The 17th century pavilions of Louis XIV, his mother Anne of Austria and godfather Cardinal Mazarin are of historical interest as they were constructed by Le Vau between Vaux-le-Vicomte and Versailles.

ST GERMAIN-EN-LAYE

This Renaissance chateau was built by François I on the site of the original 12th century fortress. The Sainte Chapelle of Saint Louis is the only part remaining of the gothic chateau which was burnt down by the Black Prince in 1346.

Louis XIV was born in the "Chateau Neuf" and it was under his reign that Le Notre redesigned the gardens.

COMPIEGNE

The Château as it is today was built by Louis XV. Designed by Gabriel in the neo classical style, it is set in beautiful gardens. It became one of Napoleon's official Imperial residences and the bed chambers of both the Emperor and Empress are stunning examples of the Empire style.

Later a favorite residence of Napoleon III, it was the setting for the autumn "séries" and the château contains a Second Empire museum.

FONTAINEBLEAU

This intriguing château has the longest history as a royal residence.

From the time of François I, many kings have added to the building in various styles, making it a particularly rich example of French architecture, as well as boasting one of the most outstanding collections of furniture. We can organise a special visit of Napoleon's private apartments and the Napoleonic museum.

NOT REALLY ROYAL, BUT INSPIRATIONAL    

VAUX-LE-VICOMTE

This was the first large project bringing together the architect Le Vau, the painter Le Brun and the landscape designer Le Nôtre, who were to be assigned the task of transforming Versailles. For that reason, a tour of Vaux-le-Vicomte can be an interesting prelude to a visit of  Versailles.

CHANTILLY

The extensive gardens contain parterres and water features designed by Le Nôtre as well as the Hamlet which inspired the Hameau de la Reine - Marie-Antoinette's rustic village in the gardens of the Petit Trianon.

Also noteworthy are the magnificent stables.They were built for the Duke of Bourbon who is said to have believed he was coming back in his next life as a horse!

 MALMAISON

Before he became Emperor, Napoleon and Josephine purchased a country mansion about 12 kilometres from Paris. As Premier Consul, Napoleon moved into the Tuileries Palace, but his private home at Malmaison was also a seat of government, with many important decisions being made in its council room. Napoleon's desk from the Tuileries Palace is now in the library of the château, along with an impressive array of personal items and furniture. He gave the château to Josephine when they divorced and she died there in 1814. Before he went into permanent exile on St Helena, Napoleon spent his last days on French soil in what had always been Josephine's favorite residence.  

AMBOISE

Official residence of Charles VIII, the Château d'Amboise is situated in a fabulous position on top of a hill overlooking the Loire. As heir to the throne, François I lived here and welcomed Leonardo de Vinci there in 1515, giving him the nearby mansion of Clos Lucé to live in and work.

BLOIS

This architectural masterpiece, residence of 7 French kings and 10 queens, contains an early 13th century feudal hall and wings built by different kings - Louis XII at the beginning of the 16th century and an Italian influenced style wing created by François I. Louis XIII’s brother commissioned a new wing by Mansart which was unfinished when he died in 1660.

CHAMBORD

When only half finished, a 16th century historian said this château, the largest in the Loire Valley, "excites admiration and rapture in anyone that sees it". A private behind the scenes tour of the château takes us via many of the secret staircases (the château contains 77) and into the roof, where the number of the "apartments" allocated to courtiers during Louis XIV's visits to Chambord are still visible.

 CHENONCEAU

The elegant "Queen's castle" had been presented by Henri II to his mistress Diane de Poitiers. The Queen Catherine de Medici forced Diane out when her husband died. The next Queen was at Chenonceau when she heard of her husband's assassination and remained there in mourning for the rest of her life. The black draped bed chamber is one of the many fascinating features of this furnished château.