The Versailles Royal Stables

Behind the Scenes at the Equestrian Arts Academy of Versailles

A unique experience, not only for horse lovers! The Versailles Royal Stables, commissioned by King Louis XIV, were the greatest royal construction project ever undertaken for housing horses. Come with us for a privately guided tour to discover this extraordinary venue, in intimate settings, away from the crowds of the Palace of Versailles.

Opening Days
4 days / week

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Meeting-Point
Your hotel or apartment

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Duration
1.15Hrs (without transport)
3Hrs (with transport)

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Access
Skip the Line

Transport
Executive car

Type of tour
Private, up to 17 people

Our Versailles tour: The Stables

With our effortless booking system
From 145€/pers for 6

Choose a 5 star tour to the royal stables of Versailles.

Driving a car and telling an interesting story requires different specific skills. For maximum enjoyment and safety, we propose you to be guided by an expert, licensed tour guide and driven by a specific chauffeur. By this way, your Versailles specialist guide will be completely dedicated to you with more time on his/ her hand to share entertaining stories and anecdotes. The meanwhile your safety and comfort will be taken care of by a professional driver.

Included in this Royal stables Versailles Private Tour

  • Private Transportation: Enjoy a comfortable round-trip journey from Paris in a luxury vehicle with a dedicated chauffeur.
  • Private Guide: A knowledgeable guide will accompany you throughout the day, providing rich historical context and insights.
  • Headsets: If your party includes more than 6 people.
  • No rush: We semi-privatize the Royal Stables & the National Equestrian Academy for you. 😉
  • Feel like a Queen: Skip-the-line tickets.

Highlights of our Royal Stables Versailles Private Tour

  • Behind the scene tour of the Versailles Stables that once housed the favorite Lusitano horses of King Louis XIV.
  • Learn about the fascinating history of horsemanship in the 17th century Monarchy.
  • Discover the stories of the National Equestrian Academy.
  • Immerse yourself in the beauty of the theater like Arena.
  • Get to know more about the unique shows and finest.

Learn about the fascinating history of horses at Versailles

The Great and Small Stables were constructed in the 17th century by Louis XIV’s famous architect, Jules Hardouin-Mansart. The Stables were executed within record time, in just three years, from 1679 to 1683. Their location was not a mere accident. Facing the Palace and in the direction of the King’s bedroom, demonstrates well the great importance of the horses to the Monarchy.

stables at Versailles
View of the stables (the 2 half arc) from the King’s bedroom

 

At this time, horses were the only way of transportation. But not only. They were used by the Royal family, courtiers, visitors and they were essential part of festivities such as hunting. From 400 horses at the birth of Versailles, there were more than 2200 horses before the French Revolution in 1789.

versailles horses

The Stables accommodated the King’s warhorses and hunting mounts, but they were also home to more than 1500 men working there, from coachmen, pages and squires to blacksmiths and musicians!

The Versailles Stables today

Two hundred years later and after many years of being unoccupied, the great Stables finally returned to their original purpose: since 2003, they are home to the National Equestrian Academy of Versailles, under the management of Bartabas, the famous artistic director of equestrian theatre. The Stables were renovated by Patrick Bouchain, acclaimed French architect, in a contemporary style while preserving Mansart’s original features.

Bartabas’ s one of a kind theatrical and training company offers two spectacles per week, combining fine horsemanship with different artistic disciplines. Their number of spectators, more than 30.000 each year, speaks for itself. For horses’ lovers, it’s an experience that is unmissable!

What does your Versailes stables tour include?

During your private visit, you will hear about the history of the Royal Stables but not only that! The visit cannot be completed without seeing the horses themselves, including the famous Lusitano breed, favorite of Louis XIV. While exploring, immerse yourself in the ambiance of the great dressage ring, admiring the wooden horse arena, made in contemporary Italian style. If you are lucky enough, you might even catch a glimpse of the horsemen during their training session! During this visit we semi-privatize the rooms you visit. By this way you can fully take in the atmosphere at its best.

How to book this activity?

This visit of the Versailles stables is only available during the week and it can be booked:

  • 1. As an optional extra to your Half Day Versailles tour. In this case, you need to reserve a half day tour starting in the morning. You will have a break for lunch (meals are not included in the price) after which you will visit the Royal Stables

OR

  • 2. As an independent tour to & from your hotel, lasting 3 hours in total (including travelling). The tour of the Royal Stables lasts around 1 hour 15 minutes. This option does not include a lunch break.

