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Our most recommended Picardy Culture & history

Paris: Skip-the-line in Louvre Museum Guidance to Mona Lisa

1. Paris: Skip-the-line in Louvre Museum Guidance to Mona Lisa

For a long time, before becoming a museum in 1793, the Louvre was one of the main residences of the kings of France. Located in the heart of Paris, it covers an area of 73,000 square meters and houses the largest collection of art works in the world, from civilizations over 7,000 years old to the 19th century. The collections of the museum are divided into 8 departments: Egyptian Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan and Roman Antiquities, Oriental Antiquities, Islamic Art, Paintings, Sculptures, Artworks and Graphics. Upon arrival, admire this masterpiece painted by Leonardo da Vinci in 1506 and one of the most famous portraits of women in the world, the host will let you enjoy the museum at your own pace.

Versailles: Skip-the-Line Guided Palace Tour w/ Gardens

2. Versailles: Skip-the-Line Guided Palace Tour w/ Gardens

Learn more about the Palace of Versailles on a guided tour of the inside and spend some free time in the gardens. Avoid the hassle of waiting in long lines with skip-the-line tickets. Meet your guide at Versailles at the foot of the Equestrian Statue of the Sun King, Louis the 14th. Start your tour with a visit to the Royal Apartments. Walk through the interior of the palace and explore its many rooms. Learn fascinating information about its history from your guide. Afterward, spend some free time in the gardens. Explore this 2,000-acre park filled with lovely fountains, statues, and landscaped gardens. If visiting Versailles from Tuesday to Friday, see the Musical Gardens show. On Saturdays or Sundays, catch the Musical Fountains Show (from March to October).

Paris: Chateau of Chantilly Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket

3. Paris: Chateau of Chantilly Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket

Visit the entire Domaine de Chantilly at your leisure, 7,800 hectares located in one of the largest forests in Paris.  Explore the Château, which houses the Condé Museum. This is made up of the princely suites, an exceptional collection of paintings (over 800 masterpieces by artists such as Botticelli, Raphael, Poussin, and Delacroix), and a library and archives conserving over 13,000 works.  Visit the gardens for a magnificent panorama of the art of the Western garden, with the French-style garden designed by Le Nôtre in the 17th century, the 18th-century Anglo-Chinese garden housing the Hamlet that served as a model for Marie-Antoinette's Hamlet in the Petit Trianon in Versailles, and the 19th century English garden. Discover the Great Stables, which are a masterpiece of 18th-century architecture. They house the Museum of the Horse, which is home to over 200 objects and works of art dedicated to the equine world. All year long, the Great Stables propose magical equestrian shows.

Paris: Louvre Museum Ticket and Mona Lisa Access with Host

4. Paris: Louvre Museum Ticket and Mona Lisa Access with Host

Visit the Louvre Museum, one of the most popular vacation destinations in Paris, and beat the crowds to head into the maze of artwork with this prepaid entrance ticket. Enjoy a fast track to see the Mona Lisa with a hosting service, and make more time to wonder at amazing paintings, and walk amongst sculptures. Meet the host near the museum and get ready to begin your tour of the largest museum in the world, and see some of its 35,000 works of art. Wander through the over 73,000 square meters of exhibition space in three wings, and admire the museum that attracts nearly 10 million visitors a year. Travel through the building as well as the collection, and marvel at the space, once a main residence of the kings of France. Wander through the ages, and take in the artwork housed in the Louvre, which has been a museum since 1793, and houses Western artwork created between the Middle Ages to 1848, and artwork from various ancient civilizations. Explore the museum collections, grouped into eight curatorial departments: Egyptian Antiquities; Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities; Near Eastern Antiquities; Islamic Art; Paintings; Sculptures; Decorative Arts; and Prints and Drawings.

Great Stables of Prince de Conde & Palace Chantilly

5. Great Stables of Prince de Conde & Palace Chantilly

On this 6-hour interactive tour, visit the famous Great Stables and the Living Museum of the Horse, getting close to the most expensive racers in the country before plunging into the history of the great noble family and broadening your knowledge of European history, architecture, art, ceremonies, traditions, and cuisine. Have a chance to see the masterpieces from Raphael, Poussin and few others in a stunning gallery before sitting down for a 3-course lunch in the restaurant which includes a starter, main, and dessert. Visit a library that has almost 1,500 manuscripts, making it the second-largest library in France for illuminated manuscripts after the National Library of France. This is the most famous and most admired "treasure" of the Château de Chantilly's collections and there over the 60,000 volumes of books.

WWI Somme Battlefields Day Trip from Paris

6. WWI Somme Battlefields Day Trip from Paris

Travel out to the Somme region and get away from the busy Paris center. Paying homage to the soldiers who fought upon the land and witness the relics of the journey. This day trip is in a luxury van, so you will be comfortable the entire journey and is limited to eight people, so the guide can give detailed responses to any questions. You will marvel at the huge Lochnagar mine crater, walk in the trenches at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial and visit the Museum of the Great War in Peronne. Pay your respects to the fallen soldiers in both the Australian National Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux as well as those remembered at the Thiepval Memorial. Visit and admire the beauty of the 13th century Cathedral of Amiens, the largest Cathedral in France. Once you have had a look around, the tour will head back to Paris for the closure of the trip.

Versailles: Electric Scooter Rental

7. Versailles: Electric Scooter Rental

After having equipped you with helmets, and initiated to the driving of the scooter, you will leave to discover the city of Versailles. You will start by the Park of the Castle. 800 hectares to discover, with historical monuments : La lanterne the second residence of the President of the Republic, see to the port of the Grand canal. You will make a stop in front of the Grand Trianon built by Jules Hardouin Mansart, the 1er architect of the king Louis XIV. Then, you will go in the city to see the Antiques district, cross the market of the Notre dame district. You will take height to see the reservoirs which fed the fountains of the gardens of the sun king. You will back to the Statue of the King Louis XIV, in front of the castle of Versailles. Walk through the charming streets of Versailles, make a frequent stops to take pictures and talk about what you see. It's an original experience to visit the City

Pierrefonds: Château de Pierrefonds Entrance Ticket

8. Pierrefonds: Château de Pierrefonds Entrance Ticket

Enjoy an entry ticket to visit this magnificent, medieval-style castle. Immerse yourself in this reconstructed castle that is now a National Monument. Explore the large salons, the central courtyard, the donjon, and the chapel as you walk around. Meet your host at the Château de Pierrefonds enterance. Feel like a princess as you experience an authentic tour of the castle with an audio guide. Walk around the castle grounds and admire its unspoiled beauty. Make sure to spam your Instagram stories. You will without a doubt capture amazing photos, your very own slice of history. Gaze at this dreamy castle as you wander around at your own pace. If you are visiting any Château when in France, it should be this reborn beauty.  See the impressive architecture and learn all about the rich history. The original castle existed here in the 14th-century but was demolished in the 17th-century, before being rebuilt by Napoleon III in the 18th-century.  Stand in awe of this château - One of France's hidden gems. If you love medieval times, castles, and rich history, visiting here is a necessity.

Versailles: Gardens Golf Cart Tour, Row Boat, Palace Tickets

9. Versailles: Gardens Golf Cart Tour, Row Boat, Palace Tickets

Our Tour starts at 9:30 in front of the Grille Royale, at the Palace main gate. We will first head towards the south parterre, located on the opposite side of the Palace, where our rides (Golf Carts) will be waiting for us. Our Golf Carts are the perfect way to travel through the amazing formal gardens and discover all the wonderful hiddens groves created by the brilliant André Le Nôtre. Sit back and relax or take the wheel and enjoy the beauty of formal French Gardens while our guide tells you all about it ! Enjoy a Fun Golf Cart guided Tour through the Royal Gardens with stops at selection of viewpoints : groves (bosquets) and fountains ! (10:00AM-11:00AM) You will then drop the Golf Cart and jump on board our rowing boats for a little escape along the Grand Canal by yourself. Enjoy a truly relaxing moment accompanied by a bottle of french Champagne. (11:15-12:15) It will the be time to make your way back to the Palace on foot, from the Grand Canal through the fountains and gardens. 15/20 minutes walk (12:30AM-12:50AM). Skip the line entry for the Palace at 01:30PM

World War I Battlefields & War Museum of Meaux Day Tour

10. World War I Battlefields & War Museum of Meaux Day Tour

Travel back to the dark days of World War I, and visit the battlefields of Aisne and Marne on the Western Front. During the tour, you will learn about important campaigns, such as the 1st Battle of Marne, which changed the course of the war. Following your transfer from Paris, start at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery to pay tribute to the American troops who fought in the area. See the graves of 2,289 soldiers that lost their lives in the vicinity and Marne Valley in the summer of 1918. Go inside the Memorial Chapel to read the 1,060 names of the missing soldiers. Continue to Bois Belleau, where the Marines deadliest battle took place in June 1918, cementing their reputation in modern history. A lot of soldiers lost their lives in their efforts to stop the Germans from reaching Paris, and while successful, the human cost was horrendous. Gather your thoughts as you walk through the woods, and see traces of trenches and shell holes, and the remains of ruined buildings. Next, go to the Côte 204 Monument at Chateau-Thierry, erected as a mark of friendship between France and the United States, and to commemorate the achievements of the American forces of World War I. Enjoy views of the Champagne vineyards in the Marne Valley below. After lunch (own expense), head to Meaux to learn more World War I history at the Museum of the Great War, inaugurated in November 2011 to commemorate the Armistice. Take time to discover more than 50 000 exhibits that provide a greater understanding of the conflict as it impacted the world.

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What people are saying about Picardy

Overall rating

4.9 / 5

based on 7 reviews

This was definitely a value for money activity. Even though it's off season, there were still big queues so we appreciated being able to skip the queues, and skip them we did, every queue security included. Knowledgeable guide and special mention to Prabhat who keep us entertained waiting for the guide, explaining things we needed to know, and highlights we might enjoy if we were short on time.

Great experience - well organised and our guide was the best ! He ensured our safety and provided clear instructions with direct access to the Monalisa. Well done and thank you for making this a memorable tour.

Our guide was really knowledgeable and we found out so much in the short time with him. Also not having to wait in a long line ti get in was a bonus.

it was fabulous to skip the line that is for sure. le Louvre is so big having a guide straight to the Mona Lisa was awesome. worth every cent!

All as planned visit the Louvre game from the Mona Lisa