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Paris City Tour - This private Paris tour includes a visit to the Royal Castle and Gardens of Versailles, followed by a Paris driving tour with photo stops at historic monuments such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral.
Upon arrival in Versailles you start with a tour of the chateau which was built over the period of 1623 to 1710. It was started by Louis XIII, then continued by his son Louis XIV and finished by Louis XV. Originally it was as a hunting manor, but was continually added on to, making the grand palace it is today. The building is so large that at one point over 10,000 people lived in it, including the entire royal court, the government and their servants. The interior highlights include the Hall of Mirrors, the King's Apartments and the Queen's Apartments.
After visiting the main palace you have time to explore the gardens. Due to overcrowding Louis XIV had a small palace (Le Petite Trianon) built in the woods behind the chateau so that his immediate family could vacation away from the main building. Louis XV's wife, Marie Antoinette, had a small farm (L'Hameau) built around a pond so she too could escape the crowds and play at being an idyllic shepherdess complete with perfumed sheep!
The formal grounds, fountains, reflecting pools, lakes, smaller palace and hamlet are just as impressive as the main building.
After visiting Versailles you have free time for lunch in a typical cafe or brasserie (meal not included). Your guide will be happy to make suggestions.
This afternoon you return to Paris and enjoy a driving tour with photo stops. Sites seen include; Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower with the Trocadéro, the Arc de Triomphe, the Orsay Museum, Place de la Concorde, the Opera de Paris Garnier and the Conciergerie. Naturally you drive along the tree lined Seine River and see many of the city's famous bridges such as the Alma, Alexandre III and Pont Neuf.
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