You can buy this tour for you and your family or buy it as a gift to your friends or relatives. To buy this tour as a gift, just click on the red button “buy as a gift” on the booking form and follow the instruction. You can pay by Visa, Mastercard, Amex or Paypal. Then, you will get gift card and a Voucher number. The lucky one will be able to apply this number and he will be able to choose the date of his visit to Versailles online. They have 1 year to make this private tour after buying the gift card.

Please note:

  • The Equestrian Academy sells a limited number of entries with direct access to professional travel agencies ONLY. During the high season (April-August) these sell out quickly. We advise you to book 4 weeks in advance.
  • Your luggage can be stored at an extra cost. Please let us know in advance, if you require this service.
  • Children count for one participant.
  • For information on access for people living with a disability, please refer to our FAQs.

Price list for a visit from/to your hotel

Number of people Total Price
2 people 750 € / pers
3 people 500 € / pers
4 people 375 € / pers
5 people 300 € / pers
More than 5 people Start the booking process to know the price or contact us

Price for an extra after a half day tour

Number of people Total Price
2 people 600 € / pers
3 people 400 € / pers
4 people 300 € / pers
5 people 240 € / pers
More than 5 people Start the booking process to know the price or contact us

Customization for our VIP clients & special Requests-Events, Business

Are you a wedding planner, an event planner or a company wishing to organise an event ?
Then contact us directly, we can organise cocktails, dinners and organise privatized events.

If you are visiting during the week-end, why not treat yourself to one of the shows? Our special package includes tickets to the show and private transport to and from the venue. The schedule of the show is every Saturday at 6pm and Sundays at 3pm. On request, we can also reserve lunch or dinner at the prestigious ORE restaurant, owned by the Michelin starred chef, Alain Ducasse which is right in front of the Equestrian Academy inside the palace of Versailles. During Spring & Summer, we can even add one more extra activities after dinner! Please, contact us to get rates.

Equestrian academy at Versailles

Your guide Lorenzo

Lorenzo was born in Paris. He spent his childhood in Italy and returned to Paris in his early adolescence. He then studied French history and literature in the Sorbonne University and theater in private schools, where he discovered a passion for storytelling.

So he went back to historical studies and became a certified tour guide, dedicating himself to telling ancient and recent history of Paris using the techniques of storytelling. He is a keen history teller, joining together culture, history and art, he will take you for a trip back in time at the court of Versailles.

More about our guides

Lorenzo

Your guide Claire

Claire at Notre Dame Paris

Born in Italy, Claire’s love story with Paris began the moment she arrived. Today, she shares this passion daily with visitors from around the world.

Her tours are infused with warmth, enthusiasm, and a genuine desire to connect. Every step with her feels like walking alongside a friend who reveals secrets only locals know.

Claire’s specialty lies in turning history into living stories—moments that sparkle with emotions, anecdotes, and discoveries.

At Notre Dame and on Île de la Cité, she unveils centuries of art and faith with clarity and grace.

In Versailles, she guides you through grandeur and intimacy alike: the famous gardens, the dazzling Hall of Mirrors, and above all, the rare Royal Opera House—her personal favorite.

What sets her apart is the atmosphere she creates: relaxed, personal, and effortless. Guests often remark that with Claire, they feel at home, even in a royal palace.

Her ultimate reward? Seeing amazement in her visitors’ eyes, the quiet smile of wonder, or the occasional tear moved by beauty and history.

Guiding, for Claire, is not a job but a vocation: a way to build bridges between cultures, past and present, art and people.

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Claire

Your guide Zoe

Sylvie at Notre dame Paris

Zoe was born and grew up in Paris. She is a 100% Parisian who loves her home city; its history, architecture, culture and gastronomy. She is a passionate and enthusiastic guide, who has a delightful desire to share her passion with customers from all around the world. Very personable and knowledgable, Zoe will make you discover the bright side of Versailles in a local, funny and lively way. She will make your trip to Versailles and Paris a memorable expérience.
And always with her smile , and her sense of humor !

 

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Zoe

Your guide Marc-Antoine

MARC ANTOINE tour guide

Marc-Antoine is a French licensed tour guide and a true Parisian. Since he was a kid he has always enjoyed cycling up and down the city to discover hidden streets and architectural gems. After graduating in English, he joined the Associated Press bureau in Paris to become a journalist. He later worked as an editorial expert in PR companies.

 

More about our guides

Marc-Antoine

Book one of our private experience to Versailles and get a safe & intimate guided tour with your partner/family.

Benefit from one of our gentleman drivers and his comfortable executive cars.

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