The Sun King has made me the glitzy and superb symbol of his regal power. Who am I? Bingo! The château of Versailles, obviously. And in order for neo-Parisians to rediscover it with panache, there had to be a few tricks and tips.
And it has happened with a wide array of super fun aristocratic activities that the Court ‘s courtesans would not have disavowed. A master class of yoga in the middle of the gardens, a gastronomic dinner in the middle of the King’s Vegetable Garden or the discovery of the favourite hideaway of Marie-Antoinette—our three good reasons to return immediately to the château of Versailles.
A yoga session in the gardens of the château
We have found the most aristocratic and chill experience for this Summer. How about participating in a giant yoga session in the majestic château of Versailles? No need to bring your mat, Lolë, the darling label of stylish yogists is in charge of equipment for the hundreds of participants. In case of rain, the group gathers in the room where the Treaty of Versailles was signed. Improbable! To be followed: the rhythmical session at €10 for the music festival on the 21st of June. With harp music in the background, needless to say.
And to crown this royal journey with elegance, the Le yoga c’est pour moi training session comprises a 2h course and access to the pool, the hammam, sauna, fitness room, relaxation space and a fab lunch at the Guerlain Spa (€140). A very nice gift...
€50 for a 2h session. Reservations with the reception of the spa at 01 30 84 51 40 or on spa.trianon@waldorfastoria.com. All the info on www.trianonpalace.fr/savourer/piscine-et-fitness.
Dinner at the Potager du Roi
Louis XIV could not have dreamt any better. This Summer, the potager du Roi will be hosting two amazing outdoor dinners, concocted with fruit and vegetables picked locally.
To reconstitute at best the ambiance of the era, the Cuillère d’Argent team searched in the royal archives. Result: dishes inspired by those served at the table of Sun King, with veggie, gluten free and lactose free options in keeping with the requirements of the moment.
And baroque music played live by artists specially invited for the event, as well as many surprises to be discovered on site. Grandiose, we are telling. 200 happy few are expected each evening. Now is the time to reserve.
Gastronomic dinner at Le Potager du roi, on the 7th of July (€94.90) and the 25th of August 2018 (€ 109.90 with the spectacle). Reservations by mail on nocturne@cuilleredargent.com or by telephone au 09 70 82 32 32.
Rediscovering the Hamlet of the Queen
Those in the know are totally aware: hidden in the back of the château de Versailles gardens, the Hameau de la Reine remains the park’s most bucolic secret nugget. And with reason: thatched cottage, vegetable gardens and cute rabbits, at the time it was Marie-Antoinette’s favourite place to come for a promenade.
With just one wave of the magic wand, the House of the Queen has just undergone a highly refined facelift, in a stunning contrast with the bucolic decor of the gardens. Its doors are finally opening for this first time since two centuries with a resolutely Napoleonian decor, faithful to what had imagined empress Marie-Louise, grand niece of the Queen.
Silks, coppers, billiards, tapestries and gilding, here is an insta story that is bound to spark jealousies.
How to go there?
Take the RER and stop at Versailles Château Rive Gauche, then 10 minutes on foot.
Also discover le Relais de Chambord.
