Royal Castles around Paris

A taste of the royal lifestyle

For a taste of French aristocratic life in past centuries, tour France's heartland and enjoy the pomp, circumstance and luxury of a few of its castles, large and small.

As one might expect, the chateau of Versailles is one of the high points of this itinerary. This magnificent, sprawling palace outside Paris, the residence of Kings Louis XlV, XV, XVI and, of course, Marie Antoinette, will no doubt dazzle you. The sumptuously decorated interiors display total, boundless opulence.

Outside, the French-style formal gardens spread all the way to the horizon. With elegant and elaborate fountains at every corner, they are absolute masterpieces of horticultural design. And, to think that all these illustrious kings, queens and courtesans lived in those rooms, paraded in those galleries and played in those gardens just a couple of centuries ago!

But the chateau of Versailles is a little oversized for a bed and breakfast, so you won't be sleeping there that night. Don't feel bad, Napoleon himself never stayed there either. So, on to more modest and better welcoming types of lodging nestled in picturesque parks and colorful gardens around the countryside

Another grandiose chateau can be made part of this tour: Compiègne. Originally built in a neo-classical style by Louis XV, the building was badly damaged during the French Revolution. Napoleon Bonaparte restored it, and later on, it became one of the favorite homes of his nephew, the emperor Napoleon III. The castle's interiors reveal the luxurious Second Empire style in vogue in the middle of the 19th century. It has been said that that Compiègne speaks of Napoleon as Versailles speaks of Louis XIV.

The chateau of Chantilly is on the way back to Paris and an easy stop on this tour. This Renaissance-style chateau formerly owned by Le Grand Condé, a cousin of Louis XIV, was originally built in the sixteenth century. Although most of it was destroyed during the French Revolution, it was subsequently rebuilt in the 1870s. The gardens surrounding it are a mirror image of those at Versailles but on a smaller scale. They have identical canals, French gardens (designed by Le Nôtre, the landscape architect who created those at Versailles), English gardens and even the replica of a country hamlet, just like the one built for Marie Antoinette at Versailles.

Castles and palaces are fascinating, but for a change of pace from the "royals," art is on the tour route as well. In Giverny, visit the house of Claude Monet, the master of Impressionism. In the garden, a faithful recreation of the artist's inspiration, you will appreciate first-hand the world of color and light Monet experienced and painted so vividly for us.

Just add a touch of Parisian life to this tour with a few select gastronomic feasts along the way, and the picture is complete. The memories of sumptuous royal France will be yours to keep.

There are many more possibilities on this tour route: Vaux-le-Vicomte, Fontainebleau, Rambouillet, etc. Let us know where and when you want to go. With the help of expert local providers, we will create a custom program that fits your requirements.

Please note. This is a "suggested" private group itinerary, which can be changed to suit your interests. The tour price will depend on the number of participants, dates, type of hotels and other variables.

    

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