Group Travel Tour Operator for holidays to Paris, France
Royal Paris: Discover the Decadent Capital including Versailles
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Palace of Versailles, France
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Palace of Versailles, France
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Palace of Versailles, France
Take a group tour to Paris and the nearby Palace of Versailles to witness some of France’s most grandiose and elaborate history: from the Ancien Régime to La République. Celebrated worldwide as a centre of art, culture and history, Paris boasts iconic attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre.
This tour explores the collision of the opulent decadence of French royalty with the shattering and vengeful arm of revolution. Discover the former glory of Royal Paris as it lived and breathed before the historic revolution that changed France – and the world – forever.
Read moreCondemned Kings and the Depths of Paris
Paris is a city that scarcely needs introduction. World famous for its museums, galleries and landmarks, the French capital has long been one of the world’s best loved cities.
Housed within the former Gare d’Orsay, the Musée d’Orsay exhibits master painters from 1848 to 1914, such as Monet, Manet, Cézanne and Van Gogh as part of the world’s largest impressionist, post-impressionist and art nouveau collection.
Opened in 1889 as a temporary exhibit for the World’s Fair, the Eiffel Tower stands as if it had always been there. It is the symbol of France. With its 720 step high (don’t worry there are lifts too) Champagne and macaron bars, Parisian panoramas and recent €300million revamp, the tower remains the perfect place to spend your time.
To the north stands the Arc de Triomphe. Commissioned in 1806 but not built until 1836, the arch celebrates the Napoleonic victory at Austerlitz while also paying tribute to the French Revolution on one of four huge panels. Beneath the arch lies the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a tribute to the 1.3million French soldiers who fell during WWI.
Opulence redefined: The Sun King’s Palace
In the leafy, bourgeois suburb of Versailles, 13miles south-west of Paris, lies France’s grandest and most famous palace.
Work began on the Palace of Versailles in 1661 when Louis XIV – ‘the Sun King‘ – decided to convert his father’s hunting lodge into a monument to the absolute power of the French monarchy. 30,000 soldiers and workers laboured as the project came close to bankrupting the kingdom.
Versailles played a key role in French history. Home to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, it became a symbol of the hated Ancien Régime. Its 107 year role as political capital came to an abrupt end in 1789 when the tides of revolution flooded the Château and its ground.
The palace stands today much as it did when it was first built. At its centre is the magnificent Hall of Mirrors. The 75 metre-long ballroom’s enormous mirrors stand facing the garden windows, expanding the already enormous room, giving the impression of eternity.
Beyond the Château lies the geometrically aligned flower beds, ponds and fountains of the Versailles gardens. Truly among the most spectacular sights in Europe. The gardens are home to a myriad of statues as well as boating lakes and Marie Antoinette’s House.
Thinking of Travelling by Train?
Begin your journey on the right note and unwind with a laid-back EUROSTAR train journey. Arriving in the centre of Paris ready to begin your Parisian adventure, enjoy a convenient and relaxing journey. Better still, with European rail connections, you can travel on to almost anywhere in Europe. Enquire for more details for groups as small as 15 passengers or click here for our recommended itinerary when travelling by EUROSTAR.
Dates
Dates throughout 2024
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Welcome to Paris
Take a short sea crossing to Calais and travel to Paris. Alternatively, take the train from London St Pancras Int’l to Paris Gare du Nord.
Day 2
Discover Paris
Today, start with a relaxing 1 hour cruise along the river Seine; take in the sights and stunning views with a guided commentary. After this, you are free to explore the city as you wish, perhaps visiting the Louvre or the Musée d’Orsay, one of the world’s richest and most exciting museums. Its permanent collection houses countless great works by masters of impressionism, post-impressionism and art nouveau, including Monet and Van Gogh. Afterwards why not take some time to admire the Arc de Triomphe, standing proudly on the luxurious Champs-Élysées, a symbol of Paris, Napoleon and revolution.
Day 3
Versailles
Today we visit the Château and Gardens of Versailles, which are among the most illustrious of World Heritage sites. Built by ‘Sun King’ Louis XIV, the opulent Château was formerly the seat of the French Royal court. It also served as the political capital from 1682 until the palace guard was massacred by revolutionaries in 1789. In addition to the renowned Hall of Mirrors, the baroque palace contains a magnificent collection of furniture and art works. The stunning formal gardens are a joy to discover and are home to numerous statues, fountains, boating lakes and Marie Antoinette’s House.
Day 4
Departure
If time permits, enjoy a final walk by the Seine or shop for some last-minute souvenirs. Then commence your journey back to the UK.
Suggested Hotels
Novotel Paris Porte de Versailles ****
On a tree-lined avenue, this polished hotel is a 5-minute walk from a metro station, 5 km from the Eiffel Tower and 19 km from the Palace of Versailles. Rooms provide flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, kettles and minifridges. Upgraded rooms add Nespresso machines and minibars. Room service is available. Amenities include 2 restaurants, including rooftop restaurant with a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower will open in December 2021. There are also 2 bars and an airy, relaxed cafe, plus parking. Novotel Paris Porte de Versailles has excellent transportation links, close to Porte de Versailles metro and tramway line, making it easy to get around Paris and visit attractions like the Eiffel Tower, and Montparnasse district. Located footsteps from entrance B of Paris Expo Porte de Versailles and with direct access to Pavilion 6. Coaching parking available nearby.
Ibis Paris Porte de Bagnolet ***
Located on the eastern side of Paris, with excellent motorway access and just 2min walk to Gallieni metro stop, sharing the same building, the 3 star ibis and 2 star ibis Budget hotels have an on-site restaurant, free Wi-Fi and free on-site coach parking. The ibis Hotel has boasts 162 rooms, and serves the ‘new concept ibis breakfast. The 230 bright and spacious rooms at the ibis Budget Hotel offer a great inexpensive option for days out exploring. Coach parking available nearby.
Novotel Paris Est ****
Located in Bagnolet, only a 5-minute walk from , is a modern hotel with a restaurant and bar. Guests will have free access to the fitness centre and hammam and there is also a snack bar shop open all hours. The are soundproofed and feature a flat-screen TV and free WiFi access. The en suite bathroom includes a bathtub or shower and free toiletries. Free onsite coach parking.
Perhaps enjoy Paris by Eurostar:
https://www.greatdays.co.uk/tour/paris-weekend-summer-eurostar/
Or Paris at Christmas:
https://www.greatdays.co.uk/tour/christmas-paris-chateau/
| 4 days / 3 nights | Half twin |
| 2024 dates | Price on request |
