A unique experience, not only for horse lovers! The Royal Stables, commissioned by King Louis XIV, were the greatest royal construction project ever undertaken for housing horses. Come with us for a privately guided tour to discover this extraordinary venue, in intimate settings, away from the crowds of the Palace of Versailles.
Opening Days
4 days / week
Meeting-Point
Your hotel or apartment
Duration
1.15Hrs (without transport)
3Hrs (with transport)
Access
Skip the Line
Transport
Executive car
Type of tour
Private, up to 17 people
Choose a 5 star tour to Versailles.
Driving a car and telling an interesting story requires different specific skills. For maximum enjoyment and safety, we propose you to be guided by an expert, licensed tour guide and driven by a specific chauffeur. By this way, your Versailles specialist guide will be completely dedicated to you with more time on his/ her hand to share entertaining stories and anecdotes. The meanwhile your safety and comfort will be taken care of by a professional driver.
The Great and Small Stables were constructed in the 17th century by Louis XIV’s famous architect, Jules Hardouin-Mansart. The Stables were executed within record time, in just three years, from 1679 to 1683. Their location was not a mere accident. Facing the Palace and in the direction of the King’s bedroom, demonstrates well the great importance of the horses to the Monarchy.
View of the stables (the 2 half arc) from the King’s bedroom
At this time, horses were the only way of transportation. But not only. They were used by the Royal family, courtiers, visitors and they were essential part of festivities such as hunting. From 400 horses at the birth of Versailles, there were more than 2200 horses before the French Revolution in 1789.
The Stables accommodated the King’s warhorses and hunting mounts, but they were also home to more than 1500 men working there, from coachmen, pages and squires to blacksmiths and musicians!
Two hundred years later and after many years of being unoccupied, the great Stables finally returned to their original purpose: since 2003, they are home to the National Equestrian Academy of Versailles, under the management of Bartabas, the famous artistic director of equestrian theatre. The Stables were renovated by Patrick Bouchain, acclaimed French architect, in a contemporary style while preserving Mansart’s original features.
Bartabas’ s one of a kind theatrical and training company offers two spectacles per week, combining fine horsemanship with different artistic disciplines. Their number of spectators, more than 30.000 each year, speaks for itself. For horses’ lovers, it’s an experience that is unmissable!
During your private visit, you will hear about the history of the Royal Stables but not only that! The visit cannot be completed without seeing the horses themselves, including the famous Lusitano breed, favorite of Louis XIV. While exploring, immerse yourself in the ambiance of the great dressage ring, admiring the wooden horse arena, made in contemporary Italian style. If you are lucky enough, you might even catch a glimpse of the horsemen during their training session! During this visit we semi-privatize the rooms you visit. By this way you can fully take in the atmosphere at its best.
How to book this activity?
This tour is only available during the week and it can be booked:
OR
You can buy this tour for you and your family or buy it as a gift to your friends or relatives. To buy this tour as a gift, just click on the red button “buy as a gift” on the booking form and follow the instruction. You can pay by Visa, Mastercard, Amex or Paypal. Then, you will get gift card and a Voucher number. The lucky one will be able to apply this number and he will be able to choose the date of his visit to Versailles online. They have 1 year to make this private tour after buying the gift card.
Please note:
| Number of people | Total Price |
| 2 people | 425 € / pers |
| 3 people | 316 € / pers |
| 4 people | 247 € / pers |
| 5 people | 208 € / pers |
| 6 people | 181 € / pers |
| More than 6 people | Start the booking process to know the price or contact us |
| Number of people | Total Price |
| 2 people | 335 € / pers |
| 3 people | 233 € / pers |
| 4 people | 180 € / pers |
| 5 people | 150 € / pers |
| 6 people | 126 € / pers |
| More than 6 people | Start the booking process to know the price or contact us |
Are you a wedding planner, an event planner or a company wishing to organise an event ?
Then contact us directly, we can organise cocktails, dinners and organise privatized events.
If you are visiting during the week-end, why not treat yourself to one of the shows? Our special package includes tickets to the show and private transport to and from the venue. The schedule of the show is every Saturday at 6pm and Sundays at 3pm. On request, we can also reserve lunch or dinner at the prestigious ORE restaurant, owned by the Michelin starred chef, Alain Ducasse which is right in front of the Equestrian Academy inside the palace of Versailles. During Spring & Summer, we can even add one more extra activities after dinner! Please, contact us to get rates.
Elisa is an Italian licensed tour guide , always smiling and full of energy. She moved to Paris more than twenty years ago and as soon as she discovered the city, she literally felt in love with it : today she considers herself half Italian and half parisian.
After graduating in Communication in Italy, she joined the famous French luxury brand, Hermès, where she was Customer Service manager.
Always passionate about art and history, she decided to start afresh a few years ago and become a licensed tour guide, graduating from the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers (National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts). Visiting Versailles with Elisa, is traveling back in time and living an unique experience that you will never forget!
Elisa
Marc-Antoine is a French licensed tour guide and a true Parisian. Since he was a kid he has always enjoyed cycling up and down the city to discover hidden streets and architectural gems. After graduating in English, he joined the Associated Press bureau in Paris to become a journalist. He later worked as an editorial expert in PR companies.
Marc-Antoine
Yaelle was born and grew up in Paris. She is a 100% Parisian who loves her home city; its history, architecture, culture and gastronomy. She is a passionate and enthusiastic guide, who has a delightful desire to share her passion with customers from all around the world. Very personable and knowledgable, Yaelle will make you discover the bright side of Versailles in a local, funny and lively way. She will make your trip to Versailles and Paris a memorable expérience.
And always with her smile , and her sense of humor !
Yaelle
Lorenzo was born in Paris. He spent his childhood in Italy and returned to Paris in his early adolescence. He then studied French history and literature in the Sorbonne University and theater in private schools, where he discovered a passion for storytelling.
So he went back to historical studies and became a certified tour guide, dedicating himself to telling ancient and recent history of Paris using the techniques of storytelling. He is a keen history teller, joining together culture, history and art, he will take you for a trip back in time at the court of Versailles.
Lorenzo
Book one of our private experience to Versailles and get a safe & intimate guided tour with your partner/family.
Benefit from one of our gentleman drivers and his comfortable executive cars.
