History of the Palace of Versailles
Originally a humble hunting lodge for King Louis XIII, his son, the Sun King Louis XIV, transformed it into the magnificent Palace of Versailles. It became the ultimate symbol of absolute monarchy in France.
Private & personalized tours - just for you!
The best stories aren’t found in guidebooks. Skip the crowds and unlock the hidden gems of Versailles with a private, personalized experience led by a local.
Always private. It’s just you and your local host. No strangers, no groups.
Let your local host tailor the experience completely to your wishes.
Our tours are designed with people, places, and the planet in mind.
Reviews from guests about our tours and locals
"We enjoyed our day with Lucien immensely! He was flexible in our meeting time and place and created an itinerary that worked with the rest of our plans in Paris so that we didn’t have overlap. After meeting us and chatting for a while, he also took us to some spots not originally discussed because he thought we would appreciate them. It was a great day, good pace, with time to stop to explore shops, appreciate the sites, and ask questions. Highly recommend him!"
"Lucien is an incredible tour guide with a broad knowledge base .It was my son's first trip to Paris and Lucien did an incredible job of showing us around the beautiful city. We started at Notre Dame and wnt on for nearly eight hours including a beautiful crepe lunch at one of Lucien's faforite spots. I recommend him wholeheartedly. He is an awesome tour guide with the MOST knowledge of history I have ever encountered."
"Lucien was awesome to work with. Even before we arrived in Paris he was very responsive, gave us lots of recommendations for purchasing tickets ahead of time and great dinner spots. Once we met up with Lucien he was full of Paris history. We loved getting to hear stories and learn as much as we did and we never felt overwhelmed it was the perfect amount of detail. We also visited a basque restaurant for lunch with Lucien and the spot did not disappoint. As our day winded down he even taught us how to use the metro. If we come back we will 100% be booking with him again."
"Absolutely wonderful experience. Lucien was able to include several of the sites and museums that we were hoping to visit. He also gave us instructions on which ones were best to do on our own so that we were able to optimize our time together. Recommended an excellent lunch spot as well. My husband could’ve spent the entire week walking thru Invalides with Lucien! Overall, couldn’t have had a better day and so grateful that we found Lucien."
"Lucien gave us a great walking tour and we saw a variety of sites. The pace was just right, not rushed but he ensured the time was well spent and even found a book store to stop by as our son was interested in visiting a local shop. We went to a great little restaurant for lunch, very happy with our experience."
" Lucien is extremely knowledgeable about the history of the city and took us on routes that we never could have imagined for ourselves. The man is an endless fountain of information. I believe if we were to have extended the tour to two weeks and never left the confines of the old walls of Philips Auguste, he would not have run short on interesting stories. I would highly recommend making him a part of you visit to Paris. "
"Lucien helped us tour the Louvre and Musee D’Orsay in one day. He covered the highlights and was indispensable in giving us a great overview of 2 of the most amazing museums in the world. I highly recommend a personal tour with a guide who can give you the context of key pieces while helping you navigate the crowds. In a nutshell, I would describe Lucien - “Great personality and sense of humor with an abundance of knowledge.”"
"The tour with Lucien was above and beyond all my expectations. He was an excellent and very knowledgeable tour guide. It was such a pleasure to have a very relaxed and casual tour experience. I ❤️ Paris!"
"Lucien was a great tour guide. He was very knowledgeable about his city and had great stories to share with us to connect the dots of the history of Paris and what he was showing us. He showed us a lot of great areas that we wouldn't have otherwise seen and was flexible to cater to our needs (we had a sick kid with us), so that was appreciated. I would definitely recommend this tour to others. "
"Lucien is a true Paris afficienado! He knows all the back stories and offers a fresh perspective on history. You need to have Lucien guide you through Paris! "
Learn about their personal stories and find out how you can explore paris with locals
Our locals will give you the best experiences that paris has to offer
Discover experiences based on your interest
Step into a world of royal fantasy at the Palace of Versailles! Imagine walking through golden halls and lush gardens where kings and queens once ruled. A private Versailles tour with a local is unforgettable!
Originally a humble hunting lodge for King Louis XIII, his son, the Sun King Louis XIV, transformed it into the magnificent Palace of Versailles. It became the ultimate symbol of absolute monarchy in France.
The most famous room in the Palace of Versailles is the Hall of Mirrors. Imagine the lavish royal parties held under its 17 arches and 357 mirrors, reflecting the light and gardens. A private tour makes it magical.
Queen Marie Antoinette escaped the pressures of court life at her private estate, the Petit Trianon. A tour of Versailles can reveal this more intimate, personal side of the infamous queen's life at the palace.
Beyond royalty, Versailles played a crucial role in world history. The Treaty of Versailles, officially ending World War I, was signed in the Hall of Mirrors in 1919. A guide can show you the very spot.
The Gardens of Versailles are a masterpiece designed by André Le Nôtre. Discover hidden groves, classical statues, and spectacular fountains. Exploring these vast gardens is a key part of any Versailles tour.
While the royal banquets are a thing of the past, you can still indulge nearby. Ask your local guide for the best spot to enjoy a perfect macaron or a flaky pain au chocolat after your amazing Versailles tour.
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Why wait in line? Your dream trip to Versailles is moments away. Book a private tour with a passionate local guide to skip the crowds, hear secret stories, and experience the palace your way. Your unforgettable Versailles adventure is just a click away. Book now!