Zoe, Versailles tour guide specialist
Zoe, your Versailles Expert
Born and raised in Paris, Zoe has lived the city’s culture since day one… With her warm personality and deep knowledge of French history, she has become a true expert in the art, culture, and grandeur of Versailles.
Her passion lies in the fascinating world of the 17th and 18th centuries, when Versailles was at the heart of power and refinement under Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI. For Sylvie, guiding is more than telling history—it’s about making you feel what life was like at court, walking in the footsteps of kings and queens.
Dynamic and engaging, she studied at the renowned Sorbonne University and has devoted her career to bringing the past to life for visitors from around the world. Her tours combine accuracy, elegance, and storytelling that transform a simple visit into a memorable experience.
Whether strolling through the majestic gardens or stepping behind the scenes with our Versailles VIP Tour, Zoe will unlock the palace’s secrets and hidden corners, creating an intimate, unforgettable journey into the heart of French royalty.
Which Grove is your favorite in the Gardens of Versailles?
My favorite is without a doubt the Ballroom Grove, designed by the legendary landscape architect André Le Nôtre between 1680 and 1683. Imagine an open-air ballroom where water cascades over stones and seashells brought back from faraway shores of Africa and Madagascar—creating a magical stage set by nature itself.
Here, Louis XIV, a passionate and talented dancer, once performed at the very heart of the grove, on the elegant ‘Marble Island’, while musicians filled the air with Lully’s music. Facing the scene, grassy amphitheater rows allowed the audience to sit and admire the spectacle.
It’s not just a garden—it’s a living theatre of art, music, and dance under the open sky. For me, it is one of the most enchanting spots in Versailles, where history truly comes alive.
What is your favorite anecdote?
One of my favorite anecdotes is about Louis XIV, the Sun King, who turned Versailles into the ultimate stage for power, prestige, and… a little bit of theater.
The King was so passionate about dance that he often performed himself in elaborate ballets right here at the palace. But what surprises most visitors is the fact that Louis XIV actually danced the role of the Sun—dressed in golden rays from head to toe—while his courtiers looked on in awe.
It wasn’t just entertainment: it was a political message. By literally becoming the Sun, Louis XIV reminded everyone that he was the source of light, order, and life in France. Imagine a monarch ruling his kingdom not only with armies and politics, but also with choreography and stagecraft!
For me, it’s a perfect symbol of Versailles: not just a palace, but a place where art, power, and spectacle came together to create an unforgettable show.
What are the tours that Zoe run ?
If you are keen to know more about the extravagant life and personality of France’s last Queen, this is the tour for you.
Price: 145€ / pers for 6
Duration: 4 hrs door-to-door
A perfect taster to Versailles if you are short of time or if you are a first time visitor. A private tour of the Palace and its gardens.
Price: 180€ / pers for 6
Duration: 5 hrs door-to-door
Go behind the scenes with your personal guide with exclusive access to areas closed to the general public.
Price: 220€ / pers for 6
Duration: 9 hrs door-to-door