Marie Antoinette’s Rooms Have Reopened at Versailles—Take a Look Inside

Marie Antoinette, the final queen of France, was known for her lavish lifestyle and extravagant tastes—she was reported to have ordered 300 gowns each year, after all.

Shortly after ascending to the throne in 1774, her husband, Louis XVI, gifted her a first-floor suite in the vast Palace of Versailles, providing her a retreat from the demands of court life. Over nearly two decades in her Versailles residence, Marie Antoinette frequently adorned and reimagined the space, always showcasing her distinctive style.

Now, visitors can once again explore her private quarters. The Palace of Versailles, a grand royal complex covering 721,206 square feet just outside Paris, has reopened the rooms to the public following five years of thorough restoration, coinciding with the 400th anniversary of the Versailles estate.

Palace officials stated, “Years of research and restoration have revitalized the beauty and harmony of this distinctly feminine suite of rooms.” Here’s a glimpse of what awaits inside.

An Insight into Marie Antoinette’s Private Quarters at Versailles

These rooms, accessed through a concealed door from Marie Antoinette's bedroom, include the “Méridienne chamber,” a parlor-like area adorned with mirrors and lilac fabrics; the “Gold Room,” embellished with numerous gold items; a library; a dining space; a billiard room; and various small chambers for her servants and chambermaids. They span two floors and overlook a courtyard.

This area served as a retreat for Marie Antoinette to host a close circle of friends and spend quality time with her children. It’s also thought that these private rooms were where the queen first attempted to hide during the tumultuous events of the 1789 French Revolution before she and her husband sought to escape.

During the 19 years Marie Antoinette resided in her apartment, she frequently updated her decor. The current furnishings either belonged to the queen or replicate those from 1784, a year for which historians have extensive documentation. Notable features include wall coverings adorned with pineapples—a symbol of wealth given the fruit's rarity in Europe at the time. Other original items comprise the “serre-bijoux” (a jewelry cabinet) gifted to Marie Antoinette upon her arrival at Versailles in 1770 and the “coffre à layette” (a chest for children’s linens), likely presented by the city of Paris to celebrate the birth of Louis-Joseph in 1781.

Visiting Marie Antoinette’s Private Quarters

General admission to Versailles is priced at €19.50 (approximately US$22), but those wishing to explore Marie Antoinette's living spaces must acquire separate tickets. These typically cost €10 and include a one-hour guided tour, with discounts available when combined with tickets to other attractions like the Estate of Trianon within the palace grounds.

Getting to the Palace of Versailles from Paris

Located just 12 miles from Paris, Versailles is an accessible day trip. One of the simplest options is to join a tour company, such as The Tour Guy or Paris to Versailles Private Tour, which will arrange hotel pick-up in Paris, provide transportation to and from Versailles, include tickets, fast-track entry (exclusive to guided tours), and offer an expert guide on site.

You can also reach Versailles by train: take the RER C line to Château Versailles Rive Gauche. The journey takes about 30 minutes, depending on your starting point.

Travelers have the option to drive as well, with several parking facilities available both inside and outside the estate. Alternatively, ride-sharing services (like Uber) or taxis can be used. Travel time ranges from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your location in Paris, but it may take longer if you encounter traffic.

Accommodations at the Palace of Versailles

For those wishing to experience a night (or more) like Marie Antoinette, the luxury hotel located within the Château de Versailles, Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle, opened its doors in 2021. Architect and interior designer Christophe Tollemer reimagined the interior spaces, drawing inspiration from Marie Antoinette’s estate for this lavish, 14-room hotel. Each room and suite features unique decor, with restored and recreated period furniture, artwork, fabrics, chandeliers, and artifacts throughout the property.

The 21st-century hotel boasts dining by renowned French chef Alain Ducasse, a spa by Swiss skincare brand La Maison Valmont, a 50-foot indoor pool, and views of the Orangerie, an area of the gardens famous for its fruit trees, as well as the Pièce d’Eau des Suisses, the pond within the gardens.

Each stay includes access to parts of the Palace of Versailles and its grounds, such as the gardens, halls, and Marie Antoinette’s apartment. Guests can also opt for additional paid experiences, including after-hours access to the Hall of Mirrors, a Marie Antoinette-themed costume fitting, a private performance at the Royal Opera, and exclusive dining with a live string quartet in the former apartment of Louis XV’s daughters, among other unique add-ons.