LOUVRE –
See the Louvre as the residence of the Kings of France. Walk through the dry moat of the 13th century fortress built by Philippe Auguste and then climb the stairs built during the Renaissance to the function room where Mary Queen of Scots (Marie-Stuart to the French) had her engagement party. See the marvellous painted ceilings of Anne of Austria’s summer apartment and the antichamber leading into the King’s bed chamber. You’ll marvel at the Napoleon III apartments – proof that the French Revolution did not destroy the taste for opulent decor.
PALAIS DE LA CITE –
See what remains of the principal residence of the French Kings from the 10th to 14th centuries- Sainte Chapelle built by Louis IX (Saint Louis) in the 13th century and the Conciergerie, site of the prison where Marie-Antoinette spent her last weeks before the execution.
LUXEMBOURG PALACE –
This palace was built in the early 1600’s by Marie de Medici. Now the seat of the French Senate, visits are difficult (but not impossible) to organise, but the wonderful gardens are freely accessible.
Contact French Travel Boutique for information on private, made-to-measure VIP tours.