SKU:THE AUTHENTIC FOOD TOURS
Versailles: Farmers Market and History Tour
Versailles: Farmers Market and History Tour
- Led by our passionate and insightful local guides
- Expert, independent artisans. Carefully curated for the quality of their craft.
- Versailles District
"To bring forth from the earth asparagus and leeks is to labour for the glory of God and the contentment of the realm restored.”
These words, spoken by Louis XIV to the creator of the Royal Vegetable Garden, illustrate how farm-grown products have played a central role in Versailles’ culinary identity since its very beginnings, leaving behind a rich legacy in which today’s artisans continue to thrive.
Serving as a gateway to the French countryside, with unparalleled access to fresh produce, Versailles invites you to savour its local gastronomy in the heart of some of France’s most beautiful historic landmarks.
MEETING POINT
- Starting point is : 38 rue de la Paroisse, Versailles
- Up to 8 participants
- Tour lasts 3 hours
Taught in English, French, Spanish
- If you have any questions, special requests, or encounter any issues finalizing your reservation, please contact us.
Detailed Overview of Versailles
Farmers Market and History Tour
What you will taste
You will taste a selection of traditional French specialties, including pastries, macarons, brioches, breads, cheeses, charcuteries, seasonal fruits, fine wines, and more, all locally made and farm-crafted by talented artisans and small-batch producers, including a former chef of Le Ritz and award wining farms.
What you will see
Versailles is a town where the history and architectural creations of the French aristocracy meet countryside and farm culture.After starting your tour next to l'Eglise Notre-Dame, you'll head to the historic farmer’s market, dating back over 300 years, where the local community has been trading fresh produce for generations.
From there, you'll pass by the Royal Stables and the Palace, to then continue on to the Saint Louis area, where small houses built under Louis XIV to house local artisans face the Cathédrale Saint-Louis, one of the few churches in France turned into a Cathedral. After visiting, you'll head to the Royal Vegetable Garden, originally built to supply the Palace with fresh produce and still in activity, a place where farm-to-table traditions have flourished for centuries.
What you will learn
Our expert guides will share fascinating insights into the French terroirs, the history of Versailles and its monuments, and the men and women behind them. You’ll discover the stories and anecdotes behind each product you taste, and how they shaped Versailles into a place where royal luxury meets farm-to-table traditions.
OUR REVIEWS
What Our Guests Are Saying
Dive into
The stages of your Food Tour
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First step
Your experience begins with a freshly baked brioche from Northern France: Le Cramique. Enjoy it warm while admiring the oldest church in the city!
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Second step
Next, you’ll stroll through the vibrant and historic covered farmers’ market, where you’ll stop for a tasting of seasonal fruits: Gariguette and Mara des Bois strawberries from Plougastel and black cherries from Le Pays Basque!
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Third step
From there, we’ll visit the charcutier next door to gather delicious cured meats from Brittany and Savoie, along with a local terrine de campagne.
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Fourth step
We’ll then make our way to our favorite fromagerie, where a beautiful cheese platter will be freshly prepared before your eyes. As you watch, your guide will share fascinating insights into the rich history of French cheeses and the diverse terroirs that shape their flavors.
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Fifth step
On your way out, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the deeply rooted farmers’ market culture of Versailles as you pass by the fishmongers, butchers, wine cellars, and greengrocers that make this market one of the most unique in the Paris region.
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Sixth step
Continuing your journey, you’ll pass by the Royal Stables and the Palace of Versailles, a perfect walk to immerse yourself in the city’s royal history.
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Seventh step
Our mesmerizing walk concludes with a visit to the King’s Vegetable Garden, a hidden gem off the beaten path. Created by Louis XIV’s botanist, this often-overlooked garden supplied the palace with fruits and vegetables for over a century. Still in operation today as the National School of Horticulture, this remarkable setting offers the perfect place to enjoy your cheese and charcuterie selection alongside a freshly baked baguette, at our table tucked away at the back of the garden.
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Eighth step
No tasting would be complete without a crisp and fragrant French wine from our cellar! We love pairing cheese with a Pouilly-Fumé, Sancerre, or a Chenin from the Loire Valley, as their dryness, tension, and acidity perfectly complement the buttery, lactic, and bold flavors of the cheeses.
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Ninth step
To end your tour on a sweet note, you’ll indulge in pâtisseries and macarons crafted by one of France’s most eminent pastry chefs — formerly the head pastry chef at Le Ritz Paris! A perfect finale to your culinary journey through Versailles.
